What is a LandLoper?
-
About Matt Long
06 July 2011 8:08 PM | No CommentsWho am I? I am a typical Gen-X professional who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I living off of a trust fund. I am...
Read More
-
GET YOUR LANDLOPERS UPDATES
Most Popular
-
Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
16 April 2012 11:55 PM | 20 Comments -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
28 February 2012 11:55 PM | 12 Comments -
Top Five Travel iPad Apps
06 January 2011 11:55 PM | 24 Comments -
Vatican City Scavi Tour
09 September 2010 2:59 AM | 14 Comments -
Don’t Be a Touron
29 June 2010 8:10 PM | 40 Comments
As Seen In:
North America Archive
-
Journey to America’s Forgotten Capital
Posted on May 21, 2012 | 1 CommentI live in Washington, DC, a city that has had the honor of serving of the capital of the United States for more than two-hundred and twenty years. However, it’s not the only capital the country has had, a fact most American school kids know... -
Five Things You Might Not Know About Arizona
Posted on April 19, 2012 | 3 CommentsToday’s post comes courtesy of Dave Porter with The Roaming Boomers. In 2006 David and his wife moved from Michigan to Arizona and haven’t looked back since. Although they admit there’s a lot to see and do in the Midwest, the endless sunshine and warm... -
Shadows and Ghosts – Looking for the Descent of the Feathered Serpent at Chichen Itza
Posted on April 8, 2012 | 5 CommentsRuins, relics and all things ancient have always fascinated me; exploring their link to eras and civilizations long gone top the list of things I most enjoy doing when I travel. So when the JW Marriott in Cancun invited me down for a rare astronomical... -
Not Your Average Day in Cancun – A Mayan Morning at Ek Balam
Posted on April 1, 2012 | 8 CommentsI like old things. Older the better and if they can even be called ancient, I’m there. So when the JW Marriott in Cancun invited me down for a rare astronomical event involving one of the most famous ruins in the world, I didn’t hesitate... -
Shrine to Carbonated Goodness – The World of Coke in Atlanta
Posted on March 29, 2012 | 4 CommentsThere are a few things I must have when I travel. A Clean bed, hot shower, Wi-Fi and most importantly, Diet Coke are all necessary components of the travel experience for me. I’ve been an ardent fan of Diet Coke for at least twenty years,... -
Skip the Staycation, Go For the Nearcation
Posted on March 25, 2012 | 13 CommentsTwo years ago at a conference I had the great pleasure of meeting a well known travel editor and managed to separate him from one of his business cards. Later when I read through the business cards I had collected I noticed that on the... -
Watch With Me As I Witness the Descent of the Feathered Serpent in Mexico
Posted on March 19, 2012 | No CommentsThere was a brief time in my life when I thought I would actually be an archeologist. I blame Indiana Jones and a fierce desire to uncover lost secrets of history for this passion. Then I realized that math and science were involved and I... -
Frozen in Time – Exploring Rural Alberta On An Ice Walk
Posted on March 14, 2012 | 4 CommentsSo here’s something strange about me: I love nature, I love being outside and enjoying the best that Mother Nature has to offer, but I’m not necessarily outdoorsy. What’s the difference you ask? Well, outdoorsy people can live in a tent, commune with nature and... -
Weird Museum of the Stuffed and Dead in Banff
Posted on February 29, 2012 | 1 CommentIt was Saturday afternoon in Banff. We had just returned from an all-morning ice hike and Scott was firmly planted in front of the TV watching football playoff games. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to explore more of Banff on foot, I even... -
Why Are We Still Talking About Travel Safety in Mexico?
Posted on February 26, 2012 | 17 CommentsA couple of years ago when I was still a baby blogger, I wrote a post about why I thought that parts of Mexico were safe to visit. Talking with people, I thought that the message was getting across, that some parts of Mexico are... -
Five Things I Bet You Don’t Know About Banff
Posted on February 23, 2012 | 5 Comments1. Where it is – When I first started researching a trip to Banff way back in 2010, I really had no idea where it was. I knew it was in Canada and that it had a funny name and that was the extent of... -
The Truth About The Mayan Calendar And The Cycles Of Our Lives
Posted on February 20, 2012 | 5 CommentsI was looking through some travel promotions lately and noticed a theme, at least in one part of the world. Disaster. End of the world. The Seven Horsemen are coming, so why not come to Mexico and enjoy some snorkeling? That’s right, on December 21,... -
Where the Powerful Travel – Top Presidential Vacation Destinations
Posted on February 19, 2012 | 5 CommentsToday is Presidents Day in the United States; a day to celebrate, um, Presidents and more importantly it’s a day off from work. What connection does this have to a travel blog? Well, Presidents are human too and need vacations just like anyone else. Not... -
Naked Peace of Mind – Taking the Waters at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Posted on February 16, 2012 | 4 CommentsHot springs aren’t for everyone. First, they can be a bit of a hassle in all honesty, especially when the temperature is negative some ungodly number and you arrive bundled in at least thirty layers of clothing. Then there’s the unpleasant experience of changing alongside... -
Top 5 Free Attractions in New York City
Posted on February 14, 2012 | 10 CommentsToday I am pleased to feature a guest post by Leslie Koch. Leslie is the founder of DowntownTraveler.com, an online magazine for urban travelers who crave arts, culture and adventure. Leslie lives in New York City, where she settled after completing a year-long, round-the-world trip... -
My Four Least Romantic Travel Experiences
Posted on February 13, 2012 | 16 CommentsJust to preface this post, these are my personal least romantic experiences. I don’t mean to say that these activities are themselves inherently unromantic, but for us they were anything but romantic. 1. Flying anywhere - I can’t think of anything that can ruin a... -
Flying Down a Mountain – Banff Snow Tubing Adventure and Video
Posted on February 9, 2012 | 1 CommentI don’t ski, not at all. I don’t even try anymore lest I further cause injury to myself and others. That’s why I was a little dubious as we drove up to the Mount Norquay Ski Resort in Banff, Canada. After all, they’re kind of... -
Five Surprisingly Romantic Cities
Posted on February 5, 2012 | 19 CommentsSome cities you expect to be romantic; Paris has made billions of dollars on that premise alone. Other cities surprise you though with their ability to charm and to help create those special romantic moments between you and your loved one. Here are some of... -
True or False – A Look at Six Stereotypes About Canada
Posted on January 31, 2012 | 15 CommentsI admit, in the past I may have made some jokes at the expense of our friends to the north. I seem to remember a quip involving America’s hat in particular. But those days are gone, I’m now an avowed lover of Canada and her... -
My Birthday and Dogsledding Through Two Provinces
Posted on January 25, 2012 | 9 CommentsTomorrow is my birthday and for the 8th year in a row I’m 29, amazing feat really. Since it’s my birthday, I thought I’d write about two things I love: dogs and travel. No, it’s not a story about some strange traveling dog or how... -
Five (non-ski) Reasons to Visit Banff in the Winter
Posted on January 22, 2012 | 10 Comments1. Tons of activities - Banff is one of the top ski destinations in the world, but if you’re like me and don’t ski (I just fall) there’s still a lot to do in and around this mountain town. We spent a long weekend in... -
Four Reasons to Visit St. Kitts in 2012
Posted on January 17, 2012 | 7 Comments1. Lunch on a volcano – Although this may not have been my favorite activity, (please refer to my post Paying the Price for Lunch on a Volcano in St. Kitts) in retrospect, and after some intense psychotherapy, I have come to the realization that... -
Importance of Supporting Local Communities When You Travel
Posted on January 16, 2012 | 13 CommentsA few weeks ago I published an informative guest post by Amanda Williams all about Sustainable Tourism. I particularly enjoyed the post because while it’s easy to bandy about the term ‘sustainable,’ very few people actually understand what it means to practice sustainable travel. I... -
Best of Banff in Photos
Posted on January 15, 2012 | 16 CommentsI spent a long weekend exploring the winter playground of Banff, Alberta, Canada at the invitation of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Since I had never been to this part of Canada before, the goal was to both explore the region and to highlight some of... -
Follow Me to Banff, Banff, Banff
Posted on January 11, 2012 | 8 CommentsI’m a big fan of the old (is 80/90s old?) comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. When Bill Watterson was still writing, I read every strip and bought every book. One of my favorite strips was a Sunday color version featuring Calvin and Hobbes having a... -
The No-Holds Barred Review of Dreams Resorts
Posted on January 11, 2012 | 7 CommentsLast year I was approached by AMResorts, the provider of sales, marketing and brand management services to five brands of exclusive resort properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, to work together in a partnership to help promote their properties. I researched the brands and... -
The Last Post of 2011 Travel Bests and Worsts I Will Ever Write
Posted on January 2, 2012 | 8 CommentsI know what you’re thinking, yet another “Best of 2011″ post? I realize that I did a whole series on the topic as did every mainstream paper, magazine, TV show and of course blogger. That being said, I was tagged by a fellow travel blogger... -
Going Beyond the Tourist Zone in Puerto Vallarta
Posted on January 1, 2012 | 2 CommentsMaria’s storefront is only a couple of blocks from the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, but her proximity to the main tourist zone in this vacation wonderland didn’t detract from the flavors of the tacos. Made to order, she creates hundreds of delicious tacos in every... -
Turtle Power – How Resorts in Mexico are Conserving a Species
Posted on December 22, 2011 | No CommentsWhen I arrived at the Dreams Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I thought I knew what to expect. Tropical views with swaying palms were a given, as was a pina colada with a sweet cherry to accompany me to the pool. What I didn’t expect... -
Five Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico in 2012
Posted on December 21, 2011 | 2 Comments1. Caribbean – For the most populated American territory, Puerto Rico has done a masterful job of retaining its unique, Caribbean culture. Yes, there are McDonalds and large retail stores, but there are also beaches, restaurants and bars that are quintessentially Caribbean. If you’re looking... -
The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Los Angeles
Posted on December 20, 2011 | 3 CommentsI had the great pleasure of meeting the author of today’s piece, Jade Broadus, earlier this year and knew right away that I had met a fellow foodie. In spite of the hectic schedule with her own site Vagabond3, Jade graciously agreed to share some... -
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the World Trade Center Memorial in NYC
Posted on December 18, 2011 | 1 CommentToday I am very pleased to present a guest post by travel blogger and fellow Washingtonian, Christina Saull. Her full bio follows the piece, but be sure to check out her site My View from the Middle Seat for the best in D.I.N.K. travel. Every... -
Puerto Vallarta Dreams – Photos From Paradise
Posted on December 11, 2011 | 6 CommentsA few weeks ago I was approached by the fine folks over at AMResorts to partner together on a pretty exciting initiative. AMResorts is the provider of sales, marketing and brand management services to five brands of exclusive resort properties in Mexico and the Dominican... -
Dancing the Night Away – Salsa Culture in Puerto Rico
Posted on December 8, 2011 | 4 CommentsWe weren’t quite sure what we were looking for, a bar or after-hours lounge of some sort probably. All I wanted to find was a place in Old San Juan where a few friends could sit and chat over a glass of wine or a... -
Kayaking in a Sea of Light – The Bio Bay of Puerto Rico
Posted on November 28, 2011 | 4 CommentsPuerto Rico surprised me in a lot of ways. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting exactly, but whatever my expectations were they were instantly surpassed. I was a guest of the San Juan Marriott Resort, a gorgeous property with a prime oceanfront location, and... -
Exciting New Partnership Announcement
Posted on November 23, 2011 | 22 CommentsAn important part of my work on LandLopers is partnering with destinations and like-minded companies in order to bring you, the reader, interesting and helpful information. Whenever I decide to work with a company or destination, I always weigh the benefits to the site and... -
Exploring the Beach Shacks of St. Kitts
Posted on November 20, 2011 | 5 CommentsAs a guest of the St. Kitts Marriott, I had a lot of great food. Unlike a lot of other resorts, the property features a variety of culinary options that are reasonably priced and delicious, a feat which many other resorts can’t seem to achieve.... -
Adventure Bogging and Zipping in Puerto Rico’s Rainforests
Posted on November 13, 2011 | 1 CommentAdventure travel seems to be a hot travel label for places as diverse as Vancouver to Israel. In some cases the term is well matched but other times it’s just a stretch. I love adventure travel experiences and was thrilled to discover that it’s also... -
Paying the Price for Lunch on a Volcano in St. Kitts
Posted on November 9, 2011 | 3 CommentsI’m an active traveler, but I have never claimed to be in the best shape. My lack of fitness stamina never usually limits my adventures though and I’m almost always willing to try anything once. I’ve hiked Kings Canyon, the Koloiki Trail and countless other... -
Five Reasons I Wish I Had Visited Puerto Rico Sooner
Posted on November 3, 2011 | 12 CommentsI was recently on a media trip to Puerto Rico to explore the amazing San Juan Marriott. The resort wasn’t the only new place for me to explore, it was also my first time in Puerto Rico and I was hooked right away. I was... -
Experiencing Modern Caribbean Comfort at the San Juan Marriott
Posted on October 31, 2011 | 3 CommentsI’m a little embarrassed to say that I had never been to Puerto Rico before accepting the invitation of the San Juan Marriott to visit for a few days to explore the property and the city itself. I’m embarrassed because Puerto Rico is extremely easy... -
Brimstone – A Visit to St. Kitts’ Only UNESCO World Heritage Site
Posted on October 27, 2011 | 2 CommentsThe Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are fairly small. St. Kitts is only 18 miles long and little Nevis even smaller. In spite of their size, the islands have had a dynamic history and St Kitts in particular at one time played a... -
Three Spooky Cities to Explore This Halloween
Posted on October 26, 2011 | 5 CommentsIt’s that time of year again, Halloween and the ensuing scary stories and ghost tours are almost upon us. There are scores of haunted cities that aren’t just scary on Halloween, but every day. Here are three of my favorite spooky cities. photo credit: Silentmind8... -
Five New Direct Air Routes to Grand Bahama Island on Vision Airlines
Posted on October 25, 2011 | 1 CommentA couple of weeks ago I spent a day on Grand Bahama Island thanks to the fine folks at Bahamas Tourism, the Grand Lucayan Resort and Vision Airlines in order to learn more about the new direct, low cost air service to this idyllic tropical... -
Dolphin Love on Grand Bahama Island
Posted on October 18, 2011 | 3 CommentsLocated across the street from the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama Island is the Port Lucaya Marina, home to UNEXSO, the Underwater Explorers Society. UNEXSO is a full service dive shop and marine experience company, the highlight of which is their famous dolphin encounter.... -
Adventure and Old World Splendor in San Juan – A Photo Series
Posted on October 18, 2011 | 6 CommentsYesterday I shared some of the highlights from my few days spent in St. Kitts at the invitation of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Today I want to give a sneak peek of my time spent exploring San Juan, which was at the equally kind... -
St. Kitts in Photos – Welcome to the Real Caribbean
Posted on October 17, 2011 | 2 CommentsI was invited to St. Kitts by the gorgeous St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino to explore both the hotel and of course the island. I will have a lot to share about this remarkable resort and indeed the entire country in... -
Overlooked UNESCO Sites – A Visit to Mr. Jefferson’s Virginia
Posted on October 11, 2011 | 2 CommentsThere are currently 936 UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world in more than 153 countries. Of these, only 21 are in the United States and the majority of those are natural wonders. One of the few man-made American sites on the UNESCO list... -
Life in the Bahamas – A Look at Junkanoo
Posted on October 11, 2011 | 3 CommentsAfter two trips to the Bahamas, I have come to realize that the islands can be a strange place. It’s a decidedly good kind of strange though, the sort which makes you smile and shake your head. Even though I’ve never been there during Junkanoo... -
Getting the Most Out of Washington, DC – Four Family Friendly Activities
Posted on August 28, 2011 | No CommentsLabor Day is quickly approaching and with it the unofficial end to summer vacation. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great time to visit Washington, DC, in fact the fall is one of the best times to visit our nation’s capital. After you’ve done...
