World Traveler

One of the best ways to enjoy a trip is to move at a leisurely pace. And when you take a walking tour of County Galway in Ireland, a leisurely pace is just the thing.

County Galway is situated in the very west of Ireland, between the ocean and mountains. This means that you have the opportunity to enjoy some great hiking even as you enjoy sea and mountain views, enjoy learning about Irish culture and history and, of course, take advantage of the lively pubs.

Start your journey in Galway City, Ireland’s third largest, and then move from there. Connemara National Park allows you to experience a blanketed bog, Ireland style, as you explore pools and islands, and catch glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also see the impressive Twelve Bens. You can either ascend the Bens, or you can take the Western Way to wind your way through the Maamturks.

Other highlights include such rustic and picturesque towns as Cong and Clifden, which feature castles and abbeys to look at. Don’t forget the island Inishbofin (take the ferry from Cleggan).

walking tour Ireland, County Galway, Connemara National Park, Galway City, Maamturks, Twelve Bens, walking tour Coutny Galway, Irish culture and history

According to those who “know� this year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1947 UFO incident at Roswell, New Mexico. And what could be more fun than visiting Roswell for this august anniversary. So, start making plans for the Roswell UFO Festival, which will be held July 5-8.

Here is what Roswell UFO Festival publicity says about the event:

In early July, 1947, a mysterious object crashed on a ranch 30 miles north of Roswell. The Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) issued a statement claiming to have recovered a crashed “flying disk.� An article ran on the front page of the Roswell Daily Record and the next day, RAAF changed its statement to say that the object was a weather balloon, not a flying disk as they previously reported. This revised statement sparked immediate controversy and has continued to be a topic of debate 60 years later.

While there, you can enjoy book signings, lectures and even see alien attractions. But if you want to go, you better start making plans. With estimated 50,000 people expected for the 60th anniversary of the Roswell UFO, you need to book your rooms now.

For more on the Roswell UFO Festival, including a list of events, visit www.roswellfestival.com.

Roswell New Mexico, Roswell UFO Festival, 1947 UFO Roswell, 60th anniversary UFO, Roswell, 1947 UFO incident, UFO sighting

New York City clubs, museums, concert halls and other venues will play host to the 2007 JVC Jazz Festival starting on June 17 (Father’s Day) and running through the 30. And, one of the coolest performances will be on Father’s Day at the Harlem venue of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This will feature the Sonny Fortune Quartet with Michael Cochrane, Chip Jackson & Steve Johns.

Here is what a JVC release has to say about the festival:

“Every year, it gets more challenging to present a great festival; but every year, I believe we succeed, ” said George Wein, Chairman of Festival Productions, a division of The Festival Network, LLC. “This year, you can count on two weeks of outstanding music featuring some of the best of traditional, straight-ahead, contemporary, Big Band, Second Line, R & B, Latin, world music and more.”

Some of the venues will feature free outdoor concerts, including one at Citicorp Plaza. So, head to New York for the JVC Jazz Festival and get your groove on.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture , Father’s Day Harlem, JVC Jazz Festival, Sonny Fortune Quartet, Citicorp Plaza, New York City clubs, New York clubs

Want to know all about a destination? An interesting new travel Web site called Delta Siteseer features its own employees as they head out into the wide world. This is a great new Web site that includes travel videos and travel tips full of insider information and mini-trips that can take you off the beaten path. This is a great (and interesting) travel Web site that includes such destinations as:

• New York
• Boston
• Seoul
• Brussels
• Orlando
• Mumbai
• Los Angeles

My favorite features are the travel videos. These are a great deal of fun to watch, and can give you a true taste of the culture, attractions and local flavor — wherever that may be.

Delta employees, travel insider tips, travel tips, Siteseer, travel Web site, travel videos

If you like horses, and if you like wine, you can have the best of both worlds when you go horseback riding in Italy’s chianti region. This ride will take you between the famous city of Florence, and the less famous city of Siena. You will ride through Castellina and Radda, which are well known for their fine wineries.

But horseback riding in Italy’s chianti region isn’t just about the wine (although that is a good part of it — don’t neglect Montalcino, where Brunello is made). You should make sure that you try the local Tuscan specialty: bistecca al fiorentina. This is one of the best ways to eat a t-bone that I’ve ever tried. Also, enjoy the medieval and Gothic architecture that abounds in Siena (check out the Palio festival on July 2 and August 16) and San Gimignano (see the Sword in the Stone at the Abbey of San Galgano, a little to the south).

Horseback riding in Italy’s chianti region offers you the perfect opportunity to take life at a slower pace, and enjoy the sights — and the tastes — of Tuscany.

Italy’s chianti region, chianti region, horseback riding Italy, horseback riding chianti region, Montalcino Brunello, Tuscan specialty, Italian wine

If you are looking for an interesting experience in Berlin (and the former East Berlin at that), you should see about trying Berliner weisse. And the best place to get Berliner weisse just might be the Alt-Berliner Weissbierstube. And you may have to visit the Alt-Berliner Weissbierstube to get this sour drink. It is rapidly disappearing from the brewery scene. The New York Times offers this insight into Berliner weisse:

Thus the rub: though Germany is home to some of the greatest beer culture on the planet, local flavor is increasingly elusive. Ever since the rise of lagers like Pilsener and the spread of industrial brewing in the late 19th century, dozens, if not hundreds, of charismatic local beers have disappeared.

“It happened very quickly,â€? said Ron Pattinson, whose European Beer Guide lists many obsolete and rare German beers, including broyhan from Hannover, mumme from Braunschweig and keut from Münster. “The older styles were overwhelmed, and what we’ve got left are just the odd remnants of beers. It’s like a landscape that has been swamped, and you can just make out the odd tree and hilltop.â€?

So, if you are looking for a piece of this dwindling beer culture, you might have to travel to Berlin quickly. And to take the edge of the sour, order your Berliner weisse with shots of syrup.

Berlin traditional beer, Berliner weisse, Alt-Berliner Weissbierstube, Germany beer culture, rare German beer, European Beer Guide

When one thinks of Colorado, the first thing that comes to mind is often the high, snow-covered peaks of the Rockies. But sometimes one forgets that there is another Colorado. This Colorado features sandstone cliffs and interesting archeological remnants from the time before Christopher Columbus. And one of the most interesting of these can be found in the cliff dwellings at Mesa Vere National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park

It is important to note that you explore the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde you need to stay on designated trails. The national park was created to protect the treasure of these amazing manmade structures. There is no backcountry hiking or camping allowed, so plan to arrive early and get in a full day. Or you can take guided trips that stick to the designated trail (nearby Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers mountain biking trips of up to four days).

Highlights of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park include Balcony House, Cliff Palace and Chapin Mesa. If you can get off the beaten path a little bit, seeing Long House and Step House are well worth the trip to Wetherill Mesa. You can find out more about pre-Columbian culture and what there is to see in and around Mesa Verde National Park by visiting Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

Mesa Verde National Park, explore cliff dwellings, cliff dwellings Mesa Verde National Park, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, mountain biking trips, Mesa Verde mountain biking, Christopher Columbus

If you are interested in the exotic, the island of Borneo could be the place for you. Not only is Borneo one of the two remaining places on Earth to view orangutans in their natural habitat, but it also offers an interesting peek into two different human cultures. Borneo is divided between Indonesia and Malaysia.

One of the great things about Borneo, which is the third largest island in the world, is that the interior is mountainous and home to dense forests. Most of the people live on the coats, leaving the inside of the island free for orangutans to roam, and offering an exciting jungle experience. There are two main places that you can go to see orangutans: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Malaysia or Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesia.

Which part of the island culture you enjoy before and after your orangutan experience depends largely on which culture you want to see most. However, it is possible, with a long enough vacation, to enjoy the great things that both Indonesia and Malaysia have to offer: pristine beaches, good night life, and an exotic and rich cultural heritage.

Borneo, Borneo orangutans, Indonesia, Malaysia, orangutans, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Tanjung Puting National Park

There are plenty of interesting and fun NYC activities. But if you are looking for something that is really off the hook, a hip-hop tour may be just the thing. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours offers a unique way to have a look at the New York hip-hop scene. Not only are there cool tours of historical places in Harlem, but you can also visit the Apollo Theater and take a look inside a real hip-hop music studio.

But the really hot thing about taking a hip-hop tour is the VIP access to hip-hop clubs. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours offers you a limo ride (hummer limo available!) along with VIP acces. No standing in line and trying to get in. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours offers you the ultimate access as part of the price of the tour.

NYC activities aren’t limited to museums and parks and shopping. You can get the true flavor of the New York hop-hop scene. And get it in style.

NYC activities, Harlem Hip-Hop Tours, hip-hop tour, VIP access to hip-hop clubs, New York hip-hop, hip-hop scene

Eco travel is on the rise as travelers try to avoid ruining the places they have come to visit. And one of the most interesting and paradisical places to visit in terms of eco travel is Fiji.

Fiji offers a eco tourism options with a personal touch. Finding guides who actually work with the locals is a good idea. Many people are willing to let you stay with them (”Bula” is the word of welcome in Fiji), or you can stay in simple bures. These are huts made from bamboo that are often located on Fiji’s white sand beaches.

Fiji has several national parks, although most of them are located on Viti Levu. One of the most interesting Fiji national parks is the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. This large complex of sand dunes reigns supreme in the Pacific. If water is more your thinkg, though, you can head down the Wainikoroiluva Navua rivers. And feel free to go hiking in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

There are so many ways to enjoy eco travel in Fiji, that you will have a hard time deciding where to begin.

Fiji, eco travel, eco travel Fiji, eco tourism, Fiji eco tourism, Fiji white sand beaches, Bula Fiji

Middle East travel is poised to rise, and the trend seems evidenced by this week’s Arabian Travel Market 2007. The Middle East travel exhibition has been growing steadily, providing insight into the travel industry, and showcasing travel products and services. ArabianBusiness.com reports on Middle East travel:

“The Middle East has a bright future. Massive development is being undertaken over the whole region and all eyes seem to be turned towards tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Council, in a recent report, states that Middle East tourism is growing by over four per cent year-on-year and that trend is set to continue for the next ten years. There is no better place to be than the Middle East travel industry,” [Tom Nutley of Reed Travel Exhibitions]
said.

Arabian Travel Market 2007 is taking place through the end of the week at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the United Arab Emirates.

Middle East, Middle East tourism, Middle East travel, Arabian Travel Market 2007, Arabian travel, Middle East travel exhibition

For many people, pets are a member of the family. That means that they come on family vacations as well. And if you want to bring your pet with you as you travel, that means that it becomes necessary to find pet friendly hotels. Pet friendly hotels can be found all over the U.S., although they are still relatively rare. But one place that has just opened up to family vacations that include pets is Hawaii. CNN Travel reports on pets in Hawaii:

The Kahala resort manager, Tim Lee, started the dog program there last year after helping launch a similar pet-pampering program at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, where celebrities regularly brought their purse-sized pups.

“Even the dogs want to be pampered,” said Lee. “It’s all a matter of service.” …

At W Honolulu in Diamond Head, cats and dogs under 40 pounds are welcome. Owners pay an extra $25 a day at the W plus a $100 cleaning fee at the end of their visit.

Upon arrival, they get special water bowls, pet-size beds and goodie bags packed with a rawhide treat or chew toy.

“It makes the experience for pets just like it is for humans,” said general manager Lyle Takeuchi.

It is important to note that pet friendly hotels, though they do allow pets, often charge extra for you to bring your furry friends along. But for many travelers, the extra charge is worth it to include an important part of the family in their vacations.

family vacations, pet friendly hotels, CNN Travel, pet friend hotels U.S., family vacations Hawaii, pets Hawaii, find pet friendly hotels

Bulgarian culture is rich and has a long tradition. From fire dancing to carnivals to the mix of Orthodox Christian, Roman and Ottoman influences, travel to Bulgaria is an enriching and interesting experience. Indeed, the scenery is beautiful, and travel to Bulgaria includes verdant valleys and dramatic mountains, punctuated with charming villages. Additionally, cosmopolitan Sofia (the capital) teems with life — and with history.

But, as you travel to Bulgaria and experience the rich Bulgarian culture, it is important to remember a rather interesting idiosyncracy. “Yes” means no. In Bulgarian culture, a head nod (usually accompanied by a tongue cluck very reminiscient of Turkish influence) actually means no. If you want to agree with something, you actually shake your head.

This is one of the few cultures that has such a custom, so it is important to switch gears when you get into Bulgaria and remember to shake your head when you agree with something and to nod it in disagreement. And try to remember not to be offended when someone else shakes their head in agreement!

Bulgaria, travel Bulgaria, Bulgarian culture, Sofia, Ottoman influences, Orthodox Christian

Convent hotels offer a safe and fairly inexpensive place to stay when traveling abroad in Europe. One of the places that offers these convent hotels is none other than Rome, the Eternal City. CNN Travel offers this look at how convent hotels came to be in Rome:

Sister Milena, who helps run the 40-guest Fraterna Domus inn a few blocks from Piazza Navona, said the Missionaries of the Fraterna Domus (Latin for “brotherly house”) was among the first to have lodgings for tourists and pilgrims.

“Now everybody does it,” said Sister Milena. “We carry out the charisma of hospitality.”

Many of the convents started opening their doors to paying guests in the run-up to the Holy Year in 2000, when the religious and millennium celebrations drew 25 million visitors to Rome.

Worried about a shortage of hotel rooms, the government offered low-cost mortgages and remodeling loans to convents and monasteries.

So, if you are looking for a safe place to stay while viewing the sights of Rome, and you are on a budget, consider convent hotels. After all, they are often close to the action as well.

Holy Year 2000, convent hotels, inexpensive place to stay in Europe, Eternal City, CNN Travel, Piazza Navona, Rome convent, convent hotels Rome

If you are looking for a fun activity this Easter Sunday, head on over to 5th Avenue sometime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These are the times for the New York City Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival. This august tradition is one of the many things to do in spring in New York City, and it provides a rather unorganized way to enjoy Easter Sunday.

Between 49th and 57th streets, NYC is a riot of color as people turn out for an Easter Parade that really isn’t that organized. Basically, as motorized traffic is prohibited, people walk up and down, wearing Easter bonnets and Easter outfits (even the pets get dressed up for the Easter Bonnet Festival!) and look at each other.

The New York City Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival is a tradition dating back more than 150 years to the mid-1800s. One of the best places to view the festivities surrounding the Easter Parade is at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Get there early, and you can enjoy Easter Mass before the parade.

easter bonnet festival, easter parade, New York City easter parade, spring in New York City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Easter Parade New York City, Easter Bonnet Festival New York City