World Walker

In the wake of the failed bombing attempt of a US plane on Christmas day, authorities raised security restrictions to levels not seen since the “shoe bomber” attacks of 2006 – full body patdowns were in effect, passengers had every piece of luggage checked, and movement was even limited during the last hour of flight, just to name a few of the many restrictions. After much backlash, the Transportation Security Administration has released new guidelines that specifies when such stringent security measures are required.

In effect, the United States has imposed separate security measures for different people, depending on what country the person is flying from. This is great news if you’re an American or one of it’s allies – you won’t be faced with such asinine security requirements each time you pass through the metal detectors. However, if you’re flying from Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen, be prepared to face increased scrutiny for the indefinite future.

If you’re flying from one of these restricted countries, you can expect to at the very least receive a full body pat-down and to have your luggage fully searched. In countries with more advanced screening system, expect a full body scan as well. While they’re designed to find small hidden traces of explosives and weapons, guess what else they can see?

Of course, the new regulations are not without their opponents. Many are calling this an assault on civil rights, an official version of racial profiling. When Monday comes around, we can expect civil rights groups across the nation to begin filing formal protests.

It’s been about a month now since CityCenter, the latest and greatest Las Vegas project, opened it’s doors to the public. Heralded as the vision of future Las Vegas, has the resort lived up to it’s name? Sprawling across a massive 67 acres in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, the theme of CityCenter seems to be “sustainable luxury”.

The resort is built around CityCenter’s three hotels, Vdara, Aria, and Mandarin Oriental, each serving a different niche of people. Vdara and Mandarin Oriental join the likes of Trump International by leaving out the slot machines – that’s right, these two resorts feature casino-free accommodations, in case you get a bit of sensory overload from being in Vegas. The hotels are connected by beautiful walkways, ramps, and even it’s own three station monorail. You’ll appreciate the openness of the resort, and the abundance of natural light and air.

A big goal of the developers was to maintain the sustainability theme. You won’t get to see much of the green technology since most of it’s behind the scenes, but it’s definitely there. The company has achieved the highest level of green certification from the US Building Council: the gold LEED certification. This is NOT an easy task in a city like Las Vegas!

Vdara is the most accessible of the three hotels, with rooms starting at $129/night. Boasting 1500 rooms as well as the requisite pool and spa, the rooms are quite nice given the price level. Rooms feature flat screen TV, media center (a welcome addition, but bring your own cables!), laptop safes, and excellent wifi access. Business travelers will appreciate all the space, as well as the homey feeling to the rooms. As a bonus, the hotel is great for families too: the larger rooms feature family-friendly amenities like 4-person dining tables and in-unit washer/dryer.

Behind the Vdara is the Aria hotel, which is a resort in it’s own right. 300,000 square feet of meeting space, 2 hotel towers, nine bars, 17 restaurants, nearly 2000-seat theater, gift shop, spa, pool; this is no ordinary hotel! Definitely the “entertainment capital” of CityCenter, the decor is very modern; you’ll be hard pressed to identify a certain style since there were so many architects on the project! The rooms aren’t quite as nice or as spacious as the Vdara, but you’re staying here to party not sleep in your room all day or do work.

Finally, for the upscale traveler there is the Mandarin Oriental. Don’t let the horribly cliche name fool you: this is old school Las Vegas where the customer is always right! Service here is spectacular, with seemingly no demand considered unreasonable (well, maybe some). Rooms are luxurious, but comfortable; Asian theme throughout, obviously. The cost of pure luxury? Starts at $350/night, which doesn’t include the $30 valet charge or $100 spa charge. Don’t worry though, they only charge if you don’t get a spa treatment or massage treatment (which begins at $260 for 80 minutes). No doubt other casinos will have to step up their game to match the Mandarin Oriental.

A month later, the CityCenter has already impressed hundreds of thousands. While some areas still need to be worked out, it’s difficult to expect a new crew to be flawless so soon after opening. With time, the CityCenter will become one of the strip’s hottest destinations. This is the vision of new Las Vegas, a sprawling metropolis that has a commitment to sustainability, while never forgetting the city’s true roots.

Tens of thousands of airline passengers the world over are experiencing massive delays due to new security restrictions imposed by the United States Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

In light of the recent attacks occurring on the Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to New York, in which an alleged terrorist attempt to blow up the aircraft with a so-called “underwear bomb”, the administration has imposed random security restrictions on all flights entering and leaving the United States. The security regulations are deliberately vague as to confuse would be terrorists, and passengers should not expect the same security restrictions twice. Information about security measures have been lacking in specifics, with details coming in from the passengers themselves.

Most passengers have reported increased restrictions on carry on luggage. Some airlines have restricted carry-on luggage to one per person, in an attempt to minimize delays. Restrictions on liquids have been reverted to their 2006 levels, so passengers should pack accordingly. Almost all passengers have reported being patted down, and every pocket in every bag is being checked. This is causing delays of up to 3 hours at some airports, and airlines are calling in additional help to cope with delays. However, the biggest change is during the flights themselves.

During the last hour of flight the restrictions are the most rigid. Passengers are not allowed to leave their seats. No items are to be on the lap, and this includes blankets, pillows, books, laptops, pretty much anything. Even passengers in first class aren’t spared – those luxury bed-like seats need to be in their upright and locked position too. Passengers on asian flights have even reported phones and inflight internet access being disabled.

Don’t expect a break from the stringent regulations anytime soon – officials declare the security restrictions will be in place “indefinitely”. However, all these security regulations are not without their critics. Many security experts agree with the airlines, claiming that the new measures are nothing more than “security theater” – measures designed to give the public a sense of protection, without actually adding any protection.

The restrictions are hardest felt on the holiday traveler, causing an already packed holiday travel season to be even more stressful. Passengers should be advised to leave as early as possible, and expect the worst. Happy holidays, courtesy of the TSA.

It takes a special kind of person to command an industry – William Randolph Hearst was that kind of man. Credited with transforming the publishing world, William Hearst not only owned a newspaper publishing empire, he owned one of the most ridiculous homes known to man. Today, his home is a historic house museum and attracts over a million visitors every year.

Located about 250 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Hearst Castle lies in beautiful San Simeon, California. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is truly fit for a king. The property encompasses some 127 acres (500m, squared), and has 56 bedrooms, 41 fireplaces, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms. If you feel like swimming, there’s a giant 104ft x 58 foot pool, and a huge 1,665 sq foot indoors pool. If that’s not enough to convince you of his massive wealth and clout, how about the movie theater, airfield, and the world’s largest private zoo? Hearst was a man of excess, and nowhere is this more evident than his castle.

Hearst loved to buy EVERYTHING. It can be said that Hearst did not buy things to fill up his house, but rather built his house so he could fill it up with things. The beautiful Neptune pool, which has an incredible view of the main house, mountains, and oceans, has a genuine Roman temple inside. Hearst purchased the Roman temple wholesale in Europe, and then had it transported to the states where it was then reassembled. As a testament to Hearst’s personality, the Neptune pool was actually rebuilt three times before Hearst was satisfied.

After William Randolph Hearst died, the Hearst estate donated the castle to the state. The state transformed the castle into a state historic monument, and offers five 6 different tours for guests. Tour one is the most popular tour for visitors, and is recommended for first-timers. Tour One, as it’s affectionally called, provides a brief overview of the castle as a whole. It’s also the least demanding tour, and clocks in just under two hours. All tours require a 150-400 stair climb and a half mile walk. Visitors are encouraged to reserve early, since tickets are commonly sold out during the busiest summer months.

New for 2009 is the introduction of the self-guided tour. Unlike other tours that feature a tour guide, visitors will be able to tour the beautiful gardens, pools, as well as the castle grounds at their own pace. The tour is available for reservation from March 2010 – September 2010. Spots are expected to fill quickly, so book now!

Nicaragua is a land of lush wildlife, beautiful landscapes, lakes, volcanoes, mountains, and sandy beaches. The geography is broken up into a few different groups, and each one offers a number of beautiful landscapes, and national parks. Each region has different wildlife and even different food specialities.

The Pacific Lowlands is the area in Nicaragua is very hot and vast. There are a number of volcanoes and mountains that dot the coastal area, as well as the rain forest. If you come to this area, be sure to visit Lake Nicaragua. It is one of the largest natural lakes in the world, and also the home of the only freshwater sharks in the world. Even though the Pacific lowlands are hot, the area is very fertile. The land is also filled with history, artifacts, and culture.

The North Central Highlands of Nicaragua is less populated. This area has more wildlife and nature than the other areas, and poverty is high here. If you are adventurous and skilled in travels, then the North Central Highland shouldn’t be an issue. If you aren’t a skilled traveler then this area may prove to be dangerous for you. High poverty rates also lead to high crime rates. If you can manage to break away from that explore the raw part of this area, then you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the Highlands.

The Atlantic Lowlands are on the eastern side of the country, and close to the Atlantic ocean. The lowlands here are filled with massive Rainforests and mountains. This area is probably one of the most popular. The tropical weather makes it very hot and humid. The lowlands are filled with abundant wildlife, including Toucans and wild Parakeets, as well as Macaws. These creatures are threatened and may not exist in the future. If you plan to see them in their natural habitat, now is the time. The Bosawas Biosphere Reserve is one of the best locations to observe wildlife. Turtles are also a common sight along the beaches, and are extremely protected by the government.

Tips for Traveling to Nicaragua:

Recent government trouble has caused a lot of poverty and crime to spike. So if you plan on visiting, don’t take anything valuable with you, except perhaps a camera. Always be sure you know the language at least partially so you can get by and avoid scams. Don’t leave your belongings unattended, and try to keep to yourself as often as possible. The country is beautiful and filled with so many wonderful things, so very experienced travelers should have no difficulty getting by in this country. The food is delicious, and Nicaraguan tamales are a specialty that should be tried at least once! As always, it is best to take someone that is native to the country with you. If you have any Nicaraguan friends it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have them take the vacation with you!

Asheville is a rapidly growing city in North Carolina that continues to offer unique travel opportunities and beauty to those seeking a “small town” kind of travel. Asheville is a bit offbeat in many ways, and it isn’t what you would expect from a town in the mountain region of NC. At first glance it seems small, but Asheville is actually getting bigger each day due to the beautiful natural scenery.

One of the most notable attractions in Asheville is the United States largest mansion. Biltmore Estate is a regal mansion with 250 rooms and 175,000 square feet of space. Tours are available year round, and the estate has a number of lovely attractions during the winter. The entire estate is decked out in lights and Christmas festivities.

There are 8 college campuses in Asheville, which aren’t exactly where travelers expect to go while vacationing. The only difference is that these campuses have unexpectedly great food as well as nice architecture and galleries. If you want to see quality art and perhaps purchase some on the cheap, visit one of the campus art galleries to browse. College campuses are also a great place to see temporary exhibits and live performing arts performances.

The Great Smoky Mountains are a magnificent and beautiful place to visit if you like nature. The national park is definitely one any nature lover would adore. The mountain range offers many hiking trails and nature exhibits to enjoy.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a gorgeous scenic route. If you don’t mind spending a bit of gas, then consider visiting this area to get a beautiful tour of the mountains. If you are lucky you may get to see some of the cascading waterfalls. Blue Ridge Parkway is connected the Great Smoky Mountains but are still considered separate.

The Asheville botanical gardens are another lovely attraction to see when in the area. It spans across a whopping 10 acres and is home to many plants and natural wildlife. There is also the North Carolina Arboretum. This lovely area features a number of exotic plants like bonsai’s, and includes trails for walking and exploring nature. The air is fresh and clean here, but very humid.

The good country food served in Asheville is superior. There are a number of restaurants to suit any palate and most will find the wide variety very pleasing. Asheville is often considered a hippy city by locals; therefore health food is very prominent here.

Families around the world have different traditions in celebrating the Yuletide Season. Some enjoy strolling around the mall. Have you tried celebrating the Christmas cheers while on a train? In the United States a new tradition of celebrating with Santa Claus costumed conductors aboard Christmas trains is starting to gain ground.

The Christmas train ride is a very unique and fun experience for the whole family. Every journey is magical and memorable for every passenger regardless of the age. Here are some of the rides offering cookies, milk, and a big hug from Santa:

Grand Canyon Railway (Wililams, Arizona)

You will take a ride in one of the oldest “Polar Express” in the United States. It has been in service for about 108 years. Passengers will enjoy the great story which comes with a good cup of hot choco. The highlight of the train ride is the arrival at the “North Pole” where you see the northern lights, reindeers, and Santa himself. You can enjoy the ride for $29 (Adults) or $14 (Children).

Grapevine Vintage Railroad (Texas)

The magic starts when you enter the train station glimmering with thousands of Christmas lights. There is also a stage set up so you can join the sing-along show. Locals boast that even Grinch will love Christmas if they step into the Christmas train entertained with more singing and Santa. This Christmas ride can be enjoyed for just $16.

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad (Spooner, Wisconsin)

This may be the only Christmas train in the world that makes you wonder how much Santa loves pizza. The 2-hour train ride kicks off with a pizza party hosted by Santa. Holiday cookies and hot chocolate will be served on the way back from the “North Pole”.

The whole family of 2 adults with 3 to 5 children can enjoy the holiday ride for $100. Individual tickets for kids cost $20 while adults are charged with $30. They also have Breakfast with Santa that costs $25 (kids) and $30 (adults).

Byesville Scenic Railway (Byesville, Ohio)

This Christmas ride also shares a brief history of coal-mining in Ohio. Local workers share the ride with the travelers and also give them a glimpse of the past Christmases. Santa also comes aboard to grant the wishes of the kids on board. This Christmas ride lasts for about 75 minutes every weekend from December 5 to 13. Tickets are just $12 each.

Filmore and Western Railway (California)

This Christmas ride gives three options for the families. Kids can dine with Santa, choose the best Christmas tree, and head to the “North Pole”. Families can also head to the private farm via the Christmas Tree Train to pick their tree. The dinner with Santa is a 75-minute ride where kids can whisper to Santa what they want for Christmas. The trip to the “North Pole” will have elves reading out stories while on the way to Santa’s home.

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad (Mineral, Washington)

Riding this Christmas train will be a journey through winter wonderland since the area is usually covered by snow in December. Anyone will enjoy the short trip going to the Island of Misfit Toys. If the weather is a bit bad, carolers will be going from one coach to the next to sing Christmas classics. There is also a story telling session and gift giving for kids between 3 and 11 years of age.