Word Travels Forum Round-Up #36

Welcome to Monday at the WT Blog! You may have noticed we look a little different this week. We're trying out a new design with a fresh feel to give you a better idea of what's been happening in the world of travel. Let us know in the comments what you think!

In the meantime, we're keeping it consistent with the usual Monday forum round-up. Here are a few of the hottest topics on our forum boards:

Honeymoon in Cuba

Safe to swim in Cape Town?

Schengen visa expiry

Port El Kantaoui

If you've got a question, you can ask it yourself by signing up for the Word Travels forum! It's free to join, and you'll get access to our local experts and tour operators who are waiting to assist you in planning your dream holiday!

Image from here.

Cape Town and New York City iPhone Travel Apps

The Word Travels monkeys have been hard at work and now we've got some exciting news:

We've just launched new iPhone travel apps with detailed interactive guides for two of our favourite cities: Cape Town and New York City!

The apps take all the best information from our travel guides and put it in a handy format so you can access it quickly and easily while you're on the go; including visa information, airport guides, attractions, excursions, restaurants and nightlife, and shopping and transportation info.

Interactive maps allow you to navigate the city easily, and pull up information on all the great things to see and do in Cape Town and New York.

The apps are available for download here.

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #32

Another week goes by, meaning the forum boards are lit up with travel questions from would-be explorers! Here are some of the most interesting discussions from this week:

Hawaii weather in December

How safe is Cape Town?

Visas for Ethiopia

Travel safety in Egypt

New Zealand travel questions

Don't forget that you can ask your own questions and get answers from local experts at the Word Travels travel forum!

Image by David Goehring.

5 Controversial Kinds of Travel

Most of us travel for the same reasons: to see a new place, relax and unwind, or do something that we enjoy. But in the 21st century, with any worldwide destination no more than a day's journey away, people are travelling for entirely new reasons. Some of these are quite controversial, and come under fire from various groups.

We've compiled a list of five controversial kinds of travel that for the most part didn't exist last century. Here they are:

Medical Tourism - Sure, buses of pensioners head from the US to Canada to get cheaper medicine, but would you go abroad for a major procedure? One of the most popular kinds of medical tourism is plastic surgery: those with the cash can hop on a plane, spend a month relaxing in a resort, and come home with a tan and a new nose!

Controversy: It's hard to gauge the quality of facilities in other countries, and there are horror stories floating around of scam artists in back-alley clinics using unsafe equipment and techniques.

Medical tourism destinations: Belgium, South Africa, Mexico

Dark Tourism - Also called 'black' tourism or grief tourism, Dark Tourism involves travel to places that are associated with death and suffering. Well-known examples include former Nazi concentration camps, Chernobyl, and gruesome attractions like the London Dungeons.

Controversy: While most people agree that it is important to remember atrocities and genocides in order to ensure they never happen again, some argue that promoting them as tourism destinations glamorises violence.

Dark tourism destinations: Germany, Ukraine, Cambodia, Rwanda

Voluntourism - While many of us choose to use our vacation time to relax or visit family, some are opting to donate their time to charity and volunteer with charities or non-profits as they holiday in exotic destinations. Volunteers pay their own way, but spend part or all of their holiday working with conservation groups or aid organisations.

Controversy: While there is a definite 'feel good' aspect to voluntourism, many argue that a steady stream of unskilled volunteer labour denies jobs to locals and benefits poor communities less than funding skilled, long-term workers.

Voluntourism destinations: Brazil, Tanzania, Malaysia

Suicide Tourism - In most countries euthanasia is illegal, so some people with terminal illnesses opt to travel to countries that allow the practise to end their lives legally and painlessly. While there are infamous places that attract high numbers of suicides (the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Aokigahara Forest in Japan, for example), suicide tourism is focused on assisted suicide.

Controversy: The controversy over the practise of assisted suicide is hotly debated in many countries.

Suicide tourism destinations: Switzerland, Belgium, Cambodia, Oregon

Antitourism - Some people just don't like to be told where they can't go. In fact, a small number of travellers find a thrill in going to places that they shouldn't, that no one else will visit. The State Department's Travel Warning list reads like a bucket list to these adventurers. Also known as 'macho' tourism, antitourists purposefully seek out dangerous destinations for unique experiences and bragging rights.

Controversy: There's an obvious danger factor, and many consider antitourism unnecessarily reckless. Adventurous travellers who get into trouble cost government money and resources to assist.

Antitourism destinations: North Korea, Bahrain, Iran

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #25

It's time for the Word Travels Forum Round-up! There's been a lot of activity on our forums this week, and here are the most interesting topics under discussion:

Online Travel and Love Scams

Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand Itinerary

Is Cape Town Safe?

Travelling with Kids in Madrid

Remember you can ask your own travel question on the forum, and get answers from local experts in your destination!

Top 5 Biggest Shopping Malls

No matter how many economic downturns and recessions the world faces, there will always be people ready to shop. There are dozens of mega-malls scattered across the globe, with newer, bigger ones being built each year.

These may not be the biggest in terms of of square footage, but they are up among the top and definitely worth visiting if you're in the country. Here's a list of our top 5 biggest shopping malls around the world:

United States: Mall of America

The most famous mall in the US, the Mall of America in Minnesota augments more than 400 shops with an indoor amusement park, walk-through aquarium, bowling alley, movie theatres, bars and nightclubs, countless restaurants, and many other family attractions.

United Arab Emirates: Dubai Mall

Shopping in Dubai is a major activity, and the place to go is the Dubai Mall, which boasts a skating rink, water park, and more. Part of the 20-billion-dollar Burj Khalifa complex, which includes a whopping 1,200 shops. A great way to beat the heat in sunny Dubai.

Canada: West Edmonton Mall

The largest mall in Canada (and North America), the West Edmonton Mall is located in Edmonton, Alberta. With an amusement park, water park, skating rink, recreation centre, adventure golf, movie theatres, restaurants, bars, and many other attractions in addition to its 800+ shops, it's the biggest attraction in Edmonton.

China: Golden Resources Shopping Mall

China has been building mega-malls left and right, but the biggest is the Golden Resources Shopping Mall in Beijing. Nicknamed the 'Great Mall of China', the shopping centre draws millions of visitors each year with attractions like a skating rink, restaurants, and more than 1,000 shops.

South Africa: Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Few visitors to South Africa would think of Durban as a shopping destination, but Gateway and its more than 400 shops would disagree. In addition to shops, restaurants and bars, the mall offers a live theatre, IMAX cinema, skate park, indoor climbing wall, go-karts, arcade, bowling alley, small indoor amusement park, the world's tallest indoor climbing wall, and the Flo-Rider man-made surfing wave.

Photo from here.

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #21

Happy May Day! As spring makes its way through the northern hemisphere, here are the travel topics people are discussing on our forum this week:

A week in Norway

Theme parks in California

Best time to travel to Thailand

Religious brainwashing on Intercape buses

If these aren't the answers you need, search our travel forum for posts related to your next destination!

Travel Movie: Invictus

You could argue that it's more of a sports movie than a travel movie, but Clint Eastwood's 2009 feel-good epic Invictus manages to capture just a little of the beauty of South Africa in its swooping shots of Cape Town and Table Mountain.

In Cape Town it's hard to avoid spectacular views, whether on or off the sports field!

One of the most poignant scenes involves a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned for so many years. Nearly 4,000 people per day take this same tour, and it is currently one of South Africa's top attractions.

If you want to recreate the Invictus experience, take a township tour and see children playing football and rugby, climb Table Mountain and enjoy the view, take in a rugby game at Newlands Stadium, and don't forget to have a beer at Ferryman's Tavern at the V&A Waterfront afterwards to celebrate!

Top 5 Most Romantic Cities (that aren't Paris)

Paris, Paris, Paris... when romantic cities are the topic that's all you ever hear about! But there's more to romance than the Eiffel Tower.

We put together a list of the top 5 most romantic cities in the world, but it could easily have been 10, or even 20. The truth is, there's romance everywhere! Here are a few of our favourites, and if we missed any, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Buenos Aires

The fiery excitement of the tango is enough to awaken anyone's passion, whether formally on the grand stage of the Teatro Colon or spontaneously on the streets of the Plaza Dorrego. The nightlife in Buenos Aires sizzles with live music and dancing, and makes a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking to spark the romance in their relationship.

Cape Town

South Africa's most chic city brings European-style elegance to the wilds of Africa. Whether your taking a sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront, having dinner on top of Table Mountain, sharing a picnic on the beach, or sampling local vintages in the Cape winelands, Cape Town offers no end of romantic activities for couples.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh blends the old and the new, with sleek and modern restaurants next to quaint pubs, and fashionable shopping areas in the shadow of ancient castles. A simple stroll down the scenic Royal Mile can be a romantic way to spend an hour, and any man working up the courage to pop the question can take strength in the excellent whisky!

New York City

While it may seem a bit cliche, New York City offers everything you need for a romantic holiday. Do the classics like a carriage ride in Central Park, ice skating at Rockefellar Center, and playing games on the midway at the Coney Island Amusement Park. Watch the sun set from the top of the Empire State Building, and take in a Broadway show before dinner at some of the world's top restaurants.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, with mountaintop cities overlooking sparkling the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. Sample wines at the local vineyards, lounge on the picturesque beaches, or stroll through the towns and have a candlelit dinner in a tiny family restaurant. Whatever you do, it's easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

(Pssst! For the low-down on Paris, check this post!)

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #08

It's round-up time! Here are the questions people are asking in the world of travel this week:

Getting Around Dubai Airport

Solo Female Traveller in South Africa

Planning a Trip to Italy

Not the info you need? Ask our experts!

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #07

It's round-up time! Here are the most popular travel questions of the week:

Nigerian Scams

South Korea Weather

Dublin Travel Advice

Bringing Food into South Africa

If you have any questions, be sure to ask our local experts on the WT Forum!

Win a stay at Kapama Game Reserve!

Okay South Africans, this one is for you:

Amarula is giving away a 3-night stay at the Kapama Game Reserve near Hoedspruit. All you have to do is send them a picture of your best sunset!

For more info or to enter, visit their website.

Top 5 Cities for New Year’s Eve Parties

For many people, the New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City are the beginning and end of the story. But there are a number of cities around the world that give the Big Apple a run for her money when ringing in the new year. Here are some of our favourite New Year's Eve parties worldwide:

Rio de Janeiro

Brazilians know how to party, and Rio's New Year (Reveillon) celebrations are ranked among the world's biggest extravaganzas. Over two million people head to Copacabana Beach, where revellers in white throw flowers into the sea to mark the passing of the year. There are massive fireworks displays, music concerts, dancing and parties everywhere you look.

Goa

Goa’s beachfront trance parties are somewhat legendary in the worldwide party community. Dancers with a lot of stamina groove to psychedelic music under the stars, and may catch a glimpse of famous Bollywood stars as well. Try a glass a fenny, an alcoholic drink made from guava, coconut or cashew nuts.

Prague

Prague's Christmas celebrations continue full-tilt into the new year, with Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square serving up hot food and drinks. You can choose between the elegant New Year's Eve gala ball at the Prague State Opera, or the more rowdy parties in any of the city's bars and pubs. Don't forget to watch the spectacular fireworks displays from Charles Bridge.

Reykjavik

Known to some as the 'party capital of the north', Reykjavik really lets loose on New Year's Eve. Icelandic fireworks laws are relaxed for a few days, meaning anyone can set off their own display and the skies are constantly lit up with bright-coloured light flowers, against a backdrop of the spectacular Northern Lights. Other than that, you may encounter friendly bonfires where stories are told, songs are sung, and drinks are shared.

Cape Town

Thousands of minstrels take to the streets in a dazzling display of colourful satin uniforms, shiny parasols, painted faces and foot-tapping banjo tunes that accompany the traditional Cape Malay folk songs. The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival begins in the new year and the festivities continue into January with extravagant street parades; singing, dancing, costume competitions and marches through the streets from the central city area of District Six.

Win a Trip to South Africa!

It's Free Stuff Friday, and this week we're going wild!

Maybe you missed the World Cup, but you can still see South Africa! South African Airways is giving away two round-trip tickets from the US to SA via their Facebook page.

Enter now and there may be elephants in your mirror in the near future...

Top 5 Christmas Markets

It's the holiday season, and we've taken a look at the best Christmas markets from around the world! Here are our favourites:

USA: Bryant Park Holiday Market (New York City)

This pretty park in New York City is bound to put you in the holiday mood. Situated around a large ice skating rink, there are lots of activities for kids including magicians, carriage rides, a reading area and carousel. A 50-foot Christmas tree lit by 30,000 lights adds to the holiday spirit. The market is open 11am-8pm Monday to Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday, and 10am-6pm Sunday through January 2nd.

Germany: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Though Germany is famous for its abundance of Christmas markets, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has accumulated over 400 years of experience and now draws visitors from all over the globe. The Old Town is saturated in Christmas spirit with lights and decorations, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air. The children’s area even features a steam-powered merry-go-round! The market runs 9:30am-8pm Monday to Thursday, 9:30am-10pm Friday and Saturday, and 10:30am-8pm Sunday through December 24th.

Czech Republic: Prague Christmas Markets

It’s hard to choose just one Christmas market in Prague, as the city boasts four festive areas within walking distance of each other! The markets at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky offer life-sized nativities, carol singing, children’s entertainment and hot food and drinks to warm you as you browse the stalls! The markets run daily throughout December.

South Africa: Adderley Street Night Market (Cape Town)

Cape Town’s famous flower market in the heart of the downtown area blooms with holiday cheer with the addition of hundreds of stalls filled with gifts and goodies of all kinds. The Adderley Street Night Market has entertainment for the whole family including magicians, face painters, trapeze artists and live music. The market is open from 6:30-11:30pm December 17th through 30th.

France: Noel a Lille

One of France’s most popular holiday markets, the Noel a Lille draws nearly a million people every year due to Lille's location on the Eurostar rail line. Along with the sumptuous decorations (including an 18 metre Christmas tree) and the sound of Christmas carols, the market boasts a 50 metre ferris wheel where you can get the best views of the city. The market is open 11am-8pm Sunday to Thursday, and 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday through December 30th.

Joburg Events Guide

If you find yourself in Johannesburg and don't know what to do, then don't despair! This great site has the best collection of event listings for the city, along with articles and reviews to give you an insider's look at South Africa's busiest city!

Visit Joburg Live to check it out!

Word Travels Forum Round-Up #03

Here are the hottest topics burning up our travel forum right now:

Thailand Itinerary Ideas

Bahrain Visa Requirements

Travel Safety in Mexico

Is it Safe to Travel in South Africa?

Why not take advantage of our network of experts to ask your own questions?