Tuesday, March 13, 2012

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


F1 and roller coasters: US$3 billion development for low-key Lombok

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 11:08 PM PDT

Watch out Singapore. Quiet, unassuming Lombok might soon be cashing in on the F1 action, too. 

Following the opening of the Indonesian island's new international airport last year, now comes word that a massive integrated resort will soon be under development in Lombok. 

Cue the cries of "paradise lost." 

Set to open in 2015, the US$3-billion, 1,175-hectare Mandalika Resort Lombok is pegged to include an F1 race track, integrated theme park, underwater marine museum, eco park, meeting spaces and a concert hall.

According to a report by travel industry site TTG Asia, the project's first phase, including road construction, hotel developments and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, will be completed within three to five years. More hotels and attractions will follow in the second stage.

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5 places to see the brightest Aurora displays

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 09:41 PM PDT

by Hiufu Wong

The biggest solar storm in five years rampaged across the sun's surface last week. Fears that our cell phone and GPS systems would be knocked out proved unfounded, but our skies certainly did feel its effect, with beautiful results.

Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights) has been putting on a show from the end of last year as a result of frequent massive solar explosions. 

While they usually fade in March, thanks to the solar storm there are still some places that are witnessing the amazing sight. Until mid or late April, particularly in places in the Auroral Oval -- a zone with active solar radiation activity -- you can still see them. 

Or you can head South for the Aurora Australis (The Southern Lights), which are going to shine, albeit less dramatically, from March onwards. 

Tromsø, Norway

TromsoThis "Paris" does not need an Eiffel Tower to light the sky.

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Fun suitcases for every type of traveler

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 05:55 PM PDT

by Valerie Pergay

Black suitcases aren't only boring, they're much more likely to be grabbed by someone else at the luggage carousel. 

Figure out which type of traveler you are and pack one of these instead.

patagonia suitcase Light but durable.

Thrifty traveler -- Patagonia MLC

This affordable and efficient suitcase can be worn or carried in three different ways -- as a backpack, a shoulder bag and a briefcase -- and is ideal for the thrifty traveler planning to walk a lot and use crowded public transportation. 

US$159 at www.patagonia.com

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10 shoes for 10 amazing trips

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 03:00 PM PDT

by Jennings Brown

Just as the right trip can ruin a pair of shoes, so the wrong pair of shoes can ruin any trip.

Sure, you'll forget the damaged kicks but you might never forgive yourself for missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience just because you packed the wrong footwear.

That's why it's essential to consider weather, environment and (sometimes, the strangest) activities while packing for every excursion.

Here are our picks of the best shoes for some extra-special trips that demand sure-footed planning.

Ecco Groove GladiatorNo, I'M Spartacus -- it says so on my authentic gladiator sandals.

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12 timely reasons to hit the United States in 2012

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 09:22 AM PDT

by Jordan Rane

The United States.

If you've heard of this place, or even seen it on a map, you'll know that fitting a single attraction (let alone a dozen) into a visit can be a tall order -- especially if you're in Maine and dying to stop by Six Flags Over Texas.

That means you've got work to do. Lucky for you, we've set up a dozen timely essentials to start checking off your list.

On your mark, get set … 

1. Fenway Park turns 100 

fenway parkFenway turns 100. Same old Sawx.If you haven't yet squeezed into Fenway Park, sacred home of the Boston Red Sox, this is the milestone season to do it.

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Interview: Vikas Swarup reads, writes and travels like crazy

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 09:12 AM PDT

by Samantha Leese

vikas swarupStreet knowledge is more important than book knowledge for Vikas Swarup.

In 2008, Vikas Swarup's debut novel, "Q&A," was adapted into the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire." 

Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy cut and changed much more than just the title. Yet, Swarup was never anything but tactful when speaking about relinquishing his work to Hollywood.  

It's no surprise. By day, Swarup is a high-flying diplomat who has worked in the Indian Foreign Service for 25 years.

Currently the Consul General of India in Osaka-Kobe, Swarup has been variously posted in Turkey, the U.S., Ethiopia, Britian and South Africa. 

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