Archive for June, 2007

Only four months to the finals…

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of posts about the 2007 Rugby World Cup from Ian Frentz, who’s taking 10 weeks off work to follow the matches (every single match, apparently) live in France. In the run-up to the tournament, we’ve asked Ian for his tips and predictions. Click here for Ian’s picks in Pools C and D.

So who are the 20 countries in the 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament? Here’s the low-down on the tournament favorites, the minnows and the teams that might progress if they’re lucky.

The 20 countries are split into four pools where they’ll compete on a round-robin basis. The first two from each pool will advance to the quarter-finals from where it’s a sudden-death knock-out to progress to the semis and the final in St Denis on 20 October.

Rugby World Cup: Pool A

ENGLAND

• World Champions – 2003
• Current IRB ranking – 7th

England are the current world champions. And doesn’t every Englishman and their dog like to remind you of it? Mind you, they still harp on about winning the soccer World Cup back in 1966, so you know we’re going to hear about their 2003 World Cup win for at least another three or four decades.

So why are the current world champions languishing down in 7th spot on the IRB rankings? They haven’t won many games in the last four years. Personally, I think they just peaked at the right time for the 2003 World Cup.

Prediction: The guys that carried them through 2003 – Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Johnny Wilkinson – have either retired or been injured and their current side isn’t in quite the same class. Their form in the Six Nations for the last couple of years has been woeful, and the structure of the game in England is a disaster, where the rugby clubs always seem to be taking their national union to court, or vice versa. I’m predicting that they’ll squeak through to the quarter-finals (after Samoa gives them a scare in the pool games), and then they’ll dip out. If Johnny Wilkinson is playing he may land a drop-kick in the dying seconds to get them through to the semis.

SOUTH AFRICA

• World Champions – 1995
• Current IRB ranking – 5th

South Africa, the Springboks, when they play their A-game are a hard team to beat. The trouble is, sometimes they bring their B-game to the ground. They can be nigh invincible in their stadium cauldrons at Ellis Park or Loftus Verfield, but when they travel, if they aren’t surrounded by thousands of screaming South African fans, they sometimes lose their way.

The men from the veldt are formidable – their forwards have all the strength and ferocity of angry rhinos, and their backs all the speed and grace of cheetahs on the hunt. They have been world champions before back in 1995 so they know what it takes.

Prediction: The Springboks will go further this time than in 2003, when they got knocked out in the quarter-finals. The form of some of their players in the southern hemisphere Super 14 tournament has been fantastic, with superstars like Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana and Andre Pretorius playing extremely well. It will be interesting to watch their progress in the up-coming Tri-Nations tournament, when they lock horns with Australia and New Zealand. South Africa will make the World Cup semis and, depending on who they met there, could even end up in the final.

SAMOA

• Current IRB ranking – 10th

For the tiny nation of Samoa, as with many Pacific Island nations , rugby union is a way of life. Samoans play the game hard and fast – they didn’t call the famous Brian Lima ‘The Chiropractor’ for nothing. The men from Manu Samoa have competed at every Rugby World Cup since 1991, and have made the quarter finals in 1991, 1995 and 1999 – not bad for a nation of around 180,000 people.

Since the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Samoa (along with a few other ‘Tier Two’ rugby nations), have received support and financial assistance from the IRB which has recognized that in order to grow rugby around the world, some countries just outside the top eight need a hand to get to the next level. Under their coach – All Blacks’ legend Michael Jones – Samoa will be very competitive at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Prediction: The hardest thing for Samoa will be to get their squad all in one place to train together – the majority of the team play professionally in England, France, New Zealand and other nations. They can definitely upset other teams and the tussle between Samoa and England in the last Rugby World Cup was great. Their rugby sevens team has improved markedly, so hopefully their rugby fifteens team can do the same. If they can beat England in the pool games they’ll make the quarter-finals, and could go even further if they bring their brand of bone-crunching, body-jarring rugby to the playing field.

USA

• Current IRB ranking – 13th

The USA is regarded as a rugby minnow, but there are many who see the Eagles as the sleeping giant of the game. The potential for growth of rugby in the USA is huge. Since the advent of professionalism in 1995, the Eagles have made great strides in coaching, management and player development.

The USA has played in every Rugby World Cup, except for 1995 when they didn’t qualify, and won two games – in 1987 and 2003. Despite a lack of success in recent years, the USA was last country to win an Olympic gold medal for rugby union (there’s one for the Trivial Pursuit buffs). A rag-tag team of rugby players and American footballers beat France by 17 points to three at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Shortly after this, however, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) removed rugby union as an Olympic sport.

Prediction: The Eagles are in a tough pool. They will have a tough tussle against Tonga, and that game could go either way, but I can’t see them getting over any of the other countries in Pool A, and they won’t progress past the pool games. But that is just this year. One day soon this sleeping giant will wake – watch out when it does!

TONGA

• Current IRB ranking – 16th

Tonga, like its Pacific Island neighbors Samoa, has a proud rugby history. Nicknamed Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles), they are never fiercer on the rugby paddock than when they line up against Samoa or Fiji, their traditional rivals. Nothing raises the hair on the back of your neck more than watching opposing teams perform their ritual war dances before kick-off!

Like their island neighbors, Tonga has a large number of their players plying their trade overseas, and are unable to train and play together regularly. As with Samoa and Fiji, the IRB has recently provided support to try and get Tonga to the next level so that they may be capable of upsetting a major rugby power, but only time will tell if this is effective.

Prediction: The Tongans qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2007 by becoming one of the repecharge winners in the qualifying stages for the tournament. They will have a hard road in front of them, and will give the USA a run for its money, but I doubt they will get past the pool stages of this tournament. One of the tournament highlights will be Tonga’s game against Samoa. Don’t miss the Tongan ‘Kailao’ versus the Samoan ‘Manu Siva Tau’ before kick-off – it’ll be a cracker!

Rugby World Cup: Pool B

AUSTRALIA

• World Champions – 1991, 1999
• Current IRB ranking – 3rd

The Wallabies are the only team to have lifted the William Webb Ellis Cup twice, once in 1991 and again in 1999. And they were just pipped at the post by England in the 2003 Rugby World Cup in extra time. They’re clearly pretty good at rugby. But over the last couple of years, their form seems to have dropped a bit: 2005 was a horror year for them, winning only one game from their final nine. Both the traditional power-house states of Australian rugby, Queensland and New South Wales, had a woeful Super 14 competition this year, finishing last and second-last respectively.

How they fare in this World Cup could largely depend on the coaches’ selections. Will they stick to the tried-and-true ageing superstars like George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, or will they go with younger talent like Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Cameron Shepherd? Their ability to win away from Australian soil is questionable, and lately, it just hasn’t happened for them.

Prediction: Never discount the men in green and gold – on their day, they can beat anyone. They will have the measure of Canada, Fiji and Japan in the pool games, but the crunch game will come down to Wales. They will meet in Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium and you can guarantee that the roof will be lifted by the voices of 80,000 singing Welshmen and women. That game will decide who they meet in the quarter-finals. I think they may even progress through to the semis, although my wife swears green and gold that they will go all the to the final. For the sake of my marriage, I hope they do well.

WALES

• Current IRB ranking – 8th

The Boyos from Wales have a passion for the game that’s almost unsurpassed. They live and breathe rugby, and when the national team is playing, you’ll find most Welshmen and women either in the crowd singing their lungs out, or glued to the TV cheering on the men in red.

The golden era for Welsh rugby was the 1970s, and it produced many talented players who have been regarded as the best in their position of all time. Their form dropped away in 1980s and ’90s, but over the last few years, the Welsh team has experienced a resurgence. They have played in every world cup, their best performance being a third place in 1987, but there were a couple of nail-biting games in the 2003 Rugby World Cup against New Zealand and England where they ran both teams very close. The game against the All Blacks was a thriller, the stadium was a sea of red and black, I was sitting next to a crazy Welsh friend who was going nuts, especially when Wales were in front at half time. I breathed a massive sigh of relief when the All Blacks got away with a win.

Prediction: Though they were the Six Nations champions in 2005, their form the last couple of years in the premier northern-hemisphere tournament hasn’t been great, mainly due to having some superstar players out through injury. In May and June this year, the Wales team are touring Australia, but they’ve sent a second-string team, allowing their top players to rest after a heavy domestic season in the lead up to the 2007 World Cup. If they can get their superstars like Stephen Jones, Gavin Henson and Gareth Thomas fighting fit they can give the tournament a real shake-up. They’ll make the quarter-finals, and even the semis, depending on how that crucial pool game against Australia goes. Go the Joneses!

FIJI

Better known for their natural ability and skill in the wide open spaces of rugby sevens (where they are world leaders), the burly boys from Fiji sometimes struggle with the 15-a-side version, where they come up against stronger and more structured defenses. Like Samoans and Tongans, Fijians play in the club competitions of France, England and other nations. And like their Pacific Island neighbors, the IRB has invested support and money hoping raise Fiji’s standing. Little things like having access to a gym and even rugby boots are a luxuries in the islands.

Fiji has played in most of the Rugby World Cups, except for 1995, when it didn’t qualify. The best results were in 1987 and 1999, when Fiji made the quarter-finals both times. On their recent end-of-year tour in 2006, whilst they lost all their games against their northern-hemisphere opponents, Fiji out-pointed each in the second half, playing scintillating, running rugby in the process.

Prediction: Having had a lubricated late-night conversation with the High Performance Manager for Fiji late last year, the word is that Fiji will give the tournament a real shake up. If they can get some of their overseas superstars, such as Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Nicky Little and Norman Ligairi, all fit and together in one place to train, they may upset one of the other favorites, Australia or Wales, in their pool. If they can play first-half running rugby like they play second-half running rugby, they may reach the quarters. And once you reach the quarters, anything can happen.

CANADA

The Canucks have been playing international rugby since the early 1930s, though they have played rugby as far back as the 1880s. However the rules Canada used back then were vastly different – the Canada Rugby Union legalized forward passing and made other changes that made Canadian rugby a totally different sport.

These days, the men in black and red compete regularly in the Churchill Cup, which is contested by Canada, the USA, England and three invited teams. They have participated in every Rugby World Cup, with 1991 their best performance when they reached the quarter-finals.

Prediction: The sheer size of Canada means that talent is scattered across the country, making the job of coaches and selectors very difficult. Their pool game against fellow minnows Japan could go either way, and they may get lucky against Fiji, but expect them to go down against both Wales and Australia. I can’t see them making the quarter-finals.

JAPAN

I have a soft spot for Japan, commonly known as the Cherry Blossoms. They are the strongest rugby team in Asia, dominating all the other countries in the region. Their style of rugby is agile and lightening quick, with gracious sportsmanship and a kamikaze attitude.

Japan has played in all five Rugby World Cups, for only one win, over Zimbabwe in 1991. They suffered their worst defeat in a World Cup at the hands of the All Blacks, going down 145 to 17 in 1995.

Prediction: The Cherry Blossoms will give it their all and may surprise Canada, but the other teams in their pool will be too strong. Watch out for their speedster Daisuke Ohata – he’s the world record holder for tries scored in test matches and a delight to watch with the ball and some room to move.

–Ian Frentz

Read more of Ian’s picks in Pools C & D in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Sip champagne on a private London Eye flight

As the British pound get stronger thoughts turn to traveling to London on a budget. Every dollar counts as the budget-conscious traveler looks for every possible saving while still seeing the best the city has to offer. The Viator travel blog has recently highlighted how to travel to London on a Budget, so with all those money saving tips in hand, make sure you spend your saved dollars on something a bit special.

Even on the tightest of budgets, most travelers like to indulge on that must-see sight or must-do activity. London is no exception, so as you carefully plan your trip don’t forget to leave room for a little indulgence. Here’s a few of our favorite tours and things to do in London when you are in the mood to splash out a bit of cash:

• Exclusive private viewing of the Roman Baths by torchlight with a welcome from a Roman soldier
• Take advantage of fast track entry to Westminster Abbey followed by afternoon tea at the famous Harrods store on the Luxury London Tour
• Indulge in the ultimate London luxury with a traditional Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason, provider to HRH Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family
• Take a train to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and enjoy a Spa Package at Britain’s only natural thermal spa
• Touch the ancient stones of Stonehenge with a private sunrise or sunset viewing of Stonehenge, when all other tour groups have left the site
• Be one of the first to see the brand new Lord of The Rings Theater Show in the West End, which is already getting rave reviews
• Escape the city and enjoy fantastic views as you sip Laurent-Perrier Champagne in a private capsule on the British Airways London Eye

So when planning your trip to London, save some time and money for something a little bit special, it may just be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

-Kerrie O’Mahony

I know it’s terribly stereotypical to say Californians (and Americans for that matter) love their cars. We do. What we don’t love is our commutes.

I’ve lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Oakland, and San Francisco, so I think I’m somewhat qualified to deliver a fair assessment of the state as a whole. For the most part we refer to freeways and interstates by their number as in “I took the 101 (one-0-one) to the 405 (four-0-five) to the 105 (one-o-five) to the 605 (six-o-five) to the 91 and totally missed the traffic on the 5.” If you are in So-Cal, you have “the 405″ and if you live in Nor-Cal you simply refer to the number “405.” (Incidentally, if you are an LA traffic guru you’ll know that you’d end up near the house of mouse in Anaheim following those directions.)

Again, I know it’s very stereotypical but I have had more of my friends in Los Angeles ask me what *kind* of car I drive (a Honda fails to impress), whereas most of my San Francisco pals are generally impressed when one owns a car (most use public transportation rather than hassle with cramped parking). So, there’s lots of talk around the water cooler in California of where you live and the traffic that you have to travel through.

The SF Chronicle just published an article on the worst commutes in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ve had to drive a few of them for work, as have many of the folks in our office here. It’s so much a part of general culture that I’ve even been in a job interview and when asked why I was leaving the company I worked for, I had only to answer “I can’t take driving to San Jose every day.” It shapes where we live (most people working at Viator SF actually live in SF for example) and it shapes where we play (try heading to Napa for the weekend on a sunny Friday afternoon).

I have a decent commute myself and even with all my secret shortcuts, I can find myself horribly delayed and more than a little frustrated. I think good thoughts, I make travel plans, I listen to lots of Ska, and now and then I’ll admit to a loss of temper. Along comes the Pope…

The Vatican has issued “10 Commandments” for good motorists. According to Rueters “A 36-page document called “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” contains 10 Commandments covering everything from road rage, respecting pedestrians, keeping a car in good shape and avoiding rude gestures while behind the wheel.”

Since I’m eyeball deep in planning a trip to Italy right now and we are about to draw straws for the designated driver, I can only hope that it inspires a little more sanity for both Italian drivers and commute challenged individuals the world over.

–Suzann M

Ready for the Rugby World Cup???

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of posts about the 2007 Rugby World Cup from Ian Frentz, Viator’s quality assurance (QA) manager and hardcore rugby fanatic. Somehow Ian convinced us to give him 10 weeks’ leave so that he can follow the matches in person. Stay tuned for his reports live from France. Until then, we’ve asked Ian to explain the game (yes, some of us are Americans, we need all the help we can get when it comes to rugby). Ian has also tipped his winners in Pools A & B and Pools B & C.

It’s coming! The ‘Game They Play In Heaven’ has its showpiece event later this year in France, and I’m so excited I’m drooling on my keyboard! Why? Because I’ll be there!

If you don’t know what I am talking about, it’s the 6th Rugby World Cup, being hosted (mostly) by France in September and October 2007. Rugby fanatics from around the world will descend on France to cheer on their teams competing for the ultimate rugby prize, the William Webb Ellis Cup.

For those who don’t know the game of rugby union, picture American football (which is derived from rugby) without helmets and protective padding, or soccer (I refuse to call it football) where you can use your hands. Most would be a little familiar with the game, however, as it’s played in some form in over 100 countries.

For those who aren’t, we’ve created a primer about the great game of rugby union, along with Viator’s overview of the tournament and teams. You can check out the official Rugby World Cup website, too.

Rugby for Beginners

Mud. Sweat. Beer. Two teams going at it hammer and tongs for 80 minutes. The bone-jarring thud of a heavy tackle. The impact of nearly two tonnes of man-flesh colliding in a scrum engagement. The leap of a lineout jumper reaching for the sky after a soaring ball. The roar of the crowd as a player makes a break and sprints for the try-line. It’s all music to my ears. Don’t know what I am talking about? Well, here are some basics to get you started.

Rugby union football – often referred to as simply rugby or union – is an outdoor sport played by two teams of 15 players with a prolate spheroid-shaped ball. (Editor’s note: Ian, what exactly is a prolate spheroid-shaped? Maybe you can enlighten us in a future post…) There’s also a quicker seven-a-side version of the game, called rugby sevens (that’s a whole other blog), but the tournament later this year in France is the more traditional 15-a-side game.

The game was born in 1823 during a game of soccer, when (it’s rumored) William Webb Ellis, then a 16-year-old boy at Rugby School in England, caught the ball and ran with it towards the opponents’ goal line. It was an amateur sport right up until 1995, when the game finally became professional. Many of the values of rugby come from its rich history, traditions and the camaraderie amongst the players. It’s governed worldwide by the International Rugby Board (IRB), founded in 1886, who also publish the game’s (many, many) laws and rankings.

The first Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand in 1987, where yours truly was sitting on the concrete stands at Eden Park behind the goalposts, watching the mighty New Zealand All Blacks beat France in the final. Back then it had been a struggle to get the world-cup format up and running, but 20 years later, the Rugby World Cup has become the world’s third biggest sporting event. The organizing committee predicts 2.4 million spectators at Rugby World Cup 2007, and the event is being broadcast by 250 networks to four billion TV viewers around the planet – not bad for a game which has only been professional for a dozen years.

The Rugby World Cup Tournament

The 6th Rugby World Cup is being held from 7 September, 2007, to 20 October, 2007. Twelve cities will be hosting games: Bordeaux, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lens, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris, Saint-Denis, Saint-Étienne and Toulouse.

OK, some of you may have realized that Cardiff and Edinburgh are on the other side of the Channel, and aren’t actually part of France. Way back in 2003, when the IRB was deciding who would host the 2007 tournament, France promised games to Wales and Scotland to secure votes. So some spectators will be tucking into haggis and black pudding, instead of baguettes and brie, and washing it down with a whisky instead of a fine Beaujolais.

While the tournament doesn’t get under way until September, qualifying for the tournament has been going on for almost three years. There are 20 qualifiers who’ll be competing in the tournament. The first eight (the traditional power-houses of the game), qualified automatically for France 2007 by reaching the quarter-final stage in the 2003 World Cup that was held in Australia. Everybody else had to go through the qualification process, which began when Andorra played Norway way back in September 2004. In total 86 countries have participated in 192 matches so far before the World Cup tournament has even started!

In the coming weeks I’ll bring you the low-down on the teams, the tournament pools and play-offs, as well as my picks, pans and predictions for the 2007 Rugby World Cup (click here to see Ian’s picks for Pools A & B),

–Ian Frentz

Keep reading Ian’s tips for winners in Pools A & B and Pools B & C or read about things to do at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Lord Howe Island Group

Did you know that Australia has 16 World Heritage sites located across the length and breadth of our vast continent and even offshore? Some are in such remote locations few people have had the opportunity to visit.

Editor’s Note: 16 sites? Did we say 16 World Heritage sites?  Since we posted this originally on June 15, Australia has received some exciting news: the UN World Heritage committee has voted (unanimously no less) to give the Sydney Opera House World Heritage status! Congratulations Sydney, congratulations Australia, well done on your 17th World Heritage site. You can read more about this breaking news here.  Now back to our original post…

Australia has long recognised the importance of preserving its rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage and was one of the first signatories to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage. Since then, 182 countries have ratified the treaty. Sites nominated for World Heritage listing are inscribed on the list only after they have been carefully assessed as representing the best examples of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

Each of Australia’s World Heritage properties is outstanding in its own right and collectively they present an amazing diversity of places and values. Now, gain an insight into some of the most outstanding places on earth through a stunning commemorative photographic exhibition featuring a collection of images from each of Australia’s World Heritage properties.

The breathtaking images on display provide a window into some of the most outstanding places on Earth, and will no doubt encourage all who visit to explore our great county.

Entry to the exhibition is free of charge, see it at:

• 19 May - 14 June 2007 - Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo, NSW
• 15 June - 3 July 2007 - Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, New Zeland
• 4 July - 30 July 2007 - James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, QLD
• 31 July - 28 August 2007 - Skyrail, Caravonica, QLD
• 29 August - 15 October 2007 - Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, NSW
• 16 October - January 2008 - Tasmanian Wilderness, World Heritage Area, TAS

Australia’s World Heritage sites, and date of World Heritage listing:

Great Barrier Reef

1981
Great Barrier Reef
Kakadu National Park (Stage 2, 1987; Stage 3, 1992)
Willandra Lakes Region

1982
Tasmanian Wilderness (Extended 1989)
Lord Howe Island Group

1986
Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (Australia) (extended in 1994)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

1987
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (extended in 1994)

1988
Wet Tropics of Queensland

1991
Shark Bay, Western Australia

1992
Fraser Island

1994
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte)

Shark Bay

1997
Heard and McDonald Islands
Macquarie Island

2000
The Greater Blue Mountains

2003
Purnululu National Park

2004
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

–Vicki Potts

I am a fan of the themed music playlist. Alas the days of the mix tape are in the technological past, though I don’t miss lugging my Case Logic bag of tapes onto the plane. I have been working for over two years on the perfect 80s mix, which is now almost three hours of classic 80s tunes (leading off, of course, with a-ha’s Take On Me). Now my focusing is shifting to a new playlist composed entirely of travel songs - a mix to listen to while traveling, all about traveling.

Here’s what I have so far:

1. This Time Tomorrow by The Kinks - A song all about being on a plane and thinking about where you’re going and where you’ve been.
2. Man in a Suitcase by The Police - A song about rare musical topic of business travel.
3. Cuanto Le Gusta by The Andrews Sisters with Carmen Miranda - All about the fun of travel. My favorite line: I’ll take the goat!
4. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash - The longest list of destinations I have ever heard in a song. He’s not lying about having been everywhere.
5. San Tropez by Pink Floyd - The perfect song about being lazy on a beach vacation.
6. Divorce Song by Liz Phair - A sad, but great, song about a road trip.
7. Singapore by Tom Waits - Tom Waits’ idea of a cruise. Scary? Yes.
8. Travellin’ All Alone by Billie Holiday - Less melancholy than you’d think. A sweet tune.
9. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson - A classic.
10. Route 66 by Depeche Mode - There’s many a version of Route 66 out there, but this is my favorite because of the great sampling.
11. It’s Nice to Go Trav’ling by Frank Sinatra - Because getting home and sharing a pizza is sometimes equally nice.

Missing your favorite travel tune? Help the travel playlist grow and leave a comment!

– Kelly G

WWMD: What Would Mulder Do?

Names like ‘Dreamland Resort’ and ‘Paradise Ranch’ conjure up images of palm tree groves, froufrou blended drinks, dark oiled skin, and lazy days spent gazing at the ocean from the belly of a hammock.

But for conspiracy theorists, UFO enthusiasts and old X-File fans, these places represent the end-all, be-all fantasyland… and they don’t include margaritas or a masseuse.

For a place that doesn’t officially exist, Area 51 has many fanciful names… among the less luxurious: Groom Lake, The Box and The Pig Farm. You’ll find no palm trees here. Area 51 is located in the Nevada desert, covering 575 miles of restricted land 90 miles north of Las Vegas. A super–secret, high-tech military compound, Area 51 is closed to air traffic and impenetrable by land, that is if you aren’t an alien sharing technology with a top-secret government official.

This is not the entrance to Area 51

On the border of this mysterious place, along the lonely Extraterrestrial Highway (ET Highway), lies the town of Rachel, a collection of ramshackle double-wides, pickup trucks, and a few small businesses, including the Little Ale’Inn restaurant and hotel, where you can spend the night in a double-wide trailer for about $40. The only town on the ET Highway, Rachel (population 98) became a destination for UFO watchers in the late ’80s when Bob Lazar claimed he’d worked on alien spacecraft at Area 51 and began leading tours to the Black Mailbox (now white), a famous landmark that signifies the turn onto Groom Lake Road, leading to a horizon seemingly devoid of human inhabitation, into the heart of Area 51.

The origin of the mysterious military base dates back to the 1950s. Like the neighboring Nevada Test Site (where atomic weapons tests in the ’50s sent giant mushroom clouds soaring into the sky), Area 51 is a product of the Cold War, used to test the secret aviation technology of the time like the U2 and SR71 Blackbird spy planes. Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, half of all UFO sightings in the United States were reported from this area. The public, unaware of the secret air base, most likely mistook the test flights for UFOs. With all the secrecy, it’s believed that testing futuristic flight technologies has continued to this day. Some believe these technologies have been engineered from captured spacecraft or alien guests that reside at the base.

There isn’t much of anything in the desolate, open desert that surrounds the clandestine mountain fortress, and although Area 51 is restricted – in fact trespassing is punishable by death – tourists still come here to simply be a part of the place, even at a distance. A long swathe of Groom Lake Road, which leads to the compound, is located within the boundaries of public land and can be safely traveled, free from arrest that is, to the border of the restricted zone, which is marked by ominous red and white warning signs, and lined with security cameras and armed guards known as “Cammo Dudes,” a legendary security force in the ranks of UFO fans.

The Little Ale’Inn, Rachel, Nevada

While UFO junkies have their eyes set on the hills that protect Area 51 from view, aviation enthusiasts drive themselves to the top of forsaken mountains to scour the horizon with binoculars, in order to catch a glimpse of high tech military planes engaged in war games known as Red Flag. These combat training exercises happen occasionally throughout the year, and when they do, planes streak across the valley day and night, emitting wall-shaking sonic booms and lights that blink and streak across the night sky.

When not chasing spaceships or military jets, The Little Ale’Inn provides a great spot to do some recon work – it’s the hangout and meeting place for servicemen from the nearby Nellis Air Force Base, on break in between missions. It’s also the home of their self-proclaimed “world famous” alien burger. The Little Ale’Inn is the only overnight option for tourists, and while the hotel is little more than 7 rooms in several double-wide trailers behind the restaurant, it’s a great place to rest and take in a few UFO movies borrowed from their extensive alien-themed video collection. The guest book is filled with names of visitors from countries all over the world: Norway, Wales, England, and Germany… and, fittingly, a few visitors from Mars.

–Cheryn Flanagan

Viator’s own “Area 51″ tour is coming soon! In the meantime, get your space-age kicks with Las Vegas skydiving or your extraterrestrial landscape fixes with tours to the Grand Canyon.

There’s no separating Orlando from that famous Mouse, or from the other stalwart theme parks that have helped make it one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. While fantastic roller coasters, water rides and life-sized storybook characters may be the key draw for most visitors, Orlando is home to many other wow attractions. Just a few include the Kennedy Space Center, fine white-sand beaches, and various opportunities to swim with dolphins and manatees. Plus, shopping, fine dining and nightlife options are as abundant as the oranges, making Orlando and its surrounding environs the perfect sunny getaway. For ideas on planning your trip, check out our Suggested Itineraries in Orlando. We’ve listed some of the highlights below.

Disney World Orlando

Day 1: Hello, Walt
Let’s face it, Walt Disney has the corner on Orlando theme-park fun with no less than four memory-making theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. So no Orlando trip—with or without kids—would be complete without visiting at least one of the parks. For those who plan on hitting all the Disney parks, there’s no beating the 4-Day Magic Your Way Ticket (also available in a 7-Day version). The pass includes admission to all the parks, with various options to include Disney water parks and no expiration options, etc.

Also worth a splash: Wet ‘n Wild, Orlando, undoubtedly one of the best water parks in the country, featuring world-class signature thrill rides for daredevils of every age. Another one-of-a-kind experience is the Florida Adventure Tour, where you get to swim and snorkel with the glorious manatees on the Crystal River with certified dive masters. Also included is an airboat ride on the Homosassa River and a visit to Homosassa State Wildlife Park, a haven and rehabilitation center for injured animals.

If you’re not too pooped by the day’s activities, take in one of many entertaining dinner shows. A few top choices include Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and a Disney VIP Character Dinner.

Kennedy Space Center

Day 2: Fun Outside the Theme Parks
While it is quite possible to never leave the fantasyland environs of Orlando’s many theme parks for the whole of your trip, taking a few jaunts outside their gates may be a welcome change of pace. It’s not a theme park but the Kennedy Space Center is truly an out-of-this world attraction for visitors of all ages. Just a few highlights include getting a close-up view of the space shuttle launch pads from an observation gantry, walking beneath a Saturn V rocket, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. For an even more unique experience, you can dine with an astronaut. (Really.)

For those seeking high-speed thrills of a different sort, visiting the home of the world-famous Daytona 500 is sure to get your heart racing. Tour includes a whirl around the circuit pit road and victory lane, and a visit to the usually restricted VIP suites. Plus, speed-demon wannabes can participate in a race against others in Acceleration Alley.

Day 3: More Classic Orlando Fun
Even though Mickey brings vast amounts of joy to Orlando visitors, many a non-Mouse theme parks and other attractions elicit thousands of smiles, giggles and lifelong memories. Spending time at Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, will dazzle with its fun thrill rides and it’s movie magic.

Universal Studios Orlando

The Universal Orlando 2-Park Unlimited Ticket is definitely a smart way to go.

The 350-acre nature theme park Silver Springs and its famous Glass Bottom Boats, as well as a slew of other attractions and rides, are also guaranteed to elicit many an ooh and ahh.

And for a truly unique and intellectually stimulating and fun park experience, Wonder Works is a must. More than 100 interactive and imaginative exhibits are featured–and make science fun and fascinating. Hungry? Enjoy a few laughs and magic with your meal at Wonder Works’ Outta Control Dinner Show. Unlimited yummy pizza, popcorn, and drinks are served as the wholly entertaining 90-minute show of high-energy improv and magic will have you entranced.

The above suggestions are just a small slice of the things to do and see in Orlando. If you need more inspiration, browse our complete list of Orlando tours and attractions. Consider extending your stay in the Sunshine State and check out the colorful Art Deco District and Little Havana neighborhoods in Miami, or partake in a smorgasbord of water activities in the gorgeous environs of Key West.

-Gail Goldberg

Edinburgh: The City of Alcohol, Tours and Filth?

All great cities have a nickname that supposedly tells us something about their character. You know, Paris is the ‘City of Light’, Rome is the ‘Eternal City’, New York never sleeps and all of that. Back in the day Edinburgh was called ‘Auld Reekie’, which is Scottish for “Old Smoky” or “Old Smelly”. The city was given this term (of endearment?) because of the large quantities of smoke emitted from factories and chimneys around the city. Edinburgh is indeed still a smelly city — of course, the foul smell of early industrialisation has been replaced by the sweet scent of beer coming from nearby breweries.

Since the Auld Reekie days, the Scottish capital has been spared from kitschy monikers. Not so anymore. I am about to pitch a couple of possible names that could be internationally associated with Edinburgh. Who knows? History might prove me right.

Edinburgh: The City of Tours

In Edinburgh’s Old Town, at the very end of the Royal Mile, you will find the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen’s official residence in Scotland). If you chose to experience the palace in the company of an audio guide you are welcomed by the snobbishly dry voice of Prince Charles of Wales himself. Most fascinating, however, is the beautiful 10th-century abbey that concludes the tour. You could also take a tour of the Scottish Parliament, just opposite of the palace. The parliament was finished in 2004 and the Scots are still debating whether this building is dead-ugly or not. While you form your own opinion in the matter, consider the fact that it cost £431 million to build (which is only £391 million more than the modest estimated cost).

When evening falls get yourself a ticket to the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour. Two very enthusiastic actors will give you the low-down on the famous authors and literary characters of Edinburgh while you sip some beer from the various pubs you visit. Tickets can be bought at the Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket. (You can browse more Edinburgh tours on the Viator site, include walking tours in Edinburgh.)

Edinburgh: The City That Always Drinks

Scottish people love alcohol. It is true. On the negative side are the gangs of highly intoxicated preteens that wander the city centre on Friday evenings. On the positive side, the Scots insatiable need for pubs has produced some very nice establishments to visit. Perchance the oldest pub in Edinburgh, the White Hart Inn in the Grassmarket has Scottish folk music on Sunday evenings. Another establishment with folk music on the menu is the Sandy Bells on Forest Street in Old Town. The pub Deacon Brodie on the Royal Mile takes its name from a wealthy 18th-century metal smith who became infamous for breaking into the houses of his customers. He is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. If your visit to Edinburgh takes place in summer, The Pear Tree (38 West Nicolson Street) has a really pleasant beer garden decorated with lemon trees.

Of course, a blog that mentions both Scotland and alcohol cannot fail to address the topic of whisky (the Irish spell it with an ‘e’, the Scots without). Even though a friend of mine argues that whisky should be smelled rather than tasted for variety, you might bid differently and visit The World of Whisky on 354 Castle Hill. Skip the boring tour and head straight for the bar.

Edinburgh: The Rural City

A part of what makes Edinburgh a beautiful city is that nature is never far away. There are several opportunities to take a short hill walk close to the city centre, if you fancy fresh air and mild exercise. If you go down the Royal Mile and turn right at the gates of Holyrood Palace you will find yourself at the base of Arthur’s Seat. Besides a stunning view of the city there is also a small ruin of an old church to look at. Another, less exhausting, alternative is Calton Hill, the site of Edinburgh’s own Acropolis, called the National Monument. This is also where the pagans of Edinburgh gather to celebrate the coming of spring in the Beltane Festival.

Edinburgh: The City of Murder, Filth & All Things Repulsive

Edinburgh: The City of Murder, Ghosts & Mystery

And I mean this as a compliment! What could be more attractive to visitors than a chance to experience the more seedy parts of a capital and its history? Edinburgh has a lot to offer in ways of filth. Located along the Royal Mile, between the Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace, is the Mary Kings Close, which gives you a more sordid version of the city’s history than the two afore mentioned. Mary Kings Close is a number of 16th-century alleys which were emptied of their inhabitants when the Royal Stock Exchange was built right on top of them in 1753. These streets have been preserved (as well as a snake in formaldehyde) to offer a unique glimpse of 16th-century urban planning (or lack thereof) and rough city life. The tour of Mary Kings Close adds a lot of drama, including a ridiculous ghost séance, but it is nonetheless a truly remarkable historical attraction.

In the Surgeons’ Hall Museum on Nicolson Street you can learn about the medical history of Scotland, the discoveries of insulin and penicillin and the famous medical students such as Arthur Conan Doyle. More importantly though, the museum has several of those old jars filled with strange specimens and it also gives you the opportunity to play surgeon yourself. Edinburgh ghost tours are another popular option for getting into the gory and gruesome history of the city.

Edinburgh: The City of Festivals

In August, Edinburgh becomes the host of festivals of all kinds that draw large international crowds. The biggest is the Edinburgh International Festival (August 10 - September 2) for fans of classical music, theatre, opera and dance. There is also an International Book Festival (August 11 - 27), Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August 5 - 27) and dozens of other festivals dedicated to film, science, jazz, art and many, many, many more interests. On the last day of April, the pagans (and quite a lot of non-pagans as well) gather on Calton Hill in downtown Edinburgh to celebrate the coming of spring with much fire, nudity and catchy music in the Beltane Festival. These Gaelic shenanigans start at sundown and goes on all through the night.

–Emilia Ljungberg

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s list of things to do and tours in Edinburgh, Glasgow and all of Scotland.

Why are 4 out of 10 travelers so unhappy?

Part of our job at Viator is to understand trends in travel. We spend a lot of time researching where people are going, and what tours, activities and attractions will make worthy additions to our website. It’s our job and we’re happy to be doing it.

I’m telling you this because I was surprised — shocked, actually — by something I recently read in a blog post from Viator’s CEO, Rod Cuthbert. Rod refers to a study in which 40% of travelers were forced to change plans because their activity was sold out.

The dreaded “sold out”. As in “not available”. As in “reserved for ticket-holders only”. As in “next departure is full”. As in “no available show times”.

Apparently 4 out of every 10 travelers are forced to alter their vacation and holiday plans because the tour, theme park, sky dive, balloon ride, wine tasting, museum tour, etc. is sold out. Four out of 10?

Wow, that’s a lot of unhappy travelers.

But that’s not what really shocked me. I work at an online travel site, so I know how many of our tours and activities suffer from high-season sell outs. And here’s the shocking part: There is absolutely no reason to be one of those 4 in 10 travelers waiting in long lines or being disappointed by sell-outs. People, you are reading the blog of an online travel company that specializes in advance booking of tours and activities!!! WE CAN HELP YOU. There is no need to be disappointed. There is no need to miss out. And often, there is no need to wait in a long line queuing for tickets.

Obviously Rod and I are biased. We work at a travel website that specializes in advance bookings. Yet that’s my point. At Viator we spend our days obsessing about this stuff, trying to find the best deals, the best tours, the best experiences — and making sure you can book it ahead of time. You save money. You save time. You have a guaranteed reservation. That’s the whole point of Viator’s business.

If you want to hear Rod talk about Viator and emerging trends in online travel, have a listen to a podcast interview Rod just recorded. Rod also sent through his list of popular tours and activities that frequently sell out. Have a look:

• Segway tours in Europe. Limited numbers of Segways means this can sell out quickly. On Viator.com you can book Segway tours in advance in Florence, Rome, Budapest, Vienna, Paris and Prague.
• The Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel in Rome. It’s the Vatican. It’s Rome. It’s summertime. It’s gonna sell out.
• Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and Il Cenacolo in Milan. Two words: Last Supper. Yup, it’s gonna sell out.
• The Moulin Rouge in Paris. This is hugely popular. HUGELY popular. Book early.
• In Australia, Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, the Sydney Skywalk and tours of the Sydney Opera House all sell out regularly.
• Helicopter tours in Las Vegas and helicopter tours in New York City. Both of these are hugely popular things to do, and both of these sell out especially on summer weekends.
• New York’s Soprano’s Sites and Sex and the City hot spots tours. You’ve heard of these shows, right?? Well so have thousands of other people, and these tours sell out.

So please, people, book ahead and avoid the “sold out” phenomenon.

–Scott McNeely

Update: Have a look at this post on the Budget Travel blog about booking in advance. See, we’re not the only ones worried about advance booking!