How Many Posts A Week Would You Prefer? [POLL]
Over the last few months I’ve been contemplating reducing the number of posts I write per week from the normal 5 per weekday to something like 3 (not including picture posts), and I’d like you get your opinion on it. It’s not that I don’t have something to say, or ever post for the sake of posting, but think it may be easier for subscribers to consume. So, what do you think?
Am I Posting Too Much?
- Every weekday is too much (prefer 3) (58%, 11 Votes)
- 5 per week is good, stick with it (21%, 4 Votes)
- Less than 3 would be ideal (21%, 4 Votes)
- I'd like to see even more posts in a week (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 19
Loading ...I already write for Tech Guide For Travel, How To Travel With Pets, and Travel Blog Advice so there are always new posts on my other sites (at least 5 a week total). I’ll also be adding more videos to the site as well as getting more of my pictures up to my gallery. There are other changes coming to foXnoMad and will start rolling them out over the next few weeks.
Tweetup In Amsterdam
- I’m still planning the details but will be in Amsterdam on Monday night for a tweetup. I’m hoping to meet Keith from Velvet Escape in the Leidseplein area and if you’re free around 7pm would love to meet you. Feel free to send me an email if you’re up for it.
Thanks for sharing your opinions and helping me improve the site!
-Anil
Interview With Greg & Tom Hostel: Krakow, Poland
I met Pete (on the very right in the picture below) who works at Greg&Tom Hostel in Krakow, Poland at the 2010 Hoscars. Ranked the #8 hostel in the world, Pete took a few minutes to answer a few questions about the Greg&Tom Hostel, their Hoscar ranking, and about Krakow itself.
Tell us a little about what makes Greg&Tom the best rated in Poland (and 8th internationally)?
It’s not like we’ve been the best from the start. Greg&Tom opened almost 6 years ago, at it has changed a lot since then; but the basic principle has been always the same: no border between the guest and the receptionist. Of course staff is there to work, but we also talk together, eat together, play together, go out together, we have fun together…we do everything together with our guests 
Everything to make them feel not like their staying at the hostel, but a friend’s home. How we manage to do that? We’re small hostel, so we can accommodate only 29 people at the same time, and yet there’s 10 people working here. Most of the time we know our guests by first name, and we call each other by first name. The other important rule is accepting only groups smaller than 6 people. In a small place like ours, big group would just take over the place and it’d be hard for small groups or single backpackers to fit in. We couldn’t let that happen. Thanks to these simple principles, we created unique family atmosphere so that everyone can feel like home away from home.
How did Greg&Tom hostel start?
Greg&Tom started back in 2004, same year when Poland entered the EU. All of a sudden, there’s been more and more individual tourists and budget travelers, and they needed cheap accommodation, but there were only few hostels. That’s when Greg&Tom decided to rent an apartment and turn it into a hostel. They started out with only 10 beds, but business was doing well so they expanded to 29 over 3 years course.
But they didn’t stop there - they opened two more locations, Greg&Tom the 2nd and Greg&Tom Luxury Apartment for more demanding guests. To keep up with rising popularity and expectations, Greg&Tom invested a lot of time and effort to keep improving the hostel: better equipment, better breakfast, better events, better hostel. And here we are.
What types of travelers typically stay at Greg&Tom?
As I mentioned, we don’t accept groups bigger then 6 people, so majority of our guests are small groups of 3, 4 or single backpackers. They all come from all around the world, but a vast is from English-speaking areas: Australia, UK & Ireland, North America. But in last few years we’ve seen more and more travelers from Asia, especially China, Japan, Korea & Latin America – Brazil, Argentina, Mexico. It’s all-colorful, a mish-mash of different people, different cultures, different languages and only one goal – to enjoy traveling to the fullest.
Is your staff mostly made up of locals, travelers, or a mix?
All the staff members are Polish, but coming from different parts of the country we present mix of different personality types, skills and interests
For travelers coming to Europe, why should they add Krakow to their list of cities to visit?
Why shouldn’t they? Poland is a country on the edge of west and east, southern and northern Europe. Centrally located, Krakow has always been the city where many paths cross and where many people meet. As an old capitol, it’s filled with the history of Polish kings, merchants from all around the world, artists of many generations, and creatures from legends. It’s also one of the very few historical cities practically unharmed during the World War II – that means that all the buildings people can see in the city have been there for centuries, witnessing passage of almost a whole millennium of Krakow’s history.
To be more pragmatic, Krakow is still much cheaper and less commercialized than major Western European tourist spots. Good connections to UK/Ireland by plane and Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Bratislava by train/bus is also a big plus.
Last thing I should mention is unbelievable atmosphere. Even though the city is very old, thanks to hundreds of thousands student living here, its spirit is very young and refreshing. Many good local spots to hang out in, things to do both day and night, lot’s of people to meet – that’s Krakow.
What are the best way for travelers to connect with Greg&Tom Hostel online?
We’re aware that in today’s on-line society, we need to stay in touch with both travelers that stayed in our hostel and those who are yet to come to Krakow. That’s why we launched on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter – to keep all our guests and fans updated on what’s happening in the hostel and in the city. Last-minute travelers are able too book our hostel with only few hours advance through portals like HostelWorld or HostelBookers. Other than that, our homepage has been operational for years, all the necessary info is available 24/7, so we’re fully connected at all times.
Thanks again Pete for the interview. You can catch up with Greg&Tom on their homepage GregTomHostel.com, see more pictures from the hostel on Facebook, and enjoy a warm Polish dinner by staying on a Tuesday or Saturday night.
7 Things To Do (Including Sundance) In Park City, Utah
February 10, 2010 by Anil P.
Filed under Guest Post
This is a guest post by Shannon Lane started blogging about travel in 2002, right after a bad vacation. Shannon loves exploring the world and being a good mom. She truly believes half the adventure is getting there.
Park City, Utah, is a year round destination that is home to the ever popular Sundance Film Festival. This is an upscale community with a rustic feel. It is popular with celebrities, especially during ski season. Here are some top things to do while you’re in Park City.
- The Sundance Film Festival – Everyone has heard of Sundance and this is the film festival where many independent films get noticed. Robert Redford’s annual event is a favorite of locals and visitors. It is held each year during the second half of January.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride – This has to be the absolute best way to start a morning. Get a bird’s eye view of Park City while enjoying a continental breakfast and a glass of Champagne. You’ll even get a flight certificate commemorating the event.
Bobsledding – If you aren’t already familiar with this Olympic Winter Sport, then maybe you’ve seen Disney’s Cool Running, featuring the story of the Jamaican Bobsled Team. Yup. You read that right, Jamaican Bobsled Team. This attraction is open to the public, and yes, I’ve tried it out. It was an exhilarating experience at this site of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The 75-mph ride shouldn’t be missed.- Skiing and Snowboarding – Park City is home to three world-class ski resorts: The Canyons Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, and Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley is for skiers only, but The Canyons and Park City Mountain Resorts welcome skiers and snowboarders. The over 9,000 acres of snow in Park City welcomes beginner and expert runs.
- Shopping – Park City is full of boutiques and eclectic little shops for when you want to take a break from all the outdoor activities. There are eight shopping districts to choose from for those with varying interests.
- Dining – There are more than 100 bars and restaurants to choose from, with a variety culinary choices from around the world. I recommend Morning Ray Café for breakfast, lunch at the mid-mountain Red Pine Restaurant in The Canyons Resort, and an upscale dinner at any of Main Street’s award winning establishments.
- Nightlife – The après ski party scene in Park City is funky and fun. There are wine tastings to be found, dance clubs, and jazz bars. Whatever your poison, it can be found in Park City.
Park City isn’t just a winter destination. The Sundance Film Festival may bring in the celebrities, but the summer months are when families can enjoy hiking and biking and even a few bargains. Don’t forget to use the FREE transit system to get around Park City. You can check out the routes and schedules for this biodeisel fueled transportation at Park City’s Official Visitor’s Site.
Shannon Lane is a member of Priority Club Connect, an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands. To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, visit Priority Club Connect.
[photos by: Biggles1067, tkellyphoto]
Rating Dublin’s Popular Tourist Attractions
February 9, 2010 by Anil P.
Filed under Advice, Travel, Travel Journal
There are a few places in Dublin that tend to make most people’s itinerary the first time around. There are a lot of famous sites like the Guinness Storehouse you’ll be recommended to visit, required to pay a few Euro for, and all the while be unsure of whether your time is worth each one. I was in Dublin for the 2010 Hoscars and arrived a few days early to do some research for a few upcoming posts and put all of these places on my to-do list.
These are my impressions and if you have limited time in Dublin, this post might help you trim down or add a few items to your travel itinerary.
The Guinness Storehouse
This isn’t the building where they brew the Guinness but it is Ireland’s most popular tourist destination. You won’t actually get to see the process of Guinness being made but if you love the drink you’ll enjoy learning about the history and culture of Guinness. Those who aren’t as enthusiastic about Guinness or beer in general might not find it as interesting for the 15 Euro admission. Buy your tickets online in advance and you’ll save 10% off the price (and cut to the head of the lines).
Dublinia and The Viking World
Dublin has a Viking heritage you can learn about in Dublinia. It costs about 6 Euro to get in and you’ll get to wander around on your own through the museum. It’s not visually impressive but there is a lot of interesting historical information along the walls and exhibits if you’re wiling to take the time to read them. Perhaps the most interesting part is the archeological artifacts, bones, and interactive exhibit on the top floor – great for children and archeology fans.
Christ Church Cathedral
Next to Dublinia, entrance to the Cathedral costs another 3-6 Euro, depending whether or not you can get a student discount. (Looking like a student seemed to be good enough in most cases.) The church is over 1,000 years old but isn’t worth the price of admission. There are plenty of other old churhces that are visually stunning in Dublin and most you can just walk in for free. You might actually get to see the church in action and get a few pictures before you leave.
The Temple Bar
There is no cover charge to get into this famous Dublin pub, located at the corner of Temple Lane. There is live music from 2pm until late and the beer prices aren’t too much more than in other parts of town (6 Euro). It’s not a place to drink the night away as it’s crowded and there are plenty of other nice bars in the area and all over town (a ratio of 1:495) but if you’re strolling around The Temple Bar is a nice place to stop by for a pint. Andrew The Brooklyn Nomad also suggested the Brazen Head Pub which is a good alternative.
Trinity College
College campuses can make for good, free, travel opportunities in many cities and Trinity College is in the middle of Dublin a good location to stop by. While you’re walking around taking pictures, stop by the Science Gallery (free), the Douglas Hyde Gallery (free), and the Old Library (about 8 Euro). The campus is also right next to St. Stephens Green park, a nice walk to add to your day.
Kilmainham Gaol
A large unoccupied prison (now museum) that costs 6 Euro to get in but is a fascinating historical experience. The price of admission comes with a guided tour and you’ll to learn that the prison wasn’t segregated, it was built in 1796, or that prisoners were sent here to die at Kilmainham Gaol for their nationalist ideals among other crimes.
Dublin is a nice city to wander around and has its fair share of touristic destinations. I don’t think any of these places will disappoint particularly if you’ve got a slight inclination toward any of them. There’s also the Old Jamison Distillery and a host of other museums and national buildings to visit in addition to the over 1,000 pubs in the city.
[photos by: (2nd photo) Shadowgate, * mario *, ZaNiaC, Sean Munson]
