Five Travel Destinations That Are A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N' Roll

American southern cities are known for shady front porches, juicy barbecue and iced tea sweet enough to give you a toothache. But beneath that sleepy façade, you’ll find a whole different story. Laid-back and forward-thinking all at once, it’s no surprise that the south has become a destination for artists and innovators across the country.

Trading cowboy boots for skinny jeans and corn whiskey for craft cocktails, the South has reinvented itself as one of the most dynamic and exciting regions in the country. From the ports of South Carolina to the banks of the Mississippi, these cities under the Mason-Dixon line offer southern hospitality with a rock ’n’ roll flair. However, no matter how hip these towns get, they are still country to the core.

Brought to you in partnership with U.S. Cellular, below are a few Southern cities that deserve a tip of the cowboy hat.



Nashville

With monikers from “Music City” to “It City”, nowhere embodies the new South like Nashville. Although mainstays like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium and the honky-tonks of lower Broadway prove that country music will never die, this Athens of the South has grown into a rock ’n’ roll paradise. Here are a few attractions that can’t be missed:



1. Hatch Show Print -- Founded in 1879, this iconic Nashville letterpress print shop pioneered the brash style that defined the look of classic country music. Now housed inside the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch’s delightful tour showcases a time-tested technique that will never go out of style.



2. Puckett’s Grocery -- An old-fashioned general store with an unmistakable modern flair, this family-owned restaurant offers some of the finest comfort food in downtown Nashville. Taste their shrimp and grits, and you might never want to leave.



3. Pepperfire -- Nothing sums up the irresistible flavor of New Nashville quite like the local delicacy known as hot chicken. Tender, succulent and devilishly hot -- no joke! -- Pepperfire’s patented XX Hot Chicken goes well with a Dr. Pepper, potato salad and as much white bread as you can eat.

New Orleans

There’s a reason they call it the Big Easy. Nowhere else in the country could it be harder to have a bad time. Forget Mardi Gras -- here are three places where the party keeps going all year round.



1. Mimi’s In The Marigny -- Just steps from the crowded French Quarter, New Orleans’ Marigny is the neighborhood where locals go to have fun. Mimi’s is the epicenter: a two-level bar with killer tapas, a great jukebox and lethal cocktails.



2. Killer Poboys -- Tucked in to the back of the Erin Rose Bar, Killer Poboys lives up to its name. A rotating sandwich menu draws on ultra-fresh ingredients like seared gulf shrimp and grass-fed beef meatloaf, making for what may be the best po’boys in a city famous for them.



3. Louis Armstrong Park -- Louis Armstrong Park, in the Tremé neighborhood, offers a quiet escape from the crowds of the French Quarter. While it was named in honor of the city’s most famous native son, the real attraction is Congo Square: the site of the 19-century Sunday slave dances that laid the foundation for blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.

Atlanta

Sprawling, wealthy and always on the lookout for the next big thing, Atlanta is the South’s gravitational center. In the shadow of the downtown high-rises lies a young, vibrant city -- whose secrets are just waiting to be discovered.



1. Edgewood -- Just east of downtown, the “Brooklyn of Atlanta” is home to countless bars, restaurants and galleries. Have a drink at Mother, grab a bite at One Eared Stag and get in a few hours of dancing at Noni’s.



2. Dad’s Garage -- One of the best improv theaters in the country, Dad’s Garage entertains 300,000 fans a year in its temporary home at 7 Stages Theatre. Come on Fridays for “Cage Match,” a two-team improv battle that’s a surefire knockout.



3. The Silver Skillet -- Since 1967, this downtown Atlanta mainstay has been serving locals the best silver dollar pancakes in the South. It’s also known as a common background for movies, TV and countless Atlanta rap videos.

Austin

For years, savvy travelers have called Austin one of the coolest cities in the nation. And it’s not just SXSW -- this Texas rose is a positively beautiful sight, any time of year. That famous, freewheeling tech/music/film conference draws is right at home among the laid-back, innovation-friendly atmosphere of the city -- and now you can be, too.



1. Jester King Brewery -- Housed in a converted farmhouse, this Austin classic draws inspiration from the local landscape to make wild ales and other brash, spontaneously fermented beers. Their tasting room is open all weekend, and their tour provides a fascinating look behind the scenes of how this delicious beer is made.



2. La Barbecue and Micklethwait -- Don’t want to spend all day waiting in line for Franklin Barbecue? Get your brisket fix at La Barbecue or Micklethwait, two local classics that know that the meat, not the wait, should be memorable, and spend the day dreaming up the next big startup instead of sweltering in the Texas heat.



3. Elephant Room -- Austin may be known as a rock mecca, but don’t tell that to the locals who flock to this underground jazz bar. Free on weeknights and only a small cover on weekends, a visit to the Elephant Room is simply a must.

Omaha

Though geographically speaking Omaha is more on the doorstep of the American South, it still radiates the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of the new South. This beautiful Nebraska city’s revitalized downtown sets the standard for food, shopping and nightlife in the Midwest. Omaha knows that you don’t have to be officially southern to have a great time.



1. The Old Market -- The heart of downtown Omaha, the Old Market is a historic district boasting carriage rides, fine dining, and a wide array of quirky shops. Check out Fairmont Antique and Mercantile, a sprawling vintage store that features an arcade, a retro market, and a working soda shop.



2. La Buvette -- The best bistro in Omaha, La Buvette has been serving fine wine and fresh food to visitors of the Old Market since 1991. Their menu changes regularly, but just trust us: chef Julie Friederich will not steer you wrong.



3. Joslyn Art Museum -- In a spectacular Art Deco building overlooking downtown Omaha, the Joslyn Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in the Midwest. In addition to top-notch rotating exhibitions, the Joslyn has a permanent collection that ranges from Rembrandt to Jackson Pollock, and includes some of the best western art in the country.

You don’t have to give up Southern charm to get a little bit rock ‘n’ roll -- and you don’t have to give up great national mobile coverage for great local coverage. U.S. Cellular provides national, regional and local coverage -- including the middles of nowhere in between -- without spotty and dropped calls.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/22/new-south-travel-destinations_n_7278452.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel and provided by entertainment-movie-news.com

France's Foreign Minister Wants The French To Be More Polite To Tourists

According to France's foreign minister Laurent Fabius, French citizens must battle an age-old stereotype if they want to stay on top of the tourism industry. Earlier this month, Fabius announced a campaign to boost interest in various tourist hotspots across the country, encouraging residents to eschew the stereotypically snooty French attitude and be more polite to tourists.

Zoe Reyners, the co-founder and CEO of the public relations agency Katch & Reyners, lives in Paris and applauded what she called Fabius' "great initiative." She said competition from other picturesque European countries may have prompted it.

"I do think there was a little bit of a stress when Britain or Spain was on the verge of being more touristic countries than France," Reyners told HuffPost Live host Nancy Redd. "So I think that it was probably after this that the foreign ministry decided to start this campaign. But I do think that if French people think that tourists are more of a gift, if it becomes more of a national conscience, it will be good for the country."

Jo Piazza, the managing editor of Yahoo Travel, said the reputation of French rudeness comes from an understandable place. One thing she's taken away from her trips to the country is that French people do not "tolerate fools or absurd tourists."

"They don't love it when American tourists, in particular, are running around being loud or obnoxious or smacking you in the head with a selfie stick," she said.

But Piazza doesn't fault the French for their distaste towards unpleasant tourists. The onus should be on visitors to be more respectful when they head to a new country, she said.

"There should be a global wake-up call to tourists generally to behave better while they're traveling," Piazza said. "There should always be an effort made to try to speak the local language, even if you know you're going to mangle it. There should be a certain level of decorum."

Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation about France and its reputation among tourists here.




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London's 'Night Tube' Will Run For 24 Hours A Day On Certain Underground Lines

Great news for London locals and tourists: Starting September 12, the Underground's new Night Tube will run for 24 hours a day on certain lines.

According to Transport For London, the five lines running round-the-clock routes are Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria. The new Night Tube hours will apply on Friday and Saturday nights, meaning travelers will be able to get home in the wee hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings, hopefully saving an average of 20-60 minutes on commutes by bus or taxi.

Transport For London cites a 70 percent increase in passenger demand for the Night Tube as the major reason behind expanded Underground service hours. The Night Tube will be ready in time for the start of the Rugby World Cup on September 18.

Below is a map of the lines running the new hours:



Image courtesy of Transport For London

Happy Tube-ing!

H/T Mashable




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Ellie Davies' NASA-Inspired Photo Series Captures The Everyday Beauty of Starry Nights

Ellie Davies grew up in an ancient forest in England -- the sort of place where fairy tales, both dark and whimsical, are set. So she understands firsthand that woodlands can exude a magical aura difficult to capture with the stark reality of a photograph.

"We enter the forest laden with cultural reference points from fairy tales, history, myth and folklore," she told The Huffington Post. Which is why she graces her images with starry skies captured by NASA. The result? A glistening, fantastical-looking scene composed entirely of natural elements.

"I think some images in the series are [...] brooding and dark, some are uplifting or unnerving," Davies said. A brief chat with the artist revealed more:



What inspired your "Stars" series?

I grew up in the New Forest, an ancient forest in the south of England. It was originally seized by William I in about 1079 in order to create a deer hunting forest and it is now preserved as a National Park. I spent a huge amount of my childhood playing in the forest with my twin sister, building dens and making dams in the forest streams, learning to forage for wild mushrooms and plants, cycling and walking with our parents. The forest was a very important part of my life, but I live in London and it is so easy to become caught up in an urban environment, losing your connection with wild places and finding them alien when you return. I use the woods like a studio space. They provide a scene, or a backdrop into which I carry out small interventions which lead the viewer inside. The process of making, constructing or inscribing within the forest space allows me to mediate my own relationship to the woods.

The "Stars" series is inspired by looking at the balance between how our ideas of landscape are constructed by the culture we live in and by our own experiences of these natural spaces. We enter the forest laden with cultural reference points from fairy tales, history, myth and folklore. Our ideas about the forest are overlaid with received knowledge, especially for those of us living in urban spaces where we are so far removed from the natural world.

This series combines vast starscapes taken by the Hubble Space Telescope with forest landscapes shot in the New Forest. It considers the fragile nature of our relationship with the natural world by interposing images of the intangible and unknown universe with these ancient forests. It creates a new experience of the woodland, one which draws the viewer into a mystery at the heart of the forest, and offers the potential for discovery and exploration. My work allows us to find our own place within this process; to make even fleetingly a space of our own and a way to exist within it.



The star photos are of course from NASA -- from where did you get the forest images?

I made the forest images in the New Forest in Hampshire and in Puddletown Forest in Dorset. I have just been working on some new images for the series in Fontainebleau in France, but have not released these images into the series yet.

The images make something as large as a galaxy appear as local and intimate as a clearing in a forest. Why did you hope to create this effect?

I wanted to bring these remote and unreachable starscapes into the forest spaces as a way to explore how I experience the forest, how it can feel distant, disconnected and vast but at the same time shimmering with possibility and tantalizing allure, familiar yet unfamiliar.

What was one of the biggest challenges in creating these images?

Most of my work involves a lot of walking with my kit on my back, often in the rain. It doesn’t sound that fun, but I absolutely love it. I like to work in gloomy conditions because it gives an amazing richness to the colors and I love the quiet that comes when I am the only person in the woods, standing still and just listening. So the most challenging part of this series was probably those days spent shooting in the rain, clad head to toe in waterproofs with an umbrella sheltering my camera from the elements.

What mood did you hope to invoke with these images?

This series of images explores our different cultural perceptions of the forest and how this plays into our experience of these spaces. These constructs come to us through media, history, psychology, conservation, and so on, and range from framing the forest as a benign leisure facility all the way through to a place of danger, unknown horrors and as a metaphor for the unconscious mind. My images explore these layers of meaning, encouraging the viewer to make their own interpretations.

I think some images in the series are fantastical, others brooding and dark, some are uplifting or unnerving. I feel that my photographs hold elements of dark and light, mystery, narrative and intrigue. I try not to impose a narrative on the viewer and I love that different people find such different things in my work.

Are there artists creating similar work -- in any medium -- who you enjoy?

I love and have been influenced by everything by Nicholas Hughes, Jem Southam’s "Pond" and "Rockfall" work, Ori Gersht’s "Rear Window" series, Martina Lindqvist’s "Ragskar Island," Jitka Hanzlova’s "Quiet Forests" and Jo Metson Scott’s "Ethereal Forest" installations. I’m not sure exactly how this work has influenced me, but I know it is inscribed on my brain and it filters into my work, the way that I look at the landscape and the possibilities of photography.

One day I want to make some work in the mountains and combine my two passions in life: climbing and the landscape. Probably the most precious photo book I own is Boomoon’s Stargazing at Sokcho –- the eerie, cold, quiet mountains transport you to another world.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/22/ellie-davies-stars_n_7588916.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel and provided by entertainment-movie-news.com

Five Travel Destinations That Are A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N' Roll

American southern cities are known for shady front porches, juicy barbecue and iced tea sweet enough to give you a toothache. But beneath that sleepy façade, you’ll find a whole different story. Laid-back and forward-thinking all at once, it’s no surprise that the south has become a destination for artists and innovators across the country.

Trading cowboy boots for skinny jeans and corn whiskey for craft cocktails, the South has reinvented itself as one of the most dynamic and exciting regions in the country. From the ports of South Carolina to the banks of the Mississippi, these cities under the Mason-Dixon line offer southern hospitality with a rock ’n’ roll flair. However, no matter how hip these towns get, they are still country to the core.

Brought to you in partnership with U.S. Cellular, below are a few Southern cities that deserve a tip of the cowboy hat.



Nashville

With monikers from “Music City” to “It City”, nowhere embodies the new South like Nashville. Although mainstays like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium and the honky-tonks of lower Broadway prove that country music will never die, this Athens of the South has grown into a rock ’n’ roll paradise. Here are a few attractions that can’t be missed:



1. Hatch Show Print -- Founded in 1879, this iconic Nashville letterpress print shop pioneered the brash style that defined the look of classic country music. Now housed inside the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch’s delightful tour showcases a time-tested technique that will never go out of style.



2. Puckett’s Grocery -- An old-fashioned general store with an unmistakable modern flair, this family-owned restaurant offers some of the finest comfort food in downtown Nashville. Taste their shrimp and grits, and you might never want to leave.



3. Pepperfire -- Nothing sums up the irresistible flavor of New Nashville quite like the local delicacy known as hot chicken. Tender, succulent and devilishly hot -- no joke! -- Pepperfire’s patented XX Hot Chicken goes well with a Dr. Pepper, potato salad and as much white bread as you can eat.

New Orleans

There’s a reason they call it the Big Easy. Nowhere else in the country could it be harder to have a bad time. Forget Mardi Gras -- here are three places where the party keeps going all year round.



1. Mimi’s In The Marigny -- Just steps from the crowded French Quarter, New Orleans’ Marigny is the neighborhood where locals go to have fun. Mimi’s is the epicenter: a two-level bar with killer tapas, a great jukebox and lethal cocktails.



2. Killer Poboys -- Tucked in to the back of the Erin Rose Bar, Killer Poboys lives up to its name. A rotating sandwich menu draws on ultra-fresh ingredients like seared gulf shrimp and grass-fed beef meatloaf, making for what may be the best po’boys in a city famous for them.



3. Louis Armstrong Park -- Louis Armstrong Park, in the Tremé neighborhood, offers a quiet escape from the crowds of the French Quarter. While it was named in honor of the city’s most famous native son, the real attraction is Congo Square: the site of the 19-century Sunday slave dances that laid the foundation for blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.

Atlanta

Sprawling, wealthy and always on the lookout for the next big thing, Atlanta is the South’s gravitational center. In the shadow of the downtown high-rises lies a young, vibrant city -- whose secrets are just waiting to be discovered.



1. Edgewood -- Just east of downtown, the “Brooklyn of Atlanta” is home to countless bars, restaurants and galleries. Have a drink at Mother, grab a bite at One Eared Stag and get in a few hours of dancing at Noni’s.



2. Dad’s Garage -- One of the best improv theaters in the country, Dad’s Garage entertains 300,000 fans a year in its temporary home at 7 Stages Theatre. Come on Fridays for “Cage Match,” a two-team improv battle that’s a surefire knockout.



3. The Silver Skillet -- Since 1967, this downtown Atlanta mainstay has been serving locals the best silver dollar pancakes in the South. It’s also known as a common background for movies, TV and countless Atlanta rap videos.

Austin

For years, savvy travelers have called Austin one of the coolest cities in the nation. And it’s not just SXSW -- this Texas rose is a positively beautiful sight, any time of year. That famous, freewheeling tech/music/film conference draws is right at home among the laid-back, innovation-friendly atmosphere of the city -- and now you can be, too.



1. Jester King Brewery -- Housed in a converted farmhouse, this Austin classic draws inspiration from the local landscape to make wild ales and other brash, spontaneously fermented beers. Their tasting room is open all weekend, and their tour provides a fascinating look behind the scenes of how this delicious beer is made.



2. La Barbecue and Micklethwait -- Don’t want to spend all day waiting in line for Franklin Barbecue? Get your brisket fix at La Barbecue or Micklethwait, two local classics that know that the meat, not the wait, should be memorable, and spend the day dreaming up the next big startup instead of sweltering in the Texas heat.



3. Elephant Room -- Austin may be known as a rock mecca, but don’t tell that to the locals who flock to this underground jazz bar. Free on weeknights and only a small cover on weekends, a visit to the Elephant Room is simply a must.

Omaha

Though geographically speaking Omaha is more on the doorstep of the American South, it still radiates the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of the new South. This beautiful Nebraska city’s revitalized downtown sets the standard for food, shopping and nightlife in the Midwest. Omaha knows that you don’t have to be officially southern to have a great time.



1. The Old Market -- The heart of downtown Omaha, the Old Market is a historic district boasting carriage rides, fine dining, and a wide array of quirky shops. Check out Fairmont Antique and Mercantile, a sprawling vintage store that features an arcade, a retro market, and a working soda shop.



2. La Buvette -- The best bistro in Omaha, La Buvette has been serving fine wine and fresh food to visitors of the Old Market since 1991. Their menu changes regularly, but just trust us: chef Julie Friederich will not steer you wrong.



3. Joslyn Art Museum -- In a spectacular Art Deco building overlooking downtown Omaha, the Joslyn Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in the Midwest. In addition to top-notch rotating exhibitions, the Joslyn has a permanent collection that ranges from Rembrandt to Jackson Pollock, and includes some of the best western art in the country.

You don’t have to give up Southern charm to get a little bit rock ‘n’ roll -- and you don’t have to give up great national mobile coverage for great local coverage. U.S. Cellular provides national, regional and local coverage -- including the middles of nowhere in between -- without spotty and dropped calls.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/19/new-south-travel-destinations_n_7278452.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel and provided by entertainment-movie-news.com

Hackers Ground 1,400 Passengers At Warsaw Airport

WARSAW (Reuters) - Around 1,400 passengers of the Polish airline LOT were grounded at Warsaw's Chopin airport on Sunday after hackers attacked the airline ground computer systems used to issue flight plans, the company said.

The computer system was hacked in the afternoon and fixed after around five hours, during which 10 of the state-owned carrier's national and international flights were canceled and about a dozen more delayed, spokesman Adrian Kubicki said.

LOT was taking care of the passengers on Sunday evening and some were already able to board flights. LOT said it was providing hotels for those who needed to stay overnight.

At no point was the safety of ongoing flights compromised, Kubicki said, and flights destined for Warsaw were able to land safely. No other airports were affected, he added.

"We're using state-of-the-art computer systems, so this could potentially be a threat to others in the industry," Kubicki said. The attack in now being investigated by the authorities.

The airport itself was not affected, its spokesman said.

(Reporting by Wiktor Szary; Editing by Tom Heneghan)

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Man Arrested After Trans-Atlantic United Airlines Flight Diverted

LONDON (AP) — Authorities have arrested a 42-year-old man for endangering the safety of a plane after a United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago was forced to divert to Northern Ireland.

Belfast International Airport Constabulary said in a statement Sunday that the man with dual Italian and American nationality is also set to be charged with disruptive behavior on board an aircraft and common assault. Airport officials did not elaborate on what the passenger is alleged to have done, nor did they offer any other personal details about him. The flight, UA971, touched down on Saturday to "offload" the disruptive passenger. However, as the flight crew had exceeded the number of hours they were permitted to work, the 269 passengers and 14 crew members had to wait until Sunday to continue their journey.

To make matters worse, there was not enough hotel space available. The Belfast airport called in additional staff, distributed water and blankets and opened two rooms at the airport for the passengers, many of whom spent the night sleeping on the floor.

Airport officials described passengers as "remarkably calm and understanding."

"We understand the inconvenience this causes our customers and will refund their Rome to Chicago flight as well as offer the choice of a travel certificate or miles for our MileagePlus loyalty program," United said in a statement. Airport officials said in a statement on Sunday that the man remains in custody and is set to appear in at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday.

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Nearly 10 Years After Tragedy, Bindi Irwin Just Wants To Make Her Dad Proud

When you think of Steve Irwin, it's easy to remember his wild antics: picking up poisonous snakes, jumping in the water with crocodiles and often throwing in his signature catchphrase.

Crikey! Those were the good ol' days.

But, while antics are great, the heart of "The Crocodile Hunter" has always been a message about conservatism and a contagious love for animals. Now, nearly 10 years after the world lost Steve Irwin in a tragic wildlife accident in 2006, his daughter Bindi Irwin and her family are working everyday to keep that spirit alive.

"Well, for us as a family, it’s a team effort. I think we have tried so hard to make sure everything he lived and died for carries on. My dad always used to say, 'I don’t care if anyone remembers me. I just want people to remember my message,' so we’ve tried to make sure that his heart and soul continue to live on through our work," Irwin told The Huffington Post. "We hope to make sure that he’s proud and carry on his legacy."

The Irwin family celebrating Bindi's 16th birthday. (Image: Getty)



In the years following the tragedy, Irwin has done way more than just keep her dad's legacy alive. She has helped his influence grow bigger than any utterance of "crikey" could ever describe. Irwin says the family's conservation organization, Wildlife Warriors, has now helped rescue and rehabilitate more then 58,000 animals at its Australia Zoo hospital alone. Irwin also uses her career in entertainment as a way to spread the word.

"For me and my family," she said, "I think our heart really lies in conservation, and I personally want to make sure that everything my dad worked so hard for continues on forever. Through television work and movie work, I'm able to use that platform to spread my message of wildlife and conservation to a greater audience."

One project in particular, "Bindi's Bootcamp," recently became available on Netflix. On the show, kids compete in challenges and learn about new animals in the hopes of becoming a Wildlife Warrior at the end. Irwin says the show "has so much excitement" and hopes it inspires others "to take the steps in their own world and accidentally learn something along the way."

To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself. "What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful." - S. Westerfeld

A photo posted by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin) on Jun 2, 2015 at 1:17am PDT

In addition to a message of conservation, the young Crocodile Huntress also communicates positivity through social media, recently posting an Instagram about the importance of loving yourself that went viral. She says she was "amazed" that so many people started getting involved. "The meaning of life is unconditional love, and so if you're able to surround yourself with that core of friends and family, you’ll be able to do great things," she said.

As for what's next, Irwin says she's excited to "see where life takes" her, but, contrary to reports, you probably shouldn't expect her to be "stepping away from khaki" too soon. She "loves being a girl and dressing up every now and again," she said, but if she had a catchphrase like her dad, it would be: "Khaki: It’s not just a color. It’s an attitude."

Dad would probably be pretty proud about that answer, too.

Image: PandaWhale

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Stop Right Now, This Is The Most Precious Beach Town You'll Ever See

If you're not in Polignano a Mare, then you're doing it wrong.

That's because this gem of an Italian beach town is situated on the edge of a craggy ravine, high above the electric-blue ocean. Home to humans since prehistoric times, Polignano oozes charm to this day. Its collection of stone streets, pleasant piazzas and mysterious sea caves practically begs you to come and explore.

Breathtaking is really the only word.

Polignano's dark, shadowy grottoes were home to people in the Neolithic era. The town later fell to Norman conquerors, and various families feuded over the village until the 19th century.

Now, Red Bull uses Polignano's soaring cliffs for its Cliff Diving World Series, and visitors from around the world come for shops, a beach club and a gelateria so authentically local, all the TripAdvisor reviews are in Italian. The beach is part of the illustrious Costa dei Trulli, a collection of coastlines that meet high standards for water quality and environmental excellence.

Stay in a cliffside bed and breakfast, or rent a charming Airbnb apartment for about $70 per night. Buses and trains usually make multiple trips a day from the nearby city of Bari, which has an international airport. However, some say it's easier to rent a car and drive from Bari, instead.

But no matter how you get to Polignano, you're on the right track, because this place is a treasure. Ciao, indeed. 

 

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/18/stop-right-now-this-is-the-most-precious-beach-town-youll-ever-see_n_7624580.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel and provided by entertainment-movie-news.com

Hawaii's Most Thrilling Experience Is Generating A Lot Of Love For Sharks

We've all heard of cage diving with sharks, but who in their right mind would swim alongside the fierce apex predators without the protection of metal bars?

Meet Ocean Ramsey, the shark conservationist who thinks interacting with these misunderstood animals is something everyone should experience. Ramsey's Hawaii-based tour company, One Ocean Diving, takes locals and visitors alike out into the deep blue off Oahu's North Shore to swim with galapagos, sandbar, and tiger sharks.



The tour isn't just for adrenaline junkies. Ramsey and her team of trained marine biologists and researchers hope to break down the negative stereotypes surrounding sharks -- you're familiar with those if you've ever seen "Jaws" -- and the tour company is becoming more popular by the day. Their Instagram account loaded with underwater shark photography has nearly 40,000 followers, and the company gets stellar Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews.

Even Zac Efron got in on the fun earlier this month, celebrating World Oceans Day under the sea with Ramsey.

Happy World Ocean Day! Thanks @oceanicramsey @juansharks for teaching me about these beautiful animals. Their numbers are decreasing very rapidly and we need to do everything we can to save them. Check out @Oneoceandiving for ways to help! #worldoceanday #helpsavesharks #sharkandmarineconservation #stopsharkfinning

A photo posted by Zac Efron (@zacefron) on Jun 8, 2015 at 1:56pm PDT

One Ocean Diving takes snorkelers to designated zones three miles offshore for the dives. They don't chum the water, or lure animals to the site, so the number of sharks present during a dive is a matter of happenstance. Because they return to the same spots time and time again, Ramsey says they've become familiar with many of the sharks in the area and have come to know their distinct personalities.

While making the initial leap might be difficult, Ramsey says people come out of the experience with a new appreciation and understanding of sharks.

"People get to see for themselves that sharks really don’t look at them as a natural prey," Ramsey told The Huffington Post. "They get to see how beautiful and graceful the animals are, and that's one of the most powerful conservation tools."





Sharks are apex predators, making them some of the most important animals in the ocean -- they keep other fish species at healthy populations. Without them, the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems could fall apart at the seams -- but shark populations are on the decline, in large part due to shark finning by humans. By promoting sharks through ecotourism, Ramsey hopes to prove that a live animal is worth a lot more than a dead one and that steps should be taken to protect the majestic creatures.

“If people are willing to go out of their way to spend money for a live shark, that’s when we start to see sharks being protected internationally," Ramsey said.





There are, of course, inherent risks. Humans are visitors in sharks' territory -- a concept One Ocean Diving emphasizes during each dive.

Some worry that approaching sharks offshore could familiarize them with humans, prompting them to investigate surfers and swimmers closer to shore. This is a frequent criticism of companies who chum the water to attract sharks since the chum may teach the sharks to associate food with humans.

Hawaii shark researcher Carl Meyer told HuffPost that shark diving does not pose any known threats for beachgoers or the sharks themselves. "There is no reason to believe that simply diving with sharks is detrimental to these animals," he said. "Shark ecotourism does not threaten shark populations and may actually help to foster more positive attitudes to sharks, which in turn can aid conservation." A recent study he worked on showed that commercial cage diving in Haleiwa had no visible effects on the movements of sharks in the area.

According to Ramsey, sharks just aren't that interested in us. "In the line of work that I'm in, if sharks were looking at us as a natural prey, I would have been eaten well over ten years ago," she said with a giggle.

That's reassuring.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/19/cageless-shark-diving-hawaii_n_7548950.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel and provided by entertainment-movie-news.com

These Travel Hacks Will Make Your Trip So Much Easier

Traveling is hard. But with the right hacks, any travel situation can be made easy.

Famed "hacks" YouTuber Dave Hax recently made a video sharing packing tips and basic hotel tricks that can transform a trip. Before you pack your bags, you're gonna want to watch some of these:

The best way to pack for an overnight trip:



The easiest way to watch movies on your phone:



Click on the video above to see more awesome ways to get to your destination. Happy travels!




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-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/19/dave-hax-travel-hacks_n_7622108.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel and provided by entertainment-movie-news.com