User Photo of the Day: 1/29

God save the village green: Our own Chelsey L. could see for miles (kilometres?) atop hilly green Ireland -- click the photo to get even closer to the action. Check out some more fantastic photos of Ireland at Where I've Been.

User Photo of the Day: 1/28

 "Footsteps of the trees": User Cornelia M. treats us to a vivid portrait of Mundubbera, Queensland, Australia, a gorgeous green shire town famed for its citrus fruits and landscapes.

Be sure to check out more of Cornelia's lovely photos of Mundubbera at Where I've Been.

Five Overlooked European Cities To Visit In 2010

Europe has the ability to charm the pants off of anyone with any old-world sensibilities. Much of the fanfare lies with its oft-touted monolithic metropolises, which tend to leave your average bloke starry-eyed -- either a positive or a negative reaction depending on your preferences.

Europe is rife with towns that overflow with continental character and history -- but not necessarily with tourists. According to this list from Euromonitor, London raked in over 15 million tourists in 2007, with Paris clocking in at 10 million and contemporaries like Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam not far behind. The numbers speak to each city's splendor; but then, there are cities that sit on the periphery of many Europe itineraries that quietly woo their choice few visitors. We've narrowed down a few of these more overlooked cities and why they may woo you too, whether you're seeking a respite from the bustle of the bigger cities or explicitly seeking a slower, more quaint trip to Europe. And believe us: It's but a bizarre coincidence these beloved boroughs all happen to begin with "B."


Bordeaux, France (I've been here / I want to go here)
Total tourist traffic, 2007: 195,000

Bordeaux has been synonymous with vin for centuries, and why not? It ships 850 million bottles a year from 13,000 grape farmers, with some of its treasured vintage reds easily reaching the pricetag of your average compact car. As a culinary destination, Bordeaux remains top shelf.

But the port city has much more to offer than stomping grounds for grape connoisseurs. Like Bucharest, Bordeaux is sometimes slapped with the convenient "Little Paris" moniker, which may have instilled in Bordeaux the "cool older brother / sister" complex. It's slightly unfair to compare the two, but Bordeaux does contain praised Parisian attributes with its own charming twists. As a university town containing over 60,000 students, the injection of youth into the old-world mystique lends to Bordeaux's overall vibrance. The UNESCO-approved historic downtown, replete with walkable streets that lead to both chic boutiques and cheap, hip marketplaces (like on Rue Ste. Catherine), has received an overdue facelift in the past decade. Classic eighteenth-century architecture, such as the lovely riverside monument Esplanade des Quinconces (image left), rests comfortably among the avant-garde, like Le Garage Moderne, a massive multi-purpose building and nifty co-op that houses vehicles refashioned into modern art pieces, while hosting car and bike mechanics who not only can fix your machine but teach you how to do it yourself.

With news that low tourism turnout has restauranteurs in a heated low-price battle, there may not be a better time to experience Bordeaux.

Bologna, Italy (I've been here / I want to go here)
Total tourist traffic, 2007: 279,000

Critical reception doesn't always translate into traffic. Such is the case with Bologna, who took the lofty reins as the 2000 European Capital of Culture, but whose tourism numbers still don't necessarily reflect its quality. Are North Americans subliminally associating the city with low-quality sandwich meat? Let's hope not.

Like Bordeaux, Bologna has been a college town for centuries (since 1088, to be exact), and its learned, youthful demographic ensures things stay fresh amongst the typically staunch Italian traditions (despite the students, the average resident's age is 51). Its medieval spirit is remarkably preserved; the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca has remained atop Monte della Guardia in some form since 1194, its current Baroque style hoisting 666 arches, and the city's trademark Two Towers (right) still lean proudly despite the shadow of Pisa. And the food -- good gracious, the food. The famous spaghetti bolognese usually features hearty beef and pancetta in light red sauce. Tortellini was also invented here, and you're best served to try the native version, as well as the city's specialty sausages and cheeses. In a country rife with cultural centers, Bologna remains one of its finest -- no matter how you slice it.

Bilbao, Spain (I've been here / I want to go here)
Total tourist traffic, 2007: 230,000

The Guggenheim Museum (entrance pictured below), built in 1997 by Frank Gehry, is a jarring piece of modern architecture and is a must-see in any trip to Bilbao, Spain. It's symbolic of the hilly-green city's recent re-invention from industrial capital to modern attraction.

"Basque Country" is an apt title for the Spanish region, as it essentially functions as its own nation. Tapas becomes "pintxos," a local blend of seafood like cod and shrimp. Its beaches may not be as scenic as Barcelona's, but its nightlife, especially in the Indautxu area, bumps and grinds in equal fervor. Speaking of fervor: The Basque people have roused nationalist tension in the past, but Bilbao is pretty much as safe as you can get. All its idiosyncrasies make Bilbao a lovable underdog and an excellent alternative to its big neighbors.

Bern, Switzerland (I've been here / I want to go here)
Total tourist traffic, 2007: 203,000

Few towns are lucky enough to boast a true mascot, and even fewer can boast one that doesn't involve a giant head made out of foam. Since the 12th century, Bern, the capital of Switzerland, has championed the bear as its emblem, and a pen of bears has been maintained at the city's expense for hundreds of years and, like any zoo with potentially dangerous creatures, through a few bouts of man vs. beast (warning: slightly unsettling photos). Bear maulings be damned: Tradition holds sway.

Like much in Switzerland, tradition remains a defining characteristic of Bern. Couple that with characteristic Swiss efficiency and you have the expertly-arranged (and gorgeous) downtown Bern, easily walkable and awash with old-world red-brick architecture and great museums. After taking in the newly-renovated Bear Park, find your way to Einstein's old flat, now acting as a museum chronicling his early discoveries, and then to the town centerpiece, the Zytglogge clock tower, which essentially acts as a freakishly large cuckoo clock complete with mechanical dancers and jesters performing on the hour. Bern may not have the size of the typical capital city, but it certainly has the heart of one.

Bucharest, Romania (I've been here / I want to go here)
Total tourist traffic, 2007: 1.07 m

History hasn't been too kind to Bucharest, but its resilience is proof of its greatness. And travelers have responded in growing numbers.

Since losing old buildings to natural disasters and Allied bombings in World War II, Bucharest has re-emerged to lay claim to its old moniker "The Paris of the East." They even have a massive Arch of Triumph (Arcun de Triumf) in the northern part of the city, which sits at the foot of a boulevard of shops and attractions wider than the Champs Elysees, despite the Arcun standing a bit smaller than its Parisian counterpart. The infamous Revolution Square marked an important turning point as the site where Communism began to crumble, and its landmark value is accented by its proximity to the National Art Museum. And with the uptick in bloodthirsty vampire fanaticism, Bucharest might head to the top of many dream itineraries as the former home to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. More incentive -- get there before the Twilight masses!

(By the way -- like so many in Europe, all five of the cities mentioned happen to be Air France destinations. Hop on an upcoming flight and sink into the brand new, state-of-the-art Premium Voyageur Seat.) 

(img credits: lessi2306, iMaffo, dalbera, Tambako the Jaguar)

User Photo of the Day: 1/25

Room with a view: User Lucas P. gives us a dose of life in prime ski property over Villa la Angostura, Argentina.

Catch some more glimpses of the lovely Argentina countryside at Where I've Been.

German Translators: We need your help!

UPDATE 1/25: Thanks to everyone for their willingness to help! We were able to take care of this project swiftly. Stay tuned to the blog for any more opportunities that may arise. Cheers.

A while back we posted an open call for translators of the Where I've Been application, and it was a great success -- the full scope of their work will be available very soon. But now we have a more specific request: A German translator for our upcoming iPhone and Android app.

It's a quick job that should take only 1-2 hours, but we could use your help! We will pay you for your work.

If you think you can help, e-mail eddie@whereivebeen.com with a brief bit of your background experience and your desired compensation. Thanks!

User Photo of the Day: 1/21

Winter wünderland: Not a postcard, but might as well be. Chiara R. grabs a gorgeous photo of snow-blanketed Austria.
It's ski season -- get inspired and check out some more winter pics of Austria at Where I've Been.

Five Gorgeous Road Trips To Take In 2010

Never-ending panoramic views of the sunset as it slowly descends into the sea. Treks through the tundra as caribou graze off the highway. Kitschy curbside stores that seem to have appeared out of thin air. Gas station hot dogs that have rotated for days.

Fewer Americans traveled abroad last year, but that hasn't stopped traveling altogether. Road trippin' brings imagery and scenery that you simply can't get in Seat 12B 10,000 feet from the ground or even from the rigid route of the cross-country train (unless trains now sell greasy rotisserie hot dogs). Drive the winding highways long enough and one can fully comprehend the intricate greatness of a country's makeup, whether you're among icy-road truckers fishtailing in Alaska or admiring the Amalfi Coast sunset in Italy.

January / February
Dalton Highway, Alaska Route 11
Starting point: Fairbanks, AK

If there's ever a site to inspire and glamorize the trucker lifestyle, it's probably Dalton Highway, a 414-mile stretch of jagged rocks, aspen trees and icy scenery that runs along with the Alaska oil pipeline. Truckers have fishtailed their way through the winding passes and semi-steep grades for years, their rugged trailblazing giving way to nicknamed features like "The Rollercoaster," "The Oil Spill" and "Beaver Slide." The fact is that not many people other than truckers ride this desolate stretch of highway daily, as seen in season 3 of the History Channel program Ice Road Truckers. The difference for our purposes is that an average schmo not lugging 2 tons of weight behind them can make the Dalton Highway into one of the most authentic Alaska adventures available, winding through the tiny towns of Deadhorse, Wiseman and Coldfoot and catching unforgettable images of the wildlife at roadside.

If you're interested in planning an expedition, Alaska is offering to ship state guidebooks completely free, too. Why not?

March / April
Amalfi Coast
Starting point: Positano, ITA

So much ink and paint has been spilled trying to capture the splendor of the Amalfi Coast (left) that you may feel like you've seen it already (John Steinbeck's "Positano" is a fine example). But no one snapshot can compare to riding a car or scooter and understanding the full scope of the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, west Italy, where you can see for yourself each angle of the sun as it glistens off the water and works its stuff against the nearby cliffs. Along the way, quaint, classic Italian towns like Sorrento and Amalfi offer lovely boutiques, classic churches and fantastic pizza. And if you can, make your way a bit east to experience the humanity and eeriness of Pompeii, the city buried in ash by nearby Mt. Vesuvius so many years ago.


June / July
Route 1 - Big Sur Coast Highway, California

We've covered this area's jaw-dropping beauty before, but some things bear repeating. Car rides don't get much more engaging than what is afforded to a passenger along Route 1, which might be America's nominee to rival Amalfi as the most stunning coastal highway trip. The 100-mile stretch is stacked to the gills with cypress trees, cliffs and Pacific water that constantly raps at the shore; don't hesitate to stop, kick up the feet and admire the goods every few miles. You can take in the whole thing easily in one day after your trip to San Francisco, but if you're looking to settle down in an almost impossibly peaceful natural setting, resorts along the way like Treebones aim to pamper, soothe and serve as fine sites to unwind and take in the sights, as our recent $500 Mobile Giveaway winner was fortunate to experience.

September
Ozarks, Arkansas
Starting point: Ozark Folk Center

Flip your Arkansas quarter and you'll notice the giant gem amongst some wildlife. It signifies not only the state's preponderance of quartz and precious rocks (including a diamond mine with a finders-keepers policy), but its standing as an underrated gem of wildlife in the Midwest, featuring over 600,000 acres of natural lakes. Start your circular trip at Ozark Folk Center State Park and take in what herds of Harley riders have treated themselves to for decades without much competition: Gorgeous deciduous forest, lakes and rivers stocked with trout like Bull Shoals, and the folksy charm of its local, historic small towns along the way. Fall might be the finest time to appreciate the Ozarks, but it can be appreciated any time from March to October when the weather's mild to warm.

September / October
Hudson Valley

If you're one of those old souls taken by the transition of seasons -- particularly the romantic, dramatic change of a hot summer to a colorful, mild autumn -- the Hudson Valley in upstate New York (first pictured above) might offer the most arrestingly beautiful fall countryside. Take in New York City for a day or two, then pack a car to the Valley, where the Catskill Mountains flourish with orange, red and yellow trees. Along the way, educate yourself on the Dutch background of the area and arrange pit stops at the Valley's various mansions along the way. If you've got the time, hike through the foliage at Bear Mountain National Park.

(Photos above: SpecialKRB, Clinton Steeds, Jimmy Harris)

User Photo of the Day: 1/14

The Wright Stuff: User Jinny R. snapped a nice profile shot of the Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple. The storied architect built this temple in Oak Park, IL, starting in 1905 and completing it in 1908.

Tout Your Pet And Win $250 In Jet My Pet Giveaway

UPDATE: We've announced a winner! Twitterer Ron, aka flt23, has just earned his pet Bella Mae a $250 credit to become a pawsenger with Pet Airways! Congratulations to Ron and major thanks to everyone who participated.

Cheers,

The Where I've Been team

-- end update --

TUESDAY, JAN. 12: Unless you own an extremely obedient messenger pigeon, you know that pets and flying long distances often make for a risky combination. Loyal dog and cat owners are beholden to strict travel rules that don't necessarily ensure the safety or comfort of their pets, and the hassle of taking a pet on a long trip often makes the situation something worth avoiding altogether.

We're giving you the chance to win a $250 voucher, courtesy of Pet Airways, to fly your furry friend across the United States!

To enter, all you have to do is:

• Follow @whereivebeen on Twitter, and @PetAirways too.
• Re-tweet the following message as stated: Tweet your pet's name to win $250 @PetAirways credit. Follow us & RT this msg http://su.pr/2TnB53 #jetmypet--In front of the re-tweeted message, enter your pet's name.
  
• For example:
• "Fido! RT @whereivebeen: Tweet your pet's name to win $250 @PetAirways credit. Follow us & RT this msg http://su.pr/2TnB53 #jetmypet"
• Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions of the contest.
  

The winner will be announced on the @whereivebeen Twitter page on Wednesday, January 13th 2010. If you are selected as the winner, make sure you Direct Message [DM] us, @whereivebeen, within 24 hours after contest ends. In your DM, include your real name and email address.

To qualify, all entries must be received between the hours of 9:00am CT on Tuesday, January 12th to 9:00pm. CST on Wednesday, January 13th 2010. Limited to one [1] entry per person/Twitter address.

photo credit: Patrick Breen

Pet-Friendly Locales

It's not always easy being man's best friend. Furry and four legs means you're subject to man's rules, no matter how good of friends you might happen to be; some friends are better than others. (Though it's still up for debate whether the act of clothing our pups and cats makes man a great friend or a lousy one. Paging Doc Doolittle.)

To this end, quite a few places exist where pets are put on the pedestal (aside from the AKC Dog Shows on ESPN, of course). If you plan on traveling with a dog and want to pamper the lil feller, we recommend taking a gander at WagWorld and DogFriendly if you haven't already. They're comprehensive databases that map out all that is canine-welcoming in your area, and they're excellent tools. Here are some of our favorite pet-friendly locales (dog-friendly being the majority, though cat and iguana owners still have a special place):

PHOENIX, AZ

Many dog parks can boast spaciousness, but many contain not much more than grass and cement within that space. Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, AZ has earned high marks for years (including Best Overall Dog Park by Dog Fancy) for its variety of available activities, boasting a complex obstacle course and agility area, a dog beach and artificial dog lake, all over four acres of spread-out, well-kept land. While the place has gotten understandably crowded over the years, it is lauded for its fenced off grassy areas that provide refuge for smaller pups that don't mix well in such a populated environment. Cosmo sets the standard for superb dog destinations, and it's just a quick drive from Phoenix.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

The beautiful landscapes abundant around Colorado Springs vault the city to the top tier. The gorgeous hikes accented by the nearby mountains make this area pretty can't-miss for nature-lovers. One place to check out would be Garden of the Gods Park, packed with pathways and sandstone structures that make for an exciting walk. And now that snow season is kicked into gear, consider a drive a bit north to Frisco, stay at the pet-friendly Ramada Limited Frisco and hit up one of the snow shoe trails for some active time with your dog. Take a day trip from Frisco to nearby Breckenridge for some excellent skiing and come home to your pup.

NEW YORK, NY

If there's ever a place to pamper anyone, let alone your pet, it would only make sense that it'd be the Big Apple. And true to the city's grandiose predilections, the amount of pet fashion boutiques and high-end miscellany will evoke either high praise or a particularly pronounced eyeroll. At the Bouchon Bakery in Time Warner Center, refined pups can enjoy biscuits infused with foie gras. World-class hotels like the SoHo Grand, who pamper your pets with treats and doggie day care for no extra charge. And some of the scenic walks make the trip worth it regardless of your spending habits.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Few walks rival the one afforded by the Golden Gate Bridge. San Fran takes a page from New York, wherein a nice chunk of luxury hotels are especially pet-welcoming. If you've had enough of the big city bustle, head downstate a couple hours to Carmel, host of a lovely mix of old-fashioned rustic lodges and hotels welcoming to dogs adjacent to some sizeable nature trails and a few dog-friendly beaches.

User Photo of the Day: 1/8

Yes we cannon: User Faizah F. helps us get a dose of life as a cannon attendant in China.
Check out some more inspiring photos of China at Where I've Been.

User Photo of the Day: 1/7

Nautical sunset: Our very own Kristy P. caught the sun hiding in Mallory Square, Key West, Florida.
Catch some more gorgeous photos of sunsets in Florida at Where I've Been.

2010 Bloggie Awards

Dig what the Where I've Been blog threw atcha in '09? Why not show us a little love?

The 2010 Bloggie Awards honors the best weblogs in various categories, and we'd be honored if you gave us a shout in the Travel category. Head over to their nomination page to give us a vote and we'll repay you with e-hugs, the only true currency of the interweb.

Travel Tuesday Roundtable: Where Would You Study Abroad?

Sevilla, Spain by Elmien T.

"Anyone can tour, but few can immerse themselves."

If you're a student, you may have heard variations on that sentence countless times from overenthusiastic counselors or kooky older relatives. These oldsters know what they're talking about -- time has already passed them by. Time coupled with youth is a gift that a person receives only once in their lives, and past a certain age, the typical person often realizes that without this gift of time, touring is the only option -- the opportunity for immersion grows more difficult as work and family consume the day-to-day experience. Which is why studying abroad for a season is an experience that, given the chance, everyone should jump upon.

So maybe you're convinced studying abroad is on your horizon, but where do you start? Our Travel Tuesday community has you covered. Whether they're students planning their trip, cosmopolitans fresh from their recent study abroad voyage or weathered travelers hoping to live vicariously through younger counterparts with the gift of time, they're overflowing with insight on the best study abroad destinations.

Where did you study abroad, and do you recommend it? Got any advice or questions? Feel free to join the discussion below.

Where we've been / would like to go, given the opportunity:

bville4 I wouldn't change places. San Sebastian, Spain is heaven on earth for me.
mircorp I had the most amazing year of my life studying abroad at Oxford University. I'd do that again if I could.
jhadleyconrad St Andrews in Scotland. Best friend in college studied there, married a Scot. Loves it. Love visiting. Want to move there.
landwlkr I studied abroad in Naples Italy in 1990 at the age of 16. It was loud, chaotic and a little crazy...and I would do it again!
leighfitz I would ABSOLUTELY go back to Sydney. sunny weather, friendly people, hands down best city I've ever been to.
SlowOveralls I went to Ecuador & wouldn't trade it! I would do the joint study abroad and then internship in Chile though...

Parroquia San Pedro, Coquimbo, Chile by Galvarino R.

Chimeratravel I studied in Wollongong, Australia and if I could do it again, I'd still choose there!
DTravelsRound Croatia and Israel. Both remarkable, amazing countries.
johnmill79 I'd like to go somewhere like Sweden, where lots of English is spoken and yet they still have a different kind of culture.
dschavez I'd want 2 study abroad in Japan, even though I wouldn't be able to eat much, or Italy for the family ties. Either way AWESOME.
ReadNEat I'd go study the history of the Arpillera Movement during the Pinochet years in Chile for my Latin American Studies Minor.
ReadNEat I'd then leave Chile and go to Mexico City, to study both the biography and art of Frida Kahlo & the writings of Octavio Paz.
cassieroma would choose Spain. The culture is so rich, I speak the language, and there's just something about the soul of the people.
laureniskeen I would have studied in Spain so I could be immersed in Spanish.
eppyboy I studied abroad in Melbourne but might have considered Thailand, India or Japan if I could do it again.


So how do our #TravelTuesday tweeters stack up against the general populace?

A recent study done by IIE Network looked at the top destinations for U.S. students studying abroad in 2007-08 (yes, a study of students studying). Here are the abridged results:

1. United Kingdom
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. France
5. China
6. Australia
7. Mexico
8. Germany
9. Ireland
10. Costa Rica

Based on the numbers from the IIE Network's 2001 study, China has made a significant leap in U.S. students' interest. In the 2000/2001 school year, 2,942 students trekked to China, while 2007/2008 saw 13,165 students make their way through.

So where would you choose? Quite a few tweeters either seem to have their hearts set on Spain or have cherished their experience there. As someone who cherished their study abroad experienced in Rome, I would probably agree with the Spain fans -- if I could do it again, Spain would be numero uno on my list. A short trip to Madrid and Barcelona left me wanting more.

Looking at the IIE list and the tweets, where would you choose? Where did you choose? How would you advise someone looking to choose where to study abroad?

User Photo of the Day: 1/4

Moment of Reflection: User Vaibhav P. deftly captures a tranquil setting in Srinagar, India.
Check out some more pretty portraits of India at Where I've Been.