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TraveLetter | Jan.-Feb. 2008
The
internet's premiere online travel e-zine — www.justsaygo.com
Editor, Maureen Costello —
Production & Design, Marina Farrell —
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“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
St. Augustine
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 Welcome our new JSG TraveLetter Editor!
My name is Maureen Costello and I will be putting together the monthly Traveletter. I am thrilled to be part of the JSG community. I have contributed a few pieces in the past and am so pleased with the professional layouts and staff. Everyone has been exceptionally welcoming and friendly. I know I’m going to enjoy working here.
I come from the Boston area, which is very picturesque in a powdery covering of snow. I love the weather here and look forward to submitting a few pieces on the travel opportunities in my native New England. I have been a journalist for more than 20 years. Much of that was (and still is) concentrated on general news assignments for a metropolitan daily. I’ve covered it all, so I am excited to be taking occasional excursions from the daily grind to work on travel and adventure stories from around the world.
That’s me on the London Eye with my 14-year-old son, Beau. Notice his iPod ear buds. He is connected to them in practically every photo from this trip. Teens, travel and technology! You got to love them all.
I’m very interested in your stories, suggestions and anything else you’d like to share in the monthly TraveLetter. You can reach me at
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Pictured: JSG TraveLetter Editor Maureen Costello and son Beau in London. |
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Welcome... Winter in the Northern Hemisphere makes desirable destinations of the Caribbean, Hawaii and anyplace in the Southern Hemisphere for sun and surf seekers. Check out cheepcaribbean.com for last-minute deals to soak up some sun.
Speaking of snow, while it may be pretty to look at and fun to play in, it makes for treacherous traveling. Expect delays in air travel, and give yourself plenty of time between connector flights if any leg of your trip is in snow country. De-icing a jet takes a few minutes. Better yet, learn to appreciate the winter with a ski trip to Utah, Colorado, the Canadian Rockies and northern New England.
Travelers may soon reconsider Kenya among their next stop if negotiations between representatives of incumbent president Mwai Kibaki and top opposition leader Raila Odinga go smoothly. The African nation, rich in culture, kindness and adventure, has been experiencing political turmoil since its presidential election in late December. Kibaki barely beat out Odinga in that race, and those close to the process claim the voting was rigged. Sadly, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives in the bloodshed that sources say was politically and possibly ethically prompted. Kenya’s economics, stability and the welfare of its people are suffering terribly.
JUSTSAYGO DESTINATIONS
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Cartagena
When vacationers think of a Caribbean getaway, Cartagena, Colombia, is not usually at the top of... More |
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Junglesurf
I’m flying through the rainforest upside down and having the time of my life! Jungle Surfing (in the US it’s zip-lining) near the... More |
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San Francisco
Tony Bennett put it so well when he sang I left my heart in San Francisco. The only regret is that I couldn’t stay longer but I will definitely return. The few days I had there were terrific... More |
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JUSTSAYGO FIESTA
Fiesta Editor Vivienne
Mackie lists holidays, carnivals and
parties all over the world. Visit http://justsaygo.com/fiesta/fiesta.html for
Vivienne's favorites. |
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LOS AÑOS VIEJOS:
New Year in the Galapagos Islands
Starting with the Day of the Innocents on December 28th, the entire nation symbolically prepares to enter a new year by ... More |
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JSG PRODUCT REVIEW — TIMBUK2 Metro Mini Messenger bag
by JSG TraveLetter Editor Maureen Costello
 I’ve been carrying it for about a year now, and I’m still loving my TIMBUK2 Metro Mini Messenger bag. Measuring roughly 10.5 inches wide and 8.5 inches high, it’s comparable to a handbag, but much better looking and far more useful. You’d hardly know I’ve been carrying this thing around for nine months now. There is hardly any wear to the nylon exterior. It easily holds my reporters’ notebooks, pens, cell phone, Ipod, all the essentials. There is even a specially designed pocket for a passport. The bag easily slides under airplane seats and is comfortable to sling over your shoulder while investigating a new city. It’s a little small for an SLR camera, but an aim-and-shoot fits fine with everything else. These cost about $55, a lot less expensive, and, I think better looking, than a Gucci. GO: www.timbuk2.com
Is
there something you'd like reviewed? Let us know before
buying a new travel item. We'll
let you know if it meets JSG's standards. |
PHANTASTIC
PHOTOS
"Snowy Trees"
by Maureen Costello
"Snowy Trees"(detail)
Do
you have a photo that deserves a spot
on this page? Send
it to
.
We'll
post it here and send you a JustSayGo.Com
TraveLetter prize. |
TRAVEL VITALS — Vital Information and Tips for your Travels
by JSG Managing Web Producer Marina Farrell
Cool Tips for Winter Travel:
Go Ahead, Go Green! ... Surviving Winter Travel ... Traveling with the Elderly ... Updates from the TSA ...
MORE
Got a hot travel tip or vital travel information? Send an email to Marina at Travel Vitals ()
and share YOUR bright ideas! |
From the Traveler’s Bookshelf by Maureen Costello, JSG TraveLetter Editor
Fly Fit, How to Travel and Stay Agile by Maggie Melanson
 Maggie Melanson, owner of Massachusetts-based Gimme the Skinny Healthy Catering, travels frequently from coast to coast. Conscience of her weight since losing 50 pounds 15 years ago, Melanson never leaves for the airport without healthy snacks and a game plan to keep her mind, body and soul in shape.
In Fly Fit, How to Travel and Stay Agile, (HRD Press, 2008) Melanson shares her tips for good eating (stay away from salted foods inflight!!!) exercising and stretching. Get a workout in the ticket line, turn a little corner of a gate into your own private yoga studio and get working on that six pack in flight: “Sit straight, feet flat on the floor. Pull your abdominal muscles in so that your belly button is reaching toward your spine. Keep breathing, but hold muscles in for 10 seconds then release. Repeat 15 times.”
“Fly Fit” is an adorable little paperback light enough to fit into even the smallest carryon and jacket pocket. Though fun and chatty, “Fly Fit” was inspired by the tragic story of David Bloom, the reporter for NBC’s Today Show. Bloom died of Deep Vein Thrombosis, or a blood clot, possibly formed from his immobility while traveling long distances in tanks and airplane rides to and from Iraq. His story has prompted healthcare officials to warn their patients to stay hydrated and active during long trips. Melanson makes it easy and enjoyable to follow doctors’ orders.
“Fly Fit” received a ringing endorsement from ESPN’s Sean McDonough and Wayne L. Westcott, PhD., author of 21 books on strength training. “Fly Fit” is also flying off the shelves. Amazon.com is already out of stock. Purchase your copy now at: www.gimmetheskinny.com |
 TRAVEL
Q&A
Do you have travel questions we haven't answered yet? Ask Marina. She'll share your questions — and then offer a few answers. Email Marina at
and she'll get the answers. We'll share the results with readers right here. |
TRAVELETTER ARCHIVES
Thinking about visiting a country or do you just want to read past TraveLetters? Check “archived stories” for more information. Remember, you can reach us at
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The JustSayGo TraveLetter was created by Denise Dube. |
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