Norwegian drunk catnaps on a conveyor belt, Vietnamese Airlines gives models bikini's onboard, and packing advice for the Camino de Santiago

Quote of the Day

My Pic of the Day
(Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
I took this picture of a canal during drinks with friends.

TRAVEL NEWS
Current warnings for August '12

Be in the know on where to be careful when you go.

Tourist Falls Asleep On Airport Baggage Conveyor Belt, Goes Through X-Ray Machine

Look we've all been jet lagged and drunk at the airport and in desperate need of a cat nap. And now, thanks to a fellow drunk traveler, we all know that the conveyor belt is probably not the best place to do it.
VietJetAir, Vietnamese Airline, Fined For In-Flight Bikini Show (VIDEO)

You know I like to think I'm a pretty lucky traveler. I've been bumped up to first-class once, I've gotten some free drinks, and flights, but DAMN! WHERE'S MY IN-FLIGHT BIKINI SHOW?! Click the link to watch the video.

TRAVEL IDEAS
How to road trip like a rockstar

Everyone knows that I love a good road trip. This is a great Q&A to prepare for your South African voyage with play list suggestions, and how to handle the road alone.

Kayaking the biggest lake in the world

Situated between Canada and the US, Lake Superior is no joke in size, wave or wind. If you're expert enough to kayak this body of water (that acts more like an ocean) over 350mi wide and 1,300ft deep, you should read this article to learn the ends and outs. I need a few baby lakes to practice my paddling before I conquer this big daddy with Epic Adventures.

How to pack for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail
Get you a walking stick, a bill capped hat, and a poncho before you start your voyage under the Milky Way. There are lots of good books and memoirs on the Spirit Trail, the only one I've so far is The Camino, by Shirley Maclaine. It's interesting to say the least, but good research for anyone planning to walk across Spain.

The Radar: A Weekend in Paris, Strange Hotels, Southern Road Trips

Boat and walking tours are among some of the ideas on how to explore Paris by Go Travel.

Ex-nay on the solo hikes in the Himilayans, Richard Branson builds a bad-ass bar, Spirit Airlines still sucks, and an Australian pilot boozes before flight

Travel Quote of the Day

My Pic of the Day
(Colorado, USA)

It's not Mt. Everest, but I've seen the top of some 14,000 footers.

TRAVEL NEWS

Nepal Bans Independent Hiking, Will Require Official Guides

I wouldn't have attempted the hike without a Nepali guide anyway, but for those of you that are expert hikers you've missed your chances of exploring Mr. Everest on your own.

Expensive Travel: The Most Luxurious New Amenities On Planes & Cruises (PHOTOS)

Virgin Airlines never ceases to amaze me with their luxurious options. Fucking love Richard Branson's innovative mind. As soon as I actually find a way to make millions off my travels I'll be sitting at the longest sky sipping on some Svedka with a few of you.

Spirit Airlines Slapped With Class-Action Lawsuit Over 'Passenger Usage Fee'

I've flown Spirit Airlines once this year, and will definitely be a part of this Class-Action Suit. It's by far the worst travel experience I've ever paid for, and to find out those bastards, those bastards that are a BUDGET AIRLINES hid and charged me additional fees, gets my knickers in a wad! Click on the link to find out if you're eligible to join the suit.

Qantas Pilot Suspended For Exceeding Alcohol Limit

For those flying from Sydney to Brisbane, it may not be turbulence causing your flight to sway back and forth. The blood alcohol content for a pilot to be able to fly is 0.02. Can we move that to, oh I don't know... 0.00! SHIT, MAN! I fly often that .02 scares the shit out of me!

TRAVEL IDEAS


Nightlife In Barcelona: Prepare To Stay Up Late (PHOTOS)

Get your livers ready, cause this list keeps you going from sun up to sun down.

America's Best Beer Bars

This is a tour for me, no doubt. From Los Angeles to Texas, up to New York they've got some of the best watering holes in the U.S listed.

--
There's your news for the day my fellow travelers. Let me know if you have a drink with Richard Branson, illegally hike the Himalayans, or get plastered with your pilot before your flight in Australia.

-Merritt 

Amsterdam is Wiggin' Out, Bees Are Buzzin Around Airports, Olympians Are the Sites to See in London, and Qatar Can't Touch This

QUOTE of the Day

PICTURE of the DAY

Going Greyhound is one of my favorite ways to travel the US. I took this on the way to Texas, from NYC. It took me 43hrs, lots of Doritos's, and yeah a few illegal beers.

MUSIC

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (Live On Earth Single Video)

Jason is always giving us a glimpse of his journey in his lyrics and videos. Check him out.

NEWS

Amsterdam's Evolving Relationship With Weed

This article by Rick Steves is brilliant.

Pimps and shady drug dealers may return to the redlight district once again, because come 2013, if a law gets passed coffee shops will not be able to legally sell pot to tourists.

This is frustrating. It's one of the novelties of the city. It's one of the things that make it slightly more comfortable than Prague. No one wants to get swindled by a Gypsy during a drug deal in an alley at 2 in the morning. It's not fun. I know, it has happened to me (in Prague). I walked the streets of Amsterdam and crossed its canals in the snow (stoned) and at utter peace with myself and my surroundings. I deemed it as one of the most beautiful cities I had ever seen.

Why move backwards? It just doesn't make sense. It would be like Vegas, telling all our secrets. Like the Czech Republic, refusing to sell us a pivo/beer. Like Italy, denying us wine.

Someone with more authority than me write a letter and get this shit straightened out.

Delta Flight Delayed By Massive Swarm Of Bees (VIDEO)

We're used to a flock of birds delaying our flights, but a swarm of bees buzzing around the wings?  What's next- snakes on a plane?


TRIP IDEAS

Olympians' Favorite Spots In London And Back Home

Check out the sites during the Olympics, and you're libels to run into some of the fastest, strongest, most athletic people in the world.

My First Visit To Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany. It's got a population just over 5,000,000 and seems to have a strong imports industry. Check out the wikipedia on it. The pics make it look like a place off the Adriatic.


GOOD KNOWLEDGE

How to cross a backcountry river

Educational article. I learned that the widest part of the river is most likely to be the most shallow and that's where you should attempt your trek.

9 rules for expats in Qatar

No booze, flipping the bird, or showing shoulders are just a few. Read the others and prepare yourself for your journey to the Middle East. Also, did you know that 80% of the country is made up of expats? 80%!

--
Safe travels today. May you get stoned in Amsterdam, avoid the bees in Pittsburgh, and get hit on by an Olympian in London.

--Merritt

Shark Diving, Packing Tips, US Airways SUCKS!, Budget Tips, and Quirky Hotels that Dad's Have Bring the Kids To

MUSIC

Afrojack & Shermanology - Can't Stop Me (Radio Edit) 

Get in a good mood as you begin your journey today. Look forward to the next 365 days that begin from where you are right now. Nothing can stop you from going where you want to go. The end is always near.

NEWS & IDEAS

Packing Tips So Crazy They Just Might Work

Shipping your dirty clothes, to your non-essentials is at the top of this list. And so is leaving everything behind! When I left Prague I have everything away, and returned to the states with my travel journals, and a carry-on that included: socks, underwears, a pair of jeans, and 3 non-descript shirts. Liberating. I miss my shisha pipe, though I know my Bohemians are getting good use out of it.


DineFresh, US Airways' New Premium Meal Option, Launches On International Flights

US Airways and United Airlines are pioneering the way for more rediculous passenger fees. What's next- tokens for the bathroom? Or how about charging me for turning on the overhead light. Come on, coroporate America (who that finds ways around paying taxes), give me more expenditures, so I have less to spend on my vacation, please.

10 Secrets For Visiting A Big City On A Budget

Some of these ideas are worth investigating; taking public transportation, dining during lunch at expenssive restaurants and using bargain websites for discounts among a few.

Great White Shark Cage Diving In South Australia (VIDEO)

I know we've got some shark divers among us! Great story by Kevin Richberg on his experience of feeling peace, not fear next to the underwater beasts.

The 10 Quirkiest Lodgings in America, According To TripAdvisor (PHOTOS)

This is definitely a read for the quirky travel dad wanting to give thier kids a joyfully miserable experience! I'm logging the Traincar Inn, in Harbors, MN.

Lots of Olympics, Don't 'Borrow' Google Images, If you have to do Disney, and PartyEarth.com Rocks My Face

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

My Photo Pic of the Day

(The Incline: Colorado Springs, CO)

NEWS

Blogger Beware: You CAN GetSued For Using Photos YouDon't Own on Your Blog

Roni Loren went through a lawsuit for something that seems pretty standard these days. She maps out the DON'Ts to adding pictures to your blog. It basically boils down to- don't grab off of Google Images, or any other site. You have to use your own.

Tell Us: The Worst Travel Advice You've Ever Received

We've all gotten it. We've all waited in line, and paid way too much because of it.

Cheap eats in London for the Olympic Games

Let the cheap eats begin! They've got you everything from supermarkets to delis, cafes and little French restaurants listed here. Bon appetite!

London Olympics Tourism In Staggering Stats (INFOGRAPHIC)

HomeAway.com has put out some great statistics on what to expect, if you're in London for the games.

Tips For Saving Money At Disney Parks

If at some point you've to take the family to see Mickey and Pluto, Sherman's Travel as some ideas on how not to break the bank.

TRIP IDEAS

Berlin's Nightlife: 48 Hours You Might Not Remember (PHOTOS)

PartyEarth.com just became my new favorite travel resource! If you're looking for the local disco, or the chill pub, or the seedy cellar they've got it covered in Berlin, and other major cities around the world.

London Olympics: A Day Trip Through London's Canals (PHOTOS)

For those in London for the Olympics, Kate Aulletta has some good ideas of what to do around the venue, and around town.

 

TSA Embarrasses Grandma, United Airlines Sucks $10 More, Bugs and Placentas, Quebec City in 24hrs, Trans-Siberian Sidetrips, London's Got Loads of Coffices, and Bad News in Bulgaria

My Photo of the Day

(Jakarta, Indonesia- OJax)

TRAVEL NEWS

Lisbon Deserves Its Title As European City Of The Year

I'm a big fan of most things Portuguese. From the fresh fish, to port wines, and Fado music, you really can't go wrong. Barbara Barton Sloan shares with us her time exploring the city and gaining insight into its rich culture.

United Airlines Raises Fares By Up To $10 Per Round Trip

Annoyed that more carriers are making traveling too expensive for anyone not on a corporate budget. When are more budget airlines going to make their way to the states? When will airlines stop hiking the prices, and taking away amenities? When will Richard Branson become president of the United States of Travelers? Gotcha, didn't I?!

TSA Strip-Search 'Humiliated' Texas Grandmother Seeking Medical Treatment, She Claims (VIDEO)

I almost feel bad for the TSA. They're all over the news these days for making grandma's cry and watching nudists take off their clothes. There must be a better system to check for weapons of mass destruction than the spread your legs and show me your pitters pat down. The next headline is sure to be, TSA Kissed A Grandma and She Liked It. I don't want read that. No one wants to read that. 

Gross or Great? 24 Unexpected Delicacies from Around the World Slideshow

Everything from human placenta to wasp crackers is on this list of foods you definitely throw-up trying eat. I mean I like to think that I am pretty adventurous, but I don't want to stick chicken fetus in my mouth. I just don't. I will- don't get me wrong. But, I don't want to. 

TRAVEL IDEAS

24 hours in Quebec City

I couldn't agree more with Emily Hanssen on what to do, or where to stay in Quebec City. Don't miss this city during your North American travels. It is beautiful, vibrant, and full of culture. The only other thing I would suggest would be to take a ferry ride to Levis, so you can cross the St. Lawrence, and get some great snap shots of Quebec City. The whole trip will take you about 30 minutes.

1. Find the right hostel.

2. Rent a bike.

3. Buy your picnic at the Old Port Market.

4. People watch at L’escalier Casse-Cou and the Citadel.

5. Take a walk down Artist’s Alley.

Trans-Siberian sidetrips: How to break your train ride

Taking this trip with the Wallernator in 2013. We will definitely be checking out a few of the recommendations made by Carlo Alcos. 

1. Kizhi Island

2. Suzdal

3. Krasnoyarsk

4. Olkhon Island

5 cafes to get work done in London

As world explorers that are always in need of a cafe to manage a bit of business, what do you think? Do you agree with Sage Russell's London List?

1. Ozone Coffee Roasters – Shoreditch

2. Vida e Caffé – Soho

3. Brass Mongoose – Blackfriars / The City

4. Look Mum No Hands – Clerkenwell

5. Horizon – Leytonstone

10 Memorable Swim-Up Bars (PHOTOS)

Oyster.com reviews hotels and all the perks that come with them. Here we get a list of the chic bars  around the world that don't require fancy footwear. 

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Bulgaria Bus Bombing: Israeli Victims Buried Amid Mixed Reports Of Attacker's Identity

Hard article to read. There are many sad stories included within the report. Aron Heller is a great writer, and his words are all too vivid. Read to catch up on the tragedy. Below is a bit of information on Bulgaria.


Bulgaria is a country of over 7 million people. It's location in the eastern Balkan Peninsula give it prime real estate surrounded by Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and the Black Sea. The capital city of Sofia has about 1.5 million people and is home to many universities, cultural centers, and businesses. The best travel information I found was on Youtube. If you've got some advice of where to stay or where to go, please share.

Nudist Gives Airport Security Hard Time, Photo Tip, Portugal Stats on Drug Decriminilziation

Daily Travel Quote

My Daily Travel Photo
(Prague, Czech Republic) Cable Car
I took this at the breaking of dawn during a walk over Palackeho Bridge.

National Geographic Photo of the Week: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Photograph by Jian Wei Poon

"Light displays illuminate the Supertree Grove in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay."

Reflections in Photography

Great photo tips from Robert Caputo and Cary Wolinsky (Nat Geo) on how to remove reflections and glares.

Travel News
Today in history (1831), Belgium gained its independence from the Netherlands. Belgium is situated on the North Sea bordering the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the south east, and France to the west. It has a population of 11 million, and is mostly divided between French and Dutch speakers. Brussels (pop. over 8.1 million), the capital city, is located in central Belgium and is home to NATO, and the EU headquarters.

(above: Belgium's location, below: Flag) 

(below: Germany's flag for comparison)

John Brennan, Man Who Stripped In Front Of TSA, Found Not Guilty

Nigel Duara (AP) is going to help start a revolution with articles like this! Read how John Brennan gave TSA a hard time during his security pat-down. He was arrested, taken to court, had a trial and found not guilty. (Associated Press photo)

Who's next to strip down to their skivvy's? 

Portugal Decriminalized All Drugs Eleven Years Ago And The Results Are Staggering

Really educational article, by Samuel Blackstone with great statistics to show that separating families, and locking up drug users is not a solution that is solving any drug related problems. "Portugal's move to decriminalize does not mean people can carry around, use, and sell drugs free from police interference. That would be legalization. Rather, all drugs are "decriminalized," meaning drug possession, distribution, and use is still illegal."

What are your thoughts?

Travel Ideas

Best Beer Trips in Europe

by Margaret Loftus / pic by Christer Fredriksson

Anytime there is Czech travel news, you can count on seeing it here. I taught there for a year, and look forward to returning. The best time for a drinker to go to Europe is in the fall to hit up all the Oktoberfests. "Beer is deeply rooted in the Czech psyche. And, at less than two bucks for a half-liter glass, it's a relative bargain."

World's 20 Best Surf Towns
Looking for places to eat, drink, stay and catch a wave? Nat Geo has the top 20 list for you. I can vouch for the surf in Bali, but that's it.

Have you hung ten at any of these places? (photo by Ross Warner)