Kids on a motorcycle in the Philippines -
photo by David Rich. |
This month we run the gamut from Austria to Zanzibar -- from Christmas shopping to dragon hunting.
David Rich, still happily homeless after thirteen years on the road, takes us to the Mountain Provinces of the Philippines, to the Chinese colonial city of Vigan, the World Heritage rice terraces of Bontoc, Banaue and Batad and the perfect volcanic cone of Mount Mayon.
GoNOMAD Editor Max Hartshorne visits the bucolic alpine meadows of Kitzbuhel, Austria, famous for its world-class ski competitions, but also a favored destination for hikers and bikers. It's also known for wurtzelgeist, honnessggam and krizstmahsassel and other local favorites, and Max gives a full report.
Ginger Warder, a self-confessed "Christmas nut" takes us on a shopping trip through the festive Christmas markets of Vienna. Ulrike and Ian Lemmin-Woolfrey team up with story and photos for a GoNOMAD destination guide to Zanzibar with its unique blend of Africa and Arabia.
We're also showcasing the work of our two talented interns. Daryl Popper writes about "life-changing" family safaris in East Africa with Lynne Leakey and Marina
Solovyov contributes an article about the AirTrain to JFK International Airport.
Rick and Chris Millikan continue their biking series with a tour of Vancouver's Richmond area and we're delighted to introduce first-time contributors James Griffin, who stalks the legendary Komodo dragon, Sarika Chawla with a guide to New Zealand's capital city and Eleonora Dell'Aquila with a story on Italy's stunning Cinque Terre.
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New Stories recently published on GoNOMAD...
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East African Safaris With Lynne Leakey: A Unique Family Experience
"I do a lot of multi-generational tours,” Leakey says. “Just to see
grandparents having time with their children and grandchildren without
distractions -- those things that keep families from interacting like IPods
and cell phones -- is very rewarding. Time is given to evolve with each other and just enjoy the fun of a safari.” |
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The Philippines' Mountain Provinces
Those flocking to the Philippines for its gorgeous beaches and crystalline waters are missing some of the choicest cuts in these exotic islands: World Heritage rice terraces, steamy volcanoes, an old colonial city, and vertiginous mountains to rival the Andes, all easy and inexpensive to sample in a few relaxing weeks. Vigan, on the Philippine Sea in Northern Luzon, is the best preserved colonial city in Southeast Asia. |
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Kitzbuhel, Austria: Designed for the Hiker, the Biker & the Skier
The little town of Kitzbuhel, with about 8000 residents in Northern Austria has a lot more than skiing. There are myriad hiking and mountain biking trails that pass through bucolic fields filled with brown cows, dark pine forests, and gorgeous meadows.that pass through bucolic fields filled with brown cows, dark pine forests, and gorgeous meadows... |
Join GoNOMAD.com's staff at the Adventure Expo in NYC! January 13-14.
Register at the link below and save $5.00 off your admission
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Vienna's Christmas Markets: A Yuletide Wonderland for All Ages
If you remember what it was like to wake up at the crack of dawn, and see the Christmas tree twinkling, surrounded by presents that magically appeared while you were sleeping, then you’ll know exactly what it feels like to be in Vienna during the holiday season. The air is filled with the mingled scents of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and a hint of snow. |
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Zanzibar: A Magical Blend of Arabia and Africa
The mature forest, animals such as chameleons, elephant shrews and bush babies live, is overwhelming at its best, but once you encounter a group of monkeys, the forest truly comes alive. The stunning forest together with the mad-cap and not-at-all-shy monkeys are an experience unique to Zanzibar Island, and should not be missed under any circumstances. |
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Komodo National Park: Home of the Legendary Dragon
“One bite can kill,” the park guide tells us before my wife and I and two friends venture into the forest in search of this dinosaur-like monster. The Komodo Dragon has been made famous by stories of devoured children, missing tourists, and a ferocious bite. The beast’s mythical appearance makes visiting the Komodo Dragon a pilgrimage to the past. |
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Wellington, New Zealand: The Capital City Comes Into Its Own
Despite its status as the nation’s capital, North Island travelers tend to overlook Wellington as a destination point. For years, the hilly harbor city has catered to visiting dignitaries and business travelers, but for leisure-seekers, it’s merely been the place to catch the ferry to the South Island. But Wellington is a bustling little city with the feel of a waterfront village. |
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Budget Travelers Save Time & Money With JFK’s AirTrain
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Cinque Terre, Italy: A Beautiful Hike by the Mediterranean
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Cycling Historic Richmond: A Soft Pedaling Vancouver Adventure
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Learning Italian at Florence's Koine Center
The whole experience of language learning in an intensive course totally immerses you into the fabric of another culture which is a great place to be.
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