First things first: I’m so thankful that Abby Sunderland was rescued. I didn’t think this would end well. Abby Sunderland was attempting to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Two days ago, she lost contact and activated her distress signals. She was feared to be dead or trapped in a capsized […]
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Image: theseanster93 I recently enrolled at MatadorU — travel writing school! I’ve been travel writing since the fall, including some paid gigs, but I’ve been feeling a bit adrift lately. I’m tired of just winging it without in-depth knowledge of the industry. I’m in need of 1) a guide and structure, and 2) a kick
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As a traveler from the United States, I often have to confront the “Ugly American” stereotype that unfortunately persists throughout the world. Ugly Americans travel to other countries but are rude and loud while making unreasonable demands and refusing to adapt to the local culture. Sex and the City‘s Samantha Jones, played by Kim Cattrall,
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Image: HKmPUA While looking through the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree travel message boards the other day, I came across this posting on Vang Vieng, Laos: I have just returned from Laos and want to warn travellers about the police in Vang Viang. We were there for 2 days. Vang Viang has a real party atmosphere
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A few years ago, two of my best college buds, James and Mike, called me up and asked if I felt like taking a road trip to Québec City that weekend. Did they even have to ask? 😉 One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Québec Ice Hotel — L’Hôtel de Glace.
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I recently received an email from a reader named Charlie who is planning his first trip to Italy and looking for some itinerary advice. Here is an excerpt: Dear Vagabondress, My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy the end of September and early October. Our mission is 2 fold. Attend a wedding
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Lake Quannapowitt, located 10 miles north of Boston in the town of Wakefield, is the see-and-be-seen place of the suburbs. I grew up down the street in Reading, and to this day, I can’t walk the lake without running into someone I know. Usually, someone’s mom. The lake measures a perfect three and a quarter
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The other day, I received an email from my friend Marie, a former coworker of mine. She’s getting married in December and she’s looking for a winter honeymoon destination. Here are the details: We are able to travel between December 18 or 19, 2010 and January 2, 2011 and I think we want to go
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My biggest gripe about Boston is that everything shuts down so early. You can’t get a drink anywhere — anywhere — after 2:00 AM. Even the after-hours club, Rise, only stocks Diet Coke and Red Bull. [Edit: Rise closed for good in 2015.] So, if the night is young, you could do what most people
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It’s no secret that Las Vegas is a favorite hangout of celebrities — from A-list actors (Leo!) to reality show trainwrecks (Snooki!) and everything in between. Here are the top five celeb hangouts in Las Vegas: 5) Tao Nightclub. Of all the clubs in Las Vegas, Tao is the one that seems to throw the
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