CNNGo.com

Air New Zealand's genius 'Hobbit' safety video
Rainbow hospitality: 12 top LGBT-friendly hotels in Taiwan
Drive-through dining, Vietnam style
Future travel destinations to get excited about today

Air New Zealand's genius 'Hobbit' safety video

Posted: 01 Nov 2012 12:38 AM PDT

Jumping on the pre-release "Hobbit" hypewagon, Air New Zealand (ANZ) has produced another hilarious in-flight safety demonstration video.

Branding itself "Airline of the Middle-Earth," the company proves yet again that those monotonous (if important) safety videos can actually be entertaining.

At least upon first viewing.

Inspired by the upcoming movie, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the video features a party of hobbits, elves, wizards, dwarfs and cameos from Gollum and native New Zealander, director Sir Peter Jackson.

It's the latest in a series of creative ANZ safety videos that have included fitness guru Richard Simmons replete in a sequin tank top, and a Rugby World Cup themed video starring a cast of All Blacks players.

Rainbow hospitality: 12 top LGBT-friendly hotels in Taiwan

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 10:12 PM PDT

by CNNGo

Netizens have voted for their favorite LGBT-friendly hotels in Taiwan.

The online poll was held by Taiwan website Yam.com over 16 days in October. It coincided with the city's 10th annual Gay Pride weekend on October 27 and 28, when thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people touched down in Taipei to party and parade.

A total of 190,000 people voted for 12 of Taiwan's most LGBT-friendly accommodations.

At the top of the list is InHouse Hotel with 18,933 votes. Located in the Ximending neighborhood, InHouse is near the Red House Theater, a popular area for gay hangouts.

The Sheraton Taipei Hotel came fifth in the rankings. It was the site of Taiwan's first same-sex couple wedding banquet in 2006. A landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Taiwan has been pending since 2003.

Drive-through dining, Vietnam style

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:35 PM PDT

by Bruce Foreman

The United States may have invented the drive-through restaurant back in the 1930s, but nowhere is it as diversified as Vietnam.

Businesses have adapted their sales tactics to appeal to the zippy go-anywhere Vespas, Hondas, Yamahas (and increasingly cheaper Chinese brands) that are making consumers ever more mobile.

From banh mi bread rolls and drive-by karaoke to rice paddy snacks served direct from the field, savvy vendors recognize the advantages of catering to the endless river of rolling consumers.

For anyone who's hungry and hates parking -- Vietnam by motorbike is bliss.

More on CNN: Insider Guide: What to do in Vietnam

Future travel destinations to get excited about today

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 11:50 AM PDT

by CNNGo

With companies like Virgin Galactic and Space Expedition Curaçao promising the first flights to outer space sometime around 2014, spave travel is almost a reality.

But if it's amazing new experiences you desire, don't write off Earth just yet.

Some upcoming new destinations include an underwater hotel in the desert, a huge al fresco extension to Las Vegas and a private island Marlon Brando kept to himself for more than 40 years.

Also on CNN: 7 sci-fi innovations that will change travel

1. Marlon Brando resort, Tetiaroa, Tahiti

brando bahamas resort Star power and sustainability at The Brando.