People travel in different ways around the globe. Even from location to location there can be differences, even oddities. Some of these oddities are cultural, some are based on advances to technology. No matter what they all make great images and conversation starters, and if you are lucky enough you may be able to spot them on your next trip.

Portugal & Frankfurt

The Peugeot Design Contest in 2005 was won by a Portuguese designer, Andre Costa, for his design of an electric car called “The Moovie.” André Costa stated,

“What shaped the visual look on the vehicle was the two big electric wheels with hollow rim, these wheels are hollow in the middle, this is where the doors of the car are located, the vehicle has like this big doors allowing the users to have enough space to enter and exit the vehicle.

The big wheels have a reason behind it, the bigger the wheel less turns it has to make to travel, less turns less energy expended. The front of the vehicle is supported by two spheres, these are purely for support, the car turns by a system that makes one electric wheel go faster then the other, this system allows the vehicle in some cases to make 360º turns which is great for parking and moving in small city streets. Also and to enhance the stability of the vehicle, the wheels make an angle of about 10º closing on the top. The two big round doors slide along the side-front of the car to waste less space in small parking spaces, allowing a better exit at all times. The review mirrors fold up to avoid touching the doors during the side slide.”

United Kingdom

Citymobil is a project that is looking to replace buses and cars with driverless forms of vehicular transport. Currently, the project is being slated for London as well as Spain and Rome. The main concept behind the project is to get rid of some of the issues human drivers bring to commuting. From the Citymobil coordinators:

“The overall objective of this project is to achieve a more effective organization of urban transport, resulting in a more rational use of motorized traffic with less congestion and pollution, safer driving, a higher quality of living and an enhanced integration with spatial development. This objective is brought closer by developing integrated traffic solutions: advanced concepts for innovative autonomous and automated road vehicles for passengers and goods, embedded in an advanced spatial setting. The city of tomorrow is in need of integrated traffic solutions that provide the required mobility in an efficient, safe and economic manner.”

Andy Tyler a 35 year old microlight instructor from Beccles, Suffolk, built the gas and liquid fuel pulse jet strapped to the shopping cart below from instructions off the internet. He pulled the trolley from a river, and added 50 pounds on scrap wheels, brakes and a steering device. Suffolk, said:

“It can’t go on roads, runs out of fuel after two minutes and at over 50mph becomes unstable. People think I’m off my trolley but it’s exhilarating.”

Budapest

Budapest is a city the loves its bicyclists. It currently has 170 KM of pathways just for those riding bikes throughout the city, and aims to nearly double that.

This gentleman takes advantage of those pathways with his ultra-retro bicycle, which sports a front wheel that goliaths the rear.

India

The second most populous country in the world has a major public transportation crisis. The massive movement of the population to urban centers has not aided the issue. To travel in India, you have to be willing to take a seat, or simply hang on, where you can.

Japan

Japan is renowned for its weird inventions, and the Melody Road, about 100 km North of Tokyo, is no exception. A car on The Melody Road is able to play a simple tune, which is made audible by ridges on the road’s surface. The pitch of the note created is increased by increasing the frequency of the ridges, and the opposite is also true.

If the Melody Road isn’t for you, how about using a motorized panda bear to get about?

Japanese inventors have also created this prototype wooden electric car in Kyoto, Japan. The buggy, which has bamboo-weave doors, has a range of 10km can hit 30mph.

Taiwan

Maybe it isn’t a means of transport yet, but these guys are one step from saddling sharks and riding them. I am not sure about swimming with sharks, but I am sure riding sharks makes you a loon.

This guy isn’t Taiwanese, he is just crazy.

China

The pictures are from Qinhuangdao, a beautiful port city in Hebei Province. The truck turned whatchamacallit (street sweeper) carries more than a dozen brooms, which rotate with the axle to take care of cleaning.

Philippines

These bicycles are more scooters than true bicycles. The rider pushes himself with his feet. The wheeled vehicles are made with whatever wood with the rider can find. These wooden bicycles are ridden in the Banaue region of the Philippines. During an annual festival celebrating the culture of the regional tribes.

Pakistan

Like neighboring India, Pakistan has some issues with the amount of transportation per capita. Only they do it a little more colorful.

This bus is just jacked up. But to its credit it keeps going.

USA

America apparently has an obsession with making things jet powered. Bill Decambre built the ‘rocket recliner’ below and showed it of at the 2002 Reno Air Races. It looks comfortable, but you’d best come to terms with the idea of death before turning on the engine.

Mike West Built and the Cra- Z – Boy match the feat.

Mechanic Paul Sender spent $5,000 building the world’s fastest port-o-let. It can go up to 70mp and sends a 30-foot fireball streaming out behind it. Only American would want to defy death while making their business.

This crazy contraption, an arachnid motorized vehicle was found at the Burning Man Festival. I am sure more than a few hippies had a hard time explaining what they saw.

West Sahara

West Sahara suffers from a lack of transportation, but it has nothing to do with the population, it is overt scarcity.

La Paz

This is an interesting way to see South America.

Canada

The Uno is a self-balancing motorcycle that uses a pair of gyroscopes to constantly keep its rider upright. Designed by 18-year old inventor Ben J. Poss Gulak (and built with the help of a team of bike builders and engineers), the 120-pound motorcycle is so easy to ride, its only control is a single on-off switch. To ride forward, lean forward, to reverse, simply lean back. The degree to which you lean increases or decreases your velocity. By using a pair of wheels, the bike can also make turns based on your side-to-side movements.

Iceland

Here we find an amphibious bus used to give tours in Iceland. Either by land or sea.

The next Search Engine Strategies Expo is scheduled for August 10-14 in San Jose, California.   It promises to be a very informative event.  The conference hotel, the Marriott, has rooms held for $194.  We have found some alternative hotels in close proximity to the convention center with better rates for those that would like to attend the conference but are looking to save a few dollars.

The closest alternative option we found is the Crowne Plaza which has a rate of $142 during the conference.  It’s adjacent to the convention center so you can certainly walk to all of the conference activities.

The Radisson, located 3 miles from the convention center is offering the best rate of $92.  Although it is a little further away.   The next best rate we found is also about 3 miles from the convention center at the San Jose Holiday Inn for $105.

Located just a half mile from the convention center is the Hotel Montgomery. They have a rate of $129 during the conference.  This hotel seems to have a cool vibe and a lot of character.  If anyone has ever stayed there before please send feedback.

If you are looking to spend a little more money and get a more resort feel you can try the Dolce Hayes Mansion which is located 5 miles outside of downtown.  The rate they are offering is $214. 

San Jose has lots of great options.  You should certainly be able to find a place to suit your needs.

Let us know if you plan to attend the conference and if you’ve found any other good deals!

If you are traveling to Seattle next week for SMX Advanced but have not made your hotel reservations you’re in luck.  (And there are tickets still available to attend!) There are some great hotel deals available within walking distance to the conference.  The official hotels for the conference are the Seattle Waterfront Marriot (at $239 a night) and the Edgewater Hotel (at $249 a night), but there are several options available with better rates. Check out these hotels which are all within walking distance of the Convention Center.

Crown Plaza Seattle- $162

Hotel Monaco- $188

Seattle Renaissance- $188

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious and are willing to spend a little more money you can also check out the Seattle W Hotel which is offering rates starting at $297.

We’re missing SMX advanced this year as we have some events on the east coast we can’t miss.

Comments, stories, gossip welcomed.

I haven’t been able to confirm the prices with all the airlines but wanted to pass it along.

You’ll probably need to call a travel agent to book these tickets, the reservation agents at the airlines have difficulty finding the fares.

Good Luck with booking, would love to hear if you were succesful or not.

Eight airlines are getting rid of excess inventory through this Tuesday, for travel through Oct. 1, for travelers flying in pairs, who can book 42 days in advance.

The players: American, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa, United, US Airways, and Virgin.

Fares are available from multiple cities from the U.S. to London.

From the East Coast, round-trip fares for two start at $775 round-trip (plus taxes) each; from the West Coast, $1,154.

Ask your reservations agent to look for these “fare-basis” codes:

American: IR42CN

British Airways: IRC6CN

Continental: AR42CNSE

Delta: IR42CMA

Lufthansa: ZR42CN

United: ZR42CN

US Airways: ZHE42CN (

Virgin: ZR42CN   (800) 821 5438

Sandals Resorts is currently offering up to 65% off packages at thier resorts. For anyone not familiar with Sandals Resorts they are the perfect resort for destination weddings, honeymoons, or just a romantic getaway- they are all-inclusive and couples only.

Sandals has resorts on Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua, and St. Lucia. My husband and I spent our honeymoon (3 years ago! wow time flies!) at the Sandals Regency on St. Lucia, one of three Sandals Resorts on the island. We had never been to St. Lucia and never traveled to an all-inclusive resort before so we really didn’t know what to expect. We had heard good reviews but we were still blown away by the beauty of the island and the Sandals service when we arrived.
St Lucia is very mountainous and the airport is long ride from the resort, up to 2 hours. We read a tip online suggesting the most convenient and scenic way to get to the resort is to arrange a helicopter tour. Since we had never taken a helicopter ride before we set it up in advance through Sandals. This was one of the few things we spent money on during our trip since everything else was all-inclusive. The ride was $250 fo the two of us and well worth it. Not only were we to the resort in about 20 minutes, we enjoyed the most breathtaking views of the island. My only regret is that we did not do this again on the way back- it was that beautiful.

Once we arrived at Sandals we were greeted by a hotel staffer with tropical drinks who helped us check-in quickly and escorted us to our room. Our room was just as promised in the pictures we saw online.

We spent the next 6 days enjoying everything the resort had to offer. Having never traveled to an all-inclusive resort we were skeptical about the dining options. We were wrong. There were 8 excellent restuarants to chose from and we had the option of going over to one of the other two Sandals and dining in thier restaurants. The food at every place we dined was outstanding. No complaints from either of us. On our last night in St. Lucia my husband arranged a beach candlelight dinner. This was not included in our package but it is something I would reccomend to anyone visiting Sandals. It was the perfect ending to a perfect honeymoon, dining under the stars right next to the ocean.

Overall our trip was relaxing and laid back. We spent our days lounging by the ocean. We took advantage of most of the hotel ammenities including the spa services which were amazing. Everyone we encountered from the Sandals staff was helpful and friendly. They went out of thier way to be accomodating no matter what the request was.
We felt like we had a very luxurious honeymoon but even with the extras we didn’t feel like we spent a lot of money for the trip.

Check out the Sandals Resorts Deal

Just yesterday I posted about the great travel deals being offered this summer and how with these deals there is no reason to let economic concerns ruin our summer travel plans. (http://www.besttraveldeals.net/blog/dont-let-economy-ruin-your-summer-va…)
Well the deals just keep getting better! Today Spirit Airlines announced a new promotion- $1 Fare Crushers. That’s $1 fares each way for members of the $9 Fare Club. Check out the deal here today because the sale ends tomorrow at 11:59 pm!
http://www.besttraveldeals.net/deal/spirit-fare-crusher-fares-low-1-each…
There’s also a $39 sale from AirTan and a $69 sale from Southwest! With so many different carriers offering these unbelievable fares you are sure to find a great deal to the destination of your choice!

http://www.besttraveldeals.net/deal/39-last-minute-fare-sale-airtran

http://www.besttraveldeals.net/deal/memorial-day-deals-69-one-way-southw…
Don’t forget to check out our Hotel Deals Section for geat hotel prices and our Things To Do Section (under other) for discounts on attractions once you’ve picked your destination.
What bargains are you finding out there as you try to save money this summer? Be sure to share them here at www.besttraveldeals.net.

If you are considering putting your summer vacation plans on hold this year because of economic concerns you have to check out the amazing Summer Sale Jet Blue is offering. They have prices for one way fares ranging from $29-$129 for cities throughout the US. Check out the deal here: http://www.besttraveldeals.net/deal/jet-blue-summer-sale-low-29-one-way.

Once you’ve picked your destination browse our hotel section for some great hotel deals- we’ve even got a deal for $50 a night near Disney. You can also find some great bargains in our Things to Do (under other) and our Travel Coupons sections. You can find tickets to Six Flags for a family of four for only $99!

Do you dread rainy days because you don’t know what to do with the kids? Take them bowling for free! Or take them to the movies using the deal for 10 Family Friendly Movies for $5! With these deals there’s no reason you can’t travel and have lot’s of fun this summer and still save money!

Just one look at the pictures on the Oberoi website will have you booking immediately. Oberoi Resorts, one of India’s finest luxury resorts, is participating in the Ministry of Tourism’s Visit “Visit India 2009″ program. As part of this promotion they are offering up the 45% off their rates. This means you can get an Oberoi package for 8 nights for as low as $1400- a package that would normally cost you $2500!

What’s great about this deal is that you can create an itinerary involving multiple Oberoi Resort Hotels, so you can be sure to see all the sites on your list, such as the Taj Mahal and the Himalayas. The Oberoi Resorts also offer a number of luxury amenities to make your stay more enjoyable including spa treatments, yoga, and world class dining.
If you have always wanted to visit India this is a deal you can’t pass up!

Gasoline prices are on the rise again. The average price per gallon for regular made a double-digit jump in three weeks according to AAA. The spike along with a tough economy could put a damper on your Memorial Day weekend road trips unless you know where to dig out the best travel deals that can fit your budget.

Forget about gas prices because they’re out of your control. You may choose to leave the car home altogether because catching a flight could be a lot less expensive. If that sounds impossible take a look at this deal on www.besttraveldeals.net.

Spirit Air is having a $9 airfare sale. That’s right folks, get on a plane and travel for only $9. That is not a typo.

In addition, Airfares to Orlando on Southwest Airlines are $49 one way from Baltimore, Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, New Orleans, Newburg (NY), Norfolk, and Philadelphia. Before taxes the one-way airfares to Orlando between now and June 30, 2009 would be $236 for a family of four.

Or try this deal – a one week car rental for $24.99 – coupled with Southwest’s airfare of $236 for a family of four and a 3 bedroom vacation home rental for $350 for a week and a family of four can travel to Orlando, get theme park titckets all for around $1000 for the entire week.

If you prefer the Adirondacks in New York, this resort in Lake Placid is offering daily deals starting at $38/night for a room.

“When it comes to saving big bucks on your travel in this economy, you just have to know where to look. Hotels, restaurants, resorts and cruise lines are pulling out all the stops to lure customers with impressive travel bargains that are tough to resist,” said Mary Song, founder of www.besttraveldeals.net.

Whether you’re trying to make a quick getaway or planning your dream vacation, don’t spend a dime without checking in with www.besttraveldeals.net for a starting point on a great travel deal.

Best Travel Deals was founded to help travel lovers like you find the greatest deals in all areas of the travel industry. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping hot cocoa at a ski lodge in Colorado, sunbathing on a sugary white sand beach in the Bahamas, or hiking to an exotic Buddhist temple in the lush jungles of Southeast Asia, you’ll find awesome travel bargains for an array of destinations on Best Travel Deals.

Traveling by plane, train, or automobile? No problem! We’ve got it all covered. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of great travel deals because trips to some of the most exotic locations in the world have become far more affordable as a result of the recession.

Deal or No Deal? You Decide!

Here at Best Travel Deals, we put all the power into our members’ hands. As a member of Best Travel Deals, you can submit any great travel deals you find online and vote on other members’ submissions by clicking “deal” or “no deal.” Naturally, the good deals make it to the front page while the bad deals disappear into oblivion. Member votes determine which deals are awesome and which deals should be dumped so submit your deals carefully!

Feel free to discuss travel deals with other members in the comments section and form networks by adding other members as friends. You can share deals with people in your network and even email deals to your friends and family who aren’t members. But don’t forget to invite everyone you know to register at Best Travel Deals. It is completely free to join and the more members there are the more travel deals there’ll be!

Join us to stay updated, submit killer travel deals, and connect with other travel enthusiasts. There’s no need to give up your dream vacation – at Best Travel Deals you’ll get access to the best bargains around the net in one place so you can make your visions of the ultimate getaway a reality. There are new travel deals submitted on a regular basis so make sure you check back often! And stay tuned for blog posts offering tips and advice about budget travel.