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Travel dispatches from a shrinking planet

Travel dispatches from a shrinking planet

TRAVEL BLOG
SPEAKER'S CORNER
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In Patagonia, In Patagonia

Tim Patterson packs his fleece and long underwear, and enters the Twilight Zone where corporate branding meets the multi-layered reality of place. 

ASK ROLF
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Should I Quit Law School so I can Travel the World?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

BOOKS
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‘The Worst Guidebook Writer Ever’?

Lonely Planet author Robert Reid reviews Thomas Kohnstamm’s “Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?” and weighs in on the controversy surrounding it

Q&A
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Thomas Kohnstamm’s Lonely Planet: The Firestorm Around ‘Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?’

The author of a new book that purports to explore the underside of travel writing is taking a lot of hits. Frank Bures asks him about the controversy he’s stirred up and his take on the guidebook industry.

AUDIO SLIDE SHOW
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Promised Land Closed

And other odd and unlikely signs from around the world. Aficionado Doug Lansky, editor of the book “Signspotting,” recounts his 10 favorites.


THE LIST
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10 Sizzling Hot Travel Tips From Sir Francis Bacon

Rolf Potts repackages the 17th century philosopher’s ‘Of Travel’ essay in the manner of a 21st century magazine feature

HOW TO
4.16.08

Have a Hockey Night in Canada

From Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie, the sport is the country’s greatest passion. Eva Holland explains where to go to indulge—and who you need to know.


3.6.08

Cross the Street in Rome

Walking across a busy street in Italy’s capital is no easy feat. It’s an art, and as David Farley explains, you need some serious sprezzatura.


11.29.07

Eat Peking Duck in Beijing

It’s a feast fit for emperors. But as Diana Kuan explains, there’s more to devouring the iconic dish than you might think.


11.8.07

Wear a Sari in India

It’s not as complicated as it might appear. Anita Rao Kashi reveals what it takes to get the elegant traditional Indian dress just right—and to get the right one for you. 


9.6.07

Road Trip Like Kerouac (and Stay Out of Trouble)

If you want to hit the road like Jack Kerouac and live to tell about it, you’ll want to choose your inspiration from “On the Road” carefully. Jim Benning offers tips.


8.2.07

Sing Karaoke in Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun gave the world the late-night sing-along. But in its birthplace, there’s more to karaoke than butchering anime theme songs in crowded bars. Karin Ling explains.


7.12.07

Eat Weisswurst in Munich

It’s hard to find a restaurant in the German city that doesn’t serve weisswurst. But it’s said that the white sausages should never hear the noon church bells. Chris Gray explains.


2.21.07

Dig Dim Sum in Hong Kong

No visit is complete without indulging in the breakfast and lunch specialty. Valerie Ng explains the difference between cha siu bao and daan taat—and where to dip your Chinese donut.


12.5.06

Down a Pint in a Real Irish Pub

There’s more to it than simply bellying up to a bar and ordering a beer. Cheryl Donahue explains how to become a first-class punter (and if you think we’re talking football you really need this). 


9.25.06

Use a Squat Toilet

Frank Bures blows the lid off one of the most taboo subjects in travel: how to squat and wipe. 


7.21.06

Find Good Gelato in Italy

No trip to Italy is complete without savoring a little gelato, but all gelato is not created equal. Valerie Ng reveals how to find the best and avoid the mediocre. (Hint: don’t let bright colors fool you.)


4.26.06

Eat the Cake of Kings in Austria

In Austria, home of history’s biggest proponent of cake eating, Marie Antoinette, the ubiquitous sweet has evolved into a grand tradition. Pam Mandel dishes on making the most of kaffee und kuchen


1.30.06

Tilt Your Head Like an Indian

A well-placed “Namaste" or “As-Salaam-Alaikum” might get a conversation started in India, but subtly tilting your head is the subcontinent’s secret to real communication. Kavita Pillay explains the motion that speaks a thousand words. 


10.12.05

Ride a Bike in Holland

The country was made for pedaling, but before you hit the road, you’ll need a few tips. Terry Ward explains how to roll like a Dutchman.


7.25.05

Visit a Moroccan Hammam

Public baths are a part of daily Moroccan life. Terry Ward provides the rundown on getting a thorough and enriching scrubdown.  (Hint: Be sure to pick up a kiis in the souk on the way there.)


6.29.05

Kiss Hello in France

The French tradition of exchanging kisses when saying hello and goodbye to family, friends and often perfect strangers can baffle outsiders. How to faire la bise? Terry Ward kisses and tells.


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