Travelore Tips: Travel Bargains That Aren't.

Be careful: That travel "bargain" just may be a real lemon. Photo by Pavia Rosati.

We're very excited about Fathom contributor Mark Ellwood's new book, Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World. He's distilled what he's spent a lifetime learning about shopping all over the world into a lively, informative, and engaging read. What's the quick takeaway? Here are the top ten tips and lessons — acquired the hard way so you can get them the easy way.

I've spent the last two years knee-deep in deals and discounts, researching my new bookBargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World. It's been a travel-heavy trip: I've hopscotched from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to a luxury outlet mall outside Tokyo and a small ranch home outside Tampa that could claim to be couponing's spiritual capital. I dedicated one chapter to culling lessons from the industries like travel and real estate that have long operated in an entirely discount-driven model. From that journey, both literal and metaphorical, here are my top ten lessons.

1. Why You're Not Getting an Upgrade
There's one tiny detail often overlooked about the halcyon days of aviation: The reason airlines were able to lavish treats and service on passengers was that prices were set centrally by the government. So the only point of differentiation among airlines came in how hot the food — or the stewardesses — were.

2. Why You Have to Pay to Get Drunk on a Plane
Regulations reached beyond price controls, too: Early on in the era of commercial flying, there was a two-drink minimum on board. Of course, airline ingenuity worked around this, as one veteran trolley dolley told me. "We had a sixteen-ounce lowball for the first and a little carafe as big as a glass for the second. So it was two glasses, but about eight drinks," she admitted.

3. Those Antiques? They Were Made Yesterday
Go thirsty when you go to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Every shopkeeper will ply you with sweet minty tea. And don't be surprised to hear more English, German, and Russian than Turkish: That wonderful, centuries-old Aladdin's Cave of counterfeits and treasures essentially exists to cater to tourists now.

4. The Only Real Way to Save on Hotel Rooms
Book every hotel room via Tingo.com, the service which automatically refunds the difference in cost if anyone books an identical room on the same night for a lower cost. It's never failed me.

5. Sorry, You're Not a JetsetterFlash sales are for fools. The best hotels have realized that working with flash sale sites backfires: It brings in clientele that nickel and dime over everything, and the price slashing isn't off set by extra spending. Besides, you can wrangle better rates by making a phone call and negotiating instead of through a flash sale.

6. Compare, Compare, Compare
Never accept the first price you're offered for a flight. Six weeks ago, when I was booking a ticket from JFK to LHR, I checked costs of a seat on Delta in a Safari browser window. Simultaneously, the exact same seat was $200 cheaper on Virgin Atlantic, the flight's codeshare partner. Lesson learned.

7. A Bargain in Tokyo Isn't a Bargain in Miami
Remember that a trip to an outlet mall in Japan will be very frustrating to most Caucasians. Firstly, since the retail prices of designer labels there are already inflated, the markdown essentially brings them back in line with normal prices back home. Secondly, since Japanese people are markedly more petite than even sample size Westerns (like me), don't expect much of the stock to even fit. I spent the week after that day trip on a diet.

8. You'll Never Guess Where the Best Hotel Discounts Are Hiding
The best way to score a bargain on a hotel room is a canny workaround. Sam's Club and Costco sell hotel gift cards at a discount from time to time — Hyatt, for example, has done it in the past. $100 vouchers will be offered for $80-$85, which is an instant 15 to 20 percent saving on your next stay.

9. Germans Don't Do Coupons
Coupons were as illegal as cocaine in Germany until 2001, a vestige of an anti-Semitic law around pricing enacted by the Nazis to stop larger Jewish-owned department stores from undercutting Aryan mom-and-pop shops.

10. They're Not Very Friendly SkiesAirline executives put the crew in crude. Iconic American Airlines CEO Bob Crandall blasted a Senate committee mulling deregulation of air fares with a tirade that made the air bluer than an Andrew Dice Clay concert. "You f**king academic eggheads! You don't know sh*t. You can't deregulate this industry. You're going to wreck it. You don't know a g**damn thing!"

Read more on Fathom: The Fine Art of Haggling in Marrakech, 5-Star Vacation for 2-Star Prices

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Norwegian Launches New Low Cost Routes From London Gatwick To New York, Los Angeles And Fort Lauderdale

Norwegian launches three new long-haul routes between London Gatwick and New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) in summer 2014. Norwegian also launches five new European routes and increases frequencies on existing ones.

Norwegian continues its international expansion as it takes delivery of more 787 Dreamliners. It now adds London Gatwick to its intercontinental route map after experiencing great success with its new European routes from Gatwick launched earlier this year.

“There’s great demand for high quality flights at a low fare between the UK and the U.S., particularly to and from London Gatwick, where no other airline currently offers these routes. We are looking forward to welcoming many new customers on board our brand new aircraft. Launching long-haul routes between London Gatwick and the United States is also an important part of our strategy to expand internationally and get a stronger foothold in markets outside Scandinavia,” said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos. 

“This is one of the most exciting route developments since Gatwick’s change of ownership four years ago and shows the benefits to passengers of Gatwick competing with Heathrow on routes, price and service.  Norwegian’s decision to re-establish London Gatwick's links to strategic destinations in North America gives passengers, once again, real choice about how to get there and, importantly, provide options for affordable travel to popular business and leisure destinations. Norwegian’s decision to operate high quality services on new long range aircraft offering good-value fares to the US from London Gatwick is a significant industry game-changer,” said Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick.

Five new European destinationsIn addition to the new long-haul routes, Norwegian also adds five new European destinations from London Gatwick. New destinations as of next spring and summer are: Santorini, Corfu, Sicily (Catania), Cyprus and Budapest. Norwegian also adds more frequencies to existing destinations Malaga, Ibiza, Split, Dubrovnik, Majorca, Faro, Tenerife, Copenhagen and Barcelona.

Norwegian currently offers 320 weekly flights and 25 routes from London Gatwick.

Tickets to the new destinations will be available for sale today October 17 at www.norwegian.com.

Flight schedule

London – Los Angeles twice a week from July 2, 2014
Norwegian will operate two weekly flights between London (LGW) and Los Angeles (LAX) – on Wednesdays and Sundays. The introductory fare is £199 one way.

London – New York three times a week from July 3, 2014 
Norwegian will operate three weekly flights between London (LGW) and New York (JFK) – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The introductory fare is £149 one way.

London – Fort Lauderdale twice a week from July 4, 2014 
Norwegian will operate two weekly flights between London (LGW) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – on Mondays and Fridays. The introductory fare is £179 one way.

London – Santorini once a week from April 5, 2014 
Norwegian will operate one weekly flight between London (LGW) and Santorini (JTR) – on Saturdays. The introductory fare is £29.90 one way.

London – Corfu once a week from July 19, 2014 
Norwegian will operate one weekly flight between London (LGW) and Corfu (CFU) – on Saturdays. The introductory fare is £29.90 one way.

London – Sicily once a week from April 5, 2014
Norwegian will operate one weekly flight between London (LGW) and Catania, Sicily (CTA) – on Saturdays. The introductory fare is £29.90 one way.

London – Cyprus once a week from April 5, 2014
Norwegian will operate one weekly flight between London (LGW) and Cyprus (LCA) – on Saturdays. The introductory fare is £39.90 one way.

London – Budapest three times a week from March 30, 2014
Norwegian will operate three weekly flights between London (LGW) and Budapest (BUD) – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The introductory fare is £29.90 one way.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. Close to 18 million passengers chose to fly on its network in 2012. Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 382 routes to 121 destinations on sale and employs approximately 3,000 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand. The company has 275 undelivered aircraft on firm order. Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway. In June 2013, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 75 aircraft with an average age of only 4.6 years. 

Mara Naboisho Becomes First Wildlife Conservancy “Early Adopter” Of Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria For Destinations

Kenyan Destination Recognized for Good Practices and Desire for Improvement

 Mara Naboisho is the first wildlife conservancy to participate in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Early Adopters Program. In doing so, the destination has achieved an important milestone in the recognition of sustainable tourism as a model to protect an area of high concentration of wildlife in Kenya’s Greater Mara region, while empowering the local Maasai community.

In 2010, Base camp Foundation Kenya was requested by some 500 Maasai landowners to facilitate the creation of the conservancy as a community wildlife and tourism cluster. After three years of intense planning, compromise, and implementation of strict policies, the conservancy decided to participate in the GSTC Early Adopter “In a time when complex solutions are critical to the conservation of the last remaining vestiges of spectacular wildlife, as well as the improvement of quality of life for the traditional landowners of the Mara, this project represents hope in finding solutions.  This project will continue to be a leader and a case to exemplify hope for the future” said Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of the GSTC.

Home to a large variety of flora and fauna, Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a 50,000-acre community located in a pristine part of Narok South district, next to the heavily trafficked tourist destination Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 250 km from Kenya’s capital. Lars Lindkvist, CEO of Basecamp Foundation, which oversees the destination said, "Mara Naboisho Conservancy is honored to be the first wildlife conservancy to participate in the GSTC's Early Adopter Program. We are proud of our innovative approach to sustainable tourism, which is already realizing significant benefits, and improving lives and livelihoods in the beautiful Masai Mara. From the evaluation, we recognize a great opportunity to monitor and report on our impacts going forward, so that we can celebrate our success, identify improvements, and collaborate both regionally and across the globe."

Through a participatory planning process that deserves global recognition for inclusiveness of its stakeholders, innovation, and outcomes, Mara Naboisho Conservancy has already begun transforming lives and land. “Throughout its short existence, the destination has already seen a significant increase in wildlife numbers and a strengthening of local traditions, while encouraging Maasai landowners to take a proactive role in their own survival”, revealed the evaluation from Sustainable Travel International , the lead NGO partner for the GSTC on the Early Adopter Program.

"The results from Mara Naboisho Conservancy's assessment are outstanding. The tourism model implemented by the destination successfully integrates many fundamental sustainable tourism practices and principles. As the conservancy grows, it will only increase its positive impact on tourism partners and landowners. It is truly a global showcase for the wildlife conservancy model." added Jeremy Sampson, STI Senior Director and Destination Specialists, who also conducted the on-site assessment.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. Housed within the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the GSTC works to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism; and educates about and advocates for a set of universal principles, as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe, is the cornerstone of our initiative. For more information, visit http://www.gstcouncil.org/.

About the GSTC Destination Criteria
A panel of business owners, academics, government officials, and other experts, who examined the UN World Tourism Organization’s Indicators of Sustainable Development and other such guidelines currently in existence, developed the GSTC’s Destination Criteria. Because the criteria are intended to describe a globally applicable set of minimum steps needed to approach sustainability, the criteria are seen as a baseline that each destination should add to or adjust as needed.

The GSTC does not aim to certify destinations as sustainable; rather, the Council will review existing certification standards and acknowledge those that meet their criteria. However, any destination will be able to use the new criteria as a guide to becoming environmentally, culturally, and socially sustainable.

About Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International is a non-profit organization with a purpose. We’ve been collaborating with destinations, businesses and travelers to implement innovative sustainable tourism development and conservation solutions since 2002. We combine the mission and transparency of a non-profit NGO with the business acumen and expertise of the private sector, ensuring our partners achieve their desired results and receive a strong return on investment.

Travelore Tips: 12 Things Travelers Forget And How To Make Do Without Them

Contributed by Melisse Hinkle 

Shaving cream, toothpaste, a razor, deodorant, a toothbrush — pick any item from this list and you've probably forgotten it at least once. Bathroom products tend to be the ultimate forgotten items, as many of us leave ‘em right where we usually keep them: in the bathroom. Thankfully, most hotels are wise to our forgetful ways and offer staples like shampoo, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes for free. If the item you’re looking for isn't in your room, ask at the front desk. You may also get an amenity kit on your flight if you’re traveling overseas; some airlines will toss a toothbrush and toothpaste into the kit, so it’s worth checking the kit’s contents before just leaving it on the plane. Forgot deodorant? Try to find some baking soda or an alcohol-based product (like hand sanitizer) to kill the bacteria and hold you over until you can get to a store. Forgot shaving cream? Try using conditioner or make your own lather out of a heavy dose of soap foam.

Even the most meticulous packer will occasionally leave something at home. From the inane to the important — swimsuits to suits, and pajamas to, yes, even passports — the items we forget don’t have to define our vacation.

These 12 things are commonly left at home, but there are ways to survive a trip without them.

Bathroom products

How many times have you forgotten your toothbrush? (Image: ektogamat)

Vision products: Contacts, contact solution and glasses

If you've ever struggled to decipher letters on an eye chart, you’ll understand and appreciate what an ordeal it is to forget your glasses (if you’re wearing your contacts), your contacts (if you’re wearing your glasses) or contact solution at home. Since contacts and glasses are prescription-based, it’s going to be tough to replace them when you’re far away, though you can get a decent deal on fast-turn around glasses in markets like Beijing’s Glasses City if you happen to be in Asia. You may be able to order a new pair of contacts to be swiftly sent to you on vacation, but it will probably cost you. Instead, make do with whichever vision aid you did remember (i.e. the one you had on when you left home). While it’s not ideal (and won’t thoroughly clean your lenses), adding some salt to water (preferably distilled water, or at least bottled water) and storing your lenses in that overnight will suffice in a pinch.

Let’s go *sightseeing!* (Image: sfloptometry used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)

Chargers

You remembered your gadgets, but when their batteries finally die, you realize you’ve left your chargers (lifelines?) behind. Sound familiar? Today’s menu of tech items we travel with is quite long: Tablets, cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and e-readers all have chargers that are easy to leave plugged in — at home. Before you panic about being disconnected and run out to purchase a new power line, try to find a fellow traveler who will lend you a charger. It’s also worth checking with the front desk at a hotel to see if they have extras. (After all, chargers are said to be the most left-behind item at hotels.) Another option? Electronics stores are ubiquitous these days, especially in airports and cities. Consider powering up using a charger that’s plugged into a device on display. Some airports even offer charging stations (with built in chargers) that you can use for a fee. If you’re the traveler who leaves your chargers at home every time you head out for a trip, consider snagging a bag that provides all the power you need, which is more difficult to forget and will charge your devices on the go.

Charging station at the airport in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Image: sixteenmilesofstring)

Voltage converters (outlet adapters)

International travelers are privy to the fact that you need voltage converters to plug in appliances in other countries. But it’s easy to forget the ins and outs of electrical sockets and currents around the world when you’re running out the door. There aren’t any true replacements for the real thing (which you can buy in the airport, if need be), but adapters are another item hotels will likely have available for you to borrow. If not, and you’re just trying to charge a cell phone that uses a USB cable, plug the cable into the USB port on the hotel room television for a quick fix. Just turn the television on and voila: Let the charging begin.

Plug in! (Image: whatleydude)

Umbrellas and rain coats

Whether you’re heading to a destination known for being a bit damp or just encountered some unexpected rain, leaving your wet-weather gear behind can make for a pretty soggy vacation. There’s an easy remedy though (that doesn’t involve buying a new, low-quality umbrella or poncho from a street vendor). Ask someone at the place you’re staying or an employee at a local business if you can have one of their unused trash bags. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag for your head and one on each side for your arms, and presto: a free poncho! If you’re worried about keeping your head wet, use a separate, smaller bag to make a plastic bonnet of sorts. You may not look stylish, but you’ll be dry.

Embrace the rain (even if you forgot your gear). (Image: tonythemisfit)

Makeup and makeup remover

Facing the world without makeup is usually a pretty tough task — at least for ladies. And it’s not much of a stretch to picture yourself leaving your entire makeup bag in a drawer in your bathroom, or that one product you can’t live without at home on the counter. If you’re taking an early flight or an overnight flight, you may not even apply makeup (and, in that case, may not even think very hard about bringing it with you). Fear not, makeup-less friends. Head into a makeup store or a department store with makeup counters, express interest in products you haven’t tried before and ask the consultants to apply them so you can get a sense of what they look like. Many consultants will even beat you to the punch and suggest a makeover. If you like one of the new products you tested, go ahead and make a purchase. If not, at least make sure to thank your consultant. Even if you’re not in love with the products you tested, you’re ready to join the world with a free makeover. If you forgot makeup remover, wash your face with mild soap, then try using a little bit of lotion or olive oil to remove any excess. (Just don’t get those items in your eyes.) Forgot perfume? Ask for a sample at a department store counter (the staff will give it to you in a tiny tube that’s travel friendly), or just enjoy going au naturel for a change.

Make do without your make up (Image: thamiress)

Cash

Some of us are prepared: We go to the bank ahead of a trip, grab some cash (in the local currency, if necessary) and tuck it away in an easy-to-reach area of our wallets so we can pay for things like cabs as soon as we arrive. Others of us are, um, not quite as organized. Thankfully, forgetting cash isn’t usually the end of the world these days, though you will want to remedy the situation by making a pit stop at an airport ATM — at least for an emergency stash. After all, you never know when you’ll need to give a tip or something will come up as “cash only” during your trip and you’ll be stuck without a way to pay. If you’re traveling overseas and need some cash in the local currency, an ATM is still your best bet. Sure, you may incur fees from your bank and the ATM issuing the cash (don’t skimp too much on your withdrawal amount for this reason), but you’ll still get a better rate than you would exchanging money, especially at airports.

Money, money, money (Image: Images_of_Money)

Prescription medications

You may remember to take them every day, but did you remember to bring them with you? Forgotten prescription medicines can produce a pharmacy field trip for you, but the good news is that if you are in the United States and you have refills available at your home pharmacy, you should be able to call your doctor or your home pharmacy and have them transfer the prescription to a pharmacy in your destination. Problem solved. If you’re traveling overseas, check in with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to ask for advice. Or, better yet, if you purchased travel insurance, call the insurance company and see if they can help. It’s unlikely that the prescription can be directly transferred overseas since laws vary by country, but an insurance company or embassy contact may be able to help recommend a clinic or doctor who can evaluate you and write you a new script in your destination.

If your scripts slipped your mind, don’t panic. (Image: paul_lowry)

Underwear

This one is, well, irreplaceable. But believe it or not, it’s quite popular to forget your undies on a trip. If you leave your unmentionables at home, you’ll basically have one of four choices: use bathing suit bottoms as a replacement (here’s hoping you remembered those!), go commando, snag some new pairs at a store, or wash the pair you’re wearing daily. It’s easy to quickly wash a pair of underwear in the sink with any kind of gentle soap you have available. Just hang them in the bathroom to dry overnight, or use a hotel hairdryer to speed up the drying process.

Forget your undies? (Image: superfantastic)

Headphones

For many of us, our smartphones and tablets are like extra limbs, so we often have a hard time forgetting to bring them with us (if you do, perhaps it’s a sign that a digital detox is in order!). But headphones, on the other hand, have a unique ability to squiggle off into remote corners of our bags, pockets and drawers, meaning they’re out of sight — and out of mind — until we want to listen to some music at the airport or watch a movie during a flight. If you find yourself in this predicament, keep in mind there’s a good chance you can find an extra (free) set of headphones on the plane. Many airlines will provide passengers with free or cheap sets so they can take advantage of in-flight entertainment systems. Check in your seat pocket, see if the flight attendants hand them out before the flight, or if all else fails, ask a flight attendant if extra sets are available. Don’t forget to take them with you to use throughout your trip.

You’ll be happy to snag a free set of headphones if you forget your own. (Image: jdhancock)

Hotel room footwear

Turns out, many of us prefer to keep our tootsies covered when we’re strolling around our hotel room. Whether it’s a pair of flip flops or a pair of slippers, travelers tend to enjoy a solid layer between their feet and the floor when they’re kicking back. If you left your hotel room footwear behind, there are a few items that may help. While hotels frequently offer complimentary slippers to guests, shower caps (also given out readily) will do the trick. You may look a bit silly with shower caps wrapped around your feet, but if you’re desperate for hotel footwear, they’ll help. And they’ll double as protective rain gear for your regular shoes, too. Alternatively, the socks from airline amenity bags are also handy for wearing around the room.

Hotels often offer complimentary slippers for guests. (Image: _e.t used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)

Corkscrews and bottle openers

There comes a moment on most trips when you find the perfect spot to relax and you think to yourself, ‘Tomorrow, I’d like to sit right here and sip a [insert beverage of choice].’ It’s hard to remember to plan ahead for this moment and, unless you’re a regular old MacGyver, chances are you’re not carrying a Swiss Army knife (avec corkscrew) in your back pocket. Moreover, if you’re trying to travel on the cheap, ordering alcoholic beverages to the room is typically not your most budget-friendly option. So, you’ll probably scour your surroundings for a shop that sells wine or beer. Now comes the hard part: Getting those bottles open. If you’re at a hotel, corkscrews and bottle openers may be available. If not, give these tricks a try: In terms of wine, in the absence of a screw cap or a corkscrew, don’t forget that pushing the cork in will be just as effective as pulling it out. (Hey, we didn’t say this was classy.) Find an object that is only a little smaller around than the size of the cork and long enough to be able to go into the bottle a little bit (tubes of mascara often work well). Then, work your magic. You could also try this bottle-in-a-shoe trick. For beer bottle tops that don’t screw off, find a very sturdy, hard surface (it may get a little scratched, so make sure it’s not something like a counter or tabletop in your hotel room that can’t get damaged), line the cap up so the edge sits on top of the surface, then come straight down on the top of the cap with your hand to dislodge it. There are also plenty of hard objects (like keys and spoons) you can use to get up under the cap and loosen it around the edges.

Sometimes it is an emergency… (Image: haydn used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)

Five Tips to Identify Eco-Tourist Attractions That May be Greenwashing

WSPA uses the Cayman Turtle Farm as a case of a losing proposition for animals, conservation 

In recent years, eco-tourism has become a hot buzzword for environmentally minded travelers, but the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) advises tourists to research visitor attractions to ensure they are operating responsibly, keeping in mind the welfare of animals and the environment, and avoid those that are simply greenwashing.

Using the Cayman Turtle Farm as an example, Elizabeth Hogan, oceans and wildlife campaigns manager at WSPA, put together a list of five tips that can help tourists identify when an eco-tourist attraction is not as animal- or environmentally friendly as it claims. The turtle farm is a popular tourist destination in the Cayman Islands that alleges to focus on the conservation and the protection of endangered sea turtles, but also sells them for food and has a poor track record on animal protection issues.

1)      Avoid direct interaction with the animals.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t be touching animals at an eco-tourist attraction. Whether it’s swimming with dolphins or holding sea turtles, this kind of contact with hundreds or thousands of tourists can traumatize the very animals being protected and compromise their health, sometimes in serious ways. Be wary of any eco-tourist attraction that encourages or allows this kind of contact and know it may also pose a health risk for you personally. For example, at the Cayman Turtle Farm, tourists are encouraged to handle the sea turtles, putting themselves at risk of contracting E.coli and salmonella. 

2)      If there is a high entertainment to science ratio, stay away.

Eco-tourist attractions must balance science and entertainment. Unfortunately, some lean too heavily on the latter. If the eco-tourist attraction you’re considering has too much entertainment, such as snorkelling with sea turtles in small artificial ponds as the case at the Cayman Turtle Farm, it may not be paying enough attention to welfare of the animals it’s supposedly protecting and the science of conservation. 

3)      Don’t eat any of the animals supposedly being protected.

Done properly, there’s nothing wrong with farming. But it’s a very different thing than conservation. Any eco-tourist attraction that tries to balance conservation of a species with selling it for meat is caught in a conflict of interest. At the Cayman Turtle Farm, it claims to be helping endangered sea turtles while simultaneously selling sea turtle meat to local restaurants.

4)      Look for what trusted third parties have to say.

Before you visit an attraction, spend a few minutes on the Internet to see what trusted third-party groups have to say.  In the case of the Cayman Turtle Farm, WSPA as well as other animal and conservation groups have expressed concerns about its policies and practices which are online and come up in any search on the farm.

5)      Ask you travel agent, cruise line and hotel concierge lots of questions.

With the four points above in mind, come armed with questions for anyone recommending you visit an eco-tourist attraction. Ask members of the travel industry to investigate the attractions they are promoting and provide proof that the property is operating with animal’s and the environment’s interest at its core. If they can’t answer all of your concerns, look for other animal- and eco-friendly options.  In the case of the Cayman Turtle Farm, WSPA and other groups have met with and encouraged cruise lines visiting the Cayman Islands to stop directing tourists to the farm because of its poor track record with animal welfare issues. 

WSPA says keeping these five simple tips in mind will help environmentally minded travelers avoid eco-tourist attractions that fail to meet industry standards.

“Ultimately people want to do the right thing and eco-tourism sounds good, it feels good, and people like the idea that they are helping make the world a better place while they are on vacation,” added Hogan. “But it’s not that simple. Luckily if you know what to look for it’s fairly easy to spot problem places even if no one tells you.”

To learn more about WSPA’s campaign to end sea turtle cruelty at the Cayman Turtle Farm, visit http://www.StopSeaTurtleFarm.org.

***

About WSPAAt the World Society for the Protection of Animals, we have worked to expose animal cruelty and prevent animal suffering for more than 30 years. Working with individuals, organizations and governments across the globe, our campaigns range from putting animals at the heart of farming to protecting animals in disasters. Consultative status with the United Nations means we have a unique international platform to prove that the lives of animals are inextricably linked to our own, and now more than ever is the time to stop their suffering.

For more information, visit http://www.wspa-usa.org.

Abandoned Philly Prison Adds Screams For Halloween

Contributed by Kathy Matheson, AP.

In this Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 photo, an actor portraying a zombie guard interacts with a visitor during the Halloween haunted house Terror Behind the Walls, at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. The penitentiary took in its first inmate in 1829, closed in 1971 and reopened as a museum in 1994. The haunted house is scheduled to run through Nov. 9. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

 An abandoned prison would seem creepy enough around Halloween. Now add blood-curdling screams and gruesome characters who can reach out and grab you.

That's the formula for "Terror Behind the Walls," the signature scarefest at historic Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which is billed as the nation's largest haunted house outside an amusement park and staged for several weeks each fall at one of the city's most unusual tourist sites.

With its castle-like walls and decaying cell blocks, the deserted complex already conveys a particularly menacing air. What better place for gory scenes and sinister sound effects?

"The building is abandoned, and it's beautiful, and it's eerie, and it was built to intimidate," said Sean Kelley, director of public programming. "People travel from all over the country to come here for Halloween."

As daring souls slink and cringe their way through the decaying property, deranged prisoners accost them for stepping on the wrong turf; overwhelmed guards scream for help; infirmary patients howl in pain under the care of disturbed doctors. In a psychedelic 3-D room, what looks like a wall ... is not.

For the easily frightened, there has always been some measure of comfort knowing that the actors are not allowed to actually touch them. Yet this year, the bravest visitors can opt for a glow-in-the-dark necklace that indicates their willingness to interact with performers.

City resident Raj Kumar, who wore the so-called zombie bait, said he got squirted with water while his wife was pulled through a secret tunnel.

"It's much more nerve-racking once you have the (necklace) on and you know people are sneaking up on you," Kumar said.

Eastern State Penitentiary was an architectural marvel when it opened in 1829, boasting indoor plumbing and heat even before the White House. Gangster Al Capone was among the most famous inmates before the prison closed in 1971. The site decayed for years before tours began in 1994.

"Terror Behind the Walls," which started 22 years ago, draws more than a thousand people on many nights. Proceeds provide about 60 percent of the annual budget for the property, which is now a National Historic Landmark.

Amy Hollaman, the show's creative director, said planning goes on year-round and sets are built months in advance. And each evening just before dark, about 130 performers converge on a makeup and costume room to be turned into gruesome characters.

Actress Jude Feingold, who has regularly performed Shakespeare, was happy to play an ax murderer on one recent night. Now in her fourth season at Eastern State, Feingold said she returns each year because of the great cast and crew - and for the satisfaction of scaring big, tough guys in baseball caps.

"I think it has a really good spirit," she said.

Speaking of which: Are there really ghosts at Eastern State? Prison officials say people who study the paranormal believe the site is one of the most haunted places in the U.S.

Hollaman once heard a series of unnerving, unexplained noises while working late a few years ago. Petrified and unable to speak, she left immediately.

"Thousands of people ... have lived and worked here. There's been a lot of intense experiences inside this building," Hollaman said. "It's hard to imagine that they haven't left a trace."

___

If You Go...

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY: Philadelphia, http://www.easternstate.org/halloween

Ten Amazing Off-The-Radar Experiences In France

Contributed by Anita Isalska

No Francophile worth their salt would skip the Eiffel Tower or the lavender fields of Provence. But while France’s tourist trail is well trodden for a reason, there are plenty of wonders that might have escaped your radar. Here’s an alternative bucket list for your trip to France.

See flocking flamingos in the Camargue

White horses cantering across endless plains, flamingos preening in the marshlands... the Camargue region in southern France is a wildlife haven unlike any other. Explore the area by car to get a sense of the sheer expanse of the salt marshes, but the highlight is a walk in Pont de Gau’s bird park (www.parc-ornithologique.camargue.fr) to see flamingos in their hundreds.

'Flamingos in the Camargue' by Andrea Schaffer. Creative Commons Attribution licence

Storm the castle in Tarascon

Castles are ten a penny in Europe, but few of them have that sprinkling of magic dust that makes your inner child do cartwheels. Luckily Tarascon has the kind of castle you probably marched plastic soldiers around when you were a toddler: its towers are wonderfully imposing, it has a drawbridge to die for, and even boasts its very own monster (according to legend, the tarasque had a lion's head and a tortoise's shell). Best of all, you'll encounter none of the crowds of fairytale tourist trap Carcassonne.

'Castle of Tarascon' by Wolfgang Staudt. Creative Commons Attribution licence

Stand in the shadow of Amiens cathedral

Paris’ Notre Dame is rightly a big hitter, but you could cram two of them into Amiens’ gargantuan cathedral. Travellers in Europe often complain of cathedral fatigue after wandering around a few too many churches, but this edifice is a true standout for sheer scale and gothic craftsmanship. The famous local macarons (an almond-and-honey recipe unchanged for generations) and thick hot chocolate from Jean Trogneux (www.trogneux.fr) will fuel your visit.

'Staring up at Amiens Cathedral' by Anita Isalska

Unwind in Alpine Annecy

The charming town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region combines the watery beauty of Venice with French small-town chic. Sigh at the mountain backdrop as you canoe around Lake Annecy and then reward your efforts with some hearty Haute Savoie cuisine. The famous tartiflette - made with potatoes, tidbits of bacon and pungent Reblochon cheese - is a dish you'll need to walk off with a post-dinner stroll.

'Lac Annecy' by Miryam Zarzar. Creative Commons Attribution licence

Zoom over the enormous Millau Viaduct

Ancient structural wonders get all the attention, but how about some love for this record-breaking span, which is barely a decade old? This cable-stayed bridge is the tallest in the world and a true wonder of the modern age. Driving over the bridge from Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers will make you feel like you’re flying but the best views are from underneath at the visitors' centre (learn more on www.leviaducdemillau.com).

'Millau Viaduct' by Simon Hart. Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike licence

Hold your nose at the Paris Sewer Museum

Queues form at the creepy Catacombs but there’s a whiffier underground wonder in Paris that is well worth a detour. The Paris Sewer Museum plunges you into Paris’ stinking bowels – and against all odds, you’ll love it.

'Paris Sewer Museum' by Chris Yunker. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike licence

Drink holy water in Lourdes

Lourdes is famed as a Christian pilgrimage spot, with thousands descending year-round, but did you know you can drink directly from the holy fountain? The whole spectrum of human life from nuns to sceptics turns up at the taps to fill their water bottles with holy H2O. Tourist shops all over town sell ornamental bottles for you to take home the healing liquid.

'Lourdes, France' by Jorge Andrade. Creative Commons Attribution licence

Be dazzled in Roussillon

You know you’re close to Roussillon when the hills take on a rusty hue. This is a favourite of the day-trip brigade but if it isn’t on your menu of French must-sees, it really should be. Walking the Sentier des Ocres from Roussillon town (www.roussillon-provence.com) will set your imagination ablaze: the rocky outcrops and soil are all bright shades of orange and scarlet.

'Along the Sentier des Ocres' by Anita Isalska

Be uplifted by art in Roubaix

The French aren’t giving up their art crown any time soon. Classical statues, urns and modern paintings are all reflected in the shimmering waters of an 18th-century swimming pool at La Piscine in Roubaix, on the outskirts of jaunty northern city Lille. A stained-glass window sunset illuminates the interior with golden light. The calming effect of the water and the novelty of the setting can't fail to raise the spirits.

'La Piscine in Roubaix' by Anita Isalska

Get chilly at the Mer de Glace

Hop on to the Montenevers Railway from Chamonix and you’re in for a dizzying ride – the surrounding valley has the most dramatic scenery in the Alps and is a favourite for daredevil winter sports fans. When you arrive at Montenevers, take a cable car on to France’s largest glacier where you can wander into man-made ice caves.

'Glaciar do Mer de Glace' by Denise Mayumi

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/travel-tips-and-articles/77442#ixzz2hQaiPf7u