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This week's featured blog is about one of the hemisphere's most remarkable colonial cities: Cartagena, Colombia.

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WHAT'S A TRIPATINI?

Tripatini: \ˈtrɪp əˈti ni\ noun
1. A potent, sophisticated, and memorable cocktail of travel experiences.
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Tripatini Spotlight

Lovely Spam, Wonderful Spam -- Where It All Began

Hey kids, believe it or not, there was spam long before the Internet! And now leaner times have, shall we say , enhanced the appreciation of many for the canned processed pork known as capital-s Spam, churned out by the Hormel company in Austin, Minnesota since 1937 (though in many places the enthusiasm never really went away -- especially in the Asia/Pacific part of the world, where since the 1940's it's even earned an enduring place in local cuisines of places like South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii). It was given a pop-culture boost more recently with the Broadway, West End and road-show success of Monty Python's Spamalot. But fans of mystery meat, kitsch, and Americana can practically roll around in the stuff in Austin's Spam Museum, a seven-year-old multimedia production right across the street from the Hormel factory, a drive of two hours or so south of Minneapolis. As you'd expect, right from the wall of cans in the lobby, it's a hammy Spam-apalooza, including exhibits and a film detailing the product's place in 20th-century history (especially World War II); an assembly-line mock-up you can have a go at yourself; cooking demos; and of course samples (spamples?) handed out on toothpicks. The place is doing brisk business these days, we hear -- proving that this at least is one message many folks may never want to delete.

For past Spotlights, see the Tripatini Spotlight archive.

Tripatini: The Blog

Appointment With Devon: Hitting England’s Agatha Christie Trail

by Max Pesling Britain’s National Trust runs a beguiling array of estates, castles, churches, and abbeys, plenty of which can boast an air of mystery and even a few murders committed within their precincts. But how many can claim they sheltered the world’s greatest maestro of the murder mystery? Just under three hours’ drive or train [...]

Colombia’s Cartagena de Indias Tarts It Up Yet Keeps It Real

by David Paul Appell When it comes to birthday parties in Latin America — these days at least — nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. Yet here they were, a pretty young Colombian señorita and maybe a hundred or so of her family and friends, happily celebrating her quince (“Sweet 15″) in the walled garden of Cartagena de [...]

Premier Tours Stuffs the Oscars Swag Bag with Lions & Rhinos & Elephants, Oh My

by José Balido Every once in a while we like to toot the horn for members of Tripatini’s travel social network — and since it’s Academy Awards weekend, what could be more tootable than a member who’s donating a luxurious African safari experience to the likes of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Sandra Bullock, Matt [...]

Portugal’s Mariza: Fado’s First 21st-Century Diva

by Tripatini staff The most famous contribution of Portugal to world music — compared to Spain’s flamenco, Argentine tango, and the blues of the United States, and usually sung in a minor key — soulful, melancholic fado originated in the slums of Lisbon nearly two centuries ago and has been seeing revival and evolution in [...]

Udaipur, Still To Die For

by Ed Wetschler Everyone who’s ever visited India’s Rajasthan — or even just seen photos of the magnificent palace complexes in Udaipur — may have one primary question these days: After last summer’s drought, just how low is Lake Pichola, from whose shores and whose waters the palaces rise? Last summer, people could drive and play [...]

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Your Blog Posts

Exploring Hell’s Kitchen

By Samantha Nicholson

… Continue

Posted by Uncle Sam's New York on March 8, 2010 at 4:23pm

Snorkeling on the Beatiful Island of Maui in Hawaii

Snorkeling Maui is one of the most popular activities on the Valley Isle. Maui has more miles of swimmable beach than any other Hawaiian island. The year round average temperature is 75-80 degrees. Snorkeling on Maui is the perfect activity . The best Maui snorkeling spots are Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Maluaka Beach, Black Rock, Ahihi Kinau Reserve and Molokini.

Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District which… Continue

Posted by Joe Ferguson on March 7, 2010 at 10:25pm

Old Man Winter is like the Kraken

Old Man Winter is like the Kraken, a vile, gangly force unleashed upon us, one that repeatedly whomps its icy claws across the land and sends us scurrying into our dark, crowded m

… Continue

Posted by Laura Kammermeier on March 7, 2010 at 3:31pm

What should you see in Lanzarote?

There are a rising number of visitors who want to explore Lanzarote but have a limited time in which to do so, these visitors are either on a cruise or island hopping around the Canary Islands. I was asked the question recently - what should I see in Lanzarote? This is a difficult question to answer, what indeed should people see to give them a taste of Lanzarote and show them why it is different to the other Canary Islands. I talked to Miguel about this and we couldn’t agree on the which are

… Continue

Posted by Jules on March 6, 2010 at 10:43am

The increasing popularity of West Africa

… Continue

Posted by West Africa Discovery on March 6, 2010 at 9:42am

Exploring the Upper East Side

By Samantha Nicholson

… Continue

Posted by Uncle Sam's New York on March 5, 2010 at 5:12pm

Lanzarote Beaches (central)

The Lanzarote Gay Guide to Beaches in the Centre of the island……..

Costa Teguise

… Continue

Posted by Gay Lanzarote on March 5, 2010 at 3:08am

Half a World Away: The Power of Connection in Travel

by Samuel Cook

This past week, I took the opportunity to take my first real vacation since the summer of 2007. It is ironic that an executive of a travel company never gets to travel himself, but such is the reality of running a business - I have had to put my passion for traveling on the back burner as I have built a business around serving… Continue

Posted by Uncle Sam's New York on March 4, 2010 at 3:12pm — 1 Comment

Bulletin Board

Middle East Tourism Photo Lecture in Queens, New York 1 Reply

Hi all....I'll be doing a Middle East tourism photo lecture on Saturday March 13 2:30 pm at the Queens Public Library in Flushing, with photos from recent trips to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and more popul…

Tagged: Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon

Started by Michael Luongo. Last reply by Jose Balido 3 hours ago.

A Destination Wedding, A Honeymoon, (or Group of Friends, Reunion or Meeting?)

Castle and Chateaux weddings in the Dordogne and Loire Valley areas of France are extremely popular and the summer (except for a week or two here and there) are basically gone for 2010. We are taking…

Started by Patricia Aitken 1 day ago.

Travel To Miami

If you are traveling to Miami and Fort Lauderdale go to http://www.southflhotspots.com You can book a hotel or vacation rental, buy event tickets, make dining reservations, know all the best nightclu…

Started by Natasha Demps 1 day ago.

Travel to Croatia

To get real good infromation on travel to Croatia please visit our site: www.croatiatravel.com and click on press releases and Blog. There is so much good information there. Also check www.airtickets…

Tagged: airline tickets, car rental, honeymoons, Croatia

Started by Boris Juraj Miketic Mar 6.

Travel Journals

Jasper Apps have just released My Vacation - an iPhone app which is for travellers to plan, journal and share their vacations. You can find out more on www.myvacationapp.com and check out a video he…

Started by Tony Short Mar 5.

Kenya

I have a trip to Kenya planned for August of this year. I will be on Safari of course, but I am looking to add on some other locations, sights, and story ideas either before or after the Safari. An…

Started by Maureen Blevins Mar 5.

www.thetravelangels.worldventuresdreamtrips.com

The site offers over 300 beautiful destinations worldwide at wholesale rates but strange holiday makers are nowhere to enjoy the opportunity. Very strange people dont wish to enjoy holidays in 5 sta…

Started by mathews wilson Mar 5.

Ideas for touring Yunnan China?

I will be flying into Yunnan (Jinghong in Xishuangbanna) mid-April. I'm looking for ideas for "must see" in the area. I will be there for the Water Splashing Festival. I will be there for several day…

Started by Cindy Guest Mar 4.

Melbourne Trip

My friend Shiela has just transferred to Australia. Every year, her husband makes sure to have time to travel for vacation with the family. Since they are new to the place, Sheila initiates to take c…

Tagged: Melbourne, Hire, Car

Started by Vanesa Mar 4.

20% Introductory Offer at The Inn At Fox Hollow Hotel

Did you know that The Inn At Fox Hollow Hotel, Long Island's Luxury Hotel in Woodbury, NY offers a 20% special discount offer for first time guests of the Hotel. The Fox Hollow believes that one wi…

Started by The Inn At Fox Hollow Hotel Mar 2.

Videos

Hawaii Zipline Adventure: Skyline Eco Adventures - Maui

Added by Nathan Kam
Carnaby St 1960-2010

Added by Alan Williamson
Forgotten Florida

Added by Lisa Codianne Fowler

Tripatini's Top Tunes From Around The Planet

Unique (Hungary): "Hiszed vagy sem (Dream With A Sad End)"

Meet Gabrielle, Adám, and Zsolt, three thirtysomethings from Budapest who formed the electro-pop group Unique in 1997 -- and who've been music-obsessed ever since they were mini-Madyars. Blonde Gabi, for example, made a splash way back in '92 when she won best solo singer on the Hungarian TV show Teenage Star Search. With her on vocals and her pair of wingmen on keyboards, the trio persevered finally hitting the big time in 2001, when a Unique tune was picked as the theme for the country's first reality show and they released their first recorded single. Now five albums and various singles and remixes later, they're a fixture in the top tier of Hungary's pop music scene, and here's their latest hit single, Hiszed vagy sem. Its music eminently danceable (as usual), in this video Gabi dons racoon makeup and a shimmery dress and swans around a dark, glistening pool of water while crooning about a girl dreaming of her departed significant other. Well, it's the most kick-butt boo-hoo we've seen in a while, that's for sure...

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Arthur Frommer Online

China's Currency May Be Revalued Upward This Year: Go Now to Save

We're Not Too Far From Being Able to Translate Conversations on the Fly

The U.S. Travel Industry Has Failed To Support Adoption of a Code of Conduct For Ending Child Trafficking

Thanks to a Movie Mention, HomeExchange.com Has Become a Leader in its Field

A Fierce Price-War Has Broken Out Among Hotel Discount Websites

Looking For a Really, Really Cheap Cruise? CruisesOnly May Have The Super-Bargain You're Seeking

In Suffering Las Vegas, Room Rates Are Currently As Low As $40-$55 A Night At The Luxor, and $129 for a Suite At the Venetian

In Addition To Having A Book, The World of Medical Tourism Has A Solid Website

For A Big Discount On An Early May Sailing of "Oasis of the Seas," Go To Southwest.com

Aided By A New Book Lauding Its Low-Cost Hospitals, Turkey Has Launched A Drive to Attract Medical Tourism

More…

MSNBC.com Travel Feed

In the footsteps of Moses, climbing Mount Sinai

When to make a federal case out of airline error

Airlines lobby for help with air traffic upgrades

Ultimate road trip: New Zealand by camper van

How to survive the airport with kids

Exit-row seats in the ‘for sale’ bin

At airports, keep taking those shoes off — for now

World’s coolest hot springs

Handling medical emergencies abroad

World’s most on-time airlines

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A Hedonist's Guide to Beirut. Published by Tripatini member Hg2.

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Paul Pence and Michael Luongo joined Tripatini's group

Media Only!

For writers, editors, photogs, broadcasters & bloggers to share tips, leads, ideas, news, gripes. PR reps/journos ISO press releases/trips, see "Travel Marketers/ Publicists." NB: opinions not necessarily those of Tripatini. NO NON-MEDIA, PLEASE.

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Paul Pence, Paul Franz, Sabrina Cruz-Muñoz and 1 more joined Tripatini

5 minutes ago

Diana Lambdin Meyer commented on Tripatini's group 'Missouri'

The Big 12 Basketball Tournament is underway in Kansas City and more than 150,000 visitors have come to town. For a little March Madness trivia - this is where the NCAA was founded and more Final Fours have been played in Kansas City than any other…

2 hours ago

Paul Barnett commented on Paul Barnett's group 'Tourism Branding'

The spain project looks interesting andI will look at in more detail soon. Initial impressions are: Some interesting use of tech, nice graphics, Like Alan I don´t see the relationship between the two messages if there is intended to be one, executio…

2 hours ago

Jose Balido commented on Tripatini's group 'Spanish Language & Hispanic Cultures Club - Club de Idioma y Cultura Hispanos'

Saludos, Michael (¿Miguel?), y ¡bienvenido!

3 hours ago

Jose Balido replied to Michael Luongo's discussion 'Middle East Tourism Photo Lecture in Queens, New York'

Too bad I won't be there, sounds fascinating!

3 hours ago

Bara Lynka Tours & Travels, added 4 photos

3 hours ago

Tripatini commented on Tripatini's group 'Saudi Arabia'

Rijal Alma: a national heritage village (Forimmediaterelease.net) HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman, the president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, launched the project for developing Rijal Alma as a heritage village. Rijal Alma, loc…

3 hours ago

Evi Karmou and Yiannis Kotzianoglou are now friends

3 hours ago

Mark Chesnut commented on Tripatini's group 'Chile'

I just found out about a cool compilation of alternative indie music from Chilean artists, with profits going to help earthquake victims: http://nacionalrecords.com/preview/fuerzachile/

5 hours ago

Alan Williamson commented on Paul Barnett's group 'Tourism Branding'

Rafa, thanks for the heads up on Spain's newest marketing campaign. Much appreciated. Is there a relationship between the 'I Need Spain' campaign and 'Spain: A Country to Share' ? Here's an extract of what I said on my Twitter blog: 'I Need Spain'…

6 hours ago

Holly Crenshaw joined Tripatini's group

Georgia (USA)

The Peachtree State has a lot of different personalities. There's the dynamic "New South" sophistication of Atlanta, the gorgeous antebellum elegance of Savannah, the beachy feel of Tybee, Cumberland, and the other sea islands.

6 hours ago

Holly Crenshaw joined Tripatini's group

United Kingdom

Ah, cool Britannia, what can we say -- you're still the Queen of destinations, from England and Cornwall to Wales and Scotland. And Northern Ireland, too, of course!

6 hours ago

Rafa Luque commented on Paul Barnett's group 'Tourism Branding'

New Spain's marketing campaign, with a new claim (I need Spain). Drop you here a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ68EQSaU4E A Country to Share http://www.spainacountrytoshare.com/ I like it!

6 hours ago

Michael Luongo left a comment for claudia acerbi

7 hours ago