Although Anthony Bourdain recently said MIA doesn’t suck as badly as some other airports, the foodstuffs there isn’t exactly gourmet. That being said, there are a few gems out there if you happen to be passing through Terminal D. All of the decent eats are located past security, which could be the only good thing about that super saver airfare that has you connecting through Miami and seventeen other cities before you reach your destination. Alas, a light at the end of the terminal.

Terminal D’s Five Standouts

1) Beaudevin: This 42-seat wine and cheese bar based on the one in the Brussels airport is a swell place to swill while waiting for your most likely delayed flight.
[Terminal D, Gate D24 North Terminal, post security]

2) Cafe Versailles: There’s nothing like a shot or ten of Cuban coffee at Versailles after a long haul or, if you’re one of those who likes to yap to strangers next to you the whole way there, before a long haul. Cuban sandwiches and lots of clamor en Espanol reminds you that you’re not in Kansas anymore, if but for a few hours. And, if the line’s too long at this one
[After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D21 North Terminal], there are two others [Gates D5 and D44].

3) Lorena Garcia Cocina:Her investment in America’s Next Great Restaurant may not have been the wisest, but Lorena Garcia’s investment in MIA (or vice versa, rather) has proven to be a pretty worthy one, serving ‘sensible, Caribbean’ cuisine to the mass transit masses.
[After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D53 North Terminal]

4) Icebox Cafe: South Beach brunch and bakery staple set up shop at MIA to satisfy the sweet tooth of bitter air travelers.
[After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D8 North Terminal]

5) Sushi Maki:The express version of the Coral Gables, South Miami, Kendall and Brickell mini-chain gives you a delightfully raw deal en route to or from your destination. Cooked faves include Kobe sliders and sushi tacos. Sushi Maki
[After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D29 North Terminal]

By Lesley Abravanel

Job Description
The Continental Travel Group is a leader in the luxury travel business and we are offering a unique opportunity to train a luxury travel advisor and executive assistant. We invite you to become part of our team of savvy and dedicated professionals. We will provide the training on the tools required in the position. The Continental Travel Group empowers you to strengthen your skills and build upon our foundation as a leader.

You are the best and take pride in everything you do. You are passionate, quick, forward thinking, and deliver skills & experience such as:

• Established research skills
• People skills
• Basic office skills
• Experience with basic technology

The Continental Travel Group is a trusted source for luxury travel and lifestyle services worldwide. We are a primarily a corporate travel management company and create customized leisure and vacations services for executives within our client base. We are a high quality, respected brand that is recognized as an influencer in the market place and have over 30 years of expertise doing just that along with our partners, and advisors.

Apply here.

Volvo Ocean Race (Leg 6 ItajaÍ to Miami) started at 3:00 pm EDT on 04/22/12
and is now in progress. Miami arrival EST Wednesday, May 9.

As it turns out, it’s no contest. A reader writes about what played out at this year’s Carnaval: We doubt that the same joie de vivre is possible in a TSA-sanctioned environment.

This video touches on two of your themes: airport security and cross-cultural differences. It’s a bloco, or parade dance party, at Santos Dumont the city airport for Rio de Janeiro. Minute 1:30 to 2:00 has the best sambaing.

Passengers are entering the screening queue from the left of the scene above and passing through metal detectors there. Then they head toward their planes (including the man walking toward the camera at the left).

A reader who travels very frequently in and out of China’s main airports was in Beijing Capital airport today. He sends a shot of the security line a few hours ago at what is now the second-busiest airport in the world.

A reader writes,

“Greetings from Beijing Airport! Last year I sent you a photo of the TSA equivalent and it’s still so much better than TSA! You could say in software terms it’s a much better UX! [User Experience.] Every time! “

What’s your experience? We would love to know.

Original Article: theatlantic.com – James Fallows is a national correspondent for The Atlantic and has written for the magazine since the late 1970s. He has reported extensively from outside the United States, and once worked as President Carter’s chief speechwriter. His latest book, China Airborne, will be published in May.

A Hotel to truly "Stay in"

This Historic building is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel in the world, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. During 2010 – 2011, the building underwent a 20 Million Dollar renovation and re-opened in August 2011. This boutique hotel and conference center offers 27 guest rooms of which no two are alike. All rooms are well appointed and range from a deluxe room with a queen size bed on up to our premier suites. These rooms feature a king size bed, sofa sleeper, and three walls of glass overlooking Central Park. For a more nostalgic experience, we also feature one Historic Suite. This room has been restored to its original state when the hotel first opened in 1910. It is complete with wall mounted sinks, an original claw footed tub, and a full size brass bed.

Whether you are planning a relaxing weekend getaway, company meeting, or looking for that intimate reception, we offer a variety meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 190 people. Let our experienced staff help plan even the smallest of details to ensure any occasion is spectacular!

 

Fit for arduous travel schedules and lengthy commutes, the recently released luggage line from Powerbag features an on-board charging system to keep you on the grid no matter how far from an outlet you may be. Each bag’s removable and rechargeable power source comes equipped with an Apple device connector, Mini and Mico-USB cords, and a standard USB port, putting out enough power for up to four devices at once. Most importantly, the smart charge system diverts power to the devices that need it most, preventing your tablet from hoarding all the juice.

 

On the outside of each bag you’ll find a small button that illuminates to display the current battery level of the internal power source. The bag’s deliberately subtle design—charging level is momentarily displayed at a touch of the adjacent button—allows you to safely carry expensive electronics without drawing attention.

The Business Class Pack is a basic backpack with all the highlights hidden on the inside. We love the the number of compartments and velour-lined pockets, preventing your gear from getting all scratched up. Its most notable claim is a “checkpoint-friendly” zipper that opens to lie the bag flat so you don’t have to remove your laptop from the rear compartment for airport security screenings. Life changing.

 

Much like its over-the-shoulder brother, the Instant Messenger bag is defined by its subdued design and tech-driven inner workings. With a padded laptop sleeve and numerous zippered pockets, this sling bag has more than enough room for long-distance travel or the everyday commute.

 

Outfitted with a removable 6000mAh battery, the bags offer enough juice to fully charge an average smartphone up to four times before the power supply needs to be refilled. Both packs feature a small AC adapter plug on the outside that connects to any wall outlet for easy recharging. The Business Class Pack and the Instant Messenger bag sell for $180 each directly from Powerbag online. Other styles are also available, and smaller chargers are available at a lower cost.

by Evan Orensten from the original article  at coolhunting.com

Visiting Toronto – Here are the Goods

If all you know of Toronto is that it’s clean, safe, and able to double for New York City on film, then you haven’t been here in a while. The city has undergone a dramatic change in the past few years, led by remarkably hip restaurant, fashion, and nightlife scenes. Three locals give T+L their take on Toronto’s new style. —Jonathan Durbin

Cameron Bailey, Codirector of the Toronto International Film Festival

What characteristics would you identify as uniquely Torontonian?
We’re voracious cultural consumers. To be well-versed in both vintage dub reggae and different kinds of hot sauces from Asia is totally normal here.

Where do the film-industry players hang out during the festival?
The Hazelton Hotel’s One Restaurant (416/961-9600; dinner for two $250) is the hot spot. Locals like quieter places; Bar Italia (416/535-3621; dinner for two $95) is where director Atom Egoyan eats.

Has the city upped its style game?
Men’s style here used to be jeans and a lumberjack jacket. Now there are boutiques and tailor-made clothes.

The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept. 6–16).

Matt George, Owner of the Men’s Clothing Boutiques, Nomad, and the Speakeasy-Style Goodnight Bar

What would you say is changing the city’s sensibilities?
There’s a huge community of new immigrants. We’ve got the largest Indian, Pakistani, and West Indian populations outside of London, creating a melting pot of ideas.

What are your favorite restaurants?
I love Woodlot (647/342-6307; dinner for two $75) and the Harbord Room (dinner for two $125). They’re real Canadiana—traditional and contemporary food. My go-to sushi spot is Sushi Kaji (416/252-2166; dinner for two $220) in a suburban strip mall in Etobicoke.

Nomad stores (416/682-1107 and 416/202-8777); Goodnight (647/963-5500).

Emily Haines, Lead Singer of the Canadian Rock Band Metric

What do you think is driving the city’s recent transformation?
Torontonians are great travelers. We’re aware of what’s happening internationally and bring these things back—but make them our own.

Where do you like to see music?
For big acts, I head to Sound Academy (416/461-3625). To catch a local band, there’s the fabulous little basement bar, Dakota Tavern (416/850-4579).

And for a drink afterward?
If I tell you then I won’t be able to go anymore! If forced, I’d say Communist’s Daughter (647/435-0103; drinks for two $12). They serve pickled eggs.

—Jennifer Chen. More in series coming soon Courtesy of : Travel & Leisure

Types of air travelers people want to avoid.

by  CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT on JANUARY 5, 2012
As any new parent knows, air travel with young kids isn’t always easy. But few experiences come close to the Suelings’ Thanksgiving flight from Westchester County to Atlanta on Delta Air Lines.

After the family boarded, their children, ages 3 and 1 1/2, began “crying, screaming and hitting,” according to Christopher Sueling. His wife, Melissa, tried to calm her baby by nursing her, but it didn’t work.

“The flight attendants were just standing there, looking pissed off,” he says.

The jet taxied out to the runway, but then stopped and returned to the gate. The Suelings were told to get off the plane and that they needed to write to Delta if they wanted their money back. They even took a snapshot (see image, above) to document their ejection.

I’m the father of three young children, so I sympathize with the Suelings. I think Delta probably overreacted to the unruly family, and it certainly didn’t move quickly enough when they asked for a refund. I helped things along by contacting Delta on their behalf after they wrote to me last year asking for help, and they were eventually reimbursed.

But there are other passengers — and I think it’s probably safe to say that some air travelers on the Suelings’ outbound flight felt this way — who were relieved that the flight attendants showed them the door.

Why? Because they combined two of the least desirable qualities in a seatmate, according to many travelers I hear from: yelling kids and nursing moms.

I started giving the subject of unwanted seatmates serious thought after a recent story on XL passengers went viral in November. My editor asked me if there were other types of air travelers people avoided, and if we could try to identify the biggest offenders, as a public service to our readers.

Absolutely.

The gadget guy. Passengers who can’t find the “off” switch on their iPhone (think Alec Baldwin) represent a special kind of annoyance to their fellow travelers. Not only do they often aggressively defend their right to use the electronics, even when federal law prohibits it, but they also have a tendency to be in your face about it. They’re less likely to follow the instructions of a crewmember and they show a complete disregard for the safety of others by operating their electronics when it could interfere with the aircraft’s critical systems.

The screaming infant. Noisy kids, and particularly very young children whose high-pitched voices reverberate throughout the cabin, rank high on every air traveler’s “most annoying” list. Here’s a little-known fact: When you’re a new parent, you develop the ability to block your baby’s incessant screams, so you basically can tune the child out whenever you want. The rest of your fellow passengers aren’t so lucky. The ear-piercing, glass-shattering screams have everyone else reaching for their earplugs. It’s highly irritating.

The barking lapdog. Pets on planes is a never-ending source of controversy, and with good reason. Pet owners, who insist they have a right to take Fluffy or Fido with them wherever they go, are clashing with travelers who claim they have allergies to pet dander, but are often just ticked off that they have to endure the sounds of a yapping, caged canine for the duration of a flight.

The oversize passenger. I could probably write about XL air travelers that take up more than one seat every week, because there are such strong opinions on both sides of the aisle. On one side, the passengers who are pushed out of their seat by big travelers who need to raise the armrests in order to sit down; on the other side, large passengers who believe their girth should be treated like a disability. In a way, both are victims — and both are annoyed by their critics.

The breastfeeding mom. I think most of us would be lying if we said we didn’t experience at least some level of discomfort at being seated next to a nursing mom. It’s not necessarily her baby, which we fear could projectile-burp the contents of its stomach on us, but the fact that she’ll probably expose herself at some point during the flight. There have been incidents involving breastfeeding moms, including one lawsuit against Delta by a mother who was kicked off a Delta flight a few years ago (sound familiar?).

The smelly or chatty adult. If you’ve ever been stuck next to the proselytizer pitching anything from a religion to insurance, you know how unbearable the flight can be. I’ve been there. But sometimes, a passenger doesn’t have to say anything in order to irritate you. She could have slathered half a bottle of retch-inducing gardenia perfume on her, pre-flight; or he could have simply refused to bathe the month before his trip, or downed a quart of vodka and inhaled a pack of unfiltered cigarettes to calm the nerves.

Bedbugs. Maybe the worst seatmates are the ones you can’t see. Here’s a woman on another Delta flight who says she was eaten by bedbugs on a recent flight. Delta again, huh? I would add to that list insects or rodents or — God forbid — snakes that come aboard and pester you during your trip. Highly annoying.

Hard decision, isn’t it? Air travelers are so easily annoyed by one another, and don’t even get me started with the things flight attendants do. But that’s another story.

Christopher Elliot writes for consumertraveler.com

At Maya you feel as though you are surrounded by a sea of paddy fields that have been there since the beginning of time.

Sri Lanka’s lush hill towns and pristine beaches have long appealed to a certain breed of worldly traveler, but the flare-ups of the country’s brutal on-again, off-again 26-year civil war kept all but the most devoted of them away. The conflict ended three years ago, and as a prolonged peace finally takes hold, this Indian Ocean island is on the cusp of a tourism boom.

Sri Lanka’s beach-lined southern coast, centered around the popular town of Bentota, is the country’s strongest draw—and big developers are moving in. The Minor Hotel Group chose the area to debut its sister brand to Anantara with last month’s launch of the 75-room Avani Bentota Resort & Spa (94-34/227-5353; doubles from $180) in a restored Geoffrey Bawa–designed building. A second Avani, a Six Senses resort, and a Shangri-La property are also in the works.

In the meantime, a handful of designers have opened boutique hotels, including the 15-room Villa Bentota (doubles from $224), the latest project from Sri Lankan tastemaker Shanth Fernando.

Maya – Sri Lanka

Farther south, in Beliatta, Hong Kong decorator Niki Fairchild has turned a century-old house into the glamorous five-suite Maya (94-47/567-9025; doubles from $170).

Alankuda Beach Resort – Sri Lanka

In the northwest, an ambitious government scheme aims to transform the Kalpitiya peninsula into the country’s next big resort destination. Until those plans are realized, the laid-back Bar Reef Resort (94-777/352-200; doubles from $125) has airy cabanas and a quiet one-mile beach.

Perhaps the biggest peace dividend has been the reopening of the leopard- and elephant-filled Wilpattu National Park, in the northwest. Stay at the two-year-old Ulagalla Resort (doubles from $374), which has 20 thatched-roof bungalows on 58 acres an hour from the park.

—Jennifer Chen. More in series coming soon Courtesy of : Travel & Leisure

“Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?”
— Erma Bombeck
“When my husband and I go on trips I get two jobs in the car. I get to read the map and also to ask directions when we get lost.”
— Rita Rudner