Unique Ways To Pick Your Next Destination

The world is filled with countless travel destinations. With so many great options, we often struggle to settle upon the perfect place to visit. That leaves us open for a different approach. Ready to try a unique method for selecting your next destination?

The World’s Best Festivals & Parties

Visiting a country in the mist of a festival is a great way to meet locals, observe culture, and have a lot of fun. Rough Guide’s World Party website provides a comprehensive search function for the best festivals from across the globe. It allows visitors to explore in a variety of ways including by specific festival, month, country, or theme (music, food, parades, drink, religion). Have a week off in April? Try the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Headed to Spain this August? Visit Buñol on the last Wednesday of the month for La Tomatina.

Do note that festivals bring in lots of locals and tourists. Plan ahead for accommodations.
La Tomatina, Spain © AG Saran

Throw A Dart At A World Map

Sounds crazy? That’s exactly what your editor, Gennaro Salamone, did back in 1998. With so many great destinations, he was struggling to select a place for a study abroad trip. A friend dared him to toss a dart at an oversized world map on the wall. A small hole in that friend’s wall resulted in a summer of study in the Czech Republic. Prague delivered a fascinating city along with informative courses in Central European politics, the Holocaust, and Czech literature. Authors Milan Kundera and Franz Kafka remain favorites a decade later.

Twitter

Searching for the latest hot spots or newly uncovered gems? Twitter has thousands of travel experts spreading their wisdom. It’s a unique opportunity to have a discussion with a travel blogger, innkeeper, or travel-industry specialist within the context of a community discussion. Take in their tweets for ideas or send an @ message for a specific suggestion.

Follow us on Twitter @EWanderlust. We’ll be happy to help with travel tips. Be sure to add a collection of the travel tweeters we follow for a well-rounded perspective.
Galápagos Islands © Kyle Mac

World Heritage List

The World Heritage list offers over 800 sites of natural or cultural value from around the world. Their committee looks to help preserve and promote places that exhibit human creative genius or natural wonders, especially ones with universal value for visitors. Italy has the highest number of sites recognized by the World Heritage Committee with over forty properties. The committee also has an inventory of places that are in danger including popular sites like the Galápagos Islands and Old City of Jerusalem. The Democratic Republic of the Congo leads the way with five endangered locations.

Let Your Blog Readers Decide

Though it’s an easier task for travel bloggers who already have an audience with an interest in the topic, any blogger has the ability to use their communication device to elicit suggestions. Have readers fill the comment section with submissions. Knowing that a few jokers will attempt to send the blogger off to the Gulag, take the ideas and narrow them to a few acceptable recommendations. Use the most popular entries to conduct a final poll. This will lead to a significant interest among readers in relation to the details in the forthcoming trip posts.

Would you employ one of these methods? What was your most unusual approach for selecting a trip?

Need a trip idea? Try rock climbing in Southeast Asia.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Free Entertainment In Las Vegas

Las Vegas is filled with an array of spectacular entertainment choices. It’s easy and usually worthwhile to spend lots of cash on Vegas’ unique shows, remarkable watering holes, and tasty restaurants. That being said, Las Vegas offers lots of free entertainment too. Whether you’ve had tough luck at the slot machines or you’re merely looking to stay within budget, Enduring Wanderlust has compiled nine quality things to do in Las Vegas for free.

1. Sirens of TI at Treasure Island

Treasure Island Hotel of Las Vegas features a nightly show that exhibits a range of performances. The entertainment centers around two groups of singing pirates who battle it out for supremacy. Their scantly-dressed members perform a choreographed dance as a variety of pyrotechnics light up the evening sky for a densely-filled audience. There are four shows per night starting at 5:30pm. Arrive early for a better view. Do note that guests of The Mirage-MGM Properties receive preferred access.
Sirens, Treasure Island © Gennaro Salamone

2. Acrobats of Circus Circus

Circus Circus Hotel has fifteen-minute indoor performances that draw adults and kids alike. Their shows include acrobats, jugglers, and clowns. The acrobats swing high in the air leaping to grasps their partners’ hands for dear life. The apex of their extravaganza is a blind-folded triple flip by the lead acrobat. It draws thundering applause from the mixed crowd. The free shows run regularly from 11:00am to midnight. There are seating and standing areas.

3. Aquariums at The Mirage or Caesars

The Mirage and Caesars Palace are both equiped with massive aquariums that are open to the public. The former has a 20,000 gallon saltwater tank within easy walking distance of their casino. It has a variety of colorful sea creatures from reefs around the world. The latter is located in the Forum Shoppes of Caesars. It’s a 50,000 gallon saltwater aquarium behind finely crafted Roman-replica statues. Feedings at the Caesars aquarium take place at 1:15pm and 5:15pm. Mandalay Bay Hotel also has a highly recommended Shark Reef, but comes with a significant entrance fee. That being said, it’s the only facility that gives visitors an opportunity to touch stingrays.

4. Fountains of Bellagio

The dancing waters of the Bellagio Fountains are one of the most popular attractions on the Vegas Strip. The beautiful movements of the water performance change regularly. The same is true for the relaxing music and soft lighting. It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of Sin City. Watch for over 1,200 devices spraying water as high as 460 feet high. The Eiffel Tower of Paris, Las Vegas is a great place for a second view of the fountains for those paying to go up. The fountains run every 30 minutes until 8:00pm and every 15 minutes, from that point, until midnight.
Bellagio Fountains © Gennaro Salamone

5. Lions of MGM Grand

The MGM Grand Hotel features a rotating group of lions within a glass-enclosed area of their casino. Just a few steps away, from hundreds of slot machines, roams several character-filled lions. When they’re not roaring at the gawkers, the big cats are usually napping atop the glass-covered entrance. The lions normally live at an 8.5 acre-ranch located miles away from the MGM. Each day, from 11:00am-10:00pm, visitors may visit the lions. The exception is, between 3:30pm and 4:30pm, when new lions arrive from the ranch.

6. Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge or The Grape

Looking for a drink to calm your nerves from the lions? Need a sweet pick-me-up? Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge offers free self-guided tours of their chocolate facilities and Botanical Catus Gardens. Visitors are welcomed to roam from 8:30am to 6:00pm. Do try Ethel’s scrumptious chocolates before heading out.

The Grape wine bar offers free wine tasting every Thursday. The tastings are accompanied by live music for those arriving after 7:00pm. Las Vegas Magazine reports that Vegas’ Thurston Howlies is the most common performer with sounds of jazz and Brazilian harmonies played by the lounge band.

7. Volcano at The Mirage

The newly-redesigned volcano at The Mirage is a spectacular demostration of flames along with a thundering soundtrack. The bright oranges emitted from the volcano light up the The Strip, on a hourly basis, from dusk until dawn. The best views are reserved for visitors who arrive a few minutes early or for guests who watch the eruption from the upper floors of The Mirage.
Volcano, The Mirage © Gennaro Salamone

8. Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio

The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens of the Bellagio Hotel feature a regulary changing display of brilliant horiculture. The designers of the garden ensure that every detail matches the sensibility of the season or holiday that is being portrayed at the time. The current display is an astounding tribute to the Chinese New Year. It includes local fauna, red lanterms, zen-like ponds, and a towering statue. The exhibition is open 24 hours a day for visitors who can’t bare to leave the slot machines or blackjack tables.

9. Chilean Flamingos of the Flamingo Las Vegas

The Flamingo Hotel of Las Vegas has a free 15-acre Wildlife Habitat filled with African penguins, Chilean flamingos, and a variety of other birds. Feeding take place at 8:30am and 3:00pm. While the area is open 24 hours a day, it’s best to arrive before dark. Many of the birds, including the star flamingos, are less visible or asleep in the evening.

Read about inexpensive things to do in London.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Planning A Perfect Romantic Getaway

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It marks the perfect occasion for planning a romantic getaway with your significant other. Whether you’re trying to spark a new flame or celebrating a well-established love, we’ve delivered the five steps necessary for a superlative weekend escape.

1. Know Your Lover
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” ~Robert Heinlein

The best way to provide a memorable getaway for your lover is to plan according to their interests. This weekend is the time to reserve seats at her favorite restaurant, buy airline tickets to the city he’s always hinting about visiting, arrange for that perfect picnic, or finally get that babysitter for the kids. Don’t wait until next year. Your moment is now.
Heart of Candles © OrHiltch

2. Gifts
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ~Pierre Corneille

Gifts are an expression of our feelings. Be sure to enhance the experience with attention to detail. We are often very generous with the present itself, but fall short on the delivery. Try to spend a significant amount of time, before the getaway weekend, on presentation. Does she love roses? Consider spreading rose petals across the bed sheets or running a warm bath with petals and candles. Does he love chocolate? Skip the yearly heart-shaped box of chocolates for a basket of hand-selected pieces from a local or online specialty shop. Jacque Torres, Godiva, and B.T. McElrath are a few of the top chocolatiers. Even better, sign yourselves up for chocolate-making classes.

3. Location
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~Milton Berle


If the means are available, leave town for the weekend. There are countless romantic places to venture off to either locally or globally. Venice Carnival will be in full swing, the evening lights of Paris will be shining bright, the charming locals of Hawaii will be waiting to greet you with a Lei, and New York City will be working to keep you partying all night.

If not, pick your partner’s favorite place, near home, for a day trip or weekend. Be sure to pre-arrange for any romantic details for your trip. On arrival, leave your daily life behind. This is an occasion for laughter and relaxation. Be funny. Be sexy.
Gazebo Setting © Krikit

4. Conversation
“We do not remember days we remember moments.” ~Cesare Pavese

This getaway is a chance to indulge in reminiscence. We rarely return to the stories of our first days together. Take this point in time to talk about your awkward meeting, funniest moments, or the instants that defined your relationship. It’s also important to accentuate the experience with photographs. Bring your favorite images on an electronic-storage device or in a nicely decorated box. Be sure to flirt, hold hands, and squeeze your partner’s butt as the opportunity presents itself.
Romance © Idea Listic

5. Compliments
“I can live for two months on a good compliment.” ~Mark Twain

Compliment your significant other. Our lives are often busy and we forget to express gratitude for their love. Don’t assume that planning the weekend or buying presents is enough of an indication. It surely meets the requirements, but saying it aloud has a magical effect.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Recycled Masterpiece: Chandigarh’s Rock Garden

Chandigarh, India is a pleasant surprise to travelers who have braved the chaos of the country’s rickshaw-filled roads. The streets of this urban center are well-ordered with sculptures and trees throughout. The jewel of Chandigarh is Nek Chand’s Rock Garden (Map). The garden is comprised of recycled materials including ceramic pots, glass bottles, sinks, and broken plates. It is a place of inspiration for those who support a movement toward green living.
Rock Garden, Chandigarh © Gennaro Salamone

For those making the journey, the garden has a maze-like path that features a multitude of creative figurines ranging from animals to human forms. You’ll witness tourists and locals alike marveling at the modern wonder that was developed by Chand. On most days, locals are seen picnicking or sharing a romantic moment on the grounds (see below). To have a particularly unique experience, ask the information desk if Mr. Chand is at the garden during your visit. If so, he’ll be more than happy to visit with travelers.
Couple, Chandigarh, India © Gennaro Salamone

Toward the end of your walk, a lovely waterfall will appear with human figures atop it. This is a comfortable spot to relax for a few moments in shaded areas. Upon leaving the complex, it’s a short cycle rickshaw ride to the Open Hand Monument, which remains the official logo of the city.
Waterfall, Chandigarh, India © Gennaro Salamone

After returning to the city-center, consider having dinner at Ghazal Restaurant (Map). Ghazal has excellent service along with classic Indian dishes. For window-seating and extra attention from the staff arrive 15-20 minutes before traditional dinner is served.

If you’re unsure about making the trip to Chandigarh consider combining it with a journey to the hill station of Shimla. Kalka, the town where the toy train to Shimla originates, is only an hour from Chandigarh.

Read about Bodh Gaya, India.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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8 Presidential Inauguration Locations To Visit

The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at the U.S. Capitol. This has been the location for the majority of American presidential inaugurations. There are, however, several other historic settings for these ceremonies that are worth visiting for travelers.

1. Federal Hall National Memorial, New York City (Map)
George Washington

Federal Hall National Memorial was the location for the first presidential inauguration. It was also the residence of the first federal government instituted under the United States Constitution. The memorial is conveniently situated for travelers looking to explore the Financial District of New York City along with paying respect at Ground Zero.

Federal Hall is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. The memorial is closed on Federal holidays.
Federal Hall, NYC © rdesai

2. Congress Hall, Philadelphia (Map)
George Washington and John Adams

Congress Hall was the location of the presidential inaugurations of George Washington (his second) and John Adams. It was also the quarters for the United States Congress from 1790-1800. Located in the Historic District of Philadelphia, this is a must see neighborhood for travelers. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the National Constitution Center are all within a few steps.

The area is open, in general, from Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Most of the buildings are closed on Federal holidays.
Historic Philadelphia © Gennaro Salamone

3. U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C. (Map)
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Q. Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William H. Harrison, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

The U.S. Capitol was the setting for the greatest number of presidential inaugurations including the last seven. Barack Obama was the eighth consecutive president to be sworn in here on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 (read more about the Obama Inauguration).

The U.S. Capitol is also the current residence of the United States Congress. The Congress is the legislative body of the United States. It consists of the U.S. Senate (100 members) and the House of Representative (435 members).

Tour hours for the U.S. Capitol run from Monday-Saturday, 8:45pm to 3:30pm. It’s recommended that visitors obtain tour tickets from their local representatives before arriving to Washington D.C. for their visit. E-mail is the easiest way to request tickets. Do note that security measure apply to touring the buildings. Check their website for updates.

U.S. Capitol © Gennaro Salamone

4. The White House, Washington D. C. (Map)
Rutherford Hayes, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, and
Ronald Reagan

The White House was the location for six presidential inaugurations. It is the official residence of the President of the United States. Every president since John Adams has called the dwelling on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue his home.

Visiting The White House is a memorable experience. There are, however, strict guidelines for larger groups. Public tours for groups of 10 or more require passes from a member of Congress up to six months in advance. Self-guided tours, for individuals, are available from Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30am to 12:30pm. The passes are first come, first served. Apply for passes up to a month in advance.

The White House and U.S. Capitol have similar restrictions for security. Visit their website for updates.

The White House © NCinDC

5. Ansley Wilcox Residence, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY (Map)
Theodore Roosevelt

The Ansley Wilcox Mansion was the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s first inauguration. It is one of the oldest homes in Buffalo, NY. It has a rich history including its connection to the Patriots’ War of 1837.

The location is currently closed for renovation. The grand re-opening of the National Historic Site is scheduled for Spring 2009. Check their website for details. Their hours, during operation, are from Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm

6. His Father’s Residence, Plymouth, Vermont (Map)
Calvin Coolidge

His father, a notary public, swore in Calvin Coolidge at John Coolidge’s house in Plymouth, Vermont. This remains one of the most unique locations for a presidential inauguration. It was the birthplace and childhood residence of Calvin Coolidge. It is a rural setting with a community church, cheese factory, and a one-room schoolhouse, which have all been preserved.

Visiting hours, for the historic site, are daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The site was open from May 24 until October 19, 2008. Check their website for this year’s schedule.

7. His Private Residence, 123 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY (Map)
Chester A. Arthur

Chester A. Arthur was one of two presidents who were sworn in at a private residence. The residence is privately owned. Visitors are only permitted to visit the commercial space located on the first floor. The building was designated a National Landmark on January 12, 1965.

8. Three Locations For History Lovers
John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, and Lyndon Johnson

John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, Lyndon Johnson (first inauguration) were sworn in at locations that are no longer preserved or convenient to visit. Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force One, Love Field, Dallas, Texas (Map).
Air Force One © http2007

John Tyler’s inauguration was held at the Brown’s Hotel. It was formerly located at 6th St. & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. (Map) and Andrew Johnson’s inauguration was held at the Kirkwood Hotel. It was formerly located at 12th St. & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. (Map)

For additional inauguration history read the U.S. Senate website and about six historic estates of U.S. presidents.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Painted Monasteries Of Romania

Gura Humorului is a logging town surrounded by beautiful farmland. It’s also the perfect base for visiting the painted monasteries of Southern Bucovina. Most travelers arrive by train from either Suceava or Cluj. With limited hotels, the best option is the free rooms provided by local families. Before the four solo voices of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy start ringing in your mind…free means empty in this case. With a little luck, chain-smoking Brenda will meet you at the train station waiting to offer you a room in her lovely mother’s home. There are plenty of houses advertising their rooms if Brenda isn’t wandering the area.

Staying with a local Romanian family will accentuate your experience. It will also provide you with a home-cooked breakfast. In the case of the Swiss woman I met at Brenda’s, it also provided extra security. As I left to hike thru scenic farms on the way to visiting Voronet Monastery (2.5 miles) and Humor Monastery (3.5 miles), Brenda’s mother requested, quietly, that I accompany her other guest. She feared for a foreign woman walking alone. That won’t happen at most hotels.

Buses or taxis are available, in lieu of hiking, for travelers who prefer a more comfortable voyage. Be warned that it’s unlikely that a Romanian family will invite you to join them for a picnic by the river (see photo below) if bus transport is your choice.
Family Picnic, Gura Humorului © Gennaro Salamone

The painted monasteries are the jewels of northeastern Romania. Their interior and exterior wall paintings feature frescoes of a variety of Biblical scenes including The Last Judgment. Voronet’s intense shades of blue and detailed imagery are pleasant to the eye. Humor is a smaller monastery with its own theme of frescoes adorning the interior and exterior walls. Its reddish-brown shades provide a contrast to the intense blue of Voronet. Each monastery was also fortified with walls to defend against the power of the Turkish Empire, which regularly invaded Romania in the centuries of their creation.
Voronet Monastery © BortesCristian

It’s recommended that you ask one of the local guides to gain a better understanding behind the meaning of the frescoes and scripture. The scenes are often self-explanatory, but there is a deeper and more significant message at each monastery. Additionally, there are areas of the frescoes that have faded over time. Only a professional will have the knowledge to fill in the missing pieces of the story. Consider bringing a prepared lunch to the monasteries too. The grounds are a comfortable place to relax for the afternoon.
Painted Monastery © Gennaro Salamone

Read about the perfect places to befriend a Buddhist monk

___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Rock Climbing Over Rice Paddies

Few activities cause your adrenaline to flow to like rock climbing. The excitement of scaling natural rock formations is accentuated when paired with a unique location. Vang Vieng, Laos provides the perfect combination of scenery and climbing opportunities. The most popular destination for newcomers along with experienced individuals includes a short hike through stunning rice paddies (below) and countless formations.
Rice Paddies, Laos © Gennaro Salamone

Vang Vieng is a standard stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia route. Though there is plenty of space for peaceful contemplation, the center of the town tends to be filled with young travelers enjoying re-runs of Friends and The Simpsons at the various restaurants. The diners often remove their shoes to sit cross-legged at tables encircled with couch-like seating.

That being said, the majority of the wanderers who enter the town are looking to break a sweat. Rock climbing, tubing, and mountain biking are just the beginning of the early morning activities. The cost for 1-3 days of rock climbing depends upon the number of travelers in your group. For up-to-date rates, examine the rates of well-established Green Discovery. If the sound of all that “work” is too much for your holiday, consider an inexpensive ($5-10 per hour) massage in the evenings.
Rock Climbing, Laos © Gennaro Salamone

Be sure to befriend a couple of fellow travelers in Vang Vieng. It is one of the easier places to meet people in Southeast Asia.

Read about meeting Buddhist monks or fishermen in Laos.

___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro 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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3 Perfect Places To Befriend A Buddhist Monk

1. Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is an enchanting town in Southeast Asia. It has numerous Buddhist Temples (Wats) that are filled with novices and monks practicing their faith. For the traveler, Luang Prabang provides an unmatched opportunity to converse with the novices (individuals who are studying in preparation for full ordination) of the temples. Each day novices study a variety of subjects including language courses. English has become increasingly popular among novices who will either become fully ordained monks or return to Lao society.

The easiest way to build a conversation with novices or monks is to spend a significant amount of time on the grounds of one of the many temples. In most cases you can approach one of its residence and ask a few questions about Buddhism to open a dialogue. After a few minutes, you will be immersed in a discussion about a variety of topics ranging from faith to your homeland.

Luang Prabang has seen a significant growth in tourism over the past few years. Be thoughtful in your approach with the temples and its residence. Remember that this is their place of worship and their home.
Luang Prabang, Laos © Gennaro Salamone

2. Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya, India
Bodh Gaya, India is where Siddhartha Guatama attained enlightenment. There are few places on earth that match the peacefulness of its Mahabodhi Temple, which was built at the Bodhi tree where the Buddha sat under around 530 BCE. Visitors to hectic India will be particularly relaxed sitting among countless Buddhist monks who make journeys to India to pay respect to the Buddha and to collect falling leaves from the famous Bodhi tree.

If you’re lucky, you may be meditating next to the singing Thai monk who visits the temple regularly. He happens to have an affinity for tying Western music to Buddhist philosophy. You will likely hear: “keep smilin’, keep shinin’.” Knowin’ you can always count of me, for sure” or “let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.” The great philosopher will also help you deal with India’s stifling heat with his little bottle of Thai Ang Ki, which cools your skin when added to a sprinkling of water.
Mahabodhi Temple © Gennaro Salamone

3. Vang Vieng, Laos
If you can remove yourself from the crowds of young backpackers who are rock climbing, tubing down the river, and watching Friends re-runs in the restaurants of the city, Vang Vieng offers an opportunity to learn a lot about the life of Buddhist monks. You can wake up at the crack of dawn to donate food stuffs to the lines of novices along the main street of the town collecting for their temples’ lunch. Later, it’s possible to attend prayer sessions at the local wats. At one temple, the monks invited us to partake in the prayer ritual along with subtle lessons in etiquette.

There were fewer novices and monks who spoke English than at Luang Prabang, but an equal number of smiling faces ready to greet travelers who are interesting in Lao culture or Buddhist teaching. If you’re seeking detailed explanations about Buddhism consider asking for the monk, at the main residency, who teaches English to novices.

Read about rock climbing in Laos or the six steps to a luck Chinese New Year.

___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

 

 

Subscribe to the Enduring Wanderlust RSS or subscribe by e-mail to receive daily travel updates directly to your inbox.

Scuba Diving Certification In Affordable Paradise

The Bay Islands of Honduras offer an unmatched opportunity to receive an open water certification for scuba diving. The crystal clear waters are dwelling place to a multitude of wildlife including whale sharks, sea horses, and dolphins. The certification courses on Utila are the most inexpensive in the Caribbean running from $220-280 for several days of instruction, low-end hotel room, and two free dives (in most cases). Courses are also available for a bit more at the higher-end island called Roatan.

Roatan ® phershmans License

Two of the popular dive centers on the islands are the Utila Dive Center which is connected with the Mango Inn and Deep Blue Utila which runs their own hotel.

Utila’s atmosphere is laid-back with lots of world travelers who arrived for serious diving or who are looking to match a little diving with a lot of nightlife. Roatan is more expensive and has a community of travelers who are keen on taking in the some rays between scuba diving sessions.

Read about San Marcos (an inexpensive Guatemalan lake town) the top snowboarding locations in the world, or about space tourism.

___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

 

 

Subscribe to the Enduring Wanderlust RSS or subscribe by e-mail to receive daily travel updates directly to your inbox.

Best Pizza In NYC

1. Di Fara Pizza [Map]

Domenico De Marco is the master of pizza-making. Di Fara Pizza thrives based on the mouthwatering flavor of each bite of his fresh pies. The unorganized, long lines are a worthwhile penance to bask in the joy that comes when Mr. De Marco uses a scissor to chop fresh basil onto your searing pie. For the ultimate ecstasy, order a pie with porcini mushrooms. Do note that take-out is the best option.

2. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria [Map]
Grimaldi’s ® moacirdsp License

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is perfect for travelers arriving to New York City for the first time. Just take a stroll, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, across the historic Brooklyn Bridge and you’ll be moments away from waiting in line for one of the best coal-oven pies in the world. Grimaldi’s has fresh ingredients and a level of consistency that is unrivaled. Be prepared to sit in close proximity to your fellow pizza lovers.

3. Totonno’s Pizzeria [Map]

This Coney Island institution has fans lining up to partake in a ritual of devouring its coal-oven masterpieces. The decor is simple, but the taste of Totonno’s pies is divine. Don’t be surprised to see a group of teenagers polish of a pie–each. Do note that the pizzeria closes once the fresh dough runs out for that night.

4. Famous Joe’s Pizza [Map]

This award-winning institution is one of the few exceptional pizzerias to offer slices. Though the decor and seating aren’t inviting the mozzarella oozes off the thin-slices of this crowd-pleaser. This is the perfect place for an individual dropping in for a couple of slices or the backpacker who wants a quick bite of NYC’s best without denting their wallet.

5. John’s Pizzeria [Map]

The carved-wooden booths of this institution house hundreds of loyal, passionate clients who order pies at this no-slice haven. Long lines develop before lunch and dinner to taste John’s scrumptious, thin-crusted pies. One of several coal-fired pizzerias on the list, John’s customers always leave satiated.

6. Lombardi’s Pizza [Map]
Lombardi’s ® 4horsemens License

Lombardi’s was the first pizzeria in the United States. The original establishment opened its doors in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi. Today, Lombardi’s continues to make exceptional pies for its eagerly awaiting patrons. This cash only establishment creates the perfect crispy crust to go along with the aura of its history.

7. Una Pizza Napolitana [Map] *Closed

The most unique choice on the list is this Anthony Mangieri pizzeria modeled after the local Italian-style with wood-fired, brick oven pizza. With a limited menu of four pies, Una Pizza Napolitana relies upon fresh ingredients such as mozzarella di bufalo and San Marzano tomatoes to keep its customers returning.

8. Ottimo Restaurant [Map]

Ottimo is the perfect place for a group of friends who want to select from a variety of Italian fare. After the meal, those who didn’t try the Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh buffalo mozzarella will be wondering if they made the best choice. Unlike most of places on the list, Ottimo has a restaurant ambiance with sufficient and comfortable seating.

Read about the best chocolate shops in New York City, the hundreds of free things to do in NYC, or some of the best authentic foods around the world based on our reader feedback.

 
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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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