European Travel Commission's Bash at Brasserie

It was a great time last night at the European Travel Commission’s bash at Brasserie in NYC last night. The whole place was taken for the event and the food and cocktails plentiful and the crowd upbeat. Better yet was the chance to run into several reps from some of Europe’s hottest destinations. Harald Hansen from Innovation Norway was witty as ever and a wiz on the dance floor. The stunning Victoria Larson from the German National Tourist Office was at the door greeting guests. Joanna Allen from Visit Britain happily catching up with freinds. Nora Brossard from Spring O’Brien was busy chatting up guests on the crowded floor. Some I missed like Nena Komaric from the Croatian National Tourist Board.

I had a chance to catch up with one of my favorite writers, David Farley just back from a long stay in a small village in Italy. David is a wiz with witty ideas for stories and follows through with great writing. Is it any wonder that Europe broke the record for US visitors for the second time in six years? Not with these talented reps pushing their countries charms.

Carnegie Deli, a Funny Place

Had a great day in NYC visiting with some travel PR firms and checking out a new area. Just a half a block away from my hotel is the world famous Carnegie Deli, pastrami anyone. Tonight is the European Travel Commission Press Kick-Off Party at Brasserie. Romania has now joined so it should be a good opportunity to check them out.

Cheap and Chic Hotels in Europe

In preparation for the European Travel Commission bash Tuesday night in NYC my friends at Spring O’Brien sent me a packet with some updates and what is happening across the pond. Travel trends often originate across the Atlantic. Being a hotel nut I was really into the No Frills Chic info, basically low price can be quality and style. Here are three great examples:

East Jet’s easyhotels are operating low cost hotels in London and Basel. Basically prefabricated pods are inserted into pre existing buildings. Small but with showers and toilets, pay-per-view television and double beds.

Opening in Amsterdam and Antwerp this spring are Qbic Hotels, cube shaped living spaces complete with mood lighting and wireless internet and Philippe Starck bathroom elements.

Hamburg’s 25-Hours Hotel has Divani daybeds, Brionvegas televisions and are reto style with rounded corners. Check them out all are perfect for style and leave you a way to battle the EU’s strength. http://www.spring-obrien.com/ http://www.visiteurope.com/

The Future of Travel Writing

I seem to be hearing about the shrinking of newspaper travel coverage just about every place I go. Yesterday in Boston, today on Travel Writers and emails from friends the cuts and closings are talked about. I have heard the rumblings for a long time but never like this.

What I am also hearing is that the PR and Tourism Boards are not quite sure what to do about it. All know that online is where most people go now to plan their trips, it is how to judge what sites are the ones to send on junkets and are going to keep their clients and bosses happy. A new way to judge the value is what is needed; fortunately we at GoNOMAD have been in the game a long time and Max has kept up with the trends.

German Tourism Shows its Stuff

I had wonderful lunch with Victoria Larson of the German National Tourism Office and Kirsten Schmidt from Berlin Tourism Marketing today at the Four Seasons in Boston, a success. This is the year of culture and art throughout Germany and stellar offerings are opening. The fact is that Germany, a country the size of Texas has over 500 galleries and 6,000 museums.

Besides art works of the highest quality are some newcomers such as a BMW Museum and Berlin’s new DDR Museum that covers life as it was in East Germany. In Berlin is a Kennedy Museum and at the Bucerius Kunst Forum is an exhibit that is near to my heart, an exhibit about The Hudson Valley School of painting. I am thrilled to think that painters such as Thomas Cole and Fredrick Church works will be on display, the scenes that I drive by daily. I could go on and on but go to http://www.cometogermany.com/ to get the full picture.

Oysters at the Union Oyster House in Beantown

Editor Steve and I are in Boston for a luncheon sponsored by the German National Tourist Office tomorrow at the Four Seasons. Today a lunch at the historic Union Oyster House was what was needed. The picture is of our affable server Shaun opening up some Blue Points for us. Since 1826 the oyster bar has been a place to slurp plump oysters and imbibe spirits. Daniel Webster used to chug brandy and eat plate after plate of oysters while hanging with admirers. Perhaps he had a good reason for eating so many oysters?

Upstairs the Massachusetts Spy was printed in 1771, full of revolutionary fervor and Hancock and Adams were regulars in the neighborhood. The first tooth picks used in the U.S. happened at the Union. Click here for other interesting stories about this pillar of shell fish consumption.
http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/Pages/history.html

Judaism In Morocco

As the Muslims were exiled from Spain also were the Jews, some created the first Jewish settlement in Morocco at Fes. The Jews were protected by the rulers of the city in return for an annual levy collected by the state treasury. While not many remain today the Danan Synagogue dating from the 17th century still stands. This doorway is etched with the Torah.

Moon Over Fes Morocco

Idi Amin's Self Given Title

When Amin went into exile he bestowed this title on himself; “His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshall Al Hadji Dr. Idi Amin, VC, DSO, MC, King of Scotland, Lord of all the Beast of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea and Conqueror of the British Empire in General and Uganda in Particular”, makes Senior Travel Editor seem so blasé. He died in exile in Saudi Arabia in 2003.

The Last King of Scotland, Story of a Monster

The movie Last King of Scotland took me from the small Rosendale Theater thousands of miles and years back in time to Uganda. While the movie is very loosely based on fact it was a great watch and no one can doubt the tragedies that befell Uganda’ s hell during the eight year rule of Idi Amin. The story revolves around a young and naive Scottish Doctor that ends up in the dictator’s inner circle, “hell hath no fury like a dictator scorned”.

Forrest Whitaker plays Idi amazingly and real up close, the man is an amazing actor. Playing the doctor was a face I haven’t seen before but I am willing to bet that I will again. James McAvoy played the role of Nicholas Garrigan stunningly. Sadly missing are more of the facts of the sad state of life for the Ugandans. The movie however held me and was well filmed.

Cortina d' Ampezzo, the Snow is Fine

I got an email from the very attractive Gabriella Talamini who represents Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Tourism. I met her in Boston last year at a Best of the Alps luncheon. Seems they are having the same problems getting out the word that the skiing is just fine as is many major areas here in the U.S. As I stated in my last blog I recently went to the Catskill Mts. yesterday and had a great day. It’s sad but when people in NYC do not see snow on the ground they assume that there is no skiing. I thought I would post her report on the conditions; hey I would board a plane in the morning to ski at Cortina. Seems some US newspapers got wrong info:

I noticed lately that a lot of press reports, especially from USA, are complaining about the lack of snow in Europe and consequently about the impossibility of skiing the Dolomites.

I think it is important for You to be correctly informed and therefore I just would like to point out that in CORTINA D'AMPEZZO almost all slopes are open (89%) and 34 lifts out of 37 are operating since december. Our guests not only are really surprized by the good conditions of the slopes, but they are happy to enjoy these sunny days during their stay and, as they report, skiing is now great fun.

Since the last snowfall in december, our lift companies in CORTINA D'AMPEZZO have succeeded in maintaining ski conditions at the top! Therefore, too alarming and unfortunately often not completely correct news about exactly which areas in the Dolomites are most concerned, will of course destroy all our efforts and damage people's winter holiday as well...I am also sure that up to now none of our guests decided to stay in their hotels or go to a Spa because there were no chance of skiing, as unfortunately I read on a newspaper a few days ago!

Skiing In NY, No Snow Needed

Thank goodness that Mom Nature cooperated and kept some low temps here in Ulster County. As I have for the last four years I went skiing with old friend Mike Dillon for his birthday at Belleayre Mt. in Highmont. Mike took up the sport not long ago but is a true fan. Not many runs were open but the snow guns were blasting and lift lines extremely small. Top to bottom runs were the order of the day, let the winter begin.
http://www.belleayre.com/

Living La Vita Coco, it works in Rio

A while back I went to Rio on assignment, a city I have returned to several times, who wouldn’t? In my GoNOMAD article I wrote about the amazing energy that the party people have down there. I told how several told me about the power of coconut water; the stalls on the beach serve the coconuts fresh with a straw. A few years later at the NYC Adventure Show I went to a booth called Vita Coco made with of course coconut water and fruit juice. It is fat and cholesterol free with 15 times more potassium than any leading sports drink. Forget about Red Bull and go natural, if it works as well as it does in Rio, party on.

Adventure Travel or Alternative Travel

Hard to believe but Lil and I are still in NYC and in the room watching the Travel Channel, after working the Adventure Travel Show all weekend. We decided to stay one more night to just chill and go out for a good dinner. Call it alternative or adventure travel it boils down to participatory or involved, learning something new about the world. Here is something I learned this weekend, the Masai Tribe in Africa believes that black is the powerful color. The reasoning is because rain comes with dark clouds, not an unreasonable assumption.

Losing the Credit Cards in NYC

It is a travelers worst nightmare, patting the wallet and its not there. Shortness of breath and rapid heart beat take over. Light headed you return to the last place you patted and pray your cards and id will be laying on the floor, just waiting for you to pick it up. This time it wasn't and my great time with the GoNomad Gang over a great meal at Patsy's on 60th and Third was dealt a serious blow. I was having a great time yakking with Sony's friend and toasting with all of the Nomaders when I reached for my stuff. Faster than my leap leap off the Macao Tower my spirit plunged. Fortunately I keep a extra credit card hidden in my suit case and card numbers and 800 # on my laptop. It helps to be prepared, still doesn't make everything better just easier. Still its on with the show, Sunday at the Travel Adventure Show, patting my emergency card frequently.

Monkeying Around at the NYC Travel Adventure Show

The Faces Tell All/ NYC Adventure Travel Show

Working the Adventure Travel Show Booth in NYC is hard work and by the end of the day you get a wee bit giddy. The reason for GoNOMAD's photo man Paul Shouls grim look. This is the fourth year we have attended. Tommorrow will bring another day of meeting the traveling public and other industry people. Tonight we go to Geseli Restaurant to get Paul back in shape.

New York Post's Web Picks

The New York Post came out with their Best of the Web, on Tuesdays travel section and came up with some new ones that I found fun. Being a foodie I really liked www.chow.com, it’s filled with food related travel and blogs. It gives you something to chew on. A good site for finding low fares is www.Airfarewatchdog.com just happens to be where the Post gets its info for the Best Fares column. If you’re heading to a place where dollars or euros haven’t taken over use www.com/ucc for money conversion. Stop by www.gonomad.com and give us a try also.

South Africa a Must See

I must get at least fifty travel press releases a day about destinations and places to spend $$$. I rarely use space on the Blog to pass them on. When something as special as this come along, well I had to. South Africa is one of my all time best places to see. I haven’t been there since 2003 but I solemnly pledge to return and soon. I was there for a few weeks and it happens to be my record for number of articles printed about anyplace I have ventured. I have so much more I wanted to see and write about and new cameras to click with. This is a deal:

Visit Southern Africa has a wonderful New Year offer: Round Trip Air on S.A.A., from New York or Washington, D.C., PLUS two nights at Jackalberry Lodge, in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, one of the world's premier big five.The offer includes:Flights to Jackalberry Lodge Two nights at Jackalberry Lodge, a private five-star resortThe offer is based on two persons travelling together, double occupancyUSD $1599 per person plus taxesValid for departures from January 15 through February15, 2007Jackalberry Lodge is within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and is one of the world's premier big-five game-viewing areas. The majestic Drakensberg Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for this intimate camp, with its magnificent views, understated luxury and restful, ethnic ambience that blends harmoniously with nature.The lodge is named after the beautiful Jackalberry tree that occurs widely in the bushveld. The bush around the lodge is teeming with game. More than 60 species of wildlife can be found in the immediate vicinity including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant, hyena and cheetah. Jackalberry is also a paradise for bird watchers. Visit www.jackalberrylodge.co.zaFor more information call: 1888 722 4872SAA operates the only nonstop service to South Africa. Daily wide-body flights depart from Washington, D.C. and New York to Johannesburg, the gateway to Southern Africa. Wherever you live in the U.S.A. or Canada, in association with SAA's Star Alliance partners, Southern Africa is only a day away.South African Airways has selected Lion World Tours to design and operate the "Visit Southern Africa" vacation package program from North America. Together, the companies offer a complete range of luxury itineraries, as well as many value-added programs, to each of the six Southern African countries. The collection includes small group departures; independent packages, and "mix and match modules" programs that appeal to both the upscale experienced traveler and the first-time vacationer. Itineraries, product information and package prices will be available on the new website: www.VisitSAonSAA.com
Contact info: South African Airways515 E. Las Olas Blvd, 16th FloorFort Lauderdale, Florida 33301954-769-5001
Lion World Tours33 Kern RdToronto, Ontario, Canada, M3B 1S9Tel (416) 920 54661-800- 387 -2706Fax (416) 920 9560

Perceptive Photographs

Perceptive Travel is having a photo contest for pictures from all around Asia. It’s nice to see that they are celebrating their first anniversary. Here is the announcement:

We're giving away some cool stuff this go round. Newsletter subscribers are getting a crack at the wonderful World Party book reviewed this issue. But the rest of you can still make out with some goods. We're running a simple photo contest for the destinations featured in the first round of Citiescape books from Lonely Planet. If your photo is the best, you'll get a very cool box set of all 10 titles—a $70 value. And you don't even give up any rights. Check out the rules and how to enter.

Pissing Off the Kingston Daily Freeman

Any writing gig is tough, and the lines for travel ad revenue hard fought for. I recently sent a letter to the opinion page of the Kingston Daily Freeman about their headline piece on Jan. 1 2007 and I must have struck a nerve. After traveling with some newspaper travel writers this fall I heard horror stories about cuts, firings and other nightmares. Some papers even cut out stories that they sent the writers on. Bad form; PR firms gave spots to those writers on the basis of coverage. While I sympathize with some papers’ shrinking revenues I also understand that PR firms, airlines and tourism boards also have fiscal concerns. I have never denied that I do go on press trips; with the pay travel writers get it is sometimes a necessity. I have, however, also told a fair and accurate account of my adventures. I was a little surprised by the editor’s note after my letter.

Apparently I am a “shame” because I missed the Dec. 17 edition covering a passport story, I happened to be on assignment.. I meant no disrespect to a paper that I have frequently praised. I emailed the response and my letter to several well placed friends, editors and writers at some major papers and online sites. All were kind of amazed; “Who did you piss off St. John?” was common in return correspondence. Some even asked if they could do a piece about it, stating that opinion is just that. All agreed that maybe my line about online travel revenue tipped the scales. I was also amazed that I received so many emails in shock and support of a letter that basically extolled the beauty and value of the area I live in. While I personally found it funny, many did not. Hey, I walk both sides of the street as an editor and freelancer; I know it’s tough on all fronts.

When I first chose to devote myself to GoNOMAD.com when it started it was a tough choice. Respect from all those I had to deal with in my profession was tenuous at best. I was told it was a bad move. Fortunately I maintained relationships with print, radio and other online publications. All in all, especially now that we get pieces from writers at the big boys wanting an online presence, I know that I made a good choice. I will still truck down to the Corner Deli in Cottekill to buy the paper I grew up with; I just may get the Times Herald Record also, my fifty cents worth might just make a difference. Times have changed and opinions have also.

Moving South of the Border to Paradise

Apparently not all the border traffic is moving north, every year many head south to Mexico to take up residence at least part time. I was happy to get my hands on the book Gringos in Paradise by Barry Golson since in the back of my mind it is something I have always thought about. The well written book covers the year that he and his wife Thia spent in Sayulita building their retirement home. With humor and insight the book will fill you in on the troubles and upbeat side to making the move. Fortunately Barry’s retirement was put on hold to launch a travel website for ForbesTraveler.com. I for one am looking forward to following his escapades down south.

http://www.gringosinparadise.net/

No Snow go to Rio

I really love sun & beach but hate a winter with temps in the fifties and bleak dead vistas. One of the reasons I moved back to the Hudson River Valley & Catskill Mt. was to strap on the skis and glide. To try and feel better about a snowless winter I pulled up pictures of the beaches of Rio, no help at all. I hate when I run into people and they remark about how wonderful the weather has been. If you want balmy weather head south I want to yell, Rio would be a great choice.

Jordan's Royalty, Doing Royal

I read an interview in Conde Nast Traveler today from my favorite member of royalty, King Abdullah II of Jordan. It is no secret that I consider Jordan a great place to explore and would go back in a heart beat. This ruler is a champion of moderate Islam and a foe of extremism, not easy in his neighborhood. He is well educated and traveled and well loved in his country at least from what I have observed. Do not confuse that with being a lackey for our current administration. This man cares about his part of the world and the tough times it is going through. It’s no wonder that major Arab investment in tourism is happening in Jordan, stabilization is the key. If more people had this man’s thought process the world would be a better place. The royal family in Jordan are all involved in the bettering of their country. I was honored to once meet Princess Basma Bint Tatal of Jordan, her works alone does Jordan proud.

World Hum Wins Lowell Thomas Award

The guys at World Hum took the gold and it is well earned. World Hum got the top stop for travel websites earning a Lowell Thomas Award. ASTA decided the winners in Santiago Chile on Dec 20th. While they have garnered kudos over the years this is particularly a cool honor. I for one love the site filled with great writing and interesting info. The awards are given in 24 categories and are the equivalent of the Oscars for travel writing.

The Rock Basketball and Johnny S

Last night’s celebration of New Years Eve was coupled with the birthday of John Stote III the developer of the Rock Basketball. We had a little chance to talk about the Rock’s success over the year. It is used by many colleges and basketball events and even some movie roles. I was impressed that a guy I have know since middle school could take on the big guys like Wilson and Spaulding on the boards. Every year the Rock climbs higher and higher on the must have list. While at the small dinner gathering at my sisters we had a good chuckle as all of us remembered the time that all six of us went to St. Croix together a few years back. By the time we left the Buccaneer Hotel it seemed that every staff member had a Rock shirt on. John loves his product and people also, a great match for a guy facing big competition. Rock on!