AOL Travel Ideas http://news.travel.aol.com AOL Travel Ideas http://news.travel.aol.com/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Travel Ideas http://news.travel.aol.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Celebrities At Disneyland: Who Likes To Celebrate At The Happiest Place On Earth?http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/11/03/celebrities-at-disneyland-who-likes-to-celebrate-at-the-happies/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/11/03/celebrities-at-disneyland-who-likes-to-celebrate-at-the-happies/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/11/03/celebrities-at-disneyland-who-likes-to-celebrate-at-the-happies/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Celebrities at Disney

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Celebrities are just like us - they dine out, they go on vacation, they have run-ins with airlines and they love Disney.Superstars like Michael Jackson and TV faves like the Cosby Kids have even appeared in ads supporting Walt's parks.

Of course, a trip to Disneyland is totally convenient for Hollywood types. Located just about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, in Anaheim, Disney's California outpost is a convenient way for stars and starlets to blow off some steam.

Perhaps one of the biggest celebrity spectacles was back in 2008 when Miley Cyrus closed Disneyland for her 16th birthday party.

Didn't get invited? That's OK, try scoring a date with Ryan Gosling who apparently likes to take his lady friends on Disneyland dates. Back in September,Eva Mendes was reportedly one such lucky lady when the two were spotted...gasp...holding hands at the park.

Speaking of getting romantical, Chord Overstreet and Emma Roberts also chose Disneyland as the location of a date in August.

Of course, Disneyland is totally about the kids. So, it's no surprise that Jennie Garth, Salma Hayek and Christina Aguilera took theirs to play at the parks.

But, it's not just Disneyland that draws celebs. Walt Disney World in Orlando gets many a nod from celebrities too.

Taking a cue from the "happiest place on earth" moniker, Courtney Cox and David Arquette chose Disney World as the site of a post-separation family reunion with their daughter.

In February, Jon Stewart took his kiddos on a Disney World vacay.

Across the pond, Paris Hilton was just in Disneyland Paris for the resort's Halloween celebrations.

 

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]]>celebrity traveldisneydisneylandwalt disney worldAOL Travel Staff2011-11-03T11:42:00+00:00Gerard Depardieu Pees on a Plane (Not in the Bathroom) (UPDATE)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/19/gerard-depardieu-pees-on-a-plane-not-in-the-bathroom-update/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/19/gerard-depardieu-pees-on-a-plane-not-in-the-bathroom-update/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/19/gerard-depardieu-pees-on-a-plane-not-in-the-bathroom-update/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AP

UPDATE, 8/19: Depardieu has apologized, via his flying companion, for peeing on the plane.

Fellow actor Edouard Baer was flying with Depardieu when the incident occurred. In a statement, Baer said that Depardieu has "prostate problems" and he had not been drinking at the time, the BBC reports.

The statement read: "Gerard was upset at this and offered to clean up the mess. He has prostate problems and it was very worrying and humiliating for him. He was also stone-cold sober at the time. This is not the way he usually behaves."

Depardieu was removed from the flight and caught a later plane to Dublin.

Previously, 8/17: The French actor Gerard Depardieu gave the passengers on a CityJet flight from Paris to Dublin quite the show on Tuesday when he reacted to the news he would not be allowed to use a bathroom until after take off by urinating on the plane's carpet in full view of the cabin.

The story broke when an eyewitness went on the French radio station Europe 1 and recounted Depardieu's urinary performance. The witness said that Depardieu begged a stewardess to let him in the bathroom, saying "Je veux pisser" repeatedly.

The stewardess asked the actor to wait fifteen minutes for the plane to reach its cruising altitude. Depardieu, who the witness claimed -- believably -- seemed drunk, declined to do so.

"There and then he did it on the floor..." the witness said. "No one said anything. It all happened with courtesy."

After Depardieu relieved himself, the plane returned to its gate, where a grounds crew reportedly spent two hours cleaning up the mess.

A CityJet spokesman confirmed to Agence France Press that the incident had taken place, but did not say whether Depardieu had been been removed from the plane.

Gerard Depardieu, who runs a vineyard when he isn't acting, has a reputation for drunken antics. In 2009, he literally beat up a car near his home -- smashing the windshield with his fist -- and in 1990 was convicted of drunk driving.

The actor's turn in the role of public urinator is just the latest instance of what seems to be a growing trend: peeing-on-a-plane stories. A drunk skier may have peed on a sleeping 11-year-old last week and, in June, a drunk Jetstar passenger relieved himself in the aisle of a Singapore-bound jet.

Related:

 

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]]>air francecityjetdublinfrancefrench moviesfunnygerard depardieuklmpeeingscandalAOL Travel Staff2011-08-19T10:15:00+00:00Celebrity Vacation Homes We'd Most Like to Visit and What to Eat Nearbyhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/01/celebrity-vacation-homes-wed-most-like-to-visit-and-what-to-eat/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/01/celebrity-vacation-homes-wed-most-like-to-visit-and-what-to-eat/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/08/01/celebrity-vacation-homes-wed-most-like-to-visit-and-what-to-eat/#commentsFiled under: ,

londoncyclist/Flickr

When a celebrity chooses a spot for a home away from home, they look for the obvious: total perfection. They want the homes and towns they vacation in to reflect themselves after all. And what do you do if you're a mega-duo like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, or mega-perfect like Gwyneth Paltrow? Buy multiple perfect homes, of course.

When a celebrity chooses a spot for a home away from home, they look for the obvious: total perfection. They want the homes and towns they vacation in to reflect themselves after all. And what do you do if you're a mega-duo like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, or mega-perfect like Gwyneth Paltrow? Buy multiple perfect homes, of course.

Whether it's a mansion in the South of France, a behemoth of a London home, or a private island crash pad, these are the houses that make us wish we were better friends with celebrities. We've assembled a list of these amazing abodes, along with some great places to dine the next time you find yourself hungrily skulking (NOT stalking) around the Italian Alps to catch a peek of George Clooney's digs or languishing in Laval near Celine Dion's Quebecois river retreat.

If only they knew what good houseguests we'd be!

Text by Josh Gardner/TheDailyMeal.com

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]]>celebrity homescelebrity vacation homesThe Daily Meal2011-08-01T09:00:00+00:00Stephen Spielberg Ticks off Italian Vacationers, Gets the Cops Calledhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/26/stephen-spielberg-ticks-of-italian-vacationers-gets-the-cops-ca/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/26/stephen-spielberg-ticks-of-italian-vacationers-gets-the-cops-ca/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/26/stephen-spielberg-ticks-of-italian-vacationers-gets-the-cops-ca/#commentsFiled under: ,

bauergriffinonline.com

Director Stephen Spielberg angered Italian beachgoers in La Maddalena by steering his speedboat too close to shore, prompting a call to the Italian coastguard.

Spielberg was vacationing on his multimillion dollar yacht, the Seven Seas, with actress Gwyneth Paltrow when the pair took a trip in his speedboat. However, regulations forbid such craft from coming within 300 meters (about 984 feet) of the shore, reports the Daily Mail.

It seems the noise from the approaching boat was too much to bear, so sunbathers ratted him out.

When approached by authorities, Spielberg, who was signing autographs for vacationers, owned up to his mistake. 'I'm sorry. I'm Steven Spielberg. I didn't know the rules. It's only right I pay,' the director said, according to Daily Mail.

Spielberg offered to pay on the spot, but the official was not allowed to take money. The next day Spielberg paid the 172 euro ($249) fine, being sure to fax proof of payment to coastguard HQ.




Steven Spielberg Biography

 

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]]>gwyneth paltrowitalystephen spielbergyachtAOL Travel Staff2011-07-26T09:00:00+00:00Amy Winehouse Mourned on St. Luciahttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/26/amy-winehouse-mourned-on-st-lucia/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/26/amy-winehouse-mourned-on-st-lucia/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/26/amy-winehouse-mourned-on-st-lucia/#commentsFiled under: ,

AFP/Getty Images

The late songstress Amy Winehouse might have hailed from London, but it seems she had a special connection with the Carribean island of St. Lucia.

The Grammy winning singer spent a great amount of time there, earning the affections of locals who are now mourning her loss, according to Breaking Travel News.

"We have lost a good friend and the world has lost a great talent," said tourism and civil aviation senator Allen Chastanet on behalf of St. Lucians. "We were fortunate to see another side of Amy, and will be forever grateful for the acts of kindness and compassion she extended to less fortunate Saint Lucians during her visits with us.

The "Valerie" and "Back to Black" singer, perhaps best known for her song "Rehab," was found dead in her London home Saturday. The cause of death is still unknown.

Winehouse is not the only Brit to whom the Caribbean has paid homage. A beach in Antigua and Barbuda once frequented by Princess Diana was renamed in her honor.


 

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]]>Amy Winehouseamy winehouse deadAmy Winehouse Deathamy winehouse st luciast luciaSt. LuciaAOL Travel Staff2011-07-26T08:15:00+00:00Best Celebrity-Owned Homes & Hotels You Can Stay In (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/24/best-celebrity-owned-homes-you-can-stay-in-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/24/best-celebrity-owned-homes-you-can-stay-in-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/24/best-celebrity-owned-homes-you-can-stay-in-photos/#commentsFiled under: ,

I am Mike's photos/Flickr

Estate: It is a word that conjures wealth, history and old money - a term bandied about by the elite. The attraction of an estate is not a trampoline in the backyard or really refreshing leaps through the sprinkler. Instead, an estate offers all-inclusive luxury to its residents, luxury you (let's face it) probably cannot afford.

Estate: It is a word that conjures wealth, history and old money - a term bandied about by the elite. The attraction of an estate is not a trampoline in the backyard or really refreshing leaps through the sprinkler. Instead, an estate offers all-inclusive luxury to its residents, luxury you (let's face it) probably cannot afford.

Or maybe not. More and more of the world's rich and famous are offering their personal estates or building brand new ones not as just as personal playgrounds, but as resorts available to the public.

In the oh-so-exotic-sounding Turks and Caicos is Parrot Cay Resort, where you can rent the Caribbean getaways of such notables as Bruce Willis, Donna Karan, Keith Richards, and Christie Brinkley. A little closer to home, in South Beach, the former Versace mansion has been converted to Villa by Barton G., a luxury boutique hotel complete with a fine dining room and afternoon tea service in the Mosaic Garden. Further on the horizon is Belize's Blackadore Caye, where actor Leonardo DiCaprio is rumored to be teaming with Four Seasons to build an eco-friendly, sustainable tourist destination.

Though not all the celebrity resorts are within the budgets of the average Joe (i.e. Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island), some of the destinations, like the Biltmore Estate's Inn, make it possible to live like a king, however briefly.

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]]>celeb hotelscelebrity owned hotelsfamous hotelsThe Daily Meal2011-07-24T09:00:00+00:00Man V. Food's Adam Richman Talks Traveling and Foodhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/22/man-v-foods-adam-richman-talks-traveling-and-food/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/22/man-v-foods-adam-richman-talks-traveling-and-food/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/22/man-v-foods-adam-richman-talks-traveling-and-food/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TheGirlsNY/Flickr

Adam Richman is finally full. The Travel Channel host spent the last few years traveling around the country stuffing his face with down home cooking for his hit program Man v. Food, which featured him facing down the many consumptive challenges thrown at him by America's best BBQs and steakhouses. No more.

Man V. Food has become Man V. Food Nation and Adam has outsourced the eating to local competitors. He's hung up his bib.

That doesn't mean he's going softly into that good dessert. More 5 o'clock shadow than James Beard, Richman is working harder than ever to find America's best kept (and greasiest) secrets. And he doesn't want to hear any more whining about the size of the portions on his show.

Richman talked to us about the new season of his show, his new gig as a Visa spokesperson (he knows, he knows) and how to mix it up on the road.

This season Man V Food has become Man V Food Nation. You're having locals choose restaurants and go through the challenges. Why did you decide to do this and how has it affected you experience traveling the country?

Adam Richman: Our show used to open with a nameless statistic, like 200 people tried this challenge, 3 succeeded. But who were those people? It is the locals, after all, that make these restaurants iconic.

For me having to do the challenges was like having the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head anyway. I was so busy preparing my body for challenges that I wasn't getting to enjoy places as much. Now I'm going out and eating lobster rolls in Portsmouth and mixing it up with the locals rather than trying to stay hydrated.

You seem particularly good at finding little-known places and using local knowledge. Do you have any tips for travelers who are looking for a more authentic experience?

AR: One thing is to travel by unconventional means. Concierges are a great asset for everyone, but talk to the cleaning staff, try to talk to the people in the kitchen. If you want to eat crab cakes then you want to talk to someone for whom they are a way of life, not someone who sees them as a treat.

Less trafficked areas away from museums and public parks - places with a more residential profile - are also surprisingly fun to visit. Super polished signage is not always a good sign. I'm always looking for places that you have to know about to find.

Also, just food-wise, if I'm eating ethnic cuisine - I hate that phrase but still - If I'm eating Mexican food, I'm looking to see that there are Mexicans in the restaurant. They know if the food is being made right.

Man V Food is not a show for gourmands. Do you think there is a time and place for consulting the Michelin guide or are you just a street food sort of guy?

AR: How I eat on the show is definitely not how I eat in real life. I was just in Hawaii and I went to Roy Yamaguchi's beautiful place and had a stunning multi-course meal. There is no right way to go on an edible journey. You can never tell what is going to be great so you have to try everything. If you become doctrinaire about sticking to lowbrow foods or epicurean delights, your just being an extremist and it won't do you any good.

You say try everything. Ever regret that motto?

AR: Natto, Japanese ferment bean paste will never cross my lips again. Spam Musubi, on the other hand, is something I love. I used to have a roommate of Vietnamese decent and he would eat it all the time. It looked gross, but I finally had it - wrapped in seaweed and rice - it was terrific.

Some chefs, notably Alton Brown, writing for the Huffington Post, have accused your show of being about gluttony. Do you think the accusation is fair or that they misunderstand what you're trying to accomplish?

AR: I talked to Alton personally about it and we had to agree to disagree. I think of the type of foods we show as being once in a blue moon indulgences. Let's face it, in this economy everything is an indulgence. Travel is definitely an indulgence. If I never indulged, I think I would feel like I missed out on something.

One fact that is not up for discussion is that the restaurants we feature do 60% to 90% more business. That is not a, as Bill Maher says, "rectally derived statistic." We follow up with these places. I like being the people's champion when it comes to dining.

So how intense is your travel schedule?

AR: It is crazy sauce. Continental keeps giving me the runaround on my elite status. I'm on the road nine or ten months a year. I woke up the other day in my apartment in Brooklyn and I thought: "Which hotel is this?" It took me a while to realize it was home. I felt great when I finally figured it out.


 

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]]>adam richmanbbq saucefoodieman v food nationMan v. Foodman vs foodtraveltravel channelvisaAndrew Burmon2011-07-22T08:15:00+00:00'Jersey Shore' Season 4: Low-Watts Discuss Voltages in Italy (VIDEO)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/18/jersey-shore-season-4-low-watts-discuss-voltages-in-italy-vi/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/18/jersey-shore-season-4-low-watts-discuss-voltages-in-italy-vi/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/18/jersey-shore-season-4-low-watts-discuss-voltages-in-italy-vi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Getty Images

Everyone who travels to Europe knows the wall sockets and voltages there are different than in America. Well, almost everyone.

Apparently no one told that to the cast of the "Jersey Shore", who wrapped filming in Florence for the show's fourth season earlier this summer.

The cast, who was banned from filming at several tourist attractions through the famous city, apparently struggled to figure out how to hook up their blow dryers to those weird-looking electrical sockets.

Across Europe, voltage is about twice what it is in America, meaning our lovely chargers and blow dryers (among other things) will put on a fireworks show if plugged in directly.

This proved to be a real conundrum for the members of the ever-put-together cast, who, it appears from the clip below, had a mild freakout before getting very creative with their math.

Don't let this happen to you: Before heading abroad, invest in a handy universal adapter, like this one from Brookstone, that allows you to plug in anything with two-prongs.

WATCH:

Get More: MTV Shows



 

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]]>europe plugseurope voltsjersey shorejersey shore italyjersey shore season 4AOL Travel Staff2011-07-18T15:00:00+00:00Octomom Nadya Suleman Gets Into Mid-Air Fight With Kristen Johnstonhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/11/octomom-nadya-suleman-gets-into-mid-air-fight-with-kristen-johns/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/11/octomom-nadya-suleman-gets-into-mid-air-fight-with-kristen-johns/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/11/octomom-nadya-suleman-gets-into-mid-air-fight-with-kristen-johns/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Getty File

A war of words erupted on a Los Angeles-bound flight on Friday between Nadya Suleman (aka Octomom) and former "3rd Rock From the Sun" actress Kristen Johnston.

TMZ reports that the mom was flying with her mega-large brood of 12, taking up nearly the entire business class section on a flight from New York.

The flight was delayed for more than two hours, and her large gaggle of children weren't having any of it. That's when Johnston stepped in. The actress asked Octomom to keep her children quiet, to which Nadya implored: "How would you like me to keep eight 2-year-olds quiet?"

Johnston's response? "Get more help!" At that, Octomom told the actress, whom she claims she didn't know was famous at the time (would that have changed anything?), "Why don't you grow a baby and get a life?"

Johnston returned to her seat but at one point, according to Suleman's rep, got off the plane and didn't return.

Upon landing, Suleman told TMZ that she didn't know Johnton was a celebrity, saying "I guess there's some people that don't like kids."

According to the Examiner, Octomom's rep told the outlet: "Nadya and her children were in business class, apparently Kristen became upset and came from 1st class to tell her to keep her kids quiet. They had an altercation and Kristen got off the plane and never returned. While Nadya had help from her friend and two older children, it's not easy to travel with one two-year-old let alone eight two-year-olds on a plane. She did the best anyone could."

Last month, it was reported that Malaysia Airlines was considering banning babies from first class. In an AOL-conducted poll, 78% of readers said they agreed with that airline's right to do so. It turns out Suleman may even hate her own kids. Check out the video below.


Octomom Says She Hates Her Kids

 

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]]>kristen johnsonnadya sulemanoctomomoctomom nadya sulemanAOL Travel Staff2011-07-11T08:45:00+00:00Anthony Bourdain in Cuba: The No Reservations Star Talks Travel and His Latest Season (VIDEO)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/11/anthony-bourdain-in-cuba-the-no-reservations-star-talks/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/11/anthony-bourdain-in-cuba-the-no-reservations-star-talks/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/11/anthony-bourdain-in-cuba-the-no-reservations-star-talks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations

The Travel Channel

The premiere episode of the latest season of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations finds Tony in Cuba, land of cigars, classic cars and Castro, trying to burrow beneath the surface of America's most unknowable neighbor.

This episode should be of particular interest for globetrotting Americans. With President Obama having recently eased travel restrictions and eight U.S. airports now cleared for charter flights to the country, increased American travel to Cuba is on the horizon.

Tony caught up with us from Hong Kong, offering some insights into Cuba and talking about what's next for No Reservations.

Had you been to Cuba before filming this episode of No Reservations? If so, are there any changes you noticed?

No. I'd never been to Cuba before this trip, but it's been an ambition for some time.

What drew you to Cuba? How would you describe the experience you had there?

It's hard to know the true meaning of what I saw and experienced in Cuba as people are still guarded about what they say. The country is clearly headed for some major changes in the very near future. Everybody seems to be holding their breath with anticipation, not knowing what comes next and how events will unfold.

Personally, I'll be fascinated to see if with the inevitable changes - positive ones, like freedom of the press, freedom of speech, connection to the rest of the world, freedom to leave, to move around internally more easily - the country loses some of the uniquely good things like the unspoiled (if run down and crumbling) beauty of Havana. Or, the joy of pure baseball and the cars. I'd hate to see Havana look like Miami in a few years.



Did anything about the country surprise you?

First off, the beauty of the place was thrilling.

I was surprised by how frank and open people were with me - mostly off camera, but sometimes on. The kindness, pride, humor and generosity of the people everywhere, plus their curiosity about the outside world and engagement was compelling. And, the cleverness of the official tourism people - the fact that they recognized what visitors look for in Cuba and that the renovations they are doing are so often respectful of the original structures. Few societies I've seen - particularly communist ones - are so discerning.

Give us one reason we must visit Cuba. And, are there any sites or restaurants we have to hit?

The people of Cuba are the best feature. They've had a tough time of it. Life has been hard for a very, very long time. Just to get by, to eat, to raise a family requires seriously shrewd improvisations and a lot of work. That they've managed to retain a sense of humor after 50 years of food rationing is amazing.

As far as restaurants, there are restaurants for tourists and government types, and then there's what Cubans eat - which is pretty simple at best. Average Cubans could never afford to eat in any of the lavishly restored restaurants for the tourist trades, as even the government readily admits. But at every income level, the "sleeping beans" are awesome.

Speaking of food, what was the most memorable dish you ate there? Can it even compare to the Cuban food we have stateside?

Meat is a luxury. So there no way to fairly compare what the average Cuban cooks and what we take for granted. But like any great cooking culture, they do a lot with a little.

What can we look forward to this season? Are there any other locations that stuck out for you particularly?

Of this season's highlights, I'm particularly proud and excited about our show at El Bulli in Spain. It's a very detailed look at one if the last meals ever to be served in one of the world's greatest restaurants. We enjoyed extraordinary access thanks to Ferran Adria and his brother Albert and my friend Jose Andres. For hardcore foodies, it'll be pure crack. And important culinary history.

Iraqi Kurdistan was eye opening and something of an adventure. I think people will be very surprised by what we filmed. Then there's a desert show with Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age who scored the whole episode and provided music that indie rock fans should love and foodies will no doubt be confused or even appalled by (which is good, because we very much enjoy changing the game now and again).

My notorious Russian sidekick, Zamir returns for a Ukraine show, with time spent at the reactor at Chernobyl. And the Naples show, where we try and follow the "red sauce trail" from New York back to it's source in Italy, is gorgeous. I'm really pleased with the New Orleans/Cajun country show we did too because we piggybacked off of the HBO series Treme's hard work and research and connections. The brilliant actor Wendell Pierce from the show appears and I'm curious to see if creator/producer David Simon, who hung with us off camera during a Cajun pig feast, manages to pop up in the background of some shots. All in all, some of our best work this season. As always, we tried very very hard to push ourselves and find new ways to tell a story.

When hitting the road to all these places, what is the one item you can't leave home without?

I can't travel without my iPad. Maybe because I spend so much time in airports and airplanes, I became quickly addicted to having easy access to e-books, movies, games, e-mail and internet so portable. I am increasingly becoming something of a serial tweeter as well.

What's your favorite place to travel?

My favorite places to travel, and I think my whole crew would agree, are anywhere in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. Also, Japan.

Italy barely feels like work and is always a good time, particularly as I will bring family along. And, Spain is magic.

I'm really hoping to shoot in Libya this fall. We've been working with some very nice, very cool and extremely capable security guys lately when we go to potential hot spots like Iraq. And they make every place fun and have opened up a lot of possibilities for going places we might otherwise have never considered.

Had any embarrassing travel mishaps?

Travel mishaps? The unwritten rule of our show is if I, or any of the crew, have an embarrassing mishap or humiliating moment, it ends up in the show. It's all in the game.


To watch Tony in Cuba, tune into the new season of No Reservations July 11 at 9 p.m. Eastern on the Travel Channel.


 

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]]>Anthony Bourdainanthony bourdain macaucubahavanaNo ReservationsTony BourdainRebecca Dolan2011-07-11T07:30:00+00:00Royal Couple Boosts Canada and LA Tourism, Sets Example for Travelershttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/06/royal-couple-boosts-canada-and-la-tourism-sets-example-for-trav/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/06/royal-couple-boosts-canada-and-la-tourism-sets-example-for-trav/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/06/royal-couple-boosts-canada-and-la-tourism-sets-example-for-trav/#commentsFiled under: ,

pat001396/Flickr

Prince William and Princess Kate are covering Canada with the sugary thoroughness of a maple syrup spill, jetting around the country and engaging in such classic Canadian pastimes as playing street hockey, rowing canoes and politely feigning interest in everything.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are traveling around North America in an effort to keep checkout tabloid sales high, have been highlighting various Canadian destinations worthy of note. They have been to beautiful Prince Edward Island, cosmopolitan Montreal, and rugged Yellowknife, where they donned Canadian Ranger hoodies. On Wednesday, they plan to head to fire-scarred Slave Lake to buck up local residents still recovering from spring blazes.


The tour, which has been covered by news sources all over the world, is a very big feather in Canada's very big mountie hat and illustrates how the couple is likely to influence the travel industry by driving coverage and providing journalists with rose colored glasses.


What is perhaps most interesting about the trendsetting royals from the travel perspective is that they seem willing, if not eager, to embrace the provincial. Rather than staying in established hotspots, the toothsome twosome may be putting new destinations on the map. Eager observers will remember that the couple headed to the Seychelles for their honeymoon, eschewing the hallowed Scottish homes that housed Charles and Diana after their wedding.


When the couple comes to Los Angeles, they plan not only to preside over a polo match, but to volunteer at a charity in a rough part of downtown. A diverse itinerary has never looked so glamorous.


The trickle-down effects of the royals' travels will be difficult to observe, much less quantify, but it is hard to imagine that the pair will not leave behind a legacy similar to that of Princess Diana, who would have made a fair nominee for patron saint of voluntourism.


And the royal couple doesn't just set an example by choosing tourist attractions. They are a tourist attraction. California is gambling quite a bit on their drawing power, too, dubbing summer 2011 the "Royal Summer."


The CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission told USA Today that the royal visit would "put California at the forefront of traveler's minds during the height of the summer vacation season." Her organization is tacking the line "3 Days Isn't Enough" on its royal-themed advertisements.


It probably isn't enough, but this show will be on the road for a long time.


 

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]]>canadalos angelesMontrealPrince WilliamPrinceWilliamroyal coupleroyal weddingtourismAOL Travel Staff2011-07-06T11:53:00+00:00Tourism Ambassadors: Pigs and Pop Stars Say 'Come on Down' (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/30/tourism-ambassadors-pigs-and-pop-stars-say-come-on-down-phot/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/30/tourism-ambassadors-pigs-and-pop-stars-say-come-on-down-phot/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/30/tourism-ambassadors-pigs-and-pop-stars-say-come-on-down-phot/#commentsFiled under: ,

leozaza/Flickr
Hong Kong just announced that the face of its summer campaign would have a snout, as McDull the cartoon pig became the island's official tourism ambassador. McDull joined the strange and strangely diverse group of celebrities, non-celebrities and cartoons that make up the tourism diplomatic core - the first line of defense against stasis.Hong Kong just announced that the face of its summer campaign would have a snout, as McDull the cartoon pig became the island's official tourism ambassador. McDull joined the strange and strangely diverse group of celebrities, non-celebrities and cartoons that make up the tourism diplomatic core - the first line of defense against stasis.

Below are a few profiles of the august members of one of travel's most unusual clubs, the core of the official amiable. They are palatable. They are handsome. They are standard-bearers.


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]]>Edmund HillaryJackie ChanMcDullmoon bloodgoodrichard gererihannaAOL Travel Staff2011-06-30T08:00:00+00:00Lady Gaga Encourages Japan Tourism During Charity Concert Trip (VIDEO)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/23/lady-gaga-encourages-japan-tourism-during-charity-concert-trip/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/23/lady-gaga-encourages-japan-tourism-during-charity-concert-trip/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/23/lady-gaga-encourages-japan-tourism-during-charity-concert-trip/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lady Gaga Encourages Japan Tourism During Charity Concert Trip

WireImage

While in Japan for a charity concert, pop superstar Lady Gaga took time to enjoy the country's beauty and encourage tourists to return and do the same.

"I missed Japan so much...and ever since the earthquake I really couldn't wait to come back and see the fans," she told the Associated Press.

Since the March 11 earthquake, the singer has been an active fundraiser for its victims. Among her contributions is a song for a charity album and a message for a fund-raising t-shirt to go on sale this week, reports Reuters.

She will also be auctioning off a cup reading "prayers for Japan" in Japanese, that she used at a Tokyo press conference. The proceeds from which will go to charity.

"I would like to use my position here today and all week long to run around Tokyo and enjoy the beautiful city, and kiss all the beautiful little monsters and scream at the top of my lungs that everyone should visit this beautiful place," she said.

She reportedly brushed away a tear after Japanese officials presented her with a letter of gratitude from the government. Gaga was also gifted with a small doll from Fukushima prefecture, center of the current Japanese nuclear crisis.

According to Reuters, there are rumors that the star would visit the earthquake-ravaged region after her concert Saturday, but she did not confirm.

Lady Gaga Wants You to Visit Japan

 

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]]>japanjapan earthquakejapan earthquake 2011lady gagalady gaga japanAOL Travel Staff2011-06-23T08:45:00+00:00Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville Casino Set To Open in Vegas, Fins Not Requiredhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/08/jimmy-buffet-margaritaville-casino-set-to-open-in-vegas-fins-no/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/08/jimmy-buffet-margaritaville-casino-set-to-open-in-vegas-fins-no/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/08/jimmy-buffet-margaritaville-casino-set-to-open-in-vegas-fins-no/#commentsFiled under: ,

Getty File

Parrotheads rejoice! Jimmy Buffett is bringing a Margaritaville casino to Las Vegas, USA Today reports.

The latest Margaritaville will open as a casino in the famous Flamingo casino/resort come fall.

A joint press release for Margaritaville and the Flamingo said: "At the "Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo", guests will feel the energy of the Las Vegas Strip while enjoying the laid-back vibe of the islands. Adjoining the restaurant and directly accessible from the Strip sidewalk, the "Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo" will include 15,000-square-feet and offer 22 gaming tables, 220 slot machines and the centerpiece 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar."


Rick Mazer, Regional President of five Caesars Entertainment resort destinations in Las Vegas, said in the release: "With this new addition, visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to continue the fun and enjoy the escapist lifestyle evoked by Jimmy Buffett's music."

This isn't the first expansion in the Margaritaville brand. Buffett already has 18 restaurants around the world (not including Air Margaritaville, which are restaurant hubs in airports), and a Beach Hotel in Pensacola, Florida.


What do you think?


Do you have any interest in visiting a Margaritaville casino?
Hell yes!57 (78.1%)
No, staying far away from that one.16 (21.9%)



 

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]]>jimmy buffettjimmy buffett margaritavillemargaritaville casinomargaritaville las vegas casinoKate Auletta2011-06-08T16:30:00+00:00James Cameron Heads To Outer Space, Maybehttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/06/james-cameron-space-travel-ticket/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/06/james-cameron-space-travel-ticket/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/06/james-cameron-space-travel-ticket/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

jurvetson/Flickr

Avatar director and famed Sci-Fi nerd James Cameron may be the first tourist to make the trip to the dark side of the moon.

Newscore, News Corp.'s internal wire service, reported Sunday that the man behind "Terminator" had purchased the first $150 million ticket offered by Space Adventures, an American company that plans to launch its well-heeled clients from a base in Kazakhstan.

The story is plausibly implausible. Cameron is incredibly wealthy and adventurous (main extracurricular activity: deep sea diving), but the NewsCore piece says his looming take-off is "rumored" and fails to cite any specific source. Spokespeople for both Space Adventures and James Cameron's company refused to confirm to NewsCore that the director would be on board the flight, which is set to depart in 2015.


Confirmation or no, this news means that space tourism is already reaching its Willy Wonka phase. The whole world waits with bated breath to see who gets the next ticket.

Cameron has the star power to make lunar orbit the new Chateau Marmont, meaning that the Violet Beauregardes of Hollywood will soon be moon-bound. But what of the rest of us? Where is our Golden Ticket?


7-Eleven apparently. Last week, the convenience store announced a promotion through Foursquare that will make people who check-in while buying Slurpees eligible to win a Space Adventures flight.
But the promotion is a bit of a hoax. While winners will climb aboard Boeing 727s and experience zero-gravity, their sudden weightlessness will be the product of their plane's parabolic flight path not of actually being in space.

The cheapest true space ticket being offered at the moment goes for $200,000 and will get you aboard Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo. Flights from Branson's spaceport in New Mexico are scheduled to begin later this year, but the spaceport itself opened to tourists last month.

So we're all going to have to wait to join Mr. Cameron until we direct our own box office hit, which should probably be named " Virgin Space Adventures II."


 

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]]>Avatarjames cameronmoonRichard Bransonspace travelterminatorwilly wonkaAndrew Burmon2011-06-06T13:00:00+00:00Scott Disick Annoys Fellow Passengers On Southwest Flight On Sundayhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/02/scott-disick-southwest-flight-may-29/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/02/scott-disick-southwest-flight-may-29/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/02/scott-disick-southwest-flight-may-29/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Getty File

Scott Disick annoyed his fellow passengers on a Southwest flight on Sunday en route to Long Island's MacArthur Airport, the New York Post reports on Page Six.

The Kardashian baby daddy was flying from Chicago to Long Island for a party in the Hamptons.

A fellow flier, Jeff Glass, told the Post that Disick was in such a rush to get to local hotspot Dune that he "refused to wait in line [to board] . . . and tried to cut ahead of a young couple holding twin babies. He then tried to cut in front of an older man who said, 'Who is this schmuck?' He offered $20 to the gate attendant to let him on ahead of everyone else."

A flight attendant reportedly yelled at Disick repeatedly, who blamed his secretary for having to wait.

Naturally, one flight attendant was so "star-struck" that an emergency exit row was saved for Disick.

Disick's rep told the paper: "He never offered any bribes and didn't cut in front of a couple with twins. Yes, a flight lady did save him an exit row because she was a fan. The flight had an emergency landing in Detroit, and Southwest had to find another plane and it took 10 hours to get to New York."

UPDATE: Our previous report that his flight, Southwest #1208, was not diverted proved false after confirmation from a Southwest spokeswoman. The flight was delayed in Chicago due to thunderstorms in the area, and then diverted to Detroit due to a mechanical issue. Though the ordeal, between the weather and the diversion, did add 5 hours to the trip, it did not take 10 hours to reach its final destination of Long Island, as stated by Disick's rep. A Southwest rep also told AOL Travel that an email was sent to all passengers on board apologizing for the delay.

No matter, Disick clearly had a good time once he got to the Hamptons, as his girlfriend and baby mama Kourtney tweeted that she was heading home from a birthday celebration.

Meanwhile, his maybe future sister-in-law, Kim, got engaged last week. Check out coverage of the multi-million dollar engagement below.

Kim Kardashian Gets Engaged To Kris Humphries

 

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]]>kourtney kardashian scott disickscott disickscott disick southwestKate Auletta2011-06-02T09:45:00+00:00Katy Perry's Hotel Demands While On Tourhttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/24/katy-perrys-hotel-demands-while-on-tour/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/24/katy-perrys-hotel-demands-while-on-tour/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/24/katy-perrys-hotel-demands-while-on-tour/#commentsFiled under: ,

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Katy Perry hasn't been known as too much of a diva, but all that's about to change.

The pop starlet, on her California Dreams tour, has had her people issue a 45-page list of tour demands. These were, of course, recently made public, and she's got some doozies.

Among them are requests that her chauffeur not look her in the eye in the rear view mirror, and only speak when spoken to, the Daily Mail reports.

She forbids the presence of carnations in her dressing room (random!).

But she saves some of the quirkiest demands for her accommodations.

TheSmokingGun.com released the singer's "hotel provisions," which include accommodations in a 5-star property, with 51 rooms booked (including a presidential suite, presumably for Perry, and 5 junior suites, all with requests for an upgrade).

The oddest part? Free internet service and breakfast MUST be part of the deal. Girl does love her sweets.

The singer is currently in Japan as part of her tour. She shipped her husband, Russell Brand, over to see her and her self-proclaimed favorite place, Tokyo last weekend but he was later deported due to an unnamed 10-year old incident, Perry tweeted.

Katy Perry's tour demands are...
Insane. Really, who does she think she is?27148 (86.6%)
Fine. She's working her butt off, she's allowed.4198 (13.4%)

 

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]]>katy perrykaty perry hotel demandskaty perry tourKate Auletta2011-05-24T08:30:00+00:00KISS Cruise Set To Rock the High Seashttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/17/kiss-cruise-set-to-rock-the-high-seas/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/17/kiss-cruise-set-to-rock-the-high-seas/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/17/kiss-cruise-set-to-rock-the-high-seas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

KISS Cruise Set To Rock the High Seas

Sixthman

This October, fans of the iconic rock band KISS may very well have their dreams come true as Carnival Destiny sets sail on a five-day immersive charter. Called The KISS Kruise, theme cruise promoter Sixthman is taking names now for pre-sale sign up.

Sixthman specializes in full-ship charters and recently wrapped up the latest Kid Rock's Chillin' The Most Cruise 2011. Set to sail October 13-17, 2011, The KISS Kruise will go on sale to the general public June 7, 2011 but fans of the band can get first pick of cabins by signing up early online.

KISS ARMY Fan Club members (cool people) can sign-up for the pre-sale by May 22nd to receive priority, will be emailed pre-booking information on or around May 23rd and be able to book as early as May 26th.

Not a KISS ARMY Fan Club Member? (Who isn't?) Join now and be included in that first round of bookings.

Non-KISS ARMY Fan Club members that would like to participate in the pre-sale have until May 30th to sign up. They will be emailed pre-booking information on or around May 31st and will be able to book your cabin as early as June 2nd, 2011.

Guests on The KISS Kruise will take a photo with the band and enjoy two shows, one indoor and one outdoor. At the big outdoor show, cruisers will catch KISS' acoustic side, and the band will be sans makeup. Other events will include a Q&A with the band, a massive Halloween party, games, theme nights, and other "rowdy" onboard activities. KISS will also be inviting other musical acts to keep everyone rocking.

Several promoters and travel agencies specialize in theme cruises, chartering partial or full ships for these special sailings. Sixthman does it a bit differently.

"Sixthman cruises are different from other theme cruises because we go out of our way to make sure all of the guests are happy. They get a full festival experience and end up building lasting relationships with other guests and artists. Each event builds a community." Sixthman CEO Andy Levine told us recently adding "We also offer proximity to the artists - the performers who sail with us are open with their fans and enjoy hanging out around the ship.

We don't create a "VIP" environment - everyone who books has the same "backstage pass"-like advantages"

Some KISS ARMY Fan Club members are more excited than others:



 

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]]>CarnivalDestinyKISSKISS cruiseChris Owen2011-05-17T12:30:00+00:0010 Secret Celeb Getaways (PHOTOS)http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/14/10-secret-celeb-getaways-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/14/10-secret-celeb-getaways-photos/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/14/10-secret-celeb-getaways-photos/#commentsFiled under:

One&Only Reethi Rah

It's no surprise that paparazzi-plagued celebrities would want their hideaways (and trysts) to remain a secret. Whether they're heading off on a honeymoon in the Maldives or a romantic Mexican beach weekend with someone who may or may not be their spouse, stars are choosing hotels that offer more than just impeccable service, palatial suites, and sunset views. They want discreet check-ins, private entries, empty beaches-and sealed lips.


It's no surprise that sometimes paparazzi-plagued celebrities want their hideaways (and trysts) to remain a secret. Whether they're heading off on a honeymoon in the Maldives or a romantic Mexican beach weekend with someone who may or may not be their spouse, stars are choosing hotels that offer more than just impeccable service, palatial suites, and sunset views. They want discreet check-ins, private entries, empty beaches-and sealed lips.

"Some of our guests register under an assumed name. They don't want to be identified," says Mark Kerwin, director of sales and marketing at the super-secretive Las Ventanas al Paraiso resort in Los Cabos, which recently hosted Sean Penn and Scarlett Johansson - together. Thanks to the property's reputation, it's become a choice destination for Hollywood types looking to fly under the radar.

But while stars crave privacy, they also want romance. For A-listers, these two things often go hand in hand. "Guests bring their own romantic ideas, but sometimes they need a little help [in making sparks fly]. The Romance Director meets these needs," says Kerwin of Las Ventanas' unique staff position.

While everyone's idea of romance is different - staff at Las Ventanas have buried a proposal-containing bottle in the sand (and stood nearby to make sure the right woman found it), sent a cowboy in an elaborate silver-studded outfit to read a love poem, and screened private movies on the beach - it's almost always on the hush-hush.

Sometimes however, word leaks out. While Aman Resorts won't confirm or deny that staff at Aman-i-Khás, a luxury safari camp in Rajasthan, India, organized pop star Katy Perry and actor-comedian Russell Brand's exotic, over-the-top wedding last fall, it did drop a few hints about special moments other unnamed guests have enjoyed - a private "Maharaja-style" dinner by the lake; breakfast near the 1,000-year-old fort; rose-petal baths; and "poojas" (special Hindu blessings).

Read on to discover where the stars stay-and where you can, too.

Text by Diane Selkirk; photos courtesy of Travel & Leisure.
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]]>celeb getawaysceleb travelcelebrity vacationsKate Auletta2011-05-14T07:30:00+00:00William and Kate's Seychelles Honeymoon: A Quick Tour of the Islandshttp://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/11/william-and-kates-seychelles-honeymoon-a-quick-tour-of-the-isl/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/11/william-and-kates-seychelles-honeymoon-a-quick-tour-of-the-isl/http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/05/11/william-and-kates-seychelles-honeymoon-a-quick-tour-of-the-isl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

William and Kate's Seychelles Honeymoon: A Quick Tour of the Islands

AFP/Getty Images

Well, they've finally gone and done it - Prince William and Princess Catherine have left on a honeymoon. After tons of speculation, the couple finally settled on the Seychelles Islands in Africa. That took about forever...

For those interested in visiting the islands, or anyone who just want to drool over images of lush tropical beaches, here is the lowdown on where to stay like a royal or where to relax with a cold beer like a commoner.

Well, they've finally gone and done it - Prince William and Princess Catherine have left on a honeymoon. After tons of speculation, the couple finally settled on the Seychelles Islands in Africa. That took about forever...

For those interested in visiting the islands, or anyone who just want to drool over images of lush tropical beaches, here is the lowdown on where to stay like a royal or where to relax with a cold beer like a commoner.

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]]>beau-vallondesrobitii-minastireadesrochesfregate-islandKate Middletonla-digue-islandnorth-islandPrince WilliamPrincess CatherineromaniaseychellesvictoriaRebecca Dolan2011-05-11T12:20:00+00:00