Massimo Marino's Blog: The Ramblings and the Rumblings, page 5
April 8, 2016
TravelTweaks: Top Albuquerque Hotels to Explore Culture, Scenic Views, and Fun Activities for the Family
Originally posted on TravelTweaks on 25th of February
Dramatic mountain landscapes, the New Mexico desert, and the popular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are what drives tourists to spend their holidays here. Even in peak season, Albuquerque hotels are on the budget side, with the sole exception of the Balloon Fiesta and the ski season, when the prices go up a little. With an international airport close by, an efficient public transport system, and top attractions and cultural centers, Albuquerque has something for everyone. To help you plan your trip, here are five amazing family friendly hotels to suit each type of holiday. Four of them are pet friendly, so they are ideas for those traveling with furry family members.
Photo by Kate C. via Trover.com
Isleta Resort and Casino
If you want some adult fun (gambling) in an otherwise family friendly resort, then Isleta Resort and Casino is the place to go. Laser tag, bowling, and swimming in the pool are but a few of the activities available at this luxurious hotel. Adults can entertain themselves with the on-site casino, bar and restaurants, or do some shopping right at the resort. For a fun educational trip, we recommend Gutierrez-Hubbell House to see how one of the earliest settlers in the area lives.
Nativo Lodge
If you want to explore Native American culture, then any of the pet friendly Nativo Lodge rooms is a perfect start. Each room features a unique designed of Native American inspiration. La Luz Trail is close by to further explore nature with your entire family. If traditional carnival rides are closer to your taste for fun, then spend the day at Cliff’s Amusement Park. For a more adventurous time, try a hot-air balloon ride offered by Rainbow Ryders.
Clubhouse Inn Albuquerque
For a home away from home right in downtown Albuquerque, Clubhouse Inn Albuquerque is one of your best options. Budget and pet friendly, offering free parking, internet, and breakfast, along with a fitness center and a heated outdoor pool, this is a great venue for family trips. If you travel with a large group, adjoining rooms are available. The inn’s downtown location puts it close to the Old Town Plaza and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
MCM Elegante
Elegant, large, and comfortable room at affordable prices, complementary Internet access, free breakfast and parking, pet friendly venue, these are but a few of the reasons you should check out MCM Elegante for your trip to Albuquerque. Very close to Old Town with its historic tours, the hotel also neighbors the top spot to have a taste of local craft beer, the La Cumbre Brewery Company. For a quick roundup of the sights, you can take an ABQ Trolley tour.
Hotel Cascada
Described as an urban oasis, the newly renovated Hotel Cascada tempts guests with a resort-like atmosphere and an indoor water park. This pet friendly venue offers spacious room with dramatic mountain views or overlooking the courtyard. On-site entertainment includes a sports bar and café, a restaurant, and the very popular ABQ Surf & Slide Water Park, the only indoor water park in New Mexico. Hotel guests can access the park for free throughout their stay.
The post TravelTweaks: Top Albuquerque Hotels to Explore Culture, Scenic Views, and Fun Activities for the Family appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
Top Albuquerque Hotels to Explore Culture, Scenic Views, and Fun Activities for the Family
Originally posted on TravelTweaks on 25th of February
Dramatic mountain landscapes, the New Mexico desert, and the popular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are what drives tourists to spend their holidays here. Even in peak season, Albuquerque hotels are on the budget side, with the sole exception of the Balloon Fiesta and the ski season, when the prices go up a little. With an international airport close by, an efficient public transport system, and top attractions and cultural centers, Albuquerque has something for everyone. To help you plan your trip, here are five amazing family friendly hotels to suit each type of holiday. Four of them are pet friendly, so they are ideas for those traveling with furry family members.
Photo by Kate C. via Trover.com
Isleta Resort and Casino
If you want some adult fun (gambling) in an otherwise family friendly resort, then Isleta Resort and Casino is the place to go. Laser tag, bowling, and swimming in the pool are but a few of the activities available at this luxurious hotel. Adults can entertain themselves with the on-site casino, bar and restaurants, or do some shopping right at the resort. For a fun educational trip, we recommend Gutierrez-Hubbell House to see how one of the earliest settlers in the area lives.
Nativo Lodge
If you want to explore Native American culture, then any of the pet friendly Nativo Lodge rooms is a perfect start. Each room features a unique designed of Native American inspiration. La Luz Trail is close by to further explore nature with your entire family. If traditional carnival rides are closer to your taste for fun, then spend the day at Cliff’s Amusement Park. For a more adventurous time, try a hot-air balloon ride offered by Rainbow Ryders.
Clubhouse Inn Albuquerque
For a home away from home right in downtown Albuquerque, Clubhouse Inn Albuquerque is one of your best options. Budget and pet friendly, offering free parking, internet, and breakfast, along with a fitness center and a heated outdoor pool, this is a great venue for family trips. If you travel with a large group, adjoining rooms are available. The inn’s downtown location puts it close to the Old Town Plaza and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
MCM Elegante
Elegant, large, and comfortable room at affordable prices, complementary Internet access, free breakfast and parking, pet friendly venue, these are but a few of the reasons you should check out MCM Elegante for your trip to Albuquerque. Very close to Old Town with its historic tours, the hotel also neighbors the top spot to have a taste of local craft beer, the La Cumbre Brewery Company. For a quick roundup of the sights, you can take an ABQ Trolley tour.
Hotel Cascada
Described as an urban oasis, the newly renovated Hotel Cascada tempts guests with a resort-like atmosphere and an indoor water park. This pet friendly venue offers spacious room with dramatic mountain views or overlooking the courtyard. On-site entertainment includes a sports bar and café, a restaurant, and the very popular ABQ Surf & Slide Water Park, the only indoor water park in New Mexico. Hotel guests can access the park for free throughout their stay.
The post Top Albuquerque Hotels to Explore Culture, Scenic Views, and Fun Activities for the Family appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
April 3, 2016
Daimones and the End of the Mesozoic
Part of the research conducted for Daimones, and its alternative-history dating back 65 million years telling the end of the Mesozoic and the arrival of mammals and humans.
“Understanding how we decipher a great historical event written in the book of rocks
may be as interesting as the event itself.”
—Walter Alvarez
Geologists have long used fossils to help identify parts of the rock record from around the world. From the distribution of fossils and other geological data, rocks and sediments reveal the history of the world. The story we narrated has its roots 65 million years ago, and is part of the alternative-history to the SF trilogy known as The Daimones Trilogy.
From Nautilus issue 32: The Day the Mesozoic Died 65 million years ago.
The K-T Boundary
From the distribution of fossils and other geological data, the K-T Boundary separates precisely, in sediments world wide, the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods. The names of these and other geological time periods come from some of the features that mark particular times.
The history of life is divided into three eras—the Paleozoic (“ancient life,” the first animals), the Mesozoic (“middle life,” the age of dinosaurs), and the Cenozoic (“recent life,” the age of mammals). The Cretaceous period forms the last third of the Mesozoic era. The Tertiary period begins sharply at the end of the Cretaceous 65 million years ago, and it is the time when the dinosaurs disappeared.
Throughout the limestone deposits, geologists find fossilized shells of tiny creatures, called foraminifera or “forams”, a group of single-celled protists that can only be seen with a magnifying lens, and that thrived in the primeval oceans.
But in one centimeter of clay that separated two limestone layers at sharp, abrupt dividing line between Cretaceous and Tertiary, geologists find no fossils at all. Furthermore, in the older Cretacean layer below the clay, the forams are more diverse and much larger than in the younger layer above the clay (the Tertiary layer). Everywhere in the world, geologists find that thin layer of clay and the same difference between the forams below and above it. Around the world, that boundary is always right where the dramatic reduction in foram diversity size occurred. The rocks below are Cretaceous and the rocks above are Tertiary, and the thin layer of clay is in the gap between (The K-T Boundary).
Luis Alvarez, a Ph.D. in physics in 1936 from the University of Chicago, and who worked at the University of California, Berkeley under Ernest Lawrence. Luis, an expert on radioactivity and decay, and an analysis of K-T Boundary samples revealed the unexpected, the boundary has about 30 times more than the normal level of iridium deposit, and than the level found in other layers of the rock bed. Why would that thin layer have so much iridium?
The research around the world showed samples of the K-T Boundary with iridium levels up to 160 times background levels. Something major had happened in the world at a particular time in history and the research confirmed that the phenomenon was global. Something very unusual, and very bad, had happened at the K-T boundary. The forams, the iridium, the dinosaurs were all signs—but of what?
It Came From Outer Space
Alvarez’s concluded right away that the iridium must have been of extraterrestrial origin. They thought of a supernova, the explosion of a star that could shower earth with its elemental guts. The idea had been kicked around before in paleontological and astrophysics circles. An astronomy colleague at Berkeley, Chris McKee, suggested that an asteroid could have hit the earth.
A large amount of dust from a large impact could turn day into night for a few years, cooling the planet and shutting down photosynthesis. If so, how big an asteroid would it have been? From the iridium measurements in the clay, the concentration of iridium in so-called chondritic meteorites and the surface area of the Earth, Luis calculated the mass of the asteroid to be about 300 billion metric tons. He then used various methods to infer that the asteroid had a diameter of 10 ± 4 kilometers (km).
Such an asteroid would enter the atmosphere traveling at about 25 km per second—over 50,000 miles per hour. It would punch a hole in the atmosphere 10 km across and hit the planet with the energy of 108 megatons of TNT. (The largest atomic bomb ever exploded released the equivalent of about one megaton—the asteroid was 100 million times more powerful.)
Hell on Earth
The asteroid crossed the atmosphere in about one second, heating the air in front of it to several times the temperature of the sun. On impact, the asteroid vaporized, an enormous fireball erupted out into space, and rock particles were launched as far as halfway to the moon. Huge shock waves passed through the bedrock, then curved back up to the surface and shot melted blobs and bedrock out to the edge of the atmosphere and beyond. A second fireball erupted from the pressure on the shocked limestone bedrock. For a radius of a few hundred kilometers or more from ground zero, life was annihilated. Further away, matter ejected into space fell back to earth at high speeds—like trillions of meteors—heated up on re-entry, heating the air and igniting fires. Tsunamis, landslides, and earthquakes further ripped apart landscapes nearer to the impact.
Elsewhere in the world, death came a bit more slowly.
The debris and soot in the atmosphere blocked out the sun, and the darkness may have lasted for months. This shut down photosynthesis and halted food chains at their base. Analysis of plant fossils and pollen grains indicate that half or more plant species disappeared in some locations. Animals at successively higher levels of the food chain succumbed. The K-T boundary marks more than the end of the dinosaurs, it is also the end of belemnites, ammonites, and marine reptiles. Paleontologists estimate that more than half of all the planet’s species went extinct. On land, nothing larger than 25 kilograms in body size survived.
It was the end of the Mesozoic world, and the beginning of the history of humans in Daimones:
“The loss of Tiamat, and the lives which were also lost, constitute what we call the First Loss. This event took place around 65 million years in the past of your time. Your race caused that loss and all subsequent events.”
Daimones (The Daimones Trilogy Book 1)
Massimo Marino is a scientist envisioning science fiction. He spent years at CERN and The Lawrence Berkeley Lab followed by lead positions with Apple, Inc. and the World Economic Forum. He is also co-founder of “Squares on Blue”, a Big Data Analytics service company, and of BookGarage, a publishing service brokerage company.
Massimo currently lives in France and crosses the border with Switzerland multiple times daily, although he is no smuggler. #SFWApro
As a scientist writing science fiction, he went from
smashing particles at accelerators at SLAC and CERN to smashing words on a computer screen. He is is now an author with Booktrope Publishing, LCC, and Active Member of SFWA – Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
He’s the author of multi-awarded Daimones Trilogy. The 1st volume, Daimones (The Daimones Trilogy Book 1), published by Booktrope is available since August 2015.
His novels have received the Seal of Excellency from both AwesomeIndies.net and IndiePENdents.org
• 2012 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Award Winner in Science Fiction
• 2013 Hall of Fame – Best in Science Fiction, Quality Reads UK Book Club
• 2013 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Award Winner in Science Fiction Series
• 2014 Finalist – Science Fiction – Indie Excellence Awards L.A.
• 2014 Award Winner – Science Fiction Honorable Mention – Readers’ Favorite Annual Awards
His novels are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble (Nook), iTunes Apple Store, and many other retailers around the world.
Join his mailing list for new releases, or follow him on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.
The post Daimones and the End of the Mesozoic appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
March 13, 2016
BUDGET HACKS: TRAVELING IN NORWAY FOR CHEAP
Originally posted by Becky on The Girl and the Globe, on February 26
Norway is one of the most expensive destinations to visit in the world, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the country entirely. Despite high prices, there are a number of tactics that will help make a trip more affordable while still providing memorable experiences.
PLAN A STAY IN GARDEMOEN
Gardemoen, where’s that? Less than thirty miles from Oslo, you’ll find this unknown suburb that’s home to the city airport. While that sounds like a far distance to commute in and out of the city for daily touring, Gardemoen hotels are a fraction of the price compared to inner city Oslo hotels, and a 23-minute high-speed train will take you to the Drammen district. At the very least, consider this area for your arrival and departure nights when airport convenience is key.
GO OUTSIDE IN STAVANGER
Photo by Maria Vittoria Fronda via Trover.com
Stavanger’s natural landscape is the biggest draw for travelers, and exploring the outdoor playground is a budget-friendly activity. Look for Turistforetning hiking trails which are clearly marked with information or maps that are widely accessible throughout town. Many hikers and climbers choose to stay at hyttes, or cabins, within the mountains, but hotels in Stavanger are more comfortable if roughing it isn’t your style.
SPLASH AROUND IN KRISTIANSAND
Norway is a summer destination just as much as a winter one, and Kristiansand in the south is a great option in good weather. Pack your bathing suit to swim at the town beach or at Hamresanden, a three-kilometer stretch of sand. Skip the saltwater by swimming in the many lakes, or simply enjoy the waterfront by walking the boardwalk, taking a sightseeing boat, or fishing. Waterfront hotels in Kristiansand are easy to find!
STAY UP LATE IN TROMSO
Photo by Backpack ME via Trover.com
Tromso’s scenery is spectacular, but the views of the skies are best of all. Each winter, visitors enjoy displays of the northern lights. Spotting the Aurora Borealis is as simple as going outside after dark, but you can also choose to cross-country ski or snowshoe to more isolated spots. Joining a guided excursion is possible too, at a higher cost. Regardless, there’s an option for every budget. To save on Tromso hotels, look for Airbnb’s since owners like to escape the Arctic cold in winter and rent their apartments out.
EAT LIKE A KING IN TRONDHEIM
Trondheim is home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and with 25,000 students in town, there are plenty of restaurants to meet a low budget. One of the best options is the 18th-century Tavern which offers specials on klubb, a Norwegian potato dumpling often cooked with bacon. Here you’ll get as many as you can eat on Tuesdays for less than 100 krone. Don’t forget to try the other student favorite: a pølse hot dog served in a lompe tortilla. All Trondheim hotels can point you to their favorite!
If you’ve wanted to head to Scandinavia, take advantage of these tips and a strong U.S. dollar (the krone is at ten-year low) while you can.
The post BUDGET HACKS: TRAVELING IN NORWAY FOR CHEAP appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
March 11, 2016
Kiss From the World: 5 Stunning Springtime Destinations in Germany
This was originally posted on Kiss from the World by Erika Alc.
Germany is a land of vastness and variety. Between its great metropolitan cities and its majestic mountain ranges, there are experiences to entice every kind of traveler. Consider visiting in the spring when the weather is more pleasant and the landscapes are greener. You might even find a festival or two that’ll pique your interests.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is a city of contrasts. Centuries-old architecture juxtaposed against present day wonders allude to its evolving narrative. Likewise, you’ll find a variety of lodgings to suit either taste. Bear in mind that in the spring, trees begin to sprout anew and cover the city streets and its parks in an alluring green. There’s no better time of the year to experience Düsseldorf, the capital of German state North Rhine-Westphalia. Temperate weather, interesting architecture, shopping, and an abundance of good food await you.
Cologne
Gothic architecture in the form of Cologne Cathedral’s twin spires punctuates this city’s skyline. Other landmarks of antiquity rise alongside it, but don’t be fooled. Despite this declaration of architectural heritage, Cologne is surprisingly modern. Beneath the surface, find a plethora of present-day features like the Hotel Im Wasserturm. This historic water tower hides a sleek, modern interior. Other points of interest include Cologne’s trove of museums like Museum Ludwig with its large collection of post-modern art. Or take to the Botanical Gardens Flora for a stroll through its well-manicured gardens best seen in the spring.
Stuttgart
Nicknamed for its proximity to historical Swabia, Stuttgart has developed a definitive culture of its own. The city is known for its greenery that is more plentiful than urban development. Find accommodations near one of these inviting outdoor spaces. The annual Spring Festival attracts nearly 2 million visitors to its 106-acre Cannstatter Wasen. Additionally, the “Swabia Metropolis” boasts headquarters and museums for Mercedes-Benz and Porche— an ideal destination for any car enthusiast. Also, consider that Stuttgart is adjacent to some of Germany’s largest wine-growing regions. Road trip and wine tasting, anyone?
Nuremberg
A visit to this Bavarian city might just leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a medieval storybook. Cobbled streets, rows of colorful Tudor houses, and even castles create a fairytale-like atmosphere in Nuremberg. As its architecture suggests, this city is steeped in history. Find museums and landmarks representative of various time periods including those significant to WWII. A visit to Nuremberg is living history. Complete your travels with a stay at one of the area’s enticing hotels, Le Méridien Grand Hotel. If you vacation in the spring, make time for the Nürnberger Volksfest, a large festival featuring amusement rides, performances, beer, and food.
Bremen
Old and new meet harmoniously in this North Germany town. It’s evident everywhere you look. Take the Universum Science Center, designed like a steely clam shell. It’s refreshingly modern against the classic architecture of the Bremen Cathedral. The ports in Bremen are still in use today and are key contributors to the global industry. In addition to this, Bremen is home to dozens of historical museums, galleries, landmarks, and a great selection of hotels. Take advantage of the fine spring weather when Bremen becomes host to several events like the Wine Exhibition Rhineland-Palatinate.
Cover photo via Flickr by John Morgan
Düsseldorf photo via Flickr by Thomas Brenac
Cologne photo via Flickr by Michael Rastetter
Nuremberg photo via Flickr by Julie Corsi
The post Kiss From the World: 5 Stunning Springtime Destinations in Germany appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
5 Stunning Springtime Destinations in Germany
This was originally posted on Kiss from the World by Erika Alc.
Germany is a land of vastness and variety. Between its great metropolitan cities and its majestic mountain ranges, there are experiences to entice every kind of traveler. Consider visiting in the spring when the weather is more pleasant and the landscapes are greener. You might even find a festival or two that’ll pique your interests.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is a city of contrasts. Centuries-old architecture juxtaposed against present day wonders allude to its evolving narrative. Likewise, you’ll find a variety of lodgings to suit either taste. Bear in mind that in the spring, trees begin to sprout anew and cover the city streets and its parks in an alluring green. There’s no better time of the year to experience Düsseldorf, the capital of German state North Rhine-Westphalia. Temperate weather, interesting architecture, shopping, and an abundance of good food await you.
Cologne
Gothic architecture in the form of Cologne Cathedral’s twin spires punctuates this city’s skyline. Other landmarks of antiquity rise alongside it, but don’t be fooled. Despite this declaration of architectural heritage, Cologne is surprisingly modern. Beneath the surface, find a plethora of present-day features like the Hotel Im Wasserturm. This historic water tower hides a sleek, modern interior. Other points of interest include Cologne’s trove of museums like Museum Ludwig with its large collection of post-modern art. Or take to the Botanical Gardens Flora for a stroll through its well-manicured gardens best seen in the spring.
Stuttgart
Nicknamed for its proximity to historical Swabia, Stuttgart has developed a definitive culture of its own. The city is known for its greenery that is more plentiful than urban development. Find accommodations near one of these inviting outdoor spaces. The annual Spring Festival attracts nearly 2 million visitors to its 106-acre Cannstatter Wasen. Additionally, the “Swabia Metropolis” boasts headquarters and museums for Mercedes-Benz and Porche— an ideal destination for any car enthusiast. Also, consider that Stuttgart is adjacent to some of Germany’s largest wine-growing regions. Road trip and wine tasting, anyone?
Nuremberg
A visit to this Bavarian city might just leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a medieval storybook. Cobbled streets, rows of colorful Tudor houses, and even castles create a fairytale-like atmosphere in Nuremberg. As its architecture suggests, this city is steeped in history. Find museums and landmarks representative of various time periods including those significant to WWII. A visit to Nuremberg is living history. Complete your travels with a stay at one of the area’s enticing hotels, Le Méridien Grand Hotel. If you vacation in the spring, make time for the Nürnberger Volksfest, a large festival featuring amusement rides, performances, beer, and food.
Bremen
Old and new meet harmoniously in this North Germany town. It’s evident everywhere you look. Take the Universum Science Center, designed like a steely clam shell. It’s refreshingly modern against the classic architecture of the Bremen Cathedral. The ports in Bremen are still in use today and are key contributors to the global industry. In addition to this, Bremen is home to dozens of historical museums, galleries, landmarks, and a great selection of hotels. Take advantage of the fine spring weather when Bremen becomes host to several events like the Wine Exhibition Rhineland-Palatinate.
Cover photo via Flickr by John Morgan
Düsseldorf photo via Flickr by Thomas Brenac
Cologne photo via Flickr by Michael Rastetter
Nuremberg photo via Flickr by Julie Corsi
The post 5 Stunning Springtime Destinations in Germany appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
Hungry in Australia–The Sights and Tastes of Queensland, Melbourne, and Darwin
Posted on February 26, 2016 by Aleah on Solitary Wanderer.
If you are itching for a different kind of adventure, add Australia to your bucket list.
Being a continent, massive island, and country all rolled into one, Australia has its own wonders that keep visitors returning again and again.
With numerous cities, each with their own character, you’ll likely have your own favorite Aussie city. Sights, sounds, culture, and diversity – Australia will leave you mesmerized.
Due to the massive land area and geographical distance between major cities, each Australian region develops a distinct personality. These cities may share a similar vibe, but they are not completely the same. Traveling around the Land Down Under is never monotonous.
If each destinations’ personality is unique, then expect an even more diverse gastronomic landscape. With plenty of options to choose from, owing to the varying influences that make the country ethnically diverse, Australia makes for a great gastronomic excursion.
Photo by kgbo via Wikimedia
Queensland
Queensland’s subtropical climate, association with the sea, and almost endless shorelines give the city an expansive food and drink selection. Seafood comprises its main offering, with a unique combination of Asian, European, and Modern Australian influences.
There are numerous restaurants here, as well as fruits rarely found in other parts of Australia, such as pawpaws, avocadoes, bananas, and mangoes.
Prepare for a mouth-watering experience as Queensland takes pride in supreme seafood choices. Sink your teeth into tiger prawns, sea scallops, mud crabs, and mackerel. The region is also tastefully scattered with wineries for that romantic dinner or laid back afternoon.
After your extravagant food experience, frolic the beaches of Queensland and experience the summery side of Australia. There will never be a dull moment, especially if all you need is a good dose of Vitamin Sea. Check out Hipmunk Surfers Paradise in Queensland when you decide to go.
Photo by raedon via Pixabay
Melbourne
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan destination for food choices, such that your choice of gastronomic treats all boils down to personal preference and budget.
You’ll find food trucks, cafés, specialty restaurants, and more. Pick your favorite cuisine, and there is a good chance you’ll find it in Melbourne.
However, if you’re after quick bites and other casual food selections, Melbourne is home to probably some of the most amazing burgers and take-outs in Australia and the world. Its residents’ diversity is one of the reasons why Melbourne has blossomed into a foodie’s nirvana.
Aside from being a haven for your picky palate, Melbourne boasts sights like the Shrine of Remembrance and the Melbourne City Centre. It showcases great architectural marvels that have captured travelers and photography enthusiasts’ attention. Check out Hipmunk Melbourne when you visit.
Photo by yeowatzup via Wikimedia
Darwin
Darwin is the pride of Australia’s Northern Territory, with its distinct mix of cultural, natural, and gastronomical offerings. It is home to several historical destinations related to navy and aviation, as well as natural parks and galleries.
Given its proximity to the South East Asian region, this city resonates with the region’s influence. Darwin is home to several national parks, such as Kakadu National Park and Katherine Gorge.
Darwin is somewhat a hybrid of Queensland and Melbourne. Due to its location and accessibility to the sea, seafood is celebrated here, just as in Queensland.
Being a rendezvous point for foreigners, it doesn’t fall behind in terms of international cuisines, such as Japanese, Italian, Indian, Indonesian, and Modern Australian. Many cafes here offer great views, making them perfect for a romantic sunset dinner. Darwin also hosts wine and food festivals throughout the year. Check out Hipmunk for Darwin accommodations.
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March 6, 2016
Why You Should Plan a Colorado Ski Vacation This Winter
This post was posted by the Christina Tellers on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on Jan 22th.
If you’re an avid ski enthusiast, one of the best destinations for you is Colorado. Whether or not you’re looking for slopes meant for beginners or some geared towards professional level skiers, you’ll find exactly what suits your needs. In addition to a scenic skiing experience, Colorado has so much more to offer. Come check out the trendy restaurant and bar scene, top-of-the-line shopping opportunities, and natural landmarks that bring tourists from all over the world.
Glenwood Springs
Just like much of Colorado, Glendwood Springs has an amazing ski scene that will have you never wanting to head home. One of the top places to hit the slopes is Sunlight Mountain Resort. Here you’ll find a ski school that will teach you everything you need to know about the sport. Sign up for private lessons, or head out on your own. You can book a room at the resort, or reserve a room in one of these popular Glenwood Springs hotels. In addition to the Sunlight Mountain Resort, check out tourist hotspots such as Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Hotsprings Pool, or Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins is home to several popular ski resorts and hotels, the best being the nearby Eldora Mountain Resort. Here you’ll find some top-rated ski instructors that can give you one-on-one attention on the slopes. Another popular ski location near the area is Echo Mountain, as well as Snowy Range Ski Recreation Center. For a break from skiing, head to some of these popular tourist spots: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, and Arapaho National Forest.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek Ski Resort is by far the top ski resort in Beaver Creek. This is specifically an amazing destination for families with young children. The resort offers beginner courses for young kids, as well as other activities throughout the day. Adults will the blown away by the scenic views of the mountains. If you don’t wish to stay in one of the resort’s rooms or suites, book a room in one of these popular Beaver Creek hotels. For other sightseeing opportunities in the area, check out Beaver Creek Chapel, Beaver Lake Trail, and Walking Mountains Science Center.
Keystone
Keystone Ski Resort is a popular destination for those traveling to Colorado on a Colorado ski vacation. The resort sits between three separate mountains, so you have plenty of slopes to choose from depending on your skill level. Keystone Lodge and Spa is also a great place to unwind and relax during your getaway. For more options on where to stay, consider booking a room at one of these budget-friendly Keystone hotels.
Broomfield
Though there are not a lot of options for skiing in Broomfield, Colorado, there are plenty of ski resorts and lodges within a short distance. Travel to towns that offers some of the best ski experiences in the whole state. You’ll find plenty of other things to do in Broomfield, however, including The Broomfield Bay Aquatic Center and Flatiron Crossing Mall. For an affordable and comfortable place to stay, check out these Broomfield hotels.
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March 4, 2016
The Best Apps for Productivity Across Time Zones
This post was posted by the Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on Feb 18th.
For many folks, travel is a way to escape from the daily grind, relax, and gain some much-needed rejuvenation. But for the world’s more than 480 million business travelers, travel too often involves worrying about missed emails, dropped expense reports, or scheduling meetings or keeping a project on track from across different time zones.
It can be tough to get work done far away from the office, but that’s where each of these apps comes in. Every entry on this list meets a specific need of the modern business traveler. Taken together, they offer business travelers a maximum-productivity package that will help ensure you’re able to get work done pretty much anywhere.
Asana
Asana is perfect for anyone who needs to tackle collaborative projects with a remote team. It’s developed by one of the co-founders of Facebook, and it’s just as on-trend as the behemoth social media platform. The app lets you lay out the steps necessary to complete a project, assign each task to a collaborator, track the project’s progress, and communicate with other team members—all without being in the same room or worrying about scheduling a phone call across time zones.
CamCard
Perfect for trips on which you anticipate doing lots of networking, CamCard allows you to digitally store business cards and contact information for new prospects or collaborators. So there’ll be no more panicking when you get home and realize you lost that potential new client’s contact info en route.
Docusign
For the executive on the go: Docusign makes it easy to digitally execute contracts, manage transactions, and issue legally binding electronic signatures across mobile devices. The service prides itself on being usable from virtually anywhere in the world (it’s already in use in 43 languages and 188 countries), and it’s secure as it is functional.
Dropbox
No matter where you are in the world, you can access all of your files from Dropbox. If you know you’ll need access to certain documents while traveling, simply upload them to the service ahead of your trip. Then you’ll be able to access them from any device, at any time. (It sure beats having to wait several hours until a coworker wakes up and can email you the documents you need.) You can also easily share files with simple links.
Expensify
Never worry about processing expense reports on the go again. Expensify allows users to quickly import card transactions, add cash expenses, record billable expenses, auto-categorize expenses, create custom invoices, ditch paper receipts, issue reimbursements, and more—and it will do it all while supporting more than 160 currencies and international taxes.
HipChat
For those times when you need to communicate with your team in real-time (but you’re in, say, Bangkok while the rest of your team is in NYC), turn to HipChat. The app offers a group chat service that’s available on desktops, tablets, or smartphones. The app will also deliver messages to your phone even when you’re signed off, so that you and your teammates will be able to reach each other at any time should a pressing issue arise.
Hipmunk
Sure, we’re shamelessly self-promoting. But it’s only because we think we’ve made the best travel app on the market. Hipmunk’s app eliminates wasted time in the planning stages of a trip by finding the best hotel and flight deals, providing free flight fare alerts, and offering instant booking. Business travelers can also use the app to coordinate group travel. Leave the trip planning to us so you can get back to work.
World Time Buddy
World Time Buddy is a world clock, time zone converter, and online meeting scheduler all in one convenient app. Need to plan a conference call with someone in San Francisco while you’re in Dublin? Skip the math and simply plug in what time zone you’re in, what time zone they’re in, and bada boom: The app will provide you with a selection of compatible meeting times. The app also tracks market hours.
XE Currency
If your business travels take you to multiple countries in one go and you need to calculate currencies in a hurry, then XE Currency has you covered. The app allows users to view historical charts and current exchange rates and calculate prices from a mobile device. You can also create customized comparison charts for prices anywhere in the world.
The only downside to these apps? They’ll limit your excuses for not getting work done during your travels. Welcome to the great big mobile world!
The post The Best Apps for Productivity Across Time Zones appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
March 3, 2016
6 Must-Visit Cities for the Discriminating Gearhead
This post was posted by the Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on Feb 15th.
Thanks in part to its wide-open landscape and sprawling interstate system, the United States has maintained a long-term love affair with the automobile. The romance certainly hasn’t waned over the years, as more cars were sold in the United States in 2015 than during any other year in history. Many of those sales were pragmatic vehicles like Crossover Utility Vehicles, but you don’t have to cover many miles to encounter far more interesting autos. So hit the highway and take the exit for these motor-friendly metropolises!
Portland, OR
Portland may conjure up images of farm-to-table brunch spots and thick-bearded Millennials pedaling past organic coffee shops and tattoo parlors, but this hipster-friendly city knows how to burn some rubber. Portland International Raceway, just south of the Columbia River, features a full calendar, including Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, motorcycle road-racing, ⅛-mile dragstrip, karting, and unique events featuring vintage racecars, rally cars, British autos, and the surprisingly versatile Volkswagen Beetle. Sign up for their Pro Drive racing school and learn how to handle your car both on and off the track. If you’re more into aesthetics than pure speed, PDX Car Culture can point you towards the myriad car shows, cruise-ins, and custom builders in the area!
Often seen as Las Vegas’ smaller cousin, Reno provides a gearhead culture unlike anything Vegas has to offer. The National Automobile Museum presents The Harrah Collection, the eponymous casino-owner’s world-renowned collection of over 200 of the world’s rarest, most historic automobiles. Nowhere else can you see the 1938 Phantom Corsair, or the only original example of Buckminster Fuller’s “Car of the Future” – the 1934 Dymaxion – or the 1907 Thomas Flyer, the American-built car that conquered the world in the 22,000-mile 1908 New York to Paris Race. Once a year, Reno offers an adrenaline-pumping alternative to the static displays at the museum: the Reno Air Races, where some of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft in the world tear through the air at over 400 mph. At that speed, they could cover the 7-hour drive from Vegas to Reno in just over an hour!
Austin, TX
Another Millennial favorite, Austin boasts something no other city in the contemporary United States can claim: a chance to see Formula One cars at full-tilt. This racing series represents the pinnacle of automotive technology, and, in terms of global popularity, is the soccer of the auto-racing world. The Circuit of the Americas also hosts a number of other high-octane events throughout the year, including a weekend of MotoGP in April (the motorcycling equivalent of Formula One), the Summer X-Games, and the Pirelli World-Challenge in March, contested by racecar versions of the world’s fastest street cars, including McClarens, Ferraris, Porsches, and American iron like Fords, Chevys, and Cadillacs. COTA’s Austin360 Amphitheatre also plays host to huge music and comedy events throughout the year, packing in upwards of 14,000 fans to see headliners like Duran Duran, Florence and the Machine, and Jeff Foxworthy’s RedFest.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hallowed ground in the world of motorsport, and no tour of American automotive history would be complete without paying homage to ‘The Brickyard.’ Except for brief hiatuses during the First and Second World Wars, the world-famous Indy 500 has been run on this site every year since 1911. Contemporary racers cover the 500-mile distance in under three hours, at average speeds nearing 200 mph! The Brickyard also plays host to many other top-notch racing series, including NASCAR, MotoGP, and the Red Bull Air Race. For a more sedate experience, be sure to pay a visit to the Speedway’s Hall of Fame Museum, where a rotating selection of historically significant racecars, around 75 at a time, are on display.
Better known as the Country Music Capitol of the World, Nashville also offers a little something for those who prefer the music of internal combustion. While the Musician’s Hall of Fame features musician-owned cars like Elvis’ Gold Cadillac, the true gearhead won’t want to miss the Lane Motor Museum. Featuring one of the most extensive collections of eccentric cars in the world, be sure to pay a visit to gawk at bizarre gems like their 1966 Citroen DS Ice Racer, the three-wheeled (and elegantly named) 1934 B.S.A. TW33-10-4 Cylinder, and the 1951 Hoffmann, which Jalopnik’s Jason Torchinsky gleefully dubbed “the worst car ever built.” Who wouldn’t want to see that?
No motorsport is more American than NASCAR, and no city in the United States is more steeped in it than Charlotte, North Carolina. Take a lap through NASCAR history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, tour the headquarters of one of the many NASCAR teams who call Charlotte home, and feel the thunder of horsepower at the legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to multiple NASCAR races and events throughout the year – including the only Saturday night race in the NASCAR Chase – the Speedway hosts events featuring monster trucks, MXGP motocross, World of Outlaws, and the 8,000 horsepower, 320 mph acceleration-machines known as NHRA Top-Fuel Dragsters. Let your gearhead flag fly, and don’t forget your earplugs!
The post 6 Must-Visit Cities for the Discriminating Gearhead appeared first on § A Scientist Envisioning Science Fiction.
