Clearspace Server Syndication Feed

Top 10 Healthiest Airports

ashleighn — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:25:19 GMT

Between shopping for gifts, hosting family members or traveling to see them, the holidays can take a toll—on both mind and body. However, travelers can find solace for seasonal stress at any of these 10 airports that Health magazine recently rated as the healthiest U.S. airports.

A panel of judges and health experts rated airports across the country according to healthy food options, availability of relaxation zones and much more. Some of the top airports offer walking and biking trails on their grounds, while others utilize lighting, music and artwork to help facilitate a stress-free travel experience

On top of being good for travelers, most of these airports are trying to be healthy for the environment, too. Many utilize fleets of service vehicles that run on renewable energy or recycle everything from used cooking oil to make biodiesel to the glycol that de-ices planes. Here’s a look at how they stacked up:

10. Philadelphia International (PHL)
9. Portland International (PDX)
8. Boston’s Logan International (BOS)
7. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
6. Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
5. Denver International (DEN)
4. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
3. Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
2. Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)
1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)

Airlines Go Eco

ashleighn — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:20:52 GMT

Like the rest of the world, the travel industry has picked up on the ever-growing sustainable travel trend. Recently, two airlines announced their plans to provide environmentally friendly flights.

Continental Airlines announced this past weekend that they will be the first carrier in the Americas to power a flight with sustainable biofuels. The company plans to fly a Boeing 737-800, with one of the two fuel tanks being filled with a 50/50 blend of traditional jet fuel and algae and jatropha plants. The plants are used as sustainable fuel sources, and don’t impact water resources or food crops.

Emirates airlines, besides announcing a new flight route between Dubai Interntaional Airport (DXB) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), plans to test its new eco program on the inaugural flight of this new route. The flight route will be “the longest green journey,” according to Emirates. The 16-hour long *Em*viormental flight, as it has been dubbed by the airline, is intended to save 2,000 gallons of fuel and 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions. Emirates worked closely in partnership with government agencies in five countries to plan this route.

In addition, the green flight will feature a number of new, fuel-saving measures, which include the following:
• A special pre-flight wash to minimize drag.
• The use of electricity while grounded instead of running an auxiliary power unit.
• Priority taxiing and landing positions.
• Optimized routing over the North Pole, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and more.
• All on-board newspapers, glasses, cans and paper will be collected for recycling.
• Use of the new and ultra eco-efficient Boeing 777-200LR.

Would environmentally friendly airline flights appeal to you if they became more available?

Museum of Islamic Art to Open in Qatar

ashleighn — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:40:59 GMT

It seems like every few months, some bigger, better and more ostentatious landmark is built somewhere in the Middle East. Most recently, Atlantis, Dubai’s long-anticipated resort on the manmade Palm Island, held its $20-million opening gala. The lavish underwater-themed resort features 113 acres of family entertainment, including waterslides and gigantic aquariums filled with fish and other sea creatures. With megastructures like Atlantis and the city’s other famous hotel, the Burj Al Arab, it’s easy to label the blossoming Persian Gulf cities as grandiose and flashy.

Qatar: An Art Mecca?

However, the small country of Qatar plans to change that image with the opening of its capital's newest cultural attraction, the Islamic Museum of Art in Doha. The building which houses the new museum was designed by internationally acclaimed architect, I.M. Pei, designer of the Pyramid at the Louvre and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Pei had to be convinced to come out of retirement for the project, which he admits will likely be his last major cultural design at age 91. After accepting the project, he spent months traveling across the Middle East searching for inspiration. His goal was to create a structure that would embody the “essence of Islamic architecture.” The building’s understated, modern elegance was inspired by a 13th-century mosque in Cairo, an ancient fortress in Tunisia and the Alhambra Palace in Spain. The museum exemplifies the “strong and simple” design that Pei hoped to achieve. “There is nothing superfluous,” says Pei.

Like the Atlantis, the Islamic Museum of Art was built atop an artificial island in the Persian Gulf off the shore of Doha. Unlike the Atlantis, the choice of location came from Pei, who wanted his monument to be isolated from the rest of the city. He hoped that this would prevent the beauty of the building from being overshadowed by future development in Doha, which plans to open more than a dozen new museums in the coming years.

cc: Abdurahman

Yo-Yo Ma, Robert DeNiro and Tribeca Film Fest

The opening ceremonies for the much-anticipated museum began this past weekend and included fireworks, an outdoor exhibition, a lecture from Pei and a performance by Yo-Yo Ma. More than 1,000 invited guests attended, including political leaders, members of the Qatar royal family and celebrities, like Robert DeNiro. However, DeNiro wasn’t there just for pleasure; on Nov. 23, DeNiro signed an agreement to bring a satellite of his Tribeca Film Festival to Doha in November 2009. The new museum will host the event, which plans to feature close to 40 films from internationally acclaimed filmmakers, new talent, and the local Qatari and broader Arab community.

The commission of this building signals a break by Qatar from the rest of the Persian Gulf's sybaritic paradise, full of ultra-modern feats of architecture. Qatar looks forward to acting as a bridge between the Middle East and the rest of the world. While right now, Qatar may seem like an unlikely vacation, the country plans to soon be the Persian Gulf destination for the arts.

Seven Nights for the Price of Four at Disney World

ashleighn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:25:43 GMT

It’s not often that Disney parks have great savings packages because, let’s face it, they don’t need help attracting visitors. However, due to the slowing economy, Disney’s hopped on the goofy foot and decided to offer a great package for Disney World in Orlando guests. When you buy a four-night package, you’ll get three nights FREE. And that includes theme park tickets!

For most stays from Jan. 4 to June 27, 2009, if you buy a non-discounted four-night/four-day Walt Disney Company Magic Your Way package, you’ll get three extra days and nights for free. The Magic Your Way package includes a stay at a Disney Value Resort, with your choice for anything from luxury to campground, and a single-park ticket per person per day. All guests per accommodation must have the same ticket and package option for it to be valid.

Think that’s a deal? Disney will also throw in a $200 Disney gift card, valid anywhere from Disney parks to Disney Stores across the United States, when you travel anytime between Jan. 4 to 9, and from Jan. 19 to March 29. “This special travel offer makes it even easier for guests to enjoy a magical, memory-making Disney vacation in 2009,” says Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton.

According to Disney, a family of four can spend seven days and seven nights at the Happiest Place on Earth for as little as $1,271, with a savings of more than $300. However, rates vary according to guest ages, travel dates and lodging choice; so the best way to figure out how much this deal can save your family is to visit the Disney Web site and book your package disneyworld.disney.go.com.

Southwest Airlines Heads South of the Border in 2010

ashleighn — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:42:49 GMT

This week, Southwest Airlines announced that they will be partnering in a service agreement with Mexican carrier Volaris. The goal of this partnership is to provide “more low fares and a better customer experience across the U.S./Mexican border,” according to a Southwest press release. The airlines stated that they planned to announce codeshare flight schedules and other features about the partnership by early 2010; however, there are still certain details of the codeshare and partnership that need to be approved by both U.S. and Mexican governments. As early as spring 2009, customers will be able to purchase travel on Volaris from southwest.com.

Volaris was founded in 2006 and services 23 destinations throughout Mexico. Although the airline is the country’s youngest, it already has a great reputation as Mexico’s most modern and most punctual carrier. The average age of the carrier’s 19-airplane fleet is less than 3 years old, meaning that a Volaris traveler is nearly guaranteed a nice, new plane. The airlines both hope that this partnership will allow both airlines to get passengers and their luggage to a variety of over the border destinations.

Both airlines hope that “the codeshare will allow business, leisure and visiting friends and family traffic to increase on both sides of the border,” according to Volaris chief executive officer Enrique Beltranena. Other ways that Volaris and Southwest plan to partner include frequent flier options, cargo and ground handling.

Recently, Southwest announced plans to do a codeshare with Canadian domestic carrier WestJet. Although details of that partnership are still in the works, Southwest Airlines executive vice president of strategy and planning, Bob Jordan, says that the airline will continue to “work diligently in order to expand our international codeshare even further.”

With plans like these in the works, count on increased efficiency and options when traveling both north and south of the border. Looks like Southwest’s new slogan should read, “You are now free to move about the continent.”

The Perfect Gift for Everyone’s Egyptophile

ashleighn — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:07:15 GMT

Do you know someone who loves ancient Egyptian culture? Do they continue to surprise you with interesting (yet useless) facts about Amenhotep and mummification techniques? If this sounds like someone you know, I may have found the perfect holiday gift. Consider taking your history buff to Atlanta for an unforgettable exhibit entitled, “Tutankhamun the Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” at the Atlanta Civic Center.

From Nov. 15 to April 19, 2009, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel will be offering a King Tut/First Emperor VIP Package. The package includes one night of deluxe accommodations at Atlanta Marriott Marquis, breakfast for two, two VIP tickets with front of the line access to the exhibit (even if it’s sold out), two tickets for the First Emperor exhibition and complimentary hotel parking, for rates from $259 to $429.

The exhibition includes Egyptian must-sees like the tomb of Tutankhamun, jewelry from his tomb and those of other pharaohs, and much more.

Delta-Northwest Merger

ashleighn — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:35:42 GMT

Yesterday, Delta Air Lines completed the deal to acquire Northwest Airlines, making the newer, larger Delta the world’s largest carrier. The U.S. Department of Justice approved the deal after deciding that there were no antitrust objections. Federal regulators released a statement that said the “the proposed merger between Delta and Northwest is likely to produce substantial and credible efficiencies that will benefit U.S. consumers and is not likely to substantially lessen competition.”

The Department of Justice also added that consumers should benefit from savings on expenses for airport operations, technology and suppliers, and the companies have added that they plan to save $2 billion each year in expenses after the merger is complete.

How will this affect Delta and Northwest travelers? For now, SkyMiles by Delta and WorldPerks by Northwest, the airlines’ rewards programs, will remain separate, but you can combine miles for travel on either airline. Delta said that no flights will be immediately affected by the merger and it will be a while before flight schedules change.

Will this change the way you fly or what airline you use?

Photo Adventure Under the Sea

ashleighn — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:39:08 GMT

Our Cayman Island’s issue author, Anne Kazel-Wilcox, wrote about her participation in an underwater photography class, taught by one of the best underwater photographers in the field: Cathy Church. Church has been doing underwater photography since 1967 and is one of the world’s foremost teachers of the art. She has received many awards, including the honor of being inducted into the Woman Divers Hall of Fame in 2000.

Although Kazel-Wilcox had a mere day for instruction—read about her experience in our Fish Paparazzi on Grand Cayman article—she was able to capture some great shots on one of her Cayman Islands dives that she wanted us to share with you. Let’s see if you can tell the difference between a photo she took and a similar one by Church.

If you guess that the one on the right belonged to Church, the pro, then you’re right! (Photo by www.cathychurch.com.)

Now, take a look at the rest of the photos that Kazel-Wilcox took. While she may not be an underwater photo pro … yet … she definitely managed to capture some great shots on her first try!

A squirrel fish

A christmas tree worm

A scorpionfish

Ascona: My Swiss-Italian Getaway

ashleighn — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:43:39 GMT

Oh, woe is me. I just got back from a weeklong escape to Switzerland, and I must admit, I’m missing my little slice of Ticinese heaven on Lake Maggiore. I wrote a blog post last week about the great hotel that I stayed at, Hotel Garni La Meridiana. But even now, I can’t get the image of the Piazza or the smell of the roasting chestnuts out of my mind. So I decided to write more about the small town that’s captured my heart.

European Beauty

Although Ascona is just a small resort town, it will take your breath away. With a prime location right on the edge of the huge lake, which extends into neighboring Italy, the city is also surrounded by towering mountains. Actually, Asocna is the lowest city in all of Switzerland, which means prime Mediterranean weather year round. The temperature hovered in the 60s during most of my early October visit.

Ascona is a very old town with some of its oldest buildings dating back to the 16th century. Once a fishing village, it has developed into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the canton. It is located next to Locarno, the capital of Ticino and a great little city in its own rights. Ascona’s Piazza is lined with hotels, both modern and old (one used to be part of a castle), restaurants, cafes and adorable shops.

It’s not the main drag that captured my heart the first time I came here; it was the narrow, cobblestone streets that wind through what is known as the town’s Old Quarter. They are barely wide enough for a bicycle to pass two pedestrians. There’s absolutely no way a car could navigate them, not even the ever-so-small Smart car. Here, you’ll find boutique jewelry stores, small clothing stores, gelato shops and such lining the historic streets.

Ascona Events

There are many great things to do here during tourist season, which runs from May to mid-October. The town hosts special events year round, from the Ascona-New Orleans Jazz Festival in late June, a chestnut festival (chestnuts are a regional specialty) in the beginning of October, an artist and performer festival in May and a month long classical music festival that runs from September through October.

During the high season, a boat runs trips from Ascona around the lake. Stop at the popular Brissago Islands to peruse the beautiful grounds and gardens of an old house located on one of the islands and dine at Ristorante Brissage, a lovely restaurant. Or, stop in Italy. Lake Maggiore is bordered by Italy and the boat stops at several small Italian towns, many of which hold markets throughout the week. Although I never had a chance to take the boat trip around the lake, it’s top on my list for next year’s visit. I already know I’m going to return to Ascona. The question next time is whether I’ll ever leave.

Ciao, Güten Tag and Bonjour from Switzerland!

ashleighn — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:42:29 GMT

Although I still haven’t quite recovered from my severe jet lag, I am having an extraordinary time on my family vacation in beautiful Ascona, Switzerland. Located on the edge of Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino, Ascona is quite a popular getaway for people from all over the area.

Hotel Garni La Meridiana

My mom and I are staying at a hotel owned by a family friend: Hotel Garni La Meridiana. This beautiful and modern bed and breakfast is located right on the Piazza, the main drag that runs along the edge of the lake. Opened a few years ago, the hotel has the charm of a traditional Swiss inn, while also being very modern and eco-friendly. In fact, much of Switzerland is that way and, frankly, I love it!

Our room is located on the first floor—which would be considered the second floor by those in the United States. Like most European cities, the ground floor is the named the ground floor, and it’s where shops and restaurants are located. Below La Meridiana are an adorable patisserie, a very cool restaurant with ample outdoor seating and a little gift shop, where I plan to do my souvenir shopping.

Location, Location, Location

To get to the lobby of the hotel, you must climb a set of (steep) stairs. Our room opens up onto a gigantic terrace, where there is seating for more than 50 people to soak up the beautiful Ticonese sunlight. We’re also located next to the breakfast area, where each morning the hotel serves up a traditional Swiss breakfast of cheeses, meats, breads, jams and more. There’s also a convenient 24-hour self-serve espresso machine here.

(The room we’re in is actually not the original one we were given upon arrival, which was on the second floor. While it had a beautiful view, my mom couldn’t stand the thought of having to walk up and down stairs in order to fulfill her caffeine fix.)

Eco-friendly Design

Everything at the hotel has been fine-tuned with efficiency and the environment in mind. At night, the hall lights are set to be on motion sensors in order to save energy. When you’re in the room, you must put your key into a sensor thingy (for lack of a better term) that will turn your room lights on for you. When you leave, simply take the key from the holder (which is conveniently located next to the door), and your lights will automatically turn off.

Amenities of the hotel include an indoor pool, wellness spa that includes steam rooms and saunas, a fitness room, free Wi-Fi and more. Also, the hotel has a collection of cruiser bikes that any guest can take out for a ride through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter.

If you ever find yourself in Ascona, I highly recommend Hotel Garni La Meridiana. I may be biased, but this hotel is quite a treat. Check out the hotel’s Webcam, and you may even see me on the terrace, enjoying my little slice of Swiss-Italian heaven.