Belize Noh Mul Maya Temple destroyed by (ignorant? lazy? greedy?) construction workers

By Joshua | May 15th, 2013 | No Comments »

Horrible news out of north Belize, here is the article — with photos — by Brad Lendon on CNN: “Ancient Mayan pyramid destroyed for road fill”

(CNN) – A Mayan pyramid that has stood for 2,300 years in Belize has been reduced to rubble, apparently to make fill for roads.

Local media in the Central American country of 334,000 people report the temple at the Noh Mul site in northern Belize was largely torn down by backhoes and bulldozers last week. MORE

GUEST POST: Las Ramblas - The Heart of Barcelona

By Joshua | May 12th, 2013 | No Comments »

Las Ramblas, or La Rambla, in Barcelona is one of the most famous streets in this vibrant city, and definitely worth a visit. This iconic 1.2km avenue, which is actually five streets joined together, is said to have once been a dry riverbed that marked the limits of medieval Barcelona. Now, with an estimated 2.5 million tourists visiting this amazing avenue annually, it is as synonymous with the city as ‘Gaudí’! Read the rest of this entry »

GUEST POST: Escape to Paradise

By Joshua | May 1st, 2013 | No Comments »

GUEST POST — Paradise comes in many different forms. From trips to fabulous Florida, where you can paddle lazily around the stunning Keys or opt for fun-filled Lake Cain Hills holidays, to the desert island style appeal of the exotic Maldives, there’s a corner of the world that holds something special for everyone. Read the rest of this entry »

Ryan Van Duzer wants to go to Australia

By Joshua | April 25th, 2013 | No Comments »

In this Elevation Outdoors interview, “Duzer Duz OZ,” Cameron Martindell asks Boulder, Colorado’s own Ryan Van Duzer about being a finalist in a major Australian adventure travel campaign. Of 45,000 videos submitted to the Australia Tourism “Best Job In The World” contest, my neighbor and fellow tranquilísimo “get out!” evangelist, Duzer is one of 33 American finalists participating in the final round. From the interview: Read the rest of this entry »

Blogs for Language Learners

By Joshua | April 23rd, 2013 | No Comments »

The first rule of tranquilo travel is don’t talk about tranquilo travel. The second rule of tranquilo travel is learn one of the languages that is spoken in your destination — or at least have fun trying. From the good people at The Everyday Language Learner, this master list of blogs and resources for anyone learning a new language is updated and thorough. “They represent a wide variety of ideas, methods and opinions on language learning,” say the curators.

Adam Klein showcases his travel-inspired Americana rock in new album ‘Sky Blue DeVille’

By Joshua | April 18th, 2013 | No Comments »

Athens, Georgia–based singer/songwriter Adam Klein’s fifth album, “Sky Blue DeVille” (released on Klein’s independent Cowboy Angel Music label on April 16, 2013) explores travel-related themes like movement, distance, and longing, while also debuting his new band, The Wild Fires.

I’ve watched Klein travel, play, and perform for more than 12 years, since he and I met on a trip to rural Honduras one summer. Then there was the time Adam and I sang and pontificated together on a rooftop in a Maya village in Guatemala, while our group of tuckered-out university students on an AJWS alternative breaks trip slept in the house below.

Klein went on to travel further throughout Central and North America, and also to Africa. His last album, “Dugu Wolo”, was an acoustic West African Mande roots tribute to the people he met during his Peace Corps service in Mali. Listening to his songs and following his career is like following him around the world, which is the next best thing to traveling together.

Adam Klein and The Wild Fires built the songs of “Sky Blue Deville” between playing shows and Klein’s travels to West Africa. The collection steers away from the country and roots-heavy stylings of Klein’s previous releases in favor of a more Americana rock approach. Song titles like “Highway of Your Love”, “Drivin’ in the Rain” are obvious movement songs, but I asked Klein which other tunes on the album were directly inspired by the act of traveling. Read the rest of this entry »

GUEST POST: Travelling to Tunisia, What You Need to Know

By Joshua | April 12th, 2013 | No Comments »

GUEST POST: The Tunisia holiday is quickly becoming a favourite destination for all types of UK travellers. With its
powdery white sands, turquoise waters and abundance of sightseeing opportunities, it is no wonder that these North African Holidays are particularly popular. Read the rest of this entry »

Lottery still funding Colorado’s Great Outdoors

By Joshua | April 11th, 2013 | No Comments »

My April “Out West” column in the Denver Post:

“Match any 3 like amounts, win that amount. Win up to $27,000!”

I pick the shiniest penny in my pocket and start scratching. As the numbers are revealed, I’m already spending the prize money in my head, paying off loans, buying a car … almost, almost, but no!

Nada. Oh, well. For $1, I enjoyed a micro gambling thrill, and I’m sure the money goes to something worthwhile.

This was the story I told myself each time I bought a Colorado Lottery scratch-off card at the 7-Eleven in Golden. Until recently, however, I had no idea just how worthwhile that “something” actually is. Read the rest of this entry »

Wyoming here I come …

By Joshua | April 11th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I live a short drive from the Wyoming border, but it’s been way too long since I’ve crossed into the Cowboy State. The last time, I was 19, driving across the country and camping out in Yellowstone en route to Montana.

I’m excited to sign on as a travel writer for the Wyoming Roundup, an official travel blog, as I poke around and look for tranquilo travelin’ opportunities in the land of the Tetons and Winds.

For my first post, I interviewed travel expert and Moon Wyoming author Carter G. Walker:

A Passion for Wyoming: Chatting with Guidebook Author Carter G. Walker

For my next one, I’m going fly fishing in Laramie and mountain biking in Curt Gowdy State Park. Where is your favorite spot in Wyoming? What should I write about next?

A Vision of the Past: Top Historical Attractions in Newcastle

By Joshua | April 11th, 2013 | No Comments »

GUEST POST: While the future of Newcastle is looking incredibly bright, its past is equally interesting. With plenty of historical attractions to appreciate in and around the city, you can ensure your days are filled with insightful visits that will keep you occupied. If you’re staying in the city for a day or more, be sure to book great value Newcastle hotels to make a perfect base for your visit to the north east. Read the rest of this entry »