Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!The Heart of Europe
By Linda Tancs
Ask anyone to define the heart of Europe and you’ll get as many responses as there are possibilities. One of those possibilities is a tiny region known as the Eastern Cantons of Belgium, stretching from the Dutch border to Luxembourg. With French, Dutch and German influences (Germany hugging the eastern border), you might think the area suffers from a bit of an identity crisis, but the multilingual populace seems to embrace its diversity. The three cantons comprising this area–Eupen, Malmedy and St. Vith–offer a range of natural wonders and cosmopolitan flair equal to any European cultural capital, from the outdoor cafes of Marktplatz in Eupen to the Michelin-starred eatery in St. Vith. Between the northern and southern reaches lies a mix of dense forest, marshes and wetlands for the avid hiker or cyclist. Over 70,000 inhabitants call this region home and home, as they say, is where the heart is.
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Living Human Treasures
By Linda Tancs
Living Human Treasures is a program established by UNESCO to showcase individuals exemplifying a high degree of skill or knowledge concerning cultural traditions, ambassadors of sorts for their country. Romania is one of a select number of countries recognized by the UN agency for meeting all elements of the program. Scattered throughout the nation, you can meet individuals whose skills and talents–ranging from egg painting and wood carving to embroidery–have been passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about the initiative.
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Goodwill Traveling
By Linda Tancs
Voluntourism, or the combination of travel and volunteer work, is reportedly one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. If the idea of being both a traveler and a change agent appeals to you, then maybe this is the gig for you. Some typical tours include teaching English to children in remote villages or building a home or school. There are lots of programs and organizations to choose from. Learn more here
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City of Chocolate
By Linda Tancs
Think “city of chocolate” and you’d probably wax nostalgic about those little seashell-shaped chocolate wonders from Belgium. But there’s more than one fine chocolatier vying for your attention in Europe. For instance, look further south and–voilà –you’ll find Bayonne, the chocolate capital of France. In the 1800s the first mechanical chocolate production facility in the country was built there. Situated near the Atlantic coast in the Basque region, Bayonne’s chocolate-making prowess made the big time in 1855 at the exposition in Paris, 412 miles away. Today, visitors are likely to enjoy one of the region’s specialties, chocolate (70% cacao) tinged with Piment d’Espelette, a locally grown red pepper that is often ground like paprika and used to infuse many dishes–including desserts, obviously. What an unusual combination of epicurean delights. L’embarras du choix, no doubt.
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Catch the Wave
By Linda Tancs
Where can you learn to surf on the world’s largest man-made waves? Answer: Siam Park, Europe’s greatest (by someone’s estimation) water fun park located on the south coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Siam is, of course, the ancient name for Thailand, and the Thai ambience is evident throughout the park. Even the building materials originated from Thailand. With rides like the Tower of Power promising an adrenaline boost the likes of which you’ve never known, this park is sure to please thrill seekers. For those seeking something a little more tame, there’s a relaxing river ride; the Sawasdee River cuts through the park. Whatever you do, enjoy the ride.
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Days in Rodanthe
By Linda Tancs
So the movie Nights in Rodanthe got me thinking–what’s on in Rodanthe? Rodanthe, along Highway 12 at the northern reach of Hatteras Island, North Carolina, is a beach goer’s delight. The movie highlights Mirlo Beach (named for a tanker sunk during World War I) and the beach rental, Serendipity. Water sports abound here. There isn’t much else to do, really. Leave the laptop home as internet access is a bit spotty. With all the kayaking, fishing, surfing, and sailboarding that awaits, perhaps that’s by design.
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Swiss Heirs
By Linda Tancs
In 1845 two Swiss residents from the canton of Glarus were sent to the U.S. to purchase land for a Swiss settlement. The prosperous homestead that followed became New Glarus, Wisconsin, a rural slice of the homeland just a hop, skip and jump away from Madison. And for those yearning for the alphorns, yodelers and folk dancers of the old country but unable to afford the real McCoy, this might be the perfect staycation for you. New Glarus is boastful of its observation of the traditional holidays and Swiss-German dialect. And the chalet-laden downtown offers up enough cuckoo clocks, lace, cheese and chocolate that you might even forget there’s no duty-free allowance–or international baggage restrictions–to worry about. For every time there is a season. Yours may be just a hilly, hairpin curve away.
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Do CPAP Machines Cause Baggage Woes?
By Linda Tancs
Statistics indicate that over 12 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from sleep apnea, an obstructive sleep disorder. So it shouldn’t be surprising that travelers want to take their CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines onboard to use during long flights or at their final destination. Needless to say, one must determine in advance of flight whether the device will be considered part of normal carry-on items. FAA regulations, for instance, permit medical devices as an additional piece of carry-on luggage. But if you can bring it on board, can you use it? International carriers’ policies can vary widely on the subject. Some airlines may permit, or prefer, battery-operated devices and not require medical clearance. Others may require medical clearance by their experts in advance of flight regardless whether the device is powered electrically or by battery. Best not to leave this one up to chance, as any delay in flight arrangements may not be recompensed by insurance when it’s the passenger who is delayed rather than the plane.
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Get Chummy
By Linda Tancs
One is the loneliest number, the song goes. For lonesome travelers, an alternative is at hand. You could try out TravelChums, a site that matches up like-minded travelers. Create a free account, and you could be on your way to finding that perfect companion to save yourself the indignity of single supplemental fees. Beats the classifieds, doesn’t it?
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French Island Flair
By Linda Tancs
St. Barth’s is a French island in the West Indies, popular among jetsetters for it charm and sophisticated relaxation but no less fitting for visitors of any budget looking for lazy days in the perennial sun of this beach-fringed volcanic island. Listen to a sampling of the island’s delights at Travelrific Travel Show.
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Travelrific® Travel Journal 