November 18th, 2010 | 
Author: When thinking of theater in the United States, Broadway in New York City often comes to mind as being the absolute best.
While having the largest collection of shows at any given time, New York does reign supreme. However, many other cities throughout the country have an equally impressive catalog of shows, both touring and permanent.
Chicago is one such city where the many opportunities to see live theater make it one of the best in the nation. While the permanent collection is minimal, the city enjoys an ever changing collection of critically acclaimed touring shows that are certain to dazzle visitors staying in Chicago any time of year!
Photo credit
Blue Man Group
One of the few permanent shows found within the city, the Blue Man Group has been delighting audiences for many years with their unique instrument design and unusual silent stage personas.
During the show, the Blue Man Group utilizes instruments made out of everyday materials such as PVC pipe to produce a wide array of sounds that can only be described as out of this world.
Combined with vaudeville style performances in which the characters investigate normal items in unique ways, the show takes audiences on a journey that questions preconceived notions of what is normal, and pokes fun at the most mundane aspects of life.
Because the Blue Man Group is a permanent show within the city, visitors to Chicago are not hard pressed to see this highly sought after performance in one of its many convenient time slots throughout the week.
Wicked
The story of The Wizard of Oz is timeless and known by all generations. The events that took place prior to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, however, are a complete mystery. The critically acclaimed show Wicked follows the origins of the famous witches of Oz in a thrilling tale only suited for a live audience. On one of many several encore runs, Wicked will be visiting the windy city between December 2, 2010 and January 23, 2011.
Monty Python’s Spamalot!
An off-the-wall live adaptation of the cult-classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot gives audiences a new perspective into the trials and tribulations of King Arthur and his knights as they seek the Holy Grail.
Monty Python addicts will be delighted as the show incorporates some of the favorite one-liners and popular characters from the movie, including a certain little bunny that’s got big teeth.
Cloud Gate, Chicago – Photo credit
But the true draw to the show is the new and catchy songs with bits so outrageous that even the most discriminating fans of the comedy troupe will be rolling out of their seats with laughter during the entire performance.
Spamalot has officially started an encore tour around the country after an overwhelming demand from Monty Python fans from every corner of the country. The show will be making an extended stop in Chicago from December 30, 2010 until March 13, 2011 – ample time for anyone to make it in and see the wonderful and hilarious adventure.
Les Miserables
Adapted from the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables (“The Miserable Ones” in French) has been delighting both readers and audiences for over 150 years. Often regarded of one of the best stage shows of all time, the current iteration has been running continually for 26 years and played over 10,000 performances in London’s West End alone.
Set in nineteenth-century France, the story follows multiple characters on their way to personal redemption. One of the main plots of the story follows a petty criminal, Valjean, as he is chased by the officer Javert for his crimes. Throughout the journey the audience is brought to understand grace, second chances, and forgiveness by watching the interaction between these two counterpoints in their polarizing roles.
Chicago skyline – Photo credit
With many award winning musical scores accompanying this timeless story, you’ll be leaving singing many of the popular songs, including “I Dreamed A Dream,” for many days after and an even greater urge to see the musical one more time!
Minibus Hire Merthyr Tydfil Minibus Hire Merthyr Tydfil.
hotel distribution EZYield is the undisputed global leader in online distribution and integrated connectivity solutions.
Coach Tours America | Coach Tours USA Tours-USA.com is a specialist tour operator offering escorted coach tours and bus tours around the United States of America (USA) and Canada.
Visa To Russia Order your Russian visa for $18 and 15€ online. Express to Russia can quickly and professionally issue you a Russian visa.
Villas in ibiza to rent Cheap Villas in Florida available to rent direct with owners at affordable prices. Book your accommodation in Florida with Owners Direct.
adventure travel Imaginative Traveller organises various adventure travel tours across the world. Their destinations range from trekking in Everest, to exploring ancient ruins in Mexico, to spotting elephants and wild cats on safari.
ibiza Hotels Book your Ibiza hotel online with www.ibiza-hotels.com, the local specialists, at direct prices and with immediate confirmation
Apartments London London Apartments UK specialises in providing furnished self-catering apartments and serviced apartments rentals in London to businesses and individuals seeking temporary short term stay apartments. Our clients enjoy spacious, comfortable, well-managed holiday and vacation apartments in some of the city’s finest central locations.
Cheap Flights to Rome : cheap airfares for many major international airlines and definitely heavily discounted flight deals for the domestic air carriers alike, it is easy to find a cheap plane ticket to any place you like online than anywhere else.
fiji honeymoon – People say Fijian marriages last forever, and our Fiji vacation packages offer you the ability to tie the knot or renew your vows at any resort. Imagine walking down the isle barefoot with warm sand under the tropical sun with your closest loved ones.
Orlando Florida Hotels Find Orlando Hotels at discount rates for your Orlando Florida Vacation. Featuring discount hotels in Orlando and Kissimmee near Disney World at BEST RATES GUARANTEED.
Import a Boat Need to import a boat? DAZMAC offers professional and efficient services to all Marine importers.
Luxury apartment for rental Barcelona Barcelona Luxury Apartments are located in the heart of Barcelona. We propose the enjoyment of all services that provide a superior hotel in a luxurious private living space. Respond to a luxury apartment concept, urban chic, for business stays and/or tourism with all the luxury and comfort of a top class hotel.
Corfu holidays The Bella Venezia Boutique Hotel in Corfu Greece, housed in a gloriously restored neo-classical mansion, is an oasis of calm in the heart of Corfu’s vibrant capital.
Denver Catering Denver event catering services.
Bed Breakfast New Zealand Find best New Zealand Accommodation Deals with complete Bed and Breakfast packages. Select for Accommodation Deals and find New Zealand Hotels online.
hotel torre del mar playa den bossa Ibiza The Hotel Torre del Mar is ideally situated beside the sea and is two km from the centre of Ibiza town.
Denver Private Dining rooms Best restaurant in Denver
Denver Catering Denver event catering services.
Hartmann Luggage Hartmann Luggage, Leather Briefcases and Wallets at Irv’s Luggage, with Free Shipping over $99. Shop leather bags, business accessories & more.
Plan My Trip Plan My Trip – Plan My Trip India is one stop destination that helps you find the best online travel deals for cheap flights, hotels, trains, car rentals and holiday package reservation and booking
Kingfisher Flights Kingfisher Flights – Book Cheap kingfisher flights and airtickets online. Visit Official Kingfisher website and do web checkin and flight status
St Petersburg Hotels Book your hotels in St. Petersburg at cheap price with Best Hotels Russia and receive not only the lowest prices available for each hotel in Saint Petersburg but a free Russian visa invitation with each order.
New York Vacation Apartments New York City Apartments offer great New York (NYC) vacation apartments, vacation rentals for any season right in the city center.
Russian Cruises Russian River Cruises is the leading Russian Cruise company worldwide offering the lowest prices available on all Russian river cruises, St Petersburg cruise, Moscow cruise, black sea cruises, Volga cruises, waterways cruise lines, Russia tours by ship and crucero fluviales por el Rusia.
Travel to Kerala India Unbound offering best deal of kerala travel and tour holiday packages.Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with superb services in kerala.
Doha Holidays Gomosafer, the first eco-friendly online travel agency in Doha, Qatar. You can search, book and fly easily by gomosafer.com.
Medical tourism hungaryGet information about medical tourism destination Hungary, medical facilities in Hungary, medical tourism in Hungary and Hungary’s hospitals and international standards of care, health care in Hungary, medical treatment cost in Hungary.
north coast holidays : red sea liveaboards : Tour India : Luxury Hotels London : Toronto car service : kerala houseboat packages : cochin taxi : kerala houseboat packages : bookable holidays voucher codes : tasmania tours : Bus Charter : Solar Eclipse viewing platforms
Posted in 
A few months ago, we asked if you’d sightsee in NYC, but sleep in Jersey City, just a river’s train ride west of Manhattan. Your overwhelmingly positive responses got me thinking: Would BT readers be interested in not only staying overnight, but also spending their days outside of Manhattan? What about Brooklyn, a river east? As many creative types, the arts, and immigrant communities get further priced out of Manhattan, Brooklyn seems more and more like the go-to borough for a true-blue New York experience.
[+] Enlarge photo
A new book of photos and art, Brooklyn Diary: Walk, Shop, Home, and Studio ($32, Lines & Shapes 2010), illustrates Brooklyn as the truly beautiful mishmash of cultures and personalities that it is, and provides the perfect pre-trip guide to what many consider to be New York’s greatest borough. Curator Lena Corwin chose 21 Brooklyn-based artists to open up their homes and studios, and share their favorite shops, restaurants, and neighborhood spots through their own artwork and the collective lens(es) of 10 different photographers. Divided into five sections: Walk, Eat, Shop, Home, and Studio, Brooklyn Diary is an excellent guide to the lesser-known pearls of a less-frequented, but no-less-electrifying, borough.
Of course, the book outlines the daily lives of those 21 artists in a very personal, neighborly way, but the greatest value for travelers are the places to shop and eat. Without further adieu, here are my favorites:
Immediately east of the mid-to-lower section of Manhattan is the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg, a straight shot from 14th St. across the river on the L train, or a quick, southern hook over the Williamsburg Bridge on the J or M. In this traditionally Hasidic, Italian, Hispanic, and African American neighborhood, you can sip coffee and watch hip 20-somethings stroll by at Verb Café (218 Bedford Ave.; Bedford L), take a private booth at the beautiful Japanese brasserie, Zenkichi (77 N. 6th St.; Bedford L), or browse the great collection of books (especially art books) at Spoonbill and Sugartown (218 Bedford Ave.; Bedford L), among other things. Also, nothing, and I mean nothing, beats a $5 chicken biscuit slathered in honey butter and hot sauce from Pies ‘n’ Thighs (166 S. 4th St.; Marcy J or Bedford L).
Just north of Williamsburg is Greenpoint, a traditionally Polish enclave. I prefer the Pierogi platter at Lomzynianka Restauracja (646 Manhattan Ave.; Nassau G) and the fresh donuts at Peter Pan (727 Manhattan Ave.; Nassau G) simply for their unbelievably cheap, home-cooked goodness.
And of course, no New York experience would be complete without pizza, right? Closer to where I live in Bushwick, there’s a little hole in the wall called Roberta’s (261 Moore St.; Morgan L), which serves up some of the tastiest slices in the city, complete with fresh, artisanal ingredients and unusual toppings. If you’re willing to go down to Carroll Gardens, try Lucali (575 Henry St.; Carroll F or G). Besides being the rumored favorite date spot of Beyonce and Jay-Z, it’s quite possibly the freshest pizza I’ve ever had. Toppings are brought in and vary by day, and it’s BYOB, so take your own bottle of wine—from the jumbled, bulbous neighborhoods bursting with swagger to the independent galleries, shops, and shows, it’s all about doing it yourself, in Brooklyn.
Source: Michael Lala
We’re giving you the floor. To gear up for our second annual Readers’ Choice issue in November 2011 we’re turning to the true experts—you! Over the next few months we’ll be asking for your thoughts on a variety of travel topics ranging from your favorite cruise line to your ultimate dream destination. Once your nominations are in, we’ll give you the chance to vote on the best of the best.
What is your favorite national park? Tell us below. The more details to make your case, the better.
NOMINATE MORE:
Tell us your favorite (and least favorite) airport.
What is the world’s most beautiful city?
Tell us which airlines you love (and hate).
What’s your favorite hotel chain?
Source: Budget Travel
Complaints about full-body scans and pat-downs at the airport are getting louder. Fliers are now faced with the question: Would you rather have your naked body stared at or your entire body groped?
• Nov. 4 The TSA changed its pat-down procedures nationwide to a grabbier, front-of-the-hand method. The new tactic includes an agent running his or her hand along the inside of your leg. Any passenger who refuses to go through a body scanner, or so-called “nude-o-scope,” must receive a pat-down with a same-gender agent. But you may ask for it to be done out of public view.
• Nov. 1 Two of the largest pilot unions urged their members to refuse to walk through full-body scans when they go to work. Their fear? “Additional radiation exposure”—despite government assurances on the latter.
• Nov. 12 A three-year old boy was patted down by a TSA agent, and it was caught on film. The boy thought it was a game, so no tears were shed. But many people were outraged, and an old video of a 3-year old girl bawling during a TSA pat-down resurfaced online.
• Today, Nov. 17 TSA changes policy: No more “enhanced pat-downs for children.
• Today TSA chief John Pistole testified before Congress, insisting that the technology is not only safe, it is vital to aviation security and a critical measure to thwart potential terrorist attacks. He added that the TSA uses rigorous privacy safeguards with its full-body scanners. For instance, the officer viewing the naked scans never interacts with passengers, and the officer helping passengers never sees the scans.
• Looking ahead An online group is drumming up interest in making next Wednesday, Nov. 24, National Opt-Out Day to protest the use of body scan devices. If popular, the protest could slow down airport traffic on the day before Thanksgiving—the busiest day of the year. optoutday.com and flywithdignity.org.
What’s your view? Do you prefer full-body scans or enhanced pat downs?
MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL
Do TSA Body Scans Violate Your Privacy? (150+ comments)
Old Man Goes to Airplane Bathroom, Walks Out as Asian Dude
Ban “Whole-body” TSA Scanners?
Source: Sean O’Neill
The archipelago of Langkawi is located off the Northwestern coast of Malaysia in the Andaman Sea. The 97 uninhabited and 2 inhabited islands that comprise the archipelago were designated a Geopark by UNESCO in 2007. Unlike neighboring Penang, Langkawi has enjoyed a relatively off-the-beaten track status for many years and boasts serene nature, idyllic beaches, and many cultural events representative of Malaysia’s melting pot society.
Photo credit
The influence of many of the world’s religions has a large impact on the national events that take place throughout the island. With one of the largest Islamic and Hindu populations inside South East Asia, Malaysia’s culture has adopted many long-standing traditions accordingly, with Langkawi’s celebrations of the major festivals being some of the best! While staying in many of the seaside hotels in Langkawi, there are many cultural festivals that should not be missed by any tourist!
Ramadan Bazaar
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is celebrated throughout the world as a way for Muslims to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness of past sins, and seek heightened spirituality by way of fasting. Between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadan, Muslims avoid eating, drinking, and sexual contact in order to achieve this spiritual enlightenment.
Photo credit
As the sun begins to set, however, the festivities begin and Langkawi is transformed into a gigantic food bazaar with over double the normal vendors with cuisine from all over Asia. Although the celebration is for the daily breaking of fast ritual for Muslims, all religions and nationalities are welcome to take part, and the celebration is nothing short of spectacular.
The holy month of Ramadan is anticipated to begin at sunset on August 1st and continue until August 30th in 2011. The festivities for the Langkawi Bazaar begin at around 4pm and continue well until after sunset when the breaking of fast commences.
Deepavali Festival of Lights
The Hindu celebration of Deepavali (Diwali) is a celebration of the triumph over evil. This victory for good is celebrated by a Festival of Lights, representative of light shining out of the darkness. Visitors to the island of Langkawi will be delighted by the thousands of lit clay pots, electric lights, and floral arrangements set out by the Hindu population.
Photo credit
Like the Islamic festival of Ramadan, Deepavali is all about new beginnings; old quarrels and transgressions are often forgiven after a period of prayer and fasting in hopes of greater prosperity in the following year.
The date of the Diwali/Deepavali celebration changes from year to year in line with the new moon when light shines most in the darkness. The Festival of Lights celebration in Langkawi is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 26th in 2011.
Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta
While the Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta is not representative of any one cultural group, the yearly week-long celebration in July is a feast for the senses for foodies from all cultures and should not be missed.
Photo credit
During the fiesta, the island of Langkawi is transformed into a gastronomical paradise, with many local markets, cooking competitions, and street food from all cultures: both Eastern and Western. The highlight of this celebration is an array of fresh and exotic fruit brought in from all climates for newcomers to try. There is often so much food that it is impossible for one person to try everything, and a multi-day visit is worthwhile for all!
Travelers looking to reach this serene destination can easily visit Langkawi by flight from most major destinations in South East Asia such as Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore or by a short ferry ride from Penang, Malaysia and Ko Lipe, Thailand.
Source: Ian