(NOTE: This article has been graciously provided by our partner, Viking River Cruises, one of the most knowledgeable sources of information on the Yangtze River region)

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The Yangtze River region is filled with incredible sights, from bamboo groves to mist-covered mountains. And a cruise down the river on Viking River Cruises places you right in the heart of this mysterious and quietly majestic land.

Viking River Cruises offer the absolute best of China. In fact, you can expect to not only experience the sights and sounds of the Yangtze River from a most advantageous viewpoint, but you can enjoy the very best of the region’s cuisine during your cruise down China’s longest river.

The cuisine along the Yangtze River offers a spellbinding array of different flavors, textures and aromas. The primary ingredient is, of course, fish. And depending on your Yangtze River Cruise package, you can delight in the best of the local cuisine on board, or on shore.

Some of the culinary specialties a traveler should expect to find in the Yangtze River region include:

Steamed Wuchang Fish

A specialty of the Fankou section of the Yangtze, Steamed Wuchang Fish is the most famous dish in Wuhan. Perfectly braised in select stocks, this dish is equally light, tender and fresh.

Mandarin Fish in Tomato Juice

A complex dish featuring crispy fish and tomato sauce, this delight has hints of ginger and scallion for an uncompromised flavor that’s bright, rich and irrevocably oriental.

Eight Delicacies Orange Cups

As nutritious as it delicious, this specialty of the Yangtze region combines ham, chicken, water chestnuts, mushrooms, bamboo sprouts and walnuts carefully chopped, mixed and spooned into orange cups.

In the lower reach of the Yangtze River, Jiangsu cuisine reigns supreme. If you venture into this region, you can expect some of the best food China has to offer, including Jinling Salted Dried Duck, Clear Crab Shell Meatballs, Soft Shell Turtle Stew and other distinctive dishes.

We hope this helps!

The Travel Relic Folks

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A NOTE FROM OUR PARTNER:

Viking River Cruises offers spectacular gourmet cuisine, designed by famed celebrity chef, Martin Yan. Travelers have the option of choosing from the cruise’s menu or taking a more adventurous approach by diving in to the regional cuisine. Either way, you’re sure to be impressed and satisfied.

Visit Viking River Cruises>>

The recent earthquake has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced even more in the country of Haiti. The utter devastation is on an unimaginable scale and, as such, the efforts to support Haiti through physical and financial relief is at a scale rarely seen before.

The travel blog community can use this opportunity to spread their influence and aid to a nation that has suffered unspeakable damage. If you or anyone you know wants to help with the relief effort in Haiti are several ways to do show your support:

Donating Money Online

1. American Red Cross - Their operations in Haiti include deploying personnel, financial assistance, and relief supplies
2. UNICEF - One of their main focuses is helping the many children affected by the earthquake in Haiti. They will also be distributing basic supplies to those in need. You can also donate here>>
3. CARE - They will be handing out nutritional food in Haiti in the form of high-protein biscuits
4. Clinton Bush Haiti Fund - A fund dedicated to providing basics such as food, medical aid, shelter, and water
5. Doctors Without Borders – All funds go directly to financing medical teams on the ground in Haiti and provide for medical supplies that they will be using while providing care
6. World Food Program – Charity dedicated to providing food to the displaced and needy not only in Haiti but around the world
7. Save the Children – Funds will be directed towards the children in Haiti that are in desperate need of support and aid

These are just a few of the many charities and foundations that are providing help and aid to the people of Haiti. If donating online is not the way you want to attack this problem, you can still donate in other ways.

Donating Money Through Text Messaging

If you decide that your contributions to the Haiti relief effort should not be done online there is an easier way to do…. just text! There are several numbers that you can text in order to donate money to charities operating in Haiti. The number in here apply to SMS text messaging within the United States only.

1. SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
2. SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
3. SMS text “GIVE10” to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

Others Ways to Assist the Haiti Relief Effort

If you are low on money and can cash to the  people of Haiti isn’t realistic, don’t give up. There are other ways in which your help can make a different there.

1. Google Map Aid- The first way is to help Google map the area of Haiti since so much of the country experienced catastrophic devastation. Your help in this effort could make a difference to aid workers on the ground. Go to the Google Map Aid website>>
2. Criss Commons - A recently created organization, they’re on the ground and Haiti and need your help. Visit Criss Commons>>
3. Haiti Volunteer Network - A gathering point for anyone wanting to volunteer financially or in person, it’s a great way to find your unique way of helping out those in Haiti. Check out the Haiti Volunteer Network>>

Haiti is in desperate need of relief, no matter how you decide to donate. These are just a few ideas and opportunities for you to do something about it and no matter what your choice is you can have a part in saving the lives of the people of Haiti.

Looking for someone in Haiti? Register your person on the Google Person Finder Network>>

Do you know another relief effort that we didn’t mention? Drop it into the comments below!

Winter Olympics 2010

The Winter Olympics this year will move back to the North American continent in the form of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Whistler Olympic Park, and Whistler Sliding Centre. Situated in British Columbia this area boasts plenty of things to do and see besides the Olympic events which will take place there later this month.

For a full list of Olympic events and their locations visit The Official Vancouver 2010 Olympics Website>>

Staying in Whistler

If you are making the arduous trip to British Columbia, chances are you are staying in or around Whistler Village. The village itself is an attraction, one which will keep you entertained in between the Olympic events you will be attending.

Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village meaning you will not have to deal with the hustle and bustle of cars coming in and out of the small town. There are nearly 100 bars and restaurants (like Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Buffalo Bills, and Bearfoot Bistro and Champagne Bar) to split your time up in and meet new people, spas in the village center to re-cooperate from the exhausting days, and enough shopping to keep the ladies happy.

A Comprehensive Guide to All Restaurants in the Whistler Blackcomb Area>>

When your day in the village is winding down and you are looking for that transportation home, take the Village Shuttle (view a map of the Whistler Village) . It is free of charge and runs from 8 in the morning to midnight, seven days a week.

Whistler Village Nightlife

The nightlife in town is as diverse as the people that will be rolling in town for the Winter Olympics. Check out Buffalo Bill’s, Garfinkel’s or one of the many clubs in Whistler if you are looking to meet new people, dance, or simply have some drinks with friends.

Whistler Activities

When wanting to get away from the village center head just outside for some different activities. Snowmobile riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all very popular activities to do during the winter months in Whistler and Blackcomb. Since there will be so much activity and so many people in Whistler for the Olympics and the weeks leading up to it, it will be a good change of pace to get out of town and enjoy the fresh snow without the company of the thousands of people flooding into town.

Vancouver Activities

While many people will be heading to Whistler for a stay during the Olympic period, many others will find themselves staying in Vancouver. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and it can be seen in everything from the fresh fish markets to the all-glass high rises which seem to dot the landscape like glimmering crystals. The proximity to the Pacific means it is naturally blessed with good, fresh seafood.

Tsunami Sushi, located on Robson Street, is known for being one of the best places to grab some sushi in Vancouver and with the seafood coming in fresh; it is a place you do not want to miss.

Steamworks , a popular restaurant and micro-brewery located in Gastown, is a great place to go if you are someone who appreciates a good, fresh brewed beer.

Things to see in Vancouver

Vancouver boasts a rich history and wide array of different cultures and in turn has a plethora of things to do and see within the city. A good place to start would be the area known as Gastown. While visiting attractions in Gastown, make sure to stop by and see the old steam clock. It sits on a street corner in Gastown and runs solely off steam.

For some sights of the city, check out the Vancouver Lookout. It is on top of the Harbour Centre and allows a 360 degree view of Vancouver and the surrounding landscape. Canada Place along the riverfront is a popular and recognizable landmark of Vancouver. Built for Expo 1986, it is now a host to the many incoming attractions and shows to Vancouver. Other places of interest in Vancouver are Granville Island, Stanley Park, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Whether you are making your way to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway or staying in Vancouver for a few days, there is no shortage of things to do. Vancouver is your source of local, Pacific-driven culture highlighted by natural seaside beauty. Whistler, Vancouver’s alpine cousin, is the go-to place for adventure sports, but not without its taste of nightlife and high culture.

(NOTE: This article has been graciously provided by our partner, Viking River Cruises, one of the most knowledgeable sources of information on the Danube River region)

The Danube River is Europe’s second longest river, flowing from Germany’s Black Forest through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova.

Taking a river cruise down the Danube is one of the best ways to see the cities and culture of the region at a manageable pace.  Here’s a list of the must-see museums along the Danube River.

Lentos Museum of Modern Art

Located in Linz, Austria, the Lentos Museum of Modern Art sits right along the Danube and is filled with an excellent collection of modern works of art.

Visit the Official Lentos Museum Website>>

Varna Archaeological Museum

Located in Varna, Bulgaria, this museum famously holds the world’s oldest gold and a collection of artifacts pre-dating 4200 BC.

Visit the Official Varna Museum Website>>

Hungarian Museum of Water Administration and Environmental Protection

Also known as Danube Museum, this museum in Hungary has a collection of hydraulic structures and techniques that map out Europe’s water administration history.

Visit the Official Danube Museum Website>>

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

The CMNA is a quiet respite in a Viking River Cruise journey through Europe. Capturing the localized flavors of Croatia in art, this museum is the perfect place for a romantic escape.

Visit the Official Croatian Museum of Naive Art>>

The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Center

Located in Tulcea, Romania, this museum is the most visited in the region. It features a number of natural exhibits and an aquarium, focusing on the ecology of the Danube Delta.

Visit the Official Danube Delta Museum Website>>

Tulcea is also home to other important museums, including the History and Archaeology Museum, the Ethnography and Folk Art Museum, the Art Museum and the Natural Sciences Museum.

We hope this helps!

The Travel Relic Folks

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A NOTE FROM OUR PARTNER:

Viking River Cruises offer the perfect way to travel Europe. Frequent stops along the region’s most influential ports allow travelers the opportunity to experience this area at its best. Steeped in history, but with a finger on the pulse of tomorrow, the museums of Europe have something for everyone whether you are traveling by land or a Danube River Cruise.

Looking to take a trip to Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Northern Argentina. Here’s a 7-day itinerary that will let you see much of what Argentina and Uruguay have to offer.

Highlights:

• Eat honey roasted peanuts in Buenos Aires
• Take a ferry across Rio de la Plata to Montevideo
• Hear the power of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side

Suggested Itinerary:

Arrive in Buenos Aires (2 Days)

Buenos Aires is known for its dancing and its avenues. A seemingly European city transplanted to the South American continent, spend your time walking around the city, eat from the endless Italian-inspired menus and watch tango dancing in the San Telmo district.

After soaking up the urban atmosphere of Buenos Aires, take a bus to Iguazu Falls (3 days)

Iguazu Falls strattles the Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina borders. About a 20-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires, you’ll most likely make a breakfast stop in Posadas, a nice city downstream from the falls. Two urban areas surround the falls on the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Foz do Iguacu, the city in Brazil, is by far a much more interesting and clean location to visit. Make sure to check your visa needs before scheduling a visit to Brazil. Make your home in the city and spend

Find out more about how to get around by bus in South America>>

Return to Buenos Aires and take a day trip to Montevideo (1 day)

Return to your base of operations, Buenos Aires, and make plans to take a ferry trip to Montevideo and the small country of Uruguay. As a great way to get an ubiquitous stamp on your passport, Montevideo mirrors the Argentine culture in a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere.

Day trip options: take a relaxing trip to Tigre and enjoy the waterfront view

Depart Buenos Aires (Final Day)

On your final day in Buenos Aires, make sure to enjoy your final cafe and glass of wine. As one of the most inexpensive international vacations possible, returning to this beautiful country is easier than ever. On your return, focus your attention south, to the beautiful rugged land of Patagonia.

See All Downloadable Itinerary Planners>>

Have any stories/advice from your travels in the area that you would like to share? Drop a comment and let others know…

Are you looking to take a quick trip to Ireland? Here’s a 5-day option that will allow you to see the Irish countryside.

Highlights:

• Drink a Guinness in Dublin
• Experience the Cliffs of Moher
• Soak up the small town experience in Ennis

Suggested Itinerary:

Arrive in Dublin (1-2 Days)

Dublin is the cultural and financial center of Ireland. Here are a few things to see and do while you’re there:

• Guinness Brewery Tour>>
• Visit Trinity College>>
• Jameson Whiskey Tour>>

After spending several days in Dublin, take a short bus ride to Galway (1-2 days)

When you want true Irish, you must head west into the hills of Ireland. Galways is directly west of Dublin about 150 miles, but seemingly thousands. Visit Galway, drink some pints and enjoy the lifestyle.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher

Halfway between Ennis and Galway, the Cliffs of Moher is where  the Atlantic slams into the Emerald Isles. In an amazing display of natural beauty, the ocean propels excess spray at near-hurricane speeds directly up a 150 foot wall.

Finish your trip in Ennis and Shannon

Ennis is a tiny city and one you’d miss in any larger country. Grab a few pints on the tiny streets and relax as you finish your time in Ireland.

Ready to plan your itinerary to Europe?

Download the Western Europe Itinerary Planner and create a comprehensive itinerary>>

See All Downloadable Itinerary Planners>>

Are you looking to take a trip to Southeast Asia and are interested in traveling through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore?

Highlights:

• The “cultural” experience of Bangkok
• Experience the beaches of Thailand’s islands
• Do some shopping in Kuala Lumpur’s massive markets
• Immerse yourself in the modernization of Singapore

Suggested Itinerary:

Arrive in Bangkok (2-4 Days)

Everyone thinks of Bangkok as a over-the-top location for partying. When you arrive, you’ll find your fair share of over-the-hill ex-pats hanging out at corner bars, but continue on to the Royal Palace, take a river boat ride and the other local scenery that makes the trip memorable. But don’t stay too long, the true beauty of Thailand is further south.

• Possible day trip: Ayutthaya (2 hours), Floating Boat Market (2 hours)

Depart on an overnight bus for Koh Tao, arrive by boat (2-5 days)

Get ready to relax, as Koh Tao is known for its tranquility. The situation isn’t helped by the infrequent electricity, but don’t let that stop you from snorkeling. Known as one of the best locations in the world for skuba certification, Koh Tao is best for those who like to sit and sun.

Take a slow boat to the next island, Koh Phangan, home of full moon beach parties

Noticeably faster paced than Koh Tao, Koh Phangan has more hotels (although still inexpensive) and bars to appease any traveler. Stay as long as you like, but be aware that getting to the part of the island with all of the partying is a much more serious affair than on Koh Tao.

Depart on an overnight boat to the mainland and bus to Krabi

Krabi is known for its cliffs. Spend time climbing with one of the best ocean views you’ll ever find, then continue on to Koh Phi Phi, a beautiful pair of islands connected by a low-lying sandbar.

Head off for Kuala Lumpur

Passing over the border into Malaysia seems to transform you to a different world. A more pristine world.

Kuala Lumpur is Singapore, but much less expensive. With hostels going for $5 a night per person, it’s a great place to get back into a more cosmopolitan vibe. With a similar appearance to South Florida, it’s got everything one could want.

Finish up your trip in Singapore

The bastion of British colonialist culture, Singapore is the convergence point of Indian, Chinese, Malay and English cultures. But make sure to budget for your stop here, as you’ll find prices 2-3x that of Thailand.

Time required: 2-4 weeks

Ready to plan your itinerary to Southeast Asia?

Download the Southeast Asia Itinerary Planner and create a comprehensive itinerary>>

See All Downloadable Itinerary Planners>>

GOOD Magazine is known for their introspective and travel-learning articles. They’ve gone one step further with their creation of an interactive map showing all major world journeys that have defined generations for the past 500 years, or more.

Check it out and find out a little more about how the world was inspired one traveler at a time.

Are you looking for the best way to travel around South America? Well we’ve spent some time in America Sur and have some “best practices” that should make your traveling much, much easier.

In 2004 we spent a month backpacking between Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. After landing in Santiago, Chile, we were making our way directly to Chile to take advantage of the great exchange rate.

Getting around South America means taking a bus. That’s the “secret”. Get ready to jump from bus terminal to bus terminal. Railroads are more or less non-existent and flights, even when booked in advance, are amazingly expensive. But bus travel in South America can be surprisingly nice. If you (Americans) are used to seeing the less-than-attractive Greyhound buses on the interstate, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the features and quality of the buses that dot the highways of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile (note we didn’t mention all SA countries).

General rule that applies to all bus travel in South America – book your trip as early as you can. Unlike Europe where you can usually hop on a train and go, in South America, buses are the main form of travel and often times congested. How did we learn that lesson? We were able to immediately book a bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza, but ran head into university students on holiday in Argentina (being stranded for 3 days in the Argentine wine country isn’t that bad, though, we must admit!)

Also – book your exit ticket from a city before you leave the bus station upon arrival. Burned several times before learning our lesson, you prevent extra expenses to return to the station solely to buy tickets and also greatly reduce the chance of being stranded.

Alter your eating and drinking habits while on long bus rides. Consider the length of the trip and the, uh hum, “quality” of the bathrooms before you decide to drink another mate. Also, most buses in South America have attendants that will come by with free snacks and drinks on a 2-hour interval. Learn to say NO. Lastly, make sure to hop off the bus whenever it stops. Your legs and back will thank you.

Keep cash on hand. Buses make rest stops frequently but more often than not, they’re in rural areas that take only cash.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect for in terms of bus travel in the major South American countries from Brazil to Chile:

• Argentina: by far the nicest buses in South America, a luxury, double-decker overnight bus from Patagonia to Buenos Aires costs you only $25. Expect LONG rides. Argentina is a large country with a widely distributed population. A trip on a bus between major cities frequently takes 20 hours or more. In Buenos Aires, the bus terminal is near downtown and is massive.
• Chile: orderly and clean is how we would best describe the buses in Chile. Although Argentina seems to take bus travel to an art form, traveling by bus in Chile is easy and comfortable. Be prepared for extremely long trips in Chile. With mainly 3 areas of population density (north in Arica, central in Santiago and south in Puerto Montt), all trips are extremely long.
• Brazil: not quite as nice as Argentina, buses in Brazil are fairly homogeneous in quality and are a comfortable way to get around. Similar to Argentina and Chile, make sure you buy your ticket early, as buses are often congested. Buses often stop in major bus terminals for quick bites of soldades (tasty, fried snacks) so be prepared to jump off, use the bathroom and make your purchases.
• Bolivia: Wow, another world, and we’re not just talking about the extreme landscape and altitude. If you’re arriving by plane from one of the above countries, as we did, you’ll be surprised by how different and less organizes the transportation system is. Within the city of La Paz, you can find the bus terminal a short walk from the main capital square. Make sure to BOOK EARLY, especially for bus rides to Cuzco. Make sure you arrive early to hop on the bus, as they normally overbook seats. Expect the driver to stop frequently for “extracurricular” ridership, as it’s fairly common in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.
• Peru: Slightly better than the quality of travel in Bolivia, there’s still a chance you’ll have a chicken on your bus. The most noticeable thing about travel in Peru, mainly true in the eastern part of the country, is the sparseness of population and distance between stops. Make sure you buy food and drink whenever possible, as you may find yourself hungry otherwise. Bus travel in and out of Cuzco is one of the toughest areas in South America to navigate. Be extra vigilant

Language help. Here’s “Bus station” in the languages of South America:

• Spanish – Retiro
• Portuguese – Rodoviaria

Security: Be attentive to your luggage, but avoid becoming paranoid. Luggage on and off the buses is most often controlled by the driver or another attendant, and you’re usually given a slip to retrieve your luggage upon arrival.

This should be sufficient preparation for your trip to South America. As a place that doesn’t really abide by strict schedules, make sure you remain patient and roll with the punches. Blessed with amazing food and gorgeous vistas, travel by bus in South America is an amazing experience.

Salude!
Travel Relic

Planning on combining your love of travel and all things iPhone? Not surprisingly, the iPhone has emerged as a useful tool for nearly all of life’s situations. Jampacked with functionality, your iPhone could be your new resource as your travel both domestically and abroad. We’ve spent time reviewing Apple’s current travel apps and , mixing their rating system with our thumb in the air tactics, we’ve compiled a list of the best apps for specific travel scenarios.

Here’s how we’ve broken down the list of best iPhone travel apps:

1. Good for All Travelers
2. International Travel: Free
3. International Travel: Paid
4. Business Travel: Free
5. Business Travel: Paid

How can you get these apps? Click on the link below and you’ll be brought to the apps home page on the Apple Store. From there, it’s all up to you!

Good for All Travelers

1. Mass Transit/Subway Apps (Ex. iBart: San Francisco Maps – FREE)
2. UrbanSpoon: Ideal for finding local restaurants by numerous genrese
3. Wi-Fi Finder: Great for connecting to the net wherever you are
4. Taxi: Use this app to find the local taxi service instantly
5. Where: This service combines maps with the local service you’re looking for

International Travel: Free

1. Language Translator, by Piet Jonas: Great for translating foreign text on the fly
2. Currency Converter: The best tool for figuring how much you’re actually paying
3. Flight Sites: Quick access to flight information you need yesterday
4. iRail European Rail Timetables: Great for travelers seeing Europe by train
5. Geopedia: Offering travelers a listing of local must-see-locations

International Travel: Paid

1. World Customs: The source for local culture and customs where you may travel
2. International Dialing Codes – The best option for quickly finding out international area codes
3. Local Radio Finder: There’s no better way to find out what’s popular on the radio with the locals
4. Lonely Planet Phrasebooks: This line of apps is custom-created for each country of the world
5. World View Live: Tap into the public webcams of your favorite cities from afar

Business Travel: Free

1. Remote Desktop Lite: Run your Windows XP Professional apps like you’re in your office
2. MileBug - Track your miles for your travel receipts
3. mBox Fax & Voice - Receive your calls as faxes and/or emails while on the road
4. Trapster - Avoid speed traps using this cool little app
5. Cheap Gas – Find the cheapest gas wherever you are

Business Travel: Paid

1. Tipulator: Painlessly calculate tips in large or intimate groups
2. Flight Track: A step up from free services, get live info on flights, departures and delays
3. Local East: Only $1, there’s no better way to quickly find food in your new surroundings
4. Speak Easy Voice Recorder:
   
5. Zagat To Go ‘09: When you’re looking for a nice client dinner, this is the resource to use

A few that we just love for fun and entertainment:

1. Alpine Ski Trail Maps: What’s not to love about having any ski terrain map a finger click away?
2. Finger Football: The old classic brought to the iPhone

Is there an iPhone app that you think should be on this list? Drop a comment and we’ll review it and let you know if it should be added to the list. This list is organic and our aim is to keep it up-to-date with the most current apps.