Sochi Hate: Olympics Attendees' Mockery of Russia's Infrastructure Reveals A Lack of Travel Compassion
Posted on 02/11/2014, 10:00 PM
People have asked me what surprised me the most here in Sochi. It's this. Without question ... it's ... THIS. — Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) You might have seen a flood of social media and TV coverage about how messy many of the Sochi preparations have been. You've seen images: open manhole covers on the street, brown water out of hotel taps, public toilets without dividers....
The Canadian "Loonie" is Dropping Fast, Improving Prospects for U.S. Trips to Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
Posted on 02/11/2014, 6:30 PM
We've recently been focusing in Frommers.com on the "unfortunate five": Argentina, Turkey, Bali, India and Japan--those nations whose currencies have weakened dramatically against the U.S. dollar and thus created big, new opportunities for U.S. tourists choosing to visit them. But we should have added a sixth: Canada, whose currency known affectionately as the "loonie", has dropped in...
Proof that Norovirus Isn't Unique to Cruise Ships—A Historic Hotel Gets the Bug, Too
Posted on 02/11/2014, 12:00 PM
To all the people who have anxiously attempted to cancel their cruise plans because of the norovirus outbreaks on Royal Caribbean and Princess ships, your fears are unfairly targeting the ships. This week, one of the most celebrated resort hotels in America, the Mohonk Mountain House in New York state, had to shut down and sanitize for a few days after guests brought an outbreak of the virus...
The Frommer's Book Tour Heads South: New Orleans Is the Spot: Tuesday February 11 at 6 PM
Posted on 02/10/2014, 7:15 AM
Sometimes life is good. And it certainly is when you get to spend anytime in New Orleans. But my guess is that even the lucky residents of that beautiful city need a change of landscape every once in a while. So I'm hoping they'll come out to talk travel on Tuesday, February 11 at Garden District Books (2727 Prytania St.). It should be a fun event, at which you'll learn tricks for saving mone...
Some Varied Comments About Recent Travel Issues and Developments May Have a Bearing On Your Next Vacation
Posted on 02/05/2014, 12:15 PM
The stern of Royal Caribbean's megaship Allure of the Seas Probably the most disturbing recent news in travel was the announcement by Royal Caribbean Cruises that their newest ship would have a bumper car rink on its top deck. Yes, bumper cars. Though these were the most startling addition to the elegant vessel, other “improvements” included a basketball court, a roller skating rin...
In Turkey, India, Indonesia (Bali), Argentina and Japan, A Shift in Currency Rates Has Made Travel Conditions far More Favorable for Tourists
Posted on 02/04/2014, 11:00 PM
The domed ceiling at Suleymaniye Camii in Istanbul, Turkey Sad but true, the tourist often benefits from the economic misfortunes of their destination. And although that contradiction may raise moral issues, it remains an undeniable fact that influences the choice of holiday destinations. In Turkey, India, Indonesia (Bali), Argentina and Japan, economic problems have cr...
Miami, Jammed with Winter Tourists, Has Grown in Culture and Cuisine, Becoming Far More Attractive Than Ever Before
Posted on 02/04/2014, 1:15 PM
Miami, Florida, a capital of cuisine? A name to rank with Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New Orleans? So help me, it's true. I have just returned from a short stay in Florida's largest resort city, where I had some of the best meals of my life. And why has this occurred? It's because of an obvious influx of restauranteurs, visitors, and new residents, from Latin America. T...
The Travel Ins and Outs Of Long Distance Relationships: A Conversation with Romance Expert Andrea Syrtash
Posted on 02/04/2014, 9:30 AM
According to the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships (yes, that’s a real organization), some 14 million Americans are involved with people who live a long way from them. Even more astonishing, some 4 million of those couples are married. Obviously, keeping these types of relationships alive requires a good deal of travel. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to interview...
The Frommer's Book Tour Returns to California: San Diego on February 5 and Los Angeles on February 8
Posted on 02/01/2014, 9:00 PM
It has been so wonderful meeting readers across the United States on this book tour. For the next two stops, it's a return to the great state of California. On February 5 at 7:30pm, I'mhonored to be speaking at Warwick's Books in La Jolla, an institution that has been around since 1896, making it the USA's oldest family-owned and operated bookstore. The address is 7812 Gerard Avenue in La Jol...
Gracious Charlotte, NC Here We Come! Arthur & Pauline Frommer to Speak on January 31 at 7pm at Park Road Books
Posted on 01/30/2014, 11:45 AM
After a brief but wonderfully sunny spell in Miami, we're off to Charlotte to talk with the good folks here about balmy vacations (and other travel matters). We hope you'll join us, and our sponsor Allianz Travel Insurance, at what will undoubtedly be a very fun evening of travel talk. Our topic will be the top trends in travel, how to save money whether you're a backpacker or a (frugal) billio...
