Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

Sri Lanka. “Is that part of India?” people asked. A few others warned: “watch out for the terrorists – are you sure you want to go to a place so dangerous?”

Yes, I was sure.

But what about traveling through these lands when the terrorist group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had organized a few suicide bombs earlier this year?

A few years ago the “guerilla-ravaged” lands of Colombia gave me an amazingly different reality than what appeared on the television screen. Why not go for round two in another place?

I went, and I am very thankful for my decision. Here are 9 reasons to consider visiting Sri Lanka in 2009:

1. The Art of Smiling

If you have not seen enough smiles lately, go to Sri Lanka. The frequency with which locals will beam their brightness at you is mind-boggling. In a few days of venturing out of the capital city of Colombo, you will probably receive more smiles than you did in the previous two months back home.

2. The Land

Sri Lanka is a bit larger than the state of West Virginia. But this nation contains over a thousand miles of coastline, vast tea plantations in the mountains of the central highlands, rainforests, deserts, and brilliant beaches. Its three zones are divided by elevation: the central highlands, the plains, and the coastal belt.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

3. Fruit

Kings coconuts are widely sold in road-side shacks. Costing roughly 30 cents, they are hacked open by a vendor, who will stick a straw inside and presto – you have a refreshing all-natural drink said to help with digestion.

Don’t miss the wood apple. About the size of a small orange with a rock hard stone-looking shell, this fruit is smashed down on a hard surface in order to be cracked open. The ripe wood apple is on the sweet side, and is best used as a jam. The unripe wood apple offers nature’s version of Sour Patch Kids. It’s an unreal nature-candy if you like sour flavors.

4. Friendliness with Interest

After seeing my friend (who is African-American and has braids), a Sri Lankan man in a restaurant could not stop himself from overflowing with excitement. He immediately began to say “Bob Marley!” over and over again while asking to take multiple pictures with my buddy.

In general, families seeing a foreigner walk by their home are inclined to invite them inside for a cup of tea. They want to hear what you think of the country and its people, and they usually get a thrill out of having their picture taken.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

5. Architecture

This is a land of temples – Buddhist and Hindu. Some of these praying structures are magnificently large and visited by many; others are small and seemingly known only by locals. Don’t be surprised to find yourself unexpectedly stopping in a small village to see a beautifully crafted Hindu statue or other eye-catching structure.

6. Commercials

No joke – they are hilarious, as is much of the media. Picture a young girl sitting in the backseat of a car with her mother driving. They stop, get out of the car, and walk into a park full of trees. The child later drops her toy on the ground. A man then picks it up and hands it over with a smile. Next appears a close-up shot of the car’s wheels, for a tire advertisement.

The commercial was so unconnectedly entertaining that it was difficult to forget – like a few other Sri Lankan adverts. But that is the whole idea, right?

7. English Spoken Here

Due to the British colonization lasting over 150 years, a good percentage of the population speaks English – especially in the cities. When a traveler is lost or curious, the locals’ fluency in English comes in handy. A warning to those having difficulties picking up accents: some pidgin English is spoken here. My friends had no problem understanding from the start, but I was lost in this seemingly foreign language for a few days.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

8. Surf’s Up

Sri Lanka has been rebuilding itself, with the help of many nations, since the horrific tsunami in December, 2004. In this restructuring, beach resorts – such as Awanatuna Beach – were built on the southwest side to cater to surfers from April to October. Waves are reported three to eight feet – substantial swells. The off season would be better for novice surfers as the swells usually come in at two to six feet.

9. Watch a Forming Culture(s)

Sri Lankans have fought for independence for more than 400 years, starting with colonization by the Portuguese in 1505, the Dutch in 1660, and finally, the British in 1796. Each colonizer has left its respective mark on the Sri Lankan society. A consistent example of one of these marks is a popular men’s clothing style: a sarong (traditional), accompanied with an incongruous collared shirt (British) to complete the outfit.

Since 1948, Sri Lanka has been a sovereign nation. In 1972, the country changed the British-bestowed name “Ceylon” to “Sri Lanka”, which roughly translates to “prosperous island.” Now, Sri Lanka is making its own way in the world, and figuring out who it is in the process.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

Community Connection

For more on Sri Lanka, check out Hidden Hope: A Visit To A Sri Lankan Tea Estate, or several Sri Lankan blogs from Matador member khammons.

Feature photo by Tony. Above photo by Nidcha Injai.

From the early mountaineers who came to the Himalayas, travelers and adventurers have always sought out new places to explore in Asia. The following roundup outlines some of the recent Asian “classics” for ideas and inspiration on your next trip.

1. Paddling / Rafting on the Pai River, Thailand

The Pai River flows 62 miles through various class IV gorges and long stretches of flatwater through a remote, wilderness section of the Mae Hong Son province in Thailand. Season runs June – January. Mulit-day trips are run out of Pai.

2. Kite-surfing on the Filipino Island of Boracay

Bulabog Lagoon stretching over three bays, with an extended shallow and consistent cross-shore winds perfect for both kite-surfing. Various kite-surfing schools offer courses.

Photo by David Eng.

3. Mountain Trekking in Nepal

Among the numerous trekking routes in Nepal, the most popular is the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. Like most popular routes in Nepal, the Annapurna Sanctuary is a “teahouse trek.” Trails pass through villages, each with its own lodging.

4. Caving and Wildlife Viewing in Borneo

The site of continued international caving expeditions, Gunung Mulu National Park contains over 300 km of mapped caves system, including the largest single cave chamber in the world. It has a well established infrastructure and daily tours.

5. Surfing in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is well-known among surfers. The ‘Hawaii of the East’ is blessed with white sandy beaches, huge waves, and an established surf culture. You get to enjoy Japanese culture without the hectic rush of Tokyo or other big cities.

The best waves are found at the North of Nago, but beware of the southern end of the harbor, but this is a hollow reef break, not for novice surfers.

Photo by Oscar López.

6. Sandboarding at Mui Ne, Northern Vietnam

Sunrise is a good time to head up into the White Sand dunes. One of the most fun ways to spend a couple hours exploring the dunes: sandboarding. You can rent a board for 100,000 Dong.

7. Trekking and Climbing in Bhutan

With some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and trekking routes, and a government that measures the country’s progress in GNH, or Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is good to go. Remember that independent traveling is not allowed by the Bhutanese government; you need to arrange your trip through a local travel agency.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Looking for more in depth guides on the places mentioned above?

Check out this Comprehensive guide to trekking Bhutan. Want to check out surf in Japan Hit up our crew here.

If you’re just getting started in adventure sports, check out David Miller’s guide to paddling or N. Chrystine Olson’s beginner’s guide to telemark skiing.

Although it was built more than a millennium after his time, Lao-Tzu may as well have been referring to the Trans-Siberian rail when he said, “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

That’s the perfect attitude to keep in mind as you board the Rossiya to begin your journey.

Reason #1: You’ll experience a sense of accomplishment.

Don’t listen to them. I’m talking about the Internet forum posters and naysayers on the road, the ones who tell you how hard it is to buy train tickets if you don’t speak Russian.

Admittedly, it is a bit daunting when you’re face to face with a large, surly babushka, but here’s a secret to break the ice: pass her a hand-written note in your best Cyrillic and chances are she will crack a smile. It will look like children’s writing to her. It works every time.

Once you get that out of the way, your confidence will soar. Then, you’ll wonder what the big fuss was all about.

Tip: Make sure you go armed with a few choices in case your preferred train is sold out. Use the CIS Railway Timetable for a reliable schedule of trains. Note that all train schedules are based on Moscow time, something to keep in mind as you traverse up to eight time zones.

Reason #2: You’ll cut your costs.

Buying tickets at the window will save you a stack of rubles. Savings are amplified if you get adventurous and choose platzkartny, the open carriage in which most locals travel and your best bet for cultural submersion. These tickets can be 25% of the cost of a kupe fare.

Sure, the open carriage also offers 0% of the privacy of a closed berth, but how else are you going to observe the local behaviors and customs? A British couple we met along the way shared a cart with a group of soldiers. By the time they said dasvidanya to the young men, they were plus one set of dog tags, an army ration pack, and a drawing.

Tip: To save even more cash, consider contacting hosts through websites like Hospitality Club and Couch Surfing, especially in Moscow where you can blow a big portion of your budget on accommodation.

Reason #3: You can roam if you want to.

Imagine meeting up with other travelers who are in the midst of organizing an amazing week-long off-road adventure. You’re welcome to join them, they tell you. Problem is, your train tickets have a departure date for tomorrow.

This does happen. In Ulan Bator, a six-day excursion to White Lake was planned with some Aussies we met on the road. While my wife and I leisurely explored the city, our new friends spent most of the day re-booking their onward tickets, and of course coughed up a few thousand togrog for the privilege.

Avoid this by not having a rigid plan. Opportunities will always arise and you won’t know all the options until you arrive at your destination. Once you figure out what you want to do, go ahead and purchase your onward fares.

Visas: A minor detail

Train tickets are one issue, visas another.

Assuming Moscow as the start, depending what your final destination is – Vladivostok or Beijing – and what route you decide on – Trans-Mongolian or Trans-Manchurian – you will need a visa for Russia, Mongolia or China, or all three.

While it is possible to acquire the necessary papers on your own, the Russian visa is not straightforward.

Russia also requires that you register your visa within three business days upon arrival. The hotel or hostel should do this on your behalf or, if you’re staying with friends, they can register you at a post office.

If you have the time and patience, there’s no reason you can’t obtain the visas on your own. But there isn’t much to be gained other than saving a few bucks.

It might be worthwhile having an agent do this for you, freeing you up to practice your spaseebas and pazhalstas and memorizing the Cyrillic alphabet.

Other helpful resources

Two of the more popular Trans-Siberian websites are Way to Russia and The Man in Seat 61.

Both have a plethora of priceless information that explores the minutiae of this exciting trip. Don’t overlook Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree for up-to-the-minute information from travelers.

The most useful guidebook ever is the Trailblazer Trans-Siberian Handbookby Bryn Thomas. This invaluable tool not only discusses history and places of interest, but also includes timetables and critical information for preparing your trip. There are even templates you can use, with Russian translations, to help you buy your train fares.

Remember, flexibility is your friend.

Timing is everything. If you’re traveling in the May to September peak season you need to be very flexible as you probably won’t get the tickets you want. In fact, on some of the more popular trains you might be forced to use an agent as they pre-buy seats in bulk, leaving crumbs for the scavengers.

At other times, you’ll have the pick of the crop. We traveled in October with no problems catching our desired trains.

Don’t rush the trip. Remember, travel isn’t about the destination but the experience of getting there.

Community Connection

Love riding the rails? Check out our list of 10 Spectacular Train Rides or take a look at Matador member anne137’s blog and video from her ride on the Trans-Siberian.

If you’re unsure where to stop along the journey, check out Carlo’s companion piece, Trans Siberian Sidetrips: How To Break Your Train Ride.

All photos by author.

The country produces more varieties than there are days in a year, and many come with personalized glasses in which only that type may be served.

But beer isn’t all the country has to offer. On your next trip to Brussels, Belgium’s capital, sober up with some of these other activities.

1. Ascend the Atomium.

Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World’s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture.

It’s modeled after a crystallized molecule of iron magnified 150 thousand million times.

Escalators take visitors to expositions in the various spheres, and the upper sphere houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne.

2. Experience Mini Europe.

At the foot of the Atomium is Mini Europe, the only place where touring the continent takes just a few hours. Roughly 80 cities and 350 buildings are represented.

Marvel at impressive reproductions of Europe’s most attractive monuments, watch Mount Vesuvius erupt, and see a Finnish girl dive into icy waters.

3. Discover Old Town.

The crown jewel of Brussels’ Old Town is the Grand Place, built as a merchants’ market in the 13th century. Tour the striking Gothic town hall or people watch from a café. Then, wander the surrounding cobblestone streets.

Stroll through the Galeries St. Hubert, a glass roofed arcade lined with cafes, theaters, and luxury shops. Also be sure to see the Manneken Pis, the famous bronze sculpture of a boy peeing in a fountain.

4. Sample world-famous chocolate.

Learn about Belgian chocolate at the Chocolate Museum, then visit some of the Brussels’ most celebrated chocolate shops.

Wittamer, in the heart of the city, is a family-owned chocolatier that’s been in business since 1910. It’s the official chocolate supplier to the Belgian Court.

Pierre Marcolini, whose flagship store is located near the Grand Place, is a newer but welcome addition to the Belgian chocolate scene.

Marcolini opened his first store in 1995, the same year he was named the World Champion of Pastry.

5. Revisit the comic strips of your youth.

Did you know that Tintin was created by a Belgian artist? You would if you visited Brussels’ Comic Strip Museum. See original pages of comic artwork, sketches and memorabilia.

Learn how the Smurfs, also of Belgian origin, got their start. (Hint: They’re a spin-off!)

6. Savor moules frites.

When Bruxellois devour this unofficial national dish, they eat the first mussel with their fingers and then scoop up the rest using the empty shell as a utensil.

And what about the fries? They dip those in mayonnaise.

Moules frites can be found at most restaurants, but if you’re near the Grand Place, try the mid-range and delicious L’Estaminet du Kelderke.

7. See a puppet performance.

Nestled at the end of a cobblestone alley in Old Town is Café Toone, whose cozy building dates from 1696.

Enjoy a drink with locals downstairs, then head up to the attic for a show like no other: marionettes perform Shakespeare and other classics.

8. Take a tour.

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Hop-on, hop-off bus tours, offered by Brussels City Tours, give a good overview of the city’s most famous sights. Catch the bus outside Central Station.

For do-it-yourselfers, take a walking tour of Brussels’ most upscale designers, explore the city’s antique and flea markets, or experience its beautiful green spaces.

9. Visit the EU.

As the European capital, Brussels is home to the European Union headquarters. Take an audio-guided tour of the European Parliament, the elected body of the EU.

During sessions, you can even attend a parliamentary sitting. Check for session dates here.

10. Okay, a little bit of beer…

Near the South train station, which connects Brussels to other cities in Europe, is one of the last traditional breweries, Cantillon.

Almost nothing has changed since the brewery opened in 1900.

See the open vats where their signature Lambic beer is cooled, and the oak wood barrels where it’s aged for up to three years.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

If Brussels is but one stop on your trip around Europe and you’re on a budget, check out Matador’s list of Top 10 Free Things to Do in Europe.

All photos by author.

Photo by orphanjones.Feature photo by Darcy McCarthy.

Whether you seek towering mountains or sweltering desert, pastoral idyll or urban jungle, California has a range of options for your trekking adventure.

8. Death Valley

Death Valley is a landscape of sublime desolation. While it is difficult to take extended hiking trips in Death Valley—you must bring in all of your own water—a number of sights can be visited by 4-wheel drive.

Death Valley is home to stunning natural phenomena. Take a day trip across the Badwater salt flat, the lowest point in North America, and visit Furnace Creek, which boasts the hottest recorded temperature in the Western Hemisphere.

Explore Racetrack Playa and its mysterious sailing stones, the Mesquite Sand Dunes (the desert planet Tatooine of Star Wars fame), and the Devil’s Golf Course with its enormous fingerlike salt crystals. January is a great time to visit to avoid the valley’s staggering summertime heat.

7. The Coastal Trail and the Lost Coast

Photo by AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker.

Highway One veers inland away from the dramatic coastal cliffs of the King Range, leaving a stretch of wilderness between Mendocino and Eureka in Northern California.

Trekkers on the Coastal Trail will encounter seals and sea lions, gigantic waves, and virgin redwoods stands in the hollows of Sinkyone Wilderness preserve.

Bring your rain gear. The Lost Coast is the wettest region of the state, and some parts get up to 100 inches of annual rainfall.

6. Garnet Lake

The arduous trek to Garnet Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness is a photographer’s dream. Environmentalist John Muir considered this alpine lake framed by snowy mountains his church.

Because of its location in the high Sierras, the trailhead that begins at Devil’s Postpile is only open from June to early December, depending on the snowfall.

The area is known for its many bears, so be sure to bring bear canisters to protect your food or face a long, hungry walk back to civilization. Ambitious climbers might consider ascents of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak.

5. Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy

Of the 750 trail miles in Yosemite, the loop through Beehive Meadows to Lake Vernon from Hetch Hetchy Valley might be the most rewarding. Contemplate the park’s famous granite domes and swim the crystal waters of Lake Vernon.

Late May to early June is the best season to visit when indigenous wildflowers are in full bloom and snowmelt is still cascading down Rancheria Falls into the reservoir.

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore

Just an hour north of San Francisco, Point Reyes provides 150 miles of excellent hiking trails and camping opportunities within easy reach of the city.

A trail near the visitor’s center runs along the San Andreas fault, where the power of the 1906 earthquake that leveled San Francisco is illustrated by a 15-foot separation in an old wooden fence.

Because Point Reyes juts out several miles into the Pacific, its quiet beaches are perfect for whale watching in April and November.

3. San Francisco

San Francisco is a walker’s paradise. Traverse the city from the bayside to the ocean and explore dozens of neighborhoods and hilltop parks along the way. Even on a sunny day you’ll notice San Franciscans carrying their jackets.

Do the same: temperatures plummet under the rolling banks of fog.

2. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a walker’s hell. To live in Los Angeles without a car is akin to living anywhere else without legs. Angelenos will think you are crazy when you mention your urban trek from downtown to the Pacific. However, the 20-mile jaunt passes many of LA’s best attractions, and amazingly, there are sidewalks.

Start at Union Station and take Sunset Boulevard northwest into the hipster village of Silver Lake. Continue on Sunset until you reach Hollywood Boulevard and its grimy tattoo parlors. Take pictures with the buskers outside the Chinese Theater.

Go south back to Sunset and head west for Sunset Strip’s nightclubs and rock venues where West Coast bands dream of hitting the big time. Skirt ritzy Beverly Hills and take Venice Boulevard all the way to the boardwalk at Venice Beach where you will be treated to some of LA’s finest characters.

1. Mount Shasta

Like her Cascade Range cousins further north, glacier-peaked Mount Shasta is visible from 100 miles away. Shasta is popular with mountain climbers in the summer and backcountry skiers in the winter.

The popular Avalanche Gulch Trail starts at the tree line and rises 6,300 feet over rocky moraines and snowfields to the summit.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Hiking junkie? Try our guides to the Best Hikes in Puerto Rico, or the 5 Best Treks in Nepal.

GOODS:

Hospital in Singapore. Photo courtesy nahele

As soon as you step into Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, it’s apparent that medical tourism – the melding of tourism and healthcare – is big business.

The lobby of the hospital is indistinguishable from that of an upscale hotel, with plush sofas, soft lighting, and its very own Starbucks. About half a dozen languages can be heard as efficient, multilingual staff usher patients to their appointments.

Last year, millions of patients, including about 500,000 Americans according to the National Coalition on Health Care, traveled abroad seeking affordable medical and dental care, no waiting lists, and longer convalescing periods.

Where are the medical tourism hot spots? Check out this list.

1. Thailand

One of Asia’s medical tourism pioneers, Thailand’s private urban hospitals have long been swarmed by tourists. Many initially sought cosmetic procedures, including sex changes, for a fraction of the prices back home; now, treatments encompass everything from orthopedic treatments to dental and cardiac surgeries.

Traditional ayurveda drugstore, India.

Photo: skasuga

2. India

Gaining reputation for its skilled English-speaking medical professionals, wide range of procedures and surgeries, and very low prices, India attracts med-trotters from near and far, with a recent surge in the number of American patients.

Many hospitals also offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments, where herbs, massage, and yoga comprise a system of alternative medicine.

3. Singapore

Another pioneer of medical travel in Asia, Singapore possesses one of the best health care systems in the world according to World Health Organization (WHO). The squeaky clean (literally) city-state woos globetrotting patients with every major medical treatment, including stem cell treatments for cancer.

4. China

With recent reports of tainted drugs and unethical organ harvesting, China is not likely on anyone’s radar as a medical destination. It is, however, the place for experimental (and highly controversial) stem cell therapy for everything from spinal injuries to neurodegenerative disorders.

Medical emergency in Ziyang, China. Photo courtesy quiplash!

5. Poland

Long waits for services back home, cheap flights and bargain prices have boosted the popularity of dental tourism in Poland, especially among the Brits. The Polish government is also promoting more comprehensive service offerings, as well as traditional spa treatments such as salt caves and thermal baths.

6. Hungary

For over a decade, Austrian, Swiss and German patients have been driving over the Hungarian border for inexpensive dental work. The former Eastern bloc nation’s decision to jump on the medical tourism bandwagon is therefore not surprising.

It does, however, face competition from the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania – all accessible by Western Europeans via ground transport and low cost air-carriers.

7. Mexico

Americans are heading over the border for cosmetic procedures, dentistry, and vision correction surgery in specialized clinics. Mexico is growing in popularity, as some US health insurers are offering policyholders coverage in order to cut costs, and its services are being met with high patient satisfaction rates.

Calderon Hospital in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy Don Fulano

8. Costa Rica

Against a backdrop of volcanoes, beaches, and cloudforests, Costa Rica advertises recovery retreats, or ranches created for recuperating medical tourists. The nation is known for dental tourism, as well as plastic and cosmetic surgery, and its proximity to the US and Canada makes it a growing destination for medical tourism in the Western Hemisphere.

9. Brazil

Brazil is one of the largest markets for cosmetic surgery, boasting about 4,500 licensed cosmetic surgeons, the highest per capita rate in the world. From facelifts and rhinoplasty to weight loss treatments and bariatric surgery, Sao Paolo and Rio de Janiero are the destinations of choice for travelers who elect to go under the knife for the sake of beauty.

Hermanos Almejeiras in Cuba -

Hospital featured in Michael Moore’s Sicko.

Photo: anna_t

10. Cuba

With universal health care and free medical education for scores of international students, Cuba has long been known for its medical capabilities and dedicated doctors. Latin American and European medical tourists have been visiting Cuba for decades.

Foreigners who pay in hard currency receive quality treatment. But keep in mind that Cuba’s health care may be built on solid ideals, lauded in Michael Moore’s 2007 documentary Sicko, but the system is dramatically two-tiered.

11. Jordan

Jordan aspires to be a regional medical tourism hub, channeling investment funds into its health infrastructure.

Last year the Kingdom attracted a fair number of Iraqi, Palestinian and Sudanese patients, with reported revenues exceeding one billion US dollars.

Jordan’s specialties include heart surgery, infertility treatment, and cornea transplants, and the country is poised to leverage its wellness and spa industry, given its access to the Dead Sea.

Salt and mineral-rich waters allow for a healthy buoyancy in the Dead Sea at Israel. Photo courtesy onesevenone

12. Israel

An emerging destination for medical tourists, Israel aims to attract international patients within and beyond the Jewish diaspora. It is known for cancer and in-vitro fertilization treatments; a recent brochure by the Health and Tourism Ministries describes Israel as a “land of milk, honey and fertility.”

Wellness-minded travelers also visit the Dead Sea for its salt and mineral-rich waters, medicinal black mud, and dry, mineral-infused air.

Travel overseas for medical care is not without risk. Accreditation varies across the board, and it may not mean much. You must do much more research before deciding to embark on this type of travel.

There are a dizzying number of travel agents dedicated to promoting medical tourism, finding doctors, and booking arrangements in different nations. HealthCare Tourism International, a nonprofit that tracks global healthcare, provides a database of such services by country, as well as links to industry news. NPR also has an informative list of FAQs for those considering surgery abroad.

Community Connection

Worried about staying healthy while you’re traveling? Check out 5 Exercises to De-Stress on Long Flights.

Hotel de Glace, Quebec, Canada. Feature photo by lande2006. Above photo by duplamox.

Ice Hotel

Built every winter only to melt in the spring, Icehotel in Sweden is constructed entirely from ice and snow; that includes the walls, fixtures, and furniture.

Luxury suite for two. Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Photo by bjaglin.

Try falling asleep in this church. Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Photo by bjaglin.

No ice hotel would be complete without an ice garage. Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Photo by Köttbullekvist.

Cave Hotel

The Cappadocia region of Turkey draws in hordes of amazed tourists with its whimsical landscape, filled with fairy chimneys into which the buildings, including hotels, are carved.

A Dr. Seuss wonderland. Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey, Photo by Curious Expeditions.

Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey. Photo by Adam Franco

High class cave dwelling. Urgup, Cappadocia, Turkey. Photo by Jason Devitt

Forest Hut Hotel

For a nominal fee, travelers in Kolarbyn, Sweden can be left to fend for themselves while roughing it in a rustic forest hut. Food drops are optional.

Photo by Tom Williams.

The kitchen. Photo by Li-Lian Williams.

Survival Pod Hotel

These bright orange mod pods anchored in The Hague were part of an art project before being capitalized on as adventurous getaway. Packages range from basic survival with a sleeping bag and food rations to something a bit more James Bond-esque.

Photo by Roel.

Capsule Hotel

In special discount hotels in Japan, guests stow their luggage in lockers, then buy automated tickets to little cubicles that leave enough room for bedding and television monitor.

Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Massa.

Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Andrés Monroy-Hernández.

Sewage Pipe Hotel

Austria’s answer to the capsule hotel, Das Park Hotel has the same premise of buying a ticket from an automated machine, but, supposedly, guests pay whatever amount they want. Fair, considering it’s a concrete sewage pipe.

Das Park Hotel, Ottensheim, Austria. Photo by Foam.

Floating and Underwater Hotel

The Utter Inn floats one kilometer on Lake Malaren as a solitary island and beneath the surface lies a bedroom with a panoramic underwater view.

In dry dock. Lake Malaren, Vasteras, Sweden. Photo by Jonas Wallinder.

Prison Hotel

Nine centuries old and originally the historic residence of Empress Matilda, the Oxford Castle has also been a prison. Now, it’s a hotel and shopping complex.

Photo by Miladus Edenensis.

Photo by Jim Fruchterman.

Yurt Hotel

Yurts hold a special symbolism in Central Asian culture, adorning the Kazakhstan coat of arms and the Kyrgyzstan flag.

Nayrn, Kyrgyzstan. Photo by Rob.

Naryn, Kyrgyzstan. Photo by Rob.

Feature photo by vad_levin / Above photo by david55king

Looking out to the Mediterranean from the hill city of Haifa, on a peninsula jutting out from Israel’s northwestern coast, you just may see a sliver of land in the distance: Lebanon.

It was barely visible one gray afternoon in the spring, as was a lone naval ship, presumably protecting Israel’s shores.

Together, these two images served as a subtle reminder of the summer two years before, when missiles shot by Hezbollah rained down on the city. Incoming missile alarms sounded multiple times a day, and Haifa effectively shut down for the month of July as residents holed up in underground shelters.

The shuttered Haifa still dominates the world’s perception of the city, but it is not the only Haifa its residents know.

Photo by david55king

The Treasure Chest

Haifa, often likened to San Francisco or Naples, seems to rise magically from the sea. Flowing for a half mile down the side of the tiered city are the varied colors of 19 terraces. Collectively, they look like a rainbow punctuated in the middle by its treasure chest: the golden-domed shrine of the Baha’i prophet, Bab.

It is a beautiful sight, but also a perplexing one. Why are the headquarters of the Baha’i faith located in Haifa, a city in the Jewish state, a country in the Muslim Middle East?

The simple answer is that Bahá’u'lláh, founder of the Baha’i faith, lived and died here after being exiled from a number of other places — but a more poetic explanation is offered by many Haifa residents.

“The shrine symbolizes the tolerance of citizens here,” said Ayala Klingman, a retired musician and piano teacher who has lived in Haifa for 20 years.

Haifa may be the only place in the region where members of five faiths — Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Druze and Baha’i — live and work peacefully side by side.

In 1902, Theodor Herzl, founder of modern Zionism, dubbed Haifa “the city of the future,” and it is well on its way to fulfilling that prophecy. Israelis describe Tel Aviv as wild and cosmopolitan, Jerusalem as ancient and mysterious, and Haifa as an awakening beauty.

Since Herzl’s proclamation, the city’s population has swelled from less than 20,000 to over a quarter million.

Yet somehow Haifa is largely undiscovered by foreign travelers. A stop on many whirlwind tours of Israel and a transit hub for visits to places further north such as the Golan Heights, it is a main destination for few. This is a shame, as there is so much to see.

Photo by Bossplot

The Three-Tiered City

Haifa is divided into three tiers. The lowest of these offers miles upon miles of sandy Mediterranean beaches, beloved by locals but free from tourist crowds, as well as Israel’s largest port and a number of industrial areas.

“Tel Aviv plays while Jerusalem prays, but Haifa works,” goes the common saying. While Haifa’s port and oil refinery still employ many residents, the city, home to Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, has also recently attracted a number of high-tech corporations.

The main attraction of the middle tier, made up of residential areas and the business district, is Ben Gurion Boulevard, the lively heart of the German colony, with its trendy shops and restaurants.

Photo by vad_levin

The top tier, the Carmel District, has green parks and lovely homes. Yefe Nof Street, appropriately nicknamed Panorama Street, has a spectacular view of the sea both by day and by night. It is also the starting point of numerous nature trails that wind down Mount Carmel to the Haifa Bay.

The city’s extensive public transportation system makes it easy for visitors to explore. The various levels are connected by the Carmelit, Israel’s only underground subway, a futuristic-looking aerial cable car, and numerous long flights of stairs. The city also has a reliable public bus system.

“The beauty of the city,” marvels tour guide Yair Herdan, who has lived all of his life in Haifa, is “mountains and sea together with forests and a port – an awakening beauty indeed.”

Visitor Info

HOW TO GET THERE

Travelers coming from Greece and Turkey can land in Haifa’s small regional airport, but those coming from the U.S. must fly into Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv (El Al offers direct flights from New York for approximately $1,500), and then take a train (about $12), or private taxi (about $100) the 55 miles to Haifa.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in Central Carmel, the bustling district atop Mount Carmel, is the five-star Holiday Inn Bay View (Yefe Nof Street, 04/835-0835, www.ichotelsgroup.com). Double rooms start at $170 and feature sweeping views of the Haifa Bay as well as the Galil Mountains. The comfortable Haifa Meridian Hotel (David Elazar Street, 04/850-8888, www.fattal.co.il) offers sea view rooms starting at $190 and easy access to the best of Haifa’s beaches.

Photo by david55king

WHERE TO EAT

The Renee Restaurant (Yefe Nof Street, 4/837-5602), located in a beautiful stone house overlooking the Haifa Bay, offers local meat, fish and pasta favorites and a good selection of wines. At Isabella (Ben Gurion Street, 4/855-2201), located in the German colony, enjoy Italian and Arab dishes as you look out at the Baha’i gardens.

WHERE TO SHOP

Watch local artists work at the Castra Art, Recreation and Shopping Center (Moshe Fliman Street, 04/859-0000), where you can buy their goods and oftentimes create your own alongside them. The Panorama Center (Ha Nassi Avenue, 4/837-5011) in Carmel Center is a good modern shopping mall, and Hertzl Street in the Hadar neighborhood is a bustling outdoor bazaar with plenty of reasonably priced goods.

community connection

Interested in more on Israel? Learn the 10 Customs You Should Know Before Studying Abroad in Israel or read this thoughtful essay on How Conflict Shapes the Culture of Israel.

Photos by the author

Portugal’s Algarve coast is sometimes mentioned in the same sentence as Cancun or Benidorm in Spain – synonymous with the package tourist and concrete resort hotel.

But the Algarve has two things going for it that Cancun and Benidorm don’t. One, most of the ugly resorts and their clientele in the Algarve are confined to enclaves out of sight and out of mind. Two, it has some serious surf.

Whether gentle white water rollers, hollow beach breaks, or thumping reef breaks are your thing, the Algarve offers it all.

Where to stay

The Algarve region stretches across the south of Portugal. With both south and west facing coastline, it’s perfectly angled to pick up Atlantic swells from almost any direction. It also means that to escape an unfavourable wind on one coast, it’s just a short drive around the southwestern tip to beaches facing the other way.

Lagos is a good compromise between enjoying Algarve culture and being close to the surf. The consistent beaches of the west coast are a 30 minute drive away.

If you can look past the English language menus and throbbing backpacker bars (and visit outside of August), this historical port town offers a laid back existence among the narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed terraces. Dorm beds at any of the several hostels (Lagos Youth Hostel is among the newest and best) start at around €10. Rooms in guesthouses start at €30 per night.

Sagres is another option, located near the south west tip of Portugal and home to a variety of beach breaks in medium to big southerly swells. Unlike Lagos, Sagres has retained its fishing port roots and apart from a few surfer bars on the one main road, it remains a quiet town outside of peak season. Rooms in guesthouses start at €20 per night.

The west coast is dotted with a variety of pleasant beachside towns: Carrapateira, Arrifana, and Monte Clerigo are all excellent surfing options. Arrifana’s brand new youth hostel, Pousadas Jueventude offers beds from €10 per night.

Bring your own board, or rent?

Surf schools are a great option for people who are backpacking through Portugal and are keen to get into surfing for a couple of days to a week.

The schools provide wetsuits, soft foam mini-Malibu surfboards, and coaching. In some cases, schools also provide accommodation, like the long-established Surf Experience in Lagos.

Surf schools also have the added benefit of surf instructors’ local knowledge: many spots in Algarve are hidden at the end of rough dirt tracks or beneath steep cliffs.

Experienced surfers should consider bringing two boards. If the rocks at a spot like Arrifana Reef don’t get your board, the shallow beachbreaks just might.

Tides

The Algarve beaches experience a huge a tidal range, so knowing when to go is almost as important as where. A beach break at dead low tide could be one long close out and six hours later be miraculously transformed into a series of beautiful peaks.

As a a very rough guide, the southern Portuguese beaches tend to be best an hour or two either side of high tide. It’s for this reason that you’ll arrive at midday and find no one around until, like clockwork, surfers start arriving en masse for the high tide session before disappearing just as quickly again.

Learn the language

Some guidebooks encourage learning a few simple phrases of the local language to endear the traveler to the local population. In Portugal, this is more of a necessity than simply a nicety as English is not widely spoken outside of the main tourist and surfer haunts.

A basic grasp of Portuguese might help you find that hidden surf spot or order lunch successfully.

Post surf refuel

For a filling snack, try a bifana, a bread roll filled with garlic roast pork, which is sold at most cafes for a couple of euros. The Algarve also has some of the best, freshest and cheapest seafood in Europe.

Budget on €8-10 for a main course dinner of whole grilled fish with salad and vegetables. The Portuguese wash it down with madronha, a local moonshine served in a small brandy balloon that goes well with a strong espresso.

Localism is alive and well.

It’s worth mentioning that while the majority of Portuguese are friendly, some are less than stoked about having their waves regularly invaded by touring surfers. Sagres seems to be the worst area of the Algarve for localism, with reports of drop ins, intimidation and occasional damage to cars.

Problems often stem from European surfers traveling in large groups and hassling for waves. By traveling alone or with a friend and showing respect, you should have no problems.

Four great waves

Arrifana Reef is perhaps one of the best rights in the country. This point break needs a big swell before the wave breaks wide enough to clear the rocks sticking out of the water halfway down the line. Entry and exit is relatively straightforward through the fishing harbour, but watch out for the currents.

Just next door is Canal, which offers both an intense right hander under the shadow of a cliff and a more mellow right further south breaking over sand-covered boulders.

Zavial is one of the best spots on the south coast when there is a huge swell running. It can also be one of the most crowded. Zavial is a right hand point break that in northerly winds peels cleanly for a couple hundred metres.

Another protected spot in big swells is Beliche in Sagres, a beach break that can throw out perfect left and rights depending on the sand banks.

Traveling in India during these terror stricken times is something even Indian citizens are reconsidering.

Tourists and foreign nationals are alarmed and they should be.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, The Oberoi Trident Hotel and the Leopold Café are three of the locations that were bombarded by terrorists holding AK-47s and firing indiscriminately at anything and anyone that moved.

These three places are also most frequented by tourists visiting Mumbai City.

Within 24 hours of the attacks, numerous international airlines took off from Mumbai airport with their respective citizens aboard. The British cricket team, in India for a tournament, returned home immediately. The LIVE EARTH concert scheduled for December 7th was canceled. Indians and foreigners alike were afraid for their lives and safety.

The media, the government of India, and the USA are still speculating about how and why the attacks happened and what actions should be taken. Simultaneously, Mumbai City has already begun moving on.

If you are traveling to India soon, here’s some travel advice you should keep in mind:

1. Check with your airline prior to your departure to confirm that your flight is on time. Double check four hours before departure. With the situation in Mumbai City changing rapidly, international airlines are likely to make last-minute decisions about delaying or canceling flights.

2. Check the websites of the national newspapers in India to get a local perspective on what is occurring in Mumbai City.

3. There should be no medication packed in your hand baggage, but if it’s unavoidable you should pack the prescriptions for these pills as well as the medication itself. You will be asked about this while boarding domestic sector flights in India.

4. Ensure you do not have any liquids in your hand baggage; all cosmetics should be checked in.

5. If you are traveling to India for business, recheck the venues with your host. Many business meetings took place at the Taj and the Oberoi; both hotels were seriously damaged in the attacks and remain closed as of this writing.

6. Once in India, go about as normal and do not get offended if security officials at the airports check your bags thoroughly. This is for your own safety and security. Likewise, do not be alarmed if you see lots of police, Royal Action Force, and National Security Guard Commandos walking the streets armed with their guns. This is only a precaution and does not always suggest that there is something unusual going on.

7. While traveling around India, carry your passport with you at all times, and provide it if any member of the police force asks for it. India is on high security alert, and being asked to see one’s passport is a common occurrence for foreign visitors.

8. Peace and anti-war marches take place regularly now and there is no harm in participating if you feel like that’s what you want to do. These are not political rallies, unless organizers specifically say they are. In most cases, the marches are a show of support from citizens for the victims of these attacks.

9. Do not be afraid to ask for help from any Indian you see; hospitality is one of the culture’s most cherished values, so you will rarely get turned away. The English language is spoken by most, so if it seems like there’s something unusual happening, ask for help.

10. Visit the Mumbai police site regularly for safety and security tips and for emergency telephone numbers you should keep handy.

11. Do not make strong statements about any religion here, be it Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity. India is a secular state and the residents take this very seriously. Peace and harmony are vital during tough times.

The tourism industry has suffered immensely during these days, but having said this, Indians have no doubt it will be back and booming in no time. So, don’t be too cautious, enjoy your holiday and don’t worry unless you are informed that there’s something to worry about.

The situation is under control and you can be rest assured that the government will do everything in its power to protect and safeguard you during your visit here.

Photos:
Feature photo: danchitnis
Vigil: calmur
Taj Hotel: mdiocuh_galeals
Mumbai woman and tiffan box deliveryman: babasteve