Study Abroad: Know Before You Go

Would You Climb This?

This is a public pathway on Mount Hua (Hua Shan) in China. Yes, members of the public can walk on this path, while gripping the chains to make sure they don't fall off. According to Wikipedia, the path has been improved but tourist fatalities still happen regularly.

If you think that's insane, hit this link for pics of other paths at Hua Shan, including a path to the mountaintop restaurant where all meals are free -- if you make it there alive.

No, we will not be doing a study abroad program to Hua Shan any time soon.

High-Speed Rail Gains Traction in Spain

Six million people live between Barcelona and Madrid, a distance of 325 miles. The journey takes 6 hours by car, but now most of those people can take a 186-mph train that reduces journey time to 2 hours and 38 minutes, from city center to city center. The journey is fast, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. The service is transforming travel in Spain, and has implications for the E.U. as well.
Barcelona-Madrid Journal - High-Speed Rail Gains Traction in Spain - NYTimes.com

Women-only lavatory coming to a plane near you

I don't know how I feel about All Nippon Airways' plan to introduce one female-only toilet on its long-haul international flights. On the one hand, I understand the desire to avoid using a bathroom where the previous male may have had *ahem* "poor aim" and left the floor and seat all icky and gross. On the other hand, real estate on a plane is really precious and dedicating an entire toilet to at best 50% of the plane seems like a waste. It'll be interesting to see how this experiment pans out for ANA.

Women-only lavatory

The Mekong River

If you don't have any money to go to Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia, but you've always wanted to go, then hop on board with NPR's Michael Sullivan as he visits these countries along the Mekong River and along the way, speaks with citizens about their worries, concerns and happiness. Extraordinary photos too. Just like being there.

Tokyo for $299?

IACE, a travel agency, is selling $299 roundtrip tickets to Tokyo from any city in the U.S. Tickets are only on sale this Saturday, February 20. With taxes, that works out to about $400. Not a bad way to hit the land of the rising sun!

2/20 One-day Outrageous Sale

A Better Way to Fly?

International travel is tough, especially in the back of the bus. Air NZ is trying to change that, introducing "lie flat" seating in economy, at least for couples or small families traveling together. I think it's innovative and clever, and I think Air NZ will sell each of these seats on every flight it operates.

FDA About to Approve New Jet Lag Drug

There are two problems with jet lag -- sleeping at night and staying awake during the day. For the first problem, there's Ambien and Lunesta. Now, for the second problem, the FDA is considering approving Nuvigil (who thinks of these names?), a drug originally designed to fight narcolepsy.

I'm not sure if I'm willing to try this one. A good night's sleep and a Starbucks at 3 pm works great for me!

Fighting Jet Lag May Help Cephalon Extend Patent on Nuvigil - NYTimes.com

Travel Deals

I love traveling. There's something about leaving the U.S. that gives you a whole new perspective on life and the U.S. itself. Here are some cheap ways to get out of town:

TACA is offering $270 for JFK-LIM. Tempting! Good for many dates in March and April.

Air Bulgaria (www.air.bg) is offering JFK-LHR for $376 all in. These flights are operated by Virgin Atlantic, a fine airline to cross the Atlantic in. Good for many dates in March.

Drop me a line if you know of any other good deals to get out of town, or if you book one of these!