Feature Details
- Frequency: 2/mo
- Release date: Tuesdays
- Moves with art: Yes
- Moves with multimedia: No
- Available: International, U.S. & Canada
Virtual Tourist
VirtualTourist.com, one of the world's largest travel websites and the premier source for user-generated travel content, offers real travel tips and photos by real people who've actually been there, done that and have the T-shirt to prove it.
Want to find a trendy hotel in Bangkok? Virtual Tourist knows just the place. Need to know what not to spend your money on in Zagreb? A Virtual Tourist member can tell you that too.
Website: VirtualTourist.com
Twitter: @VirtualTourist_
Facebook: Virtual Tourist
Virtual Tourist Samples
10 Fascinating Place Symbols
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Whether derived from industry, legend, or just plain popularity, it's always interesting to learn how local symbols came to be. VirtualTourist.com's Giampiero Ambrosi explains why these tokens are so important: "Considering that some of these symbols have staying power of literally hundreds of years, it's crucial to acknowledge them as part of the regional history." Official, unofficial, or even unofficially official, these icons are as much a part of the cities and institutions they represent as museums or language. 1. Ampelmannchen; Berlin, Germany While residents of East Berlin were thrilled to see the demise of the wall, they were less enthusiastic when, in an effort to integrate with West Berlin, officials began removing the classic little hat-wearing figure that told pedestrians when and when not to cross the street. Almost obliterated, he is now a highly popular figure who has been immortalized in souvenirs and city art pieces. 2. The Boxing Kangaroo; Australia Meant to reflect the physique and fighting technique of Australia's huge kangaroo population, the Boxing Kangaroo has symbolized the country since the 19th century. Considered a symbol of strength and might it was adopted by the country's Air Force and Navy during World War II. |
Top 10 Unusual Things to Do at the Airport
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It's hard to believe there was a time when the most exciting thing a traveler could do at the airport was pop a couple of coins into a television and settle in for a few hours of whatever happened to be on at the moment. Those days are long gone with airports now offering travelers more activities than some cruise lines. Here the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com offer their suggestions for some of the more unexpected options out there. 1. Get schooled on falconry; Moscow Domodedovo Airport, serving Moscow, Russia In an effort to prevent accidents like the one that made Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger a national hero in 2009, many airports use old-school falconry to ward off dangerous birds. Moscow's Domodedovo Airport offers demonstrations to visiting children and their parents. 2. Deal with your fear of flying; Gatwick Airport, serving London, U.K. From explaining the mechanics of turbulence to dealing with psychological issues like claustrophobia, Virgin Atlantic's classes cover everything and even include an actual flight. Participants not only leave with peace of mind, but a Richard Branson-signed certificate. |
World's Top 10 Eccentric Constructions
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Sightseeing isn't always about the Empire State Building or the Eiffel Tower. For a less mainstream selection of great structures to see, here's a list of the world's "Top 10 Eccentric Constructions." Whether the result of creativity, guilt, gratitude, or just proximity to the local dump, these (mostly) accidental structures are not to be missed. Virtual Tourist's Giampiero Ambrosi explains the list's significance: "Aside from the sheer inventiveness of these sites, it's even more amazing to consider that many were constructed by just one person over the course of decades." 1. Watts Towers of Simon Rodia, Los Angeles, Calif. It took Italian immigrant Simon "Sam" Rodia more than 30 years to finish the towering masterpiece that has become a symbol of the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and the granddaddy of eccentric construction. Watts Towers, as it's colloquially known, is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a major tourist attraction. 2. Facteur Cheval, Hauterives, France Talk about going postal. This French mail carrier spent 33 years creating this temple-like structure and was often said to remind visitors of an amateur Gaudi. |
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