In 1972, mathematician Edward Lorenz coined the phrase ‘the butterfly effect.’ He used the term to describe the unforeseen results that stem from seemingly inconsequential changes in the natural order. It’s as if, he mused, a powerful tornado could be started by the distant flitting of a butterfly’s wings. The historic Georgia coast, a charming amalgam of colonial history and maritime beauty, has played the role of that butterfly many times.
World attention remains focused on the ill-fated voyage of the deep-sea submersible Titan, a tear-drop-shaped submarine that imploded during a voyage to the wreck of the RMS Titanic killing five people. Due to the tragedy, the world learned of the dangers of “undersea tourism,” which caters to people willing to pay $250,000 for a ride to the bottom of the ocean. Tourism has morphed into a variety of ways to travel. There’s even a Travel Industry Dictionary that describes niche forms of traveling.
By Byron Kennerly No joke, I’m embarking on a quest to perform an improv comedy show in every country in the world. First stop, Japan. Improv is a chaotic, spur-of-the-moment comedy form that relies on the audience yelling out suggestions. Japan is harmonious, well-planned, and exceedingly polite. What could go wrong? Show 1: Tokyo,…
By Mark Orwoll “Have you ever closed Wolski’s?” That’s not an uncommon question in this city. If your answer is yes, you’re considered a true Milwaukeean. Bumper stickers bearing the slogan “I closed Wolski’s” have been spotted not just in Milwaukee, but in the most unlikely places as a badge of honor, the emblem…
Want to relax on interminable transoceanic flights? Today you have to buy a business class ticket. But come 2024 economy class passengers will be able to convert three coach seats into a sleeping coach or, for a few dollars more, rent a bunk bed in a “Skynest” that costs thousands of dollars less than business class.
By Cathie Gandel Beer, wine, or mead? You’re kidding, right? Who wants to drink a cloyingly sweet libation made with honey? Quite a few people, it turns out. “Mead has gone beyond Renaissance Fairs,” says Josh Lampe, executive director of the American Mead Makers Association (AAMA). According to the organization, mead is the fastest-growing alcoholic…
A chilly breeze blowing across the Great Lakes separating the U.S. from Canada greeted passengers as they climbed to the top deck of the cruise ship. From the far end of the boat, three figures holding aloft an enormous helium-filled weather balloon began moving toward the gathering in an awkward six-legged parade. Expedition cruises featuring adventurous activities and exotic destinations, such as the Antarctic and the Galapagos Islands, are increasingly popular with families desiring a learning experience. The Viking Octantis, a 380-passenger vessel built to be part cruise ship and part scientific research platform, includes a laboratory and its very own submarines. The goal, says a marine scientist on the Viking staff, “is to do rigorous science that will be credible in academia and allow guests to participate.”
By Jian Huang Shopping is as important to the Chinese as baseball is to Americans. Especially during the Chinese New Year season that starts at the end of January, people from all walks of life congregate together at shopping malls for the cultural ritual of getting good bargains. For the affluent and designer-obsessed, a plane…
Gone is the presumption of “roughing it” when it comes to vacation travel in a camper. Today’s recreational vehicles can tote all the comforts of home. Think full-sized kitchen appliances, queen beds, one or more bathrooms plus a WiFi-enabled office with a big-screen TV and electric fireplace.
Airport lounges are now an essential part of travel. Virtually every major airline opened clubs around the world in the mid-1970s. The battle continues today. But access can cost as much as $845 a year and once peaceful retreats often are crowded. Today, travelers are confronted with an often confusing array of airline-operated lounges and credit card/bank-owned sanctuaries, plus independent operators, all with varying admission rules and levels of luxury.