Wonderland Express

Chicago beckons with holiday events galore, from ice skating in Millennium Park to Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland. But no tradition excites kids (and the young at heart) more than the miniature trains that chug through the Chicago Botanic Garden during the annual Wonderland Express event. Read More »

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water… it’s another round of Travel Around the Internet! (no sharks were harmed in the writing of this post).

Here’s how it works. We look at stuff on the internet and then tell you about it. It saves you time and keeps us from working too hard. it’s a win-win!

If you would like to see your travel-related link featured on UpTake contact us via the Editor’s email link in the right sidebar. We’ve also been known to Twitter.

And here we go:

GQ’s guide to Seattle isn’t really just for men.

Marc and Angel Hack Life share 54 lessons from 14 years of travel.

Frommer’s ranks some hotel rooftop bars, because they found a way to get paid to drink. Well played, Frommer’s.

USA Today thinks people won’t travel this Labor Day.

National Geographic lists 20 places in the U.S. to see animals FOR FREE (not counting your neighborhood park).

Lonely Planet talks destinations and desserts.

MSNBC reports that Irene cracked the Washington Monument.

Time, says Gadling, stands still in Texas (something I’ve often suspected).

Hurricane season is hurting cruises at CNNTravel.

New roller coasters on deck for 2012 at Jaunted.

BootsnAll lists 12 of the best train rides in the world.

CBS:Best of L.A. walks you through the Dinosaur Hall.

The Disney Blog reports on the expanding kingdom of Adventures by Disney.

And that concludes this week’s installment of Travel Around the Internet. Please note that opinions here are those of the editor and not necessarily those of UpTake, although they should be. I’ve got good opinions.

Travel well!

The easy joke here is about art finally going to the dogs, so that’s what I’m using. I don’t think that the canine world has made such a big impression on art since Dogs Playing Poker changed the game forever.

This, my friends, is public art at its finest. It captures all that we know and love. There is the dog, aka, man’s best friend. There is the dog walker peering off far into the distance. What does he see? What is out there? Cats? Hoodlums? The ladies? That is up to you, the art lover.

Now you have to guess where this contribution to highbrow sculpture is located. I’ll give you a hint, it’s somewhere in this world (but not the United States).  Here are more hints: Read More »

I have a bone to pick with Alaska Airlines, and lucky for me I have the platform to do it. This may or may not be lucky for you. Humor me.

To be fair, I’ve always been a fan of Alaska. Over the past 10 years I’ve spent a lot of time flying in and out of Seattle and often Alaska Airlines has provided the best deal available. I’m budget savvy, what can I say?

In addition to affordable (relative) airfare I’ve also enjoyed their customer service. Just last summer when my family and I were flying to Orlando there was a mix-up with our tickets (between Alaska and a partner airline) which, frankly, freaked us out. The Alaska Airlines rep stayed cool and calm and made everything right. It was the first real moment of relaxation on a great family vacation.

My point? Alaska Airlines has always done right by me. Until now. Read More »