Accidental Travel Writer

Macau: Bands Battle for Cash at Venetian Mardi Gras on Cotai Strip

Entertainment

Twelve jazz and blues bands from around the world were flown to Macau to battle it out for a cash pool of HK$500,000, or US$64,000, in the second annual Venetian Carnival, which was held 25 through 27 May 2012 at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel on the Cotai Strip in the former Portuguese enclave.

Croatia: All Good Things Must End ...

Homeward Bound

Was four days enough to take in Croatia? We did, after, visit three cities and a national park in just four days.But, thankfully, we only stayed at two different hotels. I really don't like packing and unpacking! So my hats off to the organizers for understanding that many times less really is more!

San Francisco: Gridlock as 300,000 People Overwhelm Golden Gate Bridge

Up Close and Personal

As the Golden Gate Bridge gets set to celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend, I can't help but think back to that traumatic day 25 years ago when I joined a couple of friends to celebrate the 6,450 foot long bridge's Golden Jubilee.

Travel: Korea, Sri Lanka Lead Asia Pacific with 25% Growth in Arrivals

Business

The Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka led the Asia Pacific, registering 25% and 27% growth, respectively, in foreign arrivals for January and and February 2012 against a 7% increase for the Asia Pacific as a whole, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) reports.

San Francisco: Top 10 Spots to View the Golden Gate Bridge

Travel Destination

There is Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, cable cars climbing halfway to the stars, Union Square, the Castro. But nothing says San Francisco quite like the Golden Gate Bridge!And I can assure you, if you have never witnessed that spectacular span in person, you don't know what you're missing.

Hotel Review: Regent Esplanade Zagreb, Croatian Five Star Luxury

Up Close and Personal

As we tumbled out of our airport shuttle bus in downtown Zagreb, I heard someone scream, “It looks just like San Francisco!” As someone that grew up in Northern California, I couldn't help but think, “Where are the hills? Where is the bay? Where are the pigeons? Where is that blustery wind?”

Phuket: Can You Recommend a Good Hotel on the Beach?

Up Close and Personal

I received the following message on Facebook: "Can you recommend a good hotel in Phuket?" This is what I wrote back: "Yes, I can. Actually, I know of several nice properties. Can you tell me more in terms of your expectations and budget?"

Aviation: Media Fam Trip to Zagreb, Croatia, on Qatar Airways Inaugural Flight

Up Close and Personal

I was among seven bloggers, journalists, and travel writers from Hong Kong and Singapore to be flown on Qatar Airways first ever flight linking the airline's hub at Doha, Qatar, with Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

Korea: Home Stays with Families for as Little as US$30 per Night!

Travel Destination

If you're planning a holiday in Korea, why stay at a hotel when you can stay with a Korean family, instead? For as little as US$30 per night, you can stay with a Korean family, which will give you a first hand experience of Korean culture and life.

Aviation: Emirates Launches Facebook Pages, Attracts 300,000 Fans

IT and Social Media

One of the world's fastest growing airlines, Emirates Airlines officially launched its Facebook page - attracting more than 300,000 fans within the first three weeks of this new aspect of the air carrier's digital marketing campaign.