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Winter 2018

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Do You Even Google? Using My Maps for Planning Your Travels

February 04, 0018 12:00 AM
Google My Maps is an underrated gem for travel planning. Released in 2007 and updated in 2014, Google My Maps allows users to create their own maps.
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Talking with Tourists

January 27, 0018 12:00 AM
A few years ago, I went to the mall for a new jacket. Armed with promising coupons, I headed down the hall to Macy’s, but just outside the store a young salesperson stopped me.
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Travel Hacking

January 07, 0018 12:00 AM
(frankieleon)
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It's More Masaya in the Philippines

January 07, 0018 12:00 AM
They say that everything is more fun—masaya—in the Philippines. Known for having some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world, along with white sand beaches, waterfalls, and majestic bright green mountains, the Philippines should be on everyone’s travel list. Even getting around can be fun. Instead of taxis, you’ll find jeepneys (WWII jeeps converted into bus-like transportation) and tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars for passengers). While you’re in the ’Pines, try fresh, sweet mangoes; sour soup called sinigang; and if you’re feeling brave, balut: boiled fertilized duck egg. If you’re looking for adventure and a whole lot of fun, the Philippines is the place to be. Here are four travel destinations to plan your vacation around:
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Accidental Criminal: Avoiding Fines and Felonies

January 07, 0018 12:00 AM
You’ve finally arrived in Cuba and it’s absolutely picturesque—pastel houses, cobblestone streets, turquois beaches—and you don’t want to forget a single detail. You pass by a large decorated building ornamented with security guards; it looks impressive and important, so you snap a few pictures to show your friends back home. Before you’ve even put your camera down, a scowling security guard is blocking your view, demanding to see your camera, and interrogating you as if you’re some kind of criminal. You don’t even know what you’ve done wrong!
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Don't Be Shark Bait

January 07, 0018 12:00 AM
So this is how it ends. As the motorboat sped away from the lush shore, the beautiful blue waters of Oahu started to look less like paradise and more like a watery grave. Swimming with sharks—without a cage—had seemed like an adventure when I signed up, but now, as the green island grew smaller, even the dolphins jumping alongside the boat couldn’t ease my nerves.
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Four Corners of the Kitchen: Flatbreads

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
Flatbreads have been with the human race for over 6,000 years, and since then, they have remained an integral part of many societies. The dish is still popular worldwide, and every country has its own unique flatbread variation. Here are a few flatbread recipes from around the world, along with explanations of their significance. Indian NaanNaan has been a traditional Indian bread since the fourteenth century and was first cooked in the Imperial Court at Delhi. Its versatility and soft texture have made it a popular addition to many South Asian meals.Ingredients2 tsp dry active yeast1 tsp sugar1/2 cup water2 ½ –3 cups flour, divided1/2 tsp salt1/4 cup olive oil1/3 cup plain yogurt1 large eggDirections Dissolve yeast and sugar in water, then let sit for a few minutes or until it is frothy on top. Whisk in the oil, yogurt, and egg until evenly combined. Add salt and flour. Stir until well combined. Continue adding flour, a half cup at a time, until you can no longer stir it with a spoon (about 1 to 1½ cups). Turn the ball of dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the ball of dough for about 3 minutes, adding small amounts of flour to keep the dough from sticking. You’ll end up using between 2½ to 3 cups flour total. The dough should be smooth and very soft but not sticky. Avoid adding excessive amounts of flour, as this can make the dough too dry and stiff. Cover the dough and let it rise 1 hour. Gently flatten the dough into a disc and cut into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball. 5. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Roll each ball out until it is about 1/4 inch thick or approximately 6 inches in diameter. Place the dough on the hot skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown and large bubbles have formed on the surface. Flip the dough and cook the other side until golden brown as well. Stack the cooked bread on a plate and cover to keep warm. Serve plain or brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with herbs.Adapted from budgetbytes.comMediterranean Pita BreadFor over 4,000 years, the pita has been a staple in the Middle Eastern diet. The “pocket” that forms when cooking makes pita bread perfect for all sorts of fillings and turns it into not only a food, but a utensil.Ingredients2 tsp active dry yeast1 cup lukewarm water½ tsp sugar¼ cup whole-wheat flour2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour, divided1 tsp kosher salt2 Tbs olive oilDirections Dissolve sugar and yeast in water. Whisk in whole-wheat flour and ¼ cup all-purpose flour. Put bowl in a warm place, uncovered, until mixture is frothy and bubbling, about 15 minutes. Add salt, olive oil, and nearly all remaining allpurpose flour (reserve ½ cup). With a wooden spoon, stir until mixture forms a shaggy mass. Dust with a little of the reserved flour, then knead in bowl for 1 minute, incorporating any stray bits of dry dough. Turn dough onto work surface. Knead lightly for 2 minutes, until smooth. Cover and let rest 10 minutes, then knead again for 2 minutes. Cover bowl tightly and put in a warm place. Leave until dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour. Heat oven to 475 degrees. On bottom shelf of oven, place a heavy-duty baking sheet. Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces. Form each piece into a little ball. Take a ball and press into a flat disk with rolling pin. Roll to about 1/8 inch thick, dusting with flour if necessary. Carefully lift the dough circle and place quickly on hot baking sheet. After 2 minutes the dough should be nicely puffed. Flip and bake 1 minute more until pita is pale with only a few brown speckles. Repeat with the rest of the dough balls.Adapted from cooking.nytimes.comNative American FrybreadWhen Native Americans were forced from their homelands in the mid-1800s, they were sent to land that lacked farming resources the people needed. The US government sent help in the form of canned rations and flour, sugar, and lard. These ingredients were used to create frybread. Today, frybread has become a symbol of Native American strength and pride.Ingredients4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon baking powder1 ½ cups lukewarm water4 cups shorteningDirections Combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in 1½ cups lukewarm water. Knead until soft but not sticky. Shape dough into balls about 3 inches in diameter. Flatten into patties ½ inch thick, and make a small hole in the center of each. Fry one at a time in 1 inch of hot shortening, turning to brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.Recipe adapted from allrecipes.comNorwegian Potato LefseNorwegian folklore claims that lefse was a gift from the ancient Norse gods. This is likely untrue, seeing as the dish is only 350 years old. Despite this, Norwegians take great pride in lefse. The flatbread is a traditional Christmas treat and a symbol of Norwegian heritage. Due to its sacred, revered status, some have referred to it as Norway’s own “holy bread.”Ingredients5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled2 sticks unsalted sweet cream butter (room temperature)1 teaspoon salt1 ¼ cups all-purpose flourDirections Bring a large stock pot full of water to a boil. Cut peeled potatoes into 2-3 pieces and cook until tender. Rice cooked potatoes into a large bowl with a potato ricer. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let them warm to room temperature. Move approximately half of the riced potatoes to a smaller bowl. Add flour in 1/4-cup increments, along with ½ stick of butter and salt. Knead until well-mixed. The dough should have a texture similar to light pie dough. It should form into a ball without sticking to your hands and hold its shape without cracking when pressed lightly. Warm griddle to 400°F. Form finished potato mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Flour a pastry board covered with a pastry cloth and rub flour into cloth. You want just enough flour so that lefse will not stick. Roll out lefse until it is 1/8 inch thick. Transfer lefse to griddle and cook until bubbles form and each side has browned. Place lefse on damp towel to cool slightly and then cover with damp towel until ready to serve.Recipe adapted from www.sofn.com
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New York

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
From musicals to cuisine to the most popular tourist attractions, experience the best New York City has to offer in a week.
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Escapades: Gardens

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
Visiting gardens around the world is a great way to gain insight into the different cultures and aesthetics of the local people. Gardens vary greatly from region to region, featuring both native plant life and exotic flora, displaying the flowers most valued by the people in the area. These gardens are among the world’s most beautiful, renowned for their plants and designs.
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Hoodoo You Do?

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
In the area of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, there is a cluster of national parks. Among these lies Bryce Canyon National Park, which is actually many natural amphitheaters rather than a canyon; it is known for its beautiful scenery, red sandstone, and hoodoos—rock columns created by erosion. A geological wonder, more than 1.5 million people visit Bryce Canyon each year to hike, camp, and just look at the views. So how do you navigate this natural masterpiece amidst so many other visitors?
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Abandoned Beauty

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
What is the appeal of abandoned buildings? That depends on the explorer. Many explorers take their cameras to capture the texture of the decaying walls and the eerie lighting of the sun shining through holes in the roof. If they’re lucky and looters haven’t taken everything from the site, photographers might also find relics from the time of the abandonment. However, many urban explorers say there is an unspoken rule to leave the site as it was found, ensuring that the building avoids the look of recent human presence. Many urban explorers also upload their photos of abandoned sites to their blogs or websites to share their adventures with other explorers.
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Decline

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
(photo by Richard Schneider) How Japan's Decreasing Population Will Change Travel
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Hooked on Alaska

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
An Alaskan fishing trip is a vacation that both avid anglers and novices can enjoy.
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Ancient Sounds: The National Instruments of Europe

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
Music varies widely among different communities and groups. As widely varied as music is, so too are the instruments that are used to pluck out a melody. Instruments carry special significance in their countries or communities. They can be symbolic or spiritual, or they can simply be a reminder of a people’s origin. Like many other places in the world, Europe’s culture is pervaded with these instruments. Instruments help shape the culture of each country and its people.
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Toddling Travelers

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
Sophia is only seven years old, yet, in her short life, she has already visited 27 countries. Sophia and her sisters Lexi (4 years old) and Savannah (1 year old) have traveled all across the world, even in the short span of time since Savannah was born: from Slovenia to Egypt, Lebanon to Portugal, Greece to Brazil. But, of course, they aren’t traveling alone.
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Have Dog, Will Travel

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
Every time my family travels, we’re faced with the impossible task of leaving our dog behind. It’s terrible; I don’t know if he can tell we’re leaving by all our rushing around or if he’s just learned what a suitcase means, but he spends the entire time we’re getting ready moping around and sighing.
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Forest Bathing

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
A shot taken toward the top of Mount Odaigahara in Japan. (coniferconifer) Every time I come home from my latest family trip, I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. After flying for hours, driving from place to place, seeing the sights, and eating—and spending—a little too much, I return home without having relaxed as much as I had hoped. So I was intrigued when I heard about forest bathing. It’s not what you might think; it doesn’t actually involve bathing in the middle of a shady grove. Forest bathing is the English term for “shinrin-yoku,” a practice Japanese people invented in the 1980s as an approach to healing. All it involves is walking peacefully through a forest and allowing yourself to take in the natural atmosphere around you. Scientific studies claim that the practice has therapeutic benefits for the body and soul. Forest bathing could offer you the perfect respite during your next busy getaway (or after your next hectic day at the office).
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Cave of Stars

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
If you visit New Zealand, put down the delicious local chocolate (I know it’s hard), plan to visit Hobbiton another day, resist jumping out of the car to pet the endless droves of fluffy sheep, and head to Waitomo Caves for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience—black water rafting through a glowworm cave.
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