Taking a year off to travel the world (a Gap year) is practically expected of students in Europe. It is now becoming more of a reality in the US and universities are recognizing that. Princeton University, for example, recently announced its Bridge Year program allowing students to defer enrollment for a year to travel the world.

According to Geoff Buckley, Australia’s Managing Director of Tourism “…unlike many of their European counter-parts their opportunities to travel Down Under for extended periods have been limited by their inability to supplement their travel with a bit of work.

"This is really a tremendous opportunity for Australia to build some life-long relationships with a new market segment in the US.”

Travel agencies and tour operators have already begun making moves. STA Travel is now offering packages with ‘start up kits’ which pairs students and newly grads to accredited courses in how to become a scuba diving or surfing instructor (for example).

All US citizens looking to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity must be 18 to 30years of age and can apply for the visa over the internet or by completing an application form and submitting it to the Australian Embassy or a nearby consulate.

Friday, I make my way to New York City and decided to take the Vamoose bus down. They pick you up in Bethesda, MD or Arlington, VA both right outside DC. There is a reservation system online but you have to pay on the bus. You don’t need a reservation but it does hold spots for you. They charge $25 one way and they give you ticket stubs, four stubs gets you one free, one way ride. I so happened to have four stubs which I collected almost a year ago and they still honored the discount. The Vamoose was fast; we left at 5:20PM and arrived at Penn Station at 9:10PM. This was on a Friday night at the beginning of Easter weekend. I was impressed, although I do have to admit that we did not visit a rest stop this time around (they usually do). Credit given where it is due - it was the driver’s foresight that got us to NYC in no time. (www.vamoosebus.com)

On the way back we decided to take another company, the DC2NY bus. I paid for this service online in advance. They offer a $25 one way ticket at the bus, $22 one way ticket with online reservation and $40 roundtrip ticket with online reservation. Pretty damn cheap, although you do not get a free ride after 4 one way rides. The bus leaves from Penn Station in NY and arrives in either Dupont Circle or 14^t St. in DC. Their perks: free bottled water and WiFi internet access in most of their busses. I was impressed. The ride down was not as fast as the vamoose bus due to traffic and stopping at a rest stop, but the other amenities made up for that. (dc2ny.com)

Both services are great, here is my comparison breakdown:

Price: Vamoose is (very slightly) the better option for continuous DC-NY travelers. Five rides with vamoose is $100 and five rides with DC2NY (assuming you buy online and 2 RT tix) is $102.

Access: DC2NY allows for payment online which makes things a lot easier. In terms of locations DC2NY is in downtown DC so it is better for the DC resident as the pick up and drop off points are Metro accessible.

Amenities: DC2NY is the clear winner here with the free water and WiFi.

Customer Service: Both had very nice drivers.

For me, the DC2NY is the winner given the fact that the drop off points are in DC and the WiFi access is just too cool.

The islands turn to Alan Greenspan for some insight into a new direction or potential solution out of the coming downturn. He seems an odd choice given the fact that he generally takes a macro-economic approach and a downturn in the tourism sector seems to be more of a specific issue better addressed by consultants. Unless the Caribbean nations are looking to make significant economic policy changes on a national level, then Greenspan is not their man.

It seems almost obvious at this point that the Caribbean tourism officials need to shake their dependence on US travelers and focus more on attracting tourists from other regions of the world who aren’t feeling a financial pinch, specifically Europe and Asia. Pushing aggressive promotional campaigns in these regions as early as last summer when the US economy was well into its downward cycle (triggered by the real estate sector) would have proven to be a smart move instead of spending $100K - $150K an hour (Greenspan’s going rate) to hear Mr. Greenspan speak.

Someone I know went to Rio with his then girlfriend and her sister. I knew him through my girlfriend and she was friends with his girlfriend, a bit confusing I know. What I found even more confusing was that when he came back from Brazil he brought back this thing made out of bottle caps. I don’t quite remember what it is except that it was supposed to be artistic and it said ‘Ordem e Progresso’ the motto found on the Brazilian flag meaning Order and Progress. Go figure. Anyway, he explained that he had gone on a tour of the favelas (slums) in the hills surrounding Rio and that this thing was made out of bottle caps by the people who inhabited the slums.

“Cool” – my girlfriend agreed. I can’t speak for her but I actually thought the bottle cap thing was quite ugly and imagining the sight of this person walking through a ghetto in a third world country perplexed me further. He was from New York, and I asked myself ‘Perhaps I can ask him to take me on a tour of the projects in the New York City area.’ I mean, if he finds slums so interesting why not start in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world right?

Taking it another step, and giving slum tourism the benefit of the doubt, I decided to analyze the financial impact that slum tourism would have on a place like the favelas. Here are some basic facts first.

1. The favelas are run by drug dealers
2. People who live in the favelas trust the dealers more than they trust the corrupt cops
3. Straight and crooked cops don’t like going to the favelas

So the money that paid for the bottle cap art thing probably benefits the drug dealers somehow. You can argue that it keeps those who sell the bottle cap works off of the ‘streets’ but guess what? The favelas are the streets.

Can you really believe that the tour operator isn’t paying off a drug dealer? Think about this one. Straight cops do not want to go to these places. The peace is kept by the drug dealers. So who is going to keep the tourists safe, or is that a part of the adventure? ‘Look Ma, I took a bullet from an AR-15! It’s the Brazilian drug dealer’s weapon of choice!!”

“Yeah, I went to the favelas!”

His eyes lit up as he notices that his experience has elicited the desired effect on my girlfriend’s eager look.

At that moment I fully understood what the payoff was for a slum tourist. Similar to many other tourists infected with a Marco Polo complex, a slum tourist is there to see and tell. I’d actually like to meet a traveler, someone who immerses themselves in the culture that is hosting them, who truly visited (stayed in) the favelas. A slum traveler if you will.

What difference does any of that make to the inhabitants of these slums? Not much. The last time I checked, travelers to third world countries have generally been exposed to extreme poverty, take Manila for example, where slums and mansions come together barely separated. Bringing tourists closer to that poverty doesn’t make things better. Awareness - can we argue that awareness will make things better? Tough call, it would take an interesting person to choose to clean up a slum in another country as opposed to their own. The socio-economic nuances of a foreign land is not easily understood.

I’m going to New York City this weekend and perhaps I’ll come home with my piece of bottle cap art that says ‘I [HEART] NY.’ Oh wait! I live in DC, don’t we have better ghettos? We sure do, but the idea of an out of town ghetto seems so much more…exotic.

Amsterdam Café is a cozy little spot smack dab in middle of DC’s Adam’s Morgan, an area well known for its bars, restaurants, and culture. The cafe’s menu is quite simple; falafels, fries and soda. I find myself there on occasion loading up on some quick Mediterranean eats before a night out or perhaps after and I am never disappointed. They now take Euros.

This has become a common trend here in the District and I hear that it is taking hold in New York City as well. Europeans find it cheaper to visit the US now as the dollar devalues against the Euro, and local businesses might find accepting the continental currency to their advantage. Especially those in tourist hotspots.

Over the past few months I have noticed a lot of trends pointing to the US dollar taking the backseat in the international travel arena. The Taj Mahal, along with other national monuments in India, no longer accepts the dollar at admissions windows. This is becoming more common across the globe in many ticketing counters. Does this mean that the dollar will no longer be the global standard of currency? It is probably too soon to assume that, but the issue is being highlighted.

Although not ‘officially recognized’ the US is definitely in a recession. What does that mean for travelers to the US looking for the American highway experience, the road warriors, the road trip junkies? Well, with gas prices at $4 a gallon and a lot of everyday consumer goods increasing in price it means that life on the road is getting pretty expensive pretty quick. Don't stop traveling though, there is some help to relive the pain.

Bedandbreakfast.com’s “Tanks a Lot!” program rewards those US road trippers with free gas when you stay with one of the B&Bs enrolled on the program. There are around 150 B&Bs in the US who are participating in this promotion and about 40 in the Caribbean. See below for a short list of B&Bs or go to Bedandbreakfast.com.

Jeremiah Inn, Tucson, AZ: Bring the kids to this family-friendly inn with a swimming pool and spa. As a bonus, your nightly room rate will be discounted by five cents for every mile between Tucson and your home city, up to a maximum of $30 or 600 miles; valid through August 1.

The Colonial Terrace, Carmel, CA: Eco-friendly vehicles wanted at this charming inn, just one block from Carmel Beach! Through the end of June, arrive in a hybrid vehicle, Sunday through Thursday, and receive $25 off the total bill to put toward gas.

The Ruby of Crested Butte, Crested Butte, CO: Red is the new green here. Two AARP member couples carpooling and staying two nights, Sunday through Thursday between April 1 and June 30, will receive two ruby red hot deals to reward their green efforts, including two $25 gas cards plus an extra five-percent discount if the couples arrive in a hybrid vehicle or fuel-efficient equivalent.

Island Goode’s, Hilo, HI: Look forward to fresh produce grown on this eight-acre estate, plus solar-heated water at this eco-friendly inn. Book two nights and get a $25 credit toward auto or travel expenses; stay four nights and get a $50 credit. Call for a free airport pickup, and ride green in the inn’s 2006 Toyota Prius (47 mpg).

Pilgrim’s Inn and Cottages, Deer Isle, ME: As an Environmental Leader in Maine’s hospitality industry, this inn is working hard to reduce its impact on the environment and wants to reward guests who are doing their part by driving hybrid vehicles. Now through October 18, guests arriving in a hybrid vehicle will receive a deduction in their lodging bill up to $40 for a tank of gas.

White Swan Inn, Whitehall, MI: Now through June, stay two nights, bring a grocery bag of non-perishable food items or personal care products for the local food pantry, and receive a $40 discount on the bill to help with gas. Mention "Fuel and Food" when making your reservation.

Classic Rosewood – A Thorwood Property, Hastings, MN: Happy days are here again as you’re treated to a drive-in movie and 65 cent malted milkshakes. From May 1 to November 1, book any two nights in a luxury or ultimate whirlpool-fireplace suite and ask for the FREE Happy Days Package, a $50 value, including vouchers for $2 off per gallon for up to 15 gallons to bring gas costs down to good ol’ days pricing, along with two tickets to the local drive-in.

Inn at Ellis River, Jackson, NH: Burn wood, not gas. Stay two or more nights in a fireplace room anytime between April and July, and receive a refund up to $50, figured by the distance traveled at 25 mpg fuel usage. Stay a third night, and a complimentary three-course dinner for two will fuel you up.

The Oaks B&B, Saluda, NC: To ease nagging gas pains, book a stay between now and June 15, and receive a $25 gift card upon your arrival redeemable for fuel, bottled water, snacks or Gas-X.

Wilder Farm Inn, Waitsfield, VT: Vermont is French for green mountain, and you can keep it that way by carpooling or driving a hybrid to Wilder Farm. Stay two nights at the regular price now through July and each additional night is $100; save an additional $10 if you drive a hybrid or carpool with friends who are also staying here, then put your savings right into the fuel tank.

Floating Feather Inn, Ocean Shores, WA: Now through June 15, receive $25 for every two-consecutive-night stay. Bring a bike, kayak or kite board for some eco-adventure or car pool as a group of four or more and receive $50 to offset gas costs. Book three or more rooms plus carpool and receive $75 for travel costs.

Gillum House, Shinneston, WV: Stay two consecutive nights at the regular rate through the end of August and pay no more than $2.25 per gallon for gas at the local Go-Mart for up to 15 gallons of gas. The inn will pick up the rest. Plus, bring five cans of food for the local food pantry, and receive $15 in Jimmy's Diner dollars.

Red Forest B&B, Two Rivers, WI: From May 25-October 14, take advantage of the Carless B&B Getaway, including two roundtrip Lake Michigan “bike and passenger” ferry tickets, two nights’ lodging including a full breakfast each morning, and two certificates for a hot fudge sundae to fuel up during your stay, all for $399 per couple including all taxes.

Ocean Wilderness Inn, Sooke, BC, Canada: Stay for two nights, Sunday to Thursday through June, and receive a $25 reduction off lodging costs to put into your tank. You get to relax, rather than drive out one day and back the next. Stay a third night, and a $25 contribution will be made to the David Suzuki Foundation, to support its work in solving global warming.

La Terreza Guest House, Grecia, Costa Rica: Stay in the La Vista or La Belle rooms for three or more nights from now through July 1, and receive a $30 credit on your room for use toward gas in your rental car. Better yet, go car-less and take advantage of free roundtrip transportation from the airport, then enjoy your credit to fuel up at a local restaurant.

Image taken by: Kerem Barut

The reason for shutting down expeditions is due to China’s need to control the route of the Olympic torch, which will be relayed from Lhasa to Mt. Everest. The Olympics have always had a political undertow. According to John Ackerly, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, "This is an ominous indication of the controls that China is likely to impose as the flame travels from the top of Everest through Tibet. Beijing is using the Olympics torch ceremony, which should stand for human freedoms and dignity, to bolster its territorial claim over Tibet."

Mounteverest.net brings to light the impact this decision has on adventurers who have been looking forward to summiting Everest. "Considering the need for acclimatization and infrastructure, climbing Everest north side this spring will be short of impossible. This is a serious blow to Everest climbers and related personnel, many of whom got the notice only one week before their Everest approach is due to begin."

It is expensive to climb Everest and most of the costs for expeditions are paid well in advance. Those who are still determined to climb Everest and have the economic resources to do so have chosen to re-route their expeditions on the south side of the mountain. According to Mounteverest.com this is “putting a dangerous strain on this side of the peak, with close to 70 permits reportedly issued there already this season,"

The $15 million dollar luxury hotel positions itself snugly in the middle of war torn southern Afghanistan. The city has an international feel, 21,000 foreigners from Canada, the US, and the UK to name a few…soldiers that is. Yes, armed men and women in service who are driven around in armored vehicles. The streets are too dangerous to walk around the city and take in the sights. Although, that is perfect if that is what you are looking for!

Muhammad Abid, found investors who believed that visitors will come and provided him with the capital to create this diamond in the roughest of the rough. "Our guests will be internationals, people from nongovernmental organizations or other institutions working here," says Mr. Abid.

The hotel will cater to western culture, allowing women to sunbathe in bikinis for example, but will respect Islamic ideals. How exactly? "There will be no Afghans there. No Afghans will be allowed to swim." Explains Mr. Abid. Problem solved, what about security?

"We arrange everything, so our guests won't have to worry about their safety," he says. "They will be able to sit for hours and hours and just relax." An example of this initiative is by moving the swimming pool area from the front of the hotel to the back. "If an IED [improvised explosive device] was to go off on the road, our guests would be disturbed. So we had to change that," explains Mr. Abid.

Ah yes, luxury and chaos. Fantastic.

Quantas introduced it new Premium Economy seats on all of their aircrafts. In an effort to cover costs are airlines just limiting cheap seats and marketing new and expensive ones? Below is the press release.

Qantas Executive General Manager, Mr John Borghetti, said the introduction of Premium Economy offers customers a new choice in long haul international travel.

“Qantas Premium Economy offers extra space and comfort and enhanced levels of service,” Mr. Borghetti said.

“We have invested significantly in developing this cabin, which is being progressively installed across our B747-400 fleet and will be available on every Qantas A380.” The first aircraft with Premium Economy, B747-400 registration VH-OJK, enters service tomorrow and will operate QF127 from Sydney to Hong Kong.

The cabin features 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration. It is initially available on select services between Sydney and London and Sydney and Johannesburg. Additional routes will be added as the product is progressively installed.

Seats in the new cabin have been on sale since November 2007, for travel on select B747 services from 1 April 2008. Return fares from Sydney start from:

Hong Kong $1996 *
Johannesburg $4246
Singapore $2220
London $4611
Bangkok $2580 * (from 16 May ex Melbourne and 3 August ex Sydney)

“Our forward bookings indicate very promising levels of demand and our research suggests the
product is very popular among Economy travellers who are attracted by the extra benefits and
features that Premium Economy offers,” Mr Borghetti said.

Mr Borghetti said Qantas Premium Economy offers:

The world’s best Premium Economy recline and leg room – nine inch seat
recline and up to 42 inch seat pitch;

Extra wide, 19.5 inch seat designed by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson and manufactured by Recaro;

Ergonomic cushioning and an adjustable headrest;

Only airline with in-arm touch screen video monitor;

Multiport jack with USB (A380 only) and RJ45 ports;

Neil Perry inspired menu with premium wines; and

A self-service bar offering a selection of refreshments throughout the flight.

“The new service also includes priority check-in, dedicated cabin crew, an additional hand baggage allowance, and priority boarding and disembarkation,” Mr Borghetti said.

“The installation of the cabin is being undertaken by Qantas Engineering at its Avalon maintenance facility in Victoria.” The next three aircraft offering Premium Economy are scheduled to commence operation later this month.

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q3731) Media Enquiries: Lloyd Quartermaine T: 029691 4058

Sleeping with the fish can be a scary thought, especially after watching one two many mobster flicks, but apparently this is becoming a trend. In Fiji, Poseidon Underwater Hotels is almost ready to open allowing anyone, with enough cash to spend on some quality time under the sea.

Istanbul has announced that they too will provide aquatic accommodations as well. Plans to open the doors (hatches?) to the underwater hotel, built on the ruins of a 1930’s tobacco factory, is set for 2010. The hotel will come complete with restaurants, exhibition halls boasting an amazing sea view.

I just hope that they don’t have Jaws available on Pay Per View.