Eating trend: 'Dark dining' shines brightly in Asia

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Clay Hemmerich, with additional
reporting by CNNGo staffAt dine-in-the-dark restaurants, there's need to
worry about whether you're using the right fork. Unless someone is pointing a
creepy night-vision lens at you.Ever taken a bite of something with your eyes
closed -- a carrot, a slice of grapefruit -- then had trouble identifying the
flavor? That surprise you felt at finding out you'd actually bitten into a
peach, not a banana, is behind the increasingly popular "dark dining"
phenomenon. With roots in Europe and North America, the playful concept is
fast spreading across Asia. There's Senses restaurant in Hong Kong, Blind Art
Restaurant in Seoul, Trojan Fairy in Beijinig and Bandung's Blind Cafe and
Restaurant in Indoneisa.   This month, Bangkok joins the list with the
opening of Dine in the Dark (DID) in the Ascott Sathorn Hotel. Secret menus,
intensified flavors  Roughly following the worldwide script, a meal at DID
goes like this: diners are welcomed by a hostess, who helps them choose the
type of cuisine they'd like to try. Then they're led into a pitch-black room
where visually impaired guides help seat them at a table.read more

Best of Rio de Janeiro

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Joe RobinsonTravel fantasies don't
always live up to the reality, but the "marvelous city," as Rio de
Janeiro's citizens call their beloved hometown, can knock even the most jaded
travelers off their seen-it-all perches.  Even just walking under the sun
can get sexy in Rio. The marvels range from singular settings -- primo
beaches surrounded by jungled slopes and granite monoliths -- to some of the
best music on the planet, to a lifestyle that invites all to slow down and
sample life at a beachside kiosk, sidewalk bar or juice stand. Famed for
girls from Ipanema and Carnaval, the best of Rio is all that but a lot
more.  The party goes on year-round in the cultural heart of Brazil, from
the samba renaissance in the Lapa District, where you can choose from an
array of great clubs, music and restaurants; to Carnaval rehearsals at local
samba schools that redefine the word "celebration."  As it prepares for
the Olympics in 2016, the city has launched a massive security program
that's finally addressing long-standing safety concerns. The best of Rio
beaches of the Zona Sul are heavily patrolled and many other areas --
especially those troubled by crime and drugs -- have been cleaned up.read
more

Most arresting exhibit at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Biennale

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 16:50 — Anonymous by Christopher DeWolfThe Hong
Kong-Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture opens this week with 50
fascinating exhibits in Kowloon Park. For the riskiest and most surprising
installation of all, pay a visit to the Wan Chai Visual Archive, where Dutch
artist Frank Havermans has created an illegal rooftop structure that pays
homage to the informal urbanism of Hong Kong. "It's a metal creature that
refers to rooftop structures, signboards and those hawker stalls you see
around the city," says Havermans. "They're really haphazardly built,
without any notions of design, but together they're amazing. It's a very
Hong Kong thing." The structure, which was made by a metal shop around the
corner from the Archive, will certainly attract attention. Havermans'
description of it as a "creature" is apt: it looks like a suspension
bridge on the prowl.read more

Which airline serves the best food?

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 13:57 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffAirline food has had a
rough ride over the years, being likened to all manner of barely edible
substances including "pure plastic" and even someone's grandmother. 
But recent events suggest things could be changing -- indeed, in some cases
travelers eat better at 30,000 feet than they can on the ground. Celebrity
chefs have recently jumped aboard the in-flight meal trolley, to try to
enhance and improve the state of airline food. Note Heston Blumenthal's
efforts with British Airways and Gordon Ramsay's attempt at Heathrow. And
a survey released in December 2011 suggested airlines are taking note.
Turkish Airlines scored a massive 86 percent for its in-flight meals on a
Skyscanner passenger poll, with restaurant-quality eats including stuffed
eggplant and walnut pear tart. In the same poll Singapore Airlines scored 81
percent and Etihad 80 percent.read more

Can the world handle a billion tourists?

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 10:48 — Anonymous by Karla CrippsStampedes at the Sistine
Chapel; queues for the Great Wall of China as long as the wall itself; menus
dominated by Asian options at international restaurants. That's what you
might expect to be faced with as a traveler in 2012, when you consider the
news from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), that
international tourist arrivals are on track to hit 1 billion this year.
That's a whole lot of suitcases.  But is a billion tourists as daunting a
number as it sounds?  Actually, the signs are that the world not only can
cope with a billion international travelers, it can do so comfortably. read
more

Bangkok travel warnings follow Valentine's Day blasts

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 10:55 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffDue to a series of
bombings in Bangkok on Tuesday, the United States and United Kingdom are
among several countries urging citizens to be cautious when visiting the Thai
capital.  In a statement posted on its website, the U.S. Embassy said:
"This message alerts U.S. citizens in Thailand that a series of explosions
occurred in the vicinity of Sukhumvit Soi 71 in Bangkok on the afternoon of
February 14.  "As a reminder we encourage U.S. citizens to maintain a
heightened awareness when in public. Be alert for unattended packages/bags in
public and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement
personnel."  Read on CNN: Israel, Iran battle over who's behind string of
bombings Government officials have charged two Iranians. A third suspect was
arrested by authorities in Malaysia. Thai officials also have an arrest
warrant for a woman in connection with the blasts in Bangkok, which wounded
at least five people. She is believed to have left Thailand.read more

Did Jesus Christ live and die in northern Japan?

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by Andrew PothecaryMost people would
expect the foundations of a global religion like Christianity to be
undermined only in blockbuster style by secret hidden codes, Vatican
cover-ups, the mysterious Illuminati or the like. Not in the quiet,
understated and actually very peaceful style in which "Christ's Grave"
does it in one of the remotest parts of northern Japan. For if it's true
that Jesus Christ is buried as claimed just outside Shingo Village in Aomori
Prefecture, then he obviously didn't die on the cross, rise again promising
eternal life through his dad and, ultimately, give the world Christianity.
Even if it's not true, it's still a pretty neat story. Tantalizing clues In
fact, Christ chose a very nice spot in which to live and die. (I'll skip
the purportedlys and allegedlys or we'll be here all night.)read more

Tour guides’ picks: 10 city sights you mustn't miss

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Anthea GerrieYou might assume
you've seen a city's best sights when you've ticked off all the stops on
a bus tour. But what things do the locals love best?  We asked 10 insider
guides in 10 world-class cities to tell us about their favorite places. Also
on CNNGo: 10 cities, 100 amazing free attractions 1. Miami: Casa Casuarina
Suits you, Sir. Your Miami guide is:  Tara Solomon, Discovery Miami Beach
self-guided tours;www.discoverymiamibeach.com"Casa Casuarina, the former
home of Gianni Versace, is one of Miami's most magical places and my favorite
spot on our Discovery Miami Beach tour," says Tara Solomon of Discovery
Miami Beach self-guided tours.read more

10 great cities, 100 fantastic free attractions

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Bija KnowlesEver noticed how things
always seem better when you don't have to pay for them? Seeing the
world's best bits doesn't have to involve going broke. Here are 10 of the
globe's greatest city destinations, each with 10 amazing attractions, for
free. Click through all the pages at the bottom, or fly directly to your
chosen city by clicking the graphic below. LONDON, ENGLAND 1. Big screen
opera and recitals at the Royal Opera House The Royal Opera House holds free
Monday lunch-time recitals as well as screenings of live opera performances
in Trafalgar Square. Contact the box office to find out about the next free
events. Covent Garden; www.roh.org.uk; +44 (0)20 7304 4000read more

Thousands stranded as Air Australia enters administration

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 12:30 — Anonymous Around 4,000 Air Australia passengers
are either stranded overseas or missing out on flights after the budget
airline was suddenly placed into administration overnight. The carrier, which
was launched just three months ago, is based out of Brisbane and operated
routes to Hawaii, Phuket and Bali, as well as several domestic Australian
services. A statement from administrators KordaMentha was posted on the Air
Australia website and also handed to passengers awaiting flights. "In the
short term, the fleet will be grounded," it read. "It currently appears
that there are no funds available to meet operational expenses, so flights
will be suspended immediately." The passenger advisory went on to make it
clear that stranded travelers are on their own. "The flight will not take
place. You should make alternate arrangements," it warned.read more

iReport: After dark at the Sapporo Snow Festival

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:35 — Anonymous by Allan CookIn a CNNGo iReport
assignment at the end of January, we asked readers to share their images of
their favorite Asian nighttime travel destinations, as well as the reasons
they picked them. Alan Cook, living in Funabashi, near Tokyo, sent us his
photos along with a word or two on what made him pull out his camera at one
of Japan's most popular after-dark festivals last week. There's no escaping
the mouse, even in Japan's frozen north. iReporter Cook has lived in Japan
for 10 years and he finally made it to the annual Snow Festival in Sapporo,
Hokkaido, this year on the 63rd running of the winter fiesta, which concluded
at the weekend. Taiwan's National Palace Museum somehow looks even better in
ice.read more

World's best airports announced -- Asia dominates

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 13:36 — Anonymous by CNNGo staff Korea's Incheon
International Airport has maintained its streak with a seventh consecutive
win in the annual Airport Service Quality Awards from Airports Council
International (ACI). Incheon Airport took the title of "Best Airport
Worldwide" of 2011 by ACI on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, for the seventh
year in a row. Singapore's Changi Airport came in second and Beijing Capital
International Airport took third in a top five that was filled entirely by
Asian airports. Full results are below.  "For Incheon International
Airport to dominate in this category for seven consecutive years is testament
to the degree to which customer service is intrinsically linked to their
business strategy," said Angela Gittens, the World Director of Airports
Council International (ACI). ACI -- a non-profit organization based in
Montreal -- consists of 580 members operating 1,650 airports in 179 countries
and territories, and is the only global trade representative of airports.read
more

What to tip, how much and where -- Tipping guide for travelers

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Jane LeungTip too little and
you're blacklisted, tip too much and you're a chump. Different cultures
call for different gratuity customs, so here's a comprehensive guide to the
etiquette in seven different big cities. But when in doubt, remember the
golden rule -- always leave 10 percent and you won't get chased down the
street. Probably. Got your tipping tips for lesser known destinations? Let us
hear them in the comments Also on CNNGo: Best places to travel to in 2012
read more

America’s most sinful cities

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 15:37 — Anonymous by Jordan RaneTalk about a misnomer. If
the "Seven Deadly Sins" are all that deadly, why is it so enlivening to
stuff our faces in Grant Park, admire ourselves in South Beach, bet the house
at Caesars Palace, surf ESPN channels in Indianapolis, hate the Giants at
Eagles games, flip someone the bird on Michigan Avenue and casually copulate
in Oregon? A saintly town neglectful of every sinful habit (is there such a
hell?) is duller than Brussels. So to the following lively U.S. cities --
don't go changing on our behalf. You're imperfect just the way you
are.read more

China Southern slashes cost of Sydney-London return flights

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 16:20 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffHaving raised its profile
by operating China's first Airbus A380 routes, China Southern Airlines (CZ)
is now lowering travel costs with a route that slashes the price of a
Sydney-London return trip by US$400. The Guangzhou-based company has started
taking bookings for its new route between Guangzhou and London Heathrow, due
to inaugurate on June 6. It directly challenges Qantas's iconic
"Kangaroo Route." With the carrier's existing twice-daily flights to
Sydney and Melbourne, this new "Canton Route" (广州之路) provides a
cheaper option for travelers between Australia and the United Kingdom. A
return ticket for an economy class seat between London and Sydney costs RMB
13,491 (US$2,140) on China Southern Airlines, compared to Qantas' RMB 16,084
(US$2,550).  More on CNNGo: China's first Airbus A380 takes offread more

CNNGo - HK DiningCity Restaurant Week Contest

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 06:47 — Anonymous To mark this year's Hong Kong
DiningCity Restaurant Week, we're giving away an exclusive meal voucher from
Azure Restaurant Slash Bar to one of our readers. Complete the form below and
then check back on February 27 to see if you're a winner! read more

Taiwanese travel agents push 'Linsanity' tourism

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 13:05 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorTaiwanese
travel agents have gotten their mitts on some New York Knicks tickets and are
offering them as part of a group tour to the U.S. Capitalizing on the
incredible popularity of the Knicks' number 17, Jeremy Lin, Taiwanese travel
agent Lion Travel is the first to offer the Linsanity tours -- or what they
literally call "going to New York to cheer on Little Hao." (Lin's Chinese
name is Lin Shu Hao.) A representative of Lion Travel says "several groups
have sold out" since the agency began promoting the tours on the afternoon of
February 15. The son of Taiwanese immigrants, Lin has made headlines in his
parents' homeland for being the first Taiwanese-American player to have a big
impact on the NBA. Also on CNN: With Jeremy Lin, of course race mattersread
more

The loneliest road in China

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 06:00 — Anonymous by Kit GilletWang Wenxin, my
61-year-old guide, slows to a halt.  The midday sun is now high in the sky
and we have already been walking for five hours, sometimes following clear
signs of the 1,000-year-old paved road, at other times carefully trying to
trace the correct route among the trees and streams. It's not an easy task.
Once an important supply route for caravans of mules carrying exotic goods to
and from southwestern China, the ancient trail we have been following for
close to a week through Yunnan's Gaoligong Mountains has long been
superseded by other roads. Now largely abandoned and unkempt, its paving
stones are long overgrown with grass or are missing completely. Trees lie
strewn across the path and few markers can be seen that hint at the rich
history of the road.read more

Korea's self-service pubs: Cheap, simple, hugely popular

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Jean OhIn the Kunguk University
neighborhood of Seoul -- an area peppered with stationery shops, "hangover
stew" restaurants and "DVD rooms" where college students go to make out
in privacy -- a D.I.Y. beer pub has become one of the most popular venues on
the block since it opened last March. At Beer Barket, the set-up is
straightforward. Customers grab a table, which comes with a basket that they
can fill with ice and use to shop from a selection of over 100 brews from a
row of refrigerators. Prices are posted on each fridge. At the end of their
night, when they get up to leave, an employee gathers the bottles and brings
them to the counter, where they are tallied up for the bill.  These
self-service watering holes -- often referred to as "beer changgo" or
"beer warehouses" for their stark look and rows of refrigerators -- are
cropping up all over the country, attracting a young clientele with their
wallet-friendly and varied selection of domestic and imported beers.
Student-friendly and wallet-friendly.read more

Hong Kong's iconic Sunbeam Theatre is not quite dead, yet

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 13:26 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong EditorThe last
permanent stage for Cantonese opera in Hong Kong, Sunbeam Theatre, is to
close on February 19 faced with huge rental increases. A last-minute bid to
save the building offers some hope for its legion of local fans. But if that
doesn't pay off, punters will have to wait till the Yau Ma Tei Theatre opens
later this year for a replacement. Located in North Point, the 40-year-old
Sunbeam Theatre has become synonymous with Cantonese opera in Hong Kong. 
Despite its iconic status as the city's last permanent venue for the
traditional artform, Sunbeam Theatre has been losing money.read more

World’s 10 toughest endurance challenges

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Jini ReddyThink you're tough? Fit?
Tenacious? If you're the outdoorsy sort, addicted to high-octane pursuits
and like the thought of challenging yourself amid spectacular scenery, you
might want to lace up your trainers, pick up your paddle, get on your bike,
climb into the saddle, step into those skis -- and more -- for one of these
grueling endurance events. 1. Jungle marathon, Brazil If you're a glutton
for punishment, this footrace will be pure delight: it takes place deep in
Brazil's Amazonian rainforest and runners must carry their own supplies,
covering a distance of 240 kilometers over six days. Competitors can expect
to clamber over hills and through swamps, mangrove, and thick jungle foliage,
all while trying not to fall prey to the local wildlife: jaguars, deadly
snakes, scorpions, ticks, electric eels. As if that isn't stomach-churning
enough, there's also the risk of heat stroke. Fortunately there's a crack
medical team on hand, with donkeys on stand-by for emergency evacuations.read
more

Chinese travelers’ race: Around-the-world tour sold out in 13 seconds

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 04:57 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffWe wrote more than a
dozen posts on China's growing appetite for luxury last year. Few things
would seem surprising anymore, until we saw this: a 66-day around-the-world
tour that sold out in China 13 seconds after the reservation hotline opened
-- roughly the time it takes Olympic-champion hurdler Liu Xiang (刘翔) to
cover 110 meters. Did we mention the price? The cost of the whole trip is a
whopping RMB 660,000 (US$104,654), about eight to 10 times the annual salary
of an average Chinese. The Magnificent 11  The tour -- which takes in more
than a dozen countries and both poles -- was organized by Ctrip.com, one of
China's biggest online travel agencies, and the news was confirmed to us
by Jack You (游金章), general manager of Ctrip's high-end package tour
department. He said the eye-catching package was sold last June through
Ctrip's hotline. After a half-year visa application process, the group took
off from Shanghai on January 29. Yet even as the high-fliers' luggage was
being loaded, 30 wanna-be travelers whose names were on the waiting list were
hoping against hope for a last-minute drop-out.read more

Seven dazzling days in South Korea

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Violet Kim This itinerary is for the
helpless Korea virgins (and despite Korea's burgeoning tourism, we know
you're out there), not been-there-done-that backpackers in search of the
obscure.  But the adjective "dazzling" here is no meaningless tag. It's a
nod to the process of aggressive elimination and selection that gave us the
model itinerary for seven days of travel in South Korea.  Warning: routes
marked on this map may deviate slightly from actual routes. It's not a
comprehensive list -- being selective tends to make that difficult. But while
you may not be seeing everything, what you're seeing will still be
thrilling.  Monday: Good old Seoul   Incheon International Airport is the
gateway to Seoul. Numerous taxis, airport limousine buses -- and now, a
specialized railway line -- shuttle passengers to and fro, but the airport
limousine buses offer the best value. Bus 6701 towards the Seoul City Hall
from Gate 4B or 11A will take you straight to the Westin Chosun in downtown
Seoul. The fare is ₩15,000.  This five-star business hotel is comfortingly
insular. But more importantly, sights like City Hall, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and
various palaces are within walking distance.read more

Old friend, new face at Cathay Pacific's flagship lounge

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 10:35 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong Editor Cathay
Pacific's flagship lounge at Hong Kong International Airport reopened on
January 31 after a major ongoing facelift.  Dubbed The Wing, the 14-year-old
Cathay Pacific lounge has completed renovations for its business class
section. Construction for the first class section will be complete by the end
of the year. Covering almost 3,000 square meters, the split-level space has
been redesigned by London-based architects Foster + Partners. Everything is
bigger, plusher and better-looking. "When we first opened in 1998, it wasn't
to universal acclaim," said Alex McGowan, head of products for Cathay
Pacific. "There was a water feature that passengers accidentally went
paddling in and a noodle bar that was once described as a boarding school
dining room. But over the years, The Wing became an old friend to frequent
travelers and there was a real emotional attachment formed with the space. We
want to retain the personality of the original -- to reinvent the old
friend."read more

How do you change a tire on an Airbus A330?

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 15:51 — Anonymous by CNNGo staffThere are many things
about air travel we take for granted: that drinking whiskey at 10 a.m. is OK;
that moving your feet in small circles counts as "exercise." But some
things are worth explaining. Adam Nelson, manager line maintenance for Cathay
Pacific Airways, told us how to change a tire on an Airbus A330. While you
may swap out that ragged piece of rubber on your Ford only when the rim
starts squealing on the asphalt, with eight main wheels and two nose
wheels, an A330 goes through 25 tire changes a year. That's 1,150 tire
changes for Cathay's A330 fleet each year. A Boeing 747-400 is even
needier. It has 16 main wheels and will get roughly 50 tire changes in a
year. read more

MONA: The world's most far-out museum

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 04:55 — Anonymous by Ian Lloyd Neubauer Chiseled into an
escarpment on the banks of the Derwent River in the northern suburbs of
Hobart is a subterranean fortress housing one of the most confronting and
controversial collections of art in the world. The crowning achievement of
Tasmanian David Walsh, a mathematician and art collector who made millions
perfecting algorithms that let him to beat casinos and bookies at their own
game, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) has made a name for itself by breaking
every rule in the book since opening its doors in January of last year. The
entrance, for example, casts aside the grand porticos and columns commonly
seen at museums in favor of a synthetic tennis court and unmarked doorway.
"When you go to a conventional museum you are forced to walk up stairs and
past pillars meant to make you feel small and then have academics tell you
it's culture," says research curator Delia Nicholls. "But David wanted
none of that so he built this place underground." Why the tennis court?
"Because he likes tennis," says Nicholls.read more

5 slices of Asia at Singapore's M1 Fringe Festival 2012

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 05:00 — Anonymous by Elaine Ee A strong platform for
small but high-quality art, Singapore's M1 Fringe Festival 2012 returns to
cast a critical eye on art and faith, while invariably shedding some light on
Asia's modern social fabric. Visitors checking out this year's
Singapore's M1 Fringe Festival 2012 can expect to see performances and
visual art exhibitions that highlight some of these keystones of Asian
society, a region deeply rooted in tradition yet continuously transforming.
Here are five top Fringe acts that focus on some of these diversities and
complexities.  Triple Gem Where: Esplanade -- Jendela Visual Arts
SpaceHtein Lin tackles the Buddhism's Law of Nature in his latest
installation piece. When:  February 15-26read more

Venti with whip vanilla chai lattes: Starbucks in India

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 13:33 — Anonymous by Zoe Li, Hong Kong Editor Starbucks
is due to open its first store in India through a 50-50 joint venture with
Tata Global Beverages. The first branches will open in Mumbai and New Delhi
in September and about 50 stores will follow within the first 12 months. John
Culver, Starbucks president for China and Asia Pacific, said there could be
as many as 3,000 Starbucks stores in the world's fastest-growing economy
after China. China currently has about 500. Starbucks declined to comment on
the pricing at its future Indian stores. The price of a cup of coffee ranges
widely in India, where consumers can spend Rs 53 rupees on a cappuccino at a
local chain or Rs 400 on a frappé at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, an
international chain that already has a presence in India.  Starbucks arrives
at a time when the Indian government is trying to attract more foreign retail
investment, but is slow at loosening restrictions. Strict limits on foreign
ownership in India in the past have kept many international brands from
setting up shop, including Ikea and Walmart. The latter met with stringent
conditions on a recent deal while the Walmart negotiations have been put off
altogether.read more

Air con and night shopping at Southeast Asia’s best market

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 13:31 — Anonymous Shoppers at Bangkok's Chatuchak Market,
one of the world's most famous retail zones, could soon be feeling cool
breezes instead of sweltering hot temperatures if a new modernization plan
goes ahead.  According to a report in the Bangkok Post, Thai Transport
Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan wants to upgrade the mega market to meet
international standards. The most notable changes on his reno list are air
conditioning and a night bazaar.  The market is now managed by the State
Railway of Thailand, which owns the land, since it took over the lease from
Bangkok City Hall late last year.  Though many local fans of the sprawling
142,000-square-meter market will likely object to the plans, saying
Chatuchak's charms lie in its chaos, more than a few of the sweaty tourists
who pass through its gates weekly will likely approve.  According to
estimates, Chatuchak -- or JJ for short -- attracts more than 200,000
visitors on weekends. It's one of the top places to go for Thai
handicrafts, artwork, clothing, furniture, decor, plants and even pets.read
more

50 ultimate travel apps ... so far

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 10:15 — Anonymous by Rick MartinThere is of course one
smartphone app no true traveler could ever do without. This one.  But once
you've dowloaded that, why not browse these too? We're going to skip over
obvious ones like Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Gowalla, Foursquare, Instagram,
Google Earth/Maps, as worthy as they are, for ones you may have overlooked,
but shouldn't.  Also on CNNGo: 20 most iconic skyscrapers 1. Kayak -- Flight
search More than a few trips begin with Kayak, one of the web's most popular
travel services. Its mobile apps are great as well, allowing you to search
flight details with ease on a mobile device.read more