Posts by Allison Park

  1. January 14, 2011

    Cross the Word to Cross the World Contest

    Cross the Word to Cross the World

    A year ago, we asked our residents in Oregon and Southwest Washington to wax poetic for the chance to win a trip for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. This year, we’re stepping up the challenge and want to see your crossword skills in action! Starting today at 12pm noon, follow the clues to solve the puzzle for the chance to win a trip for two to the land of tulips, art and windmills or to sushi, designer fashion and shinto shrines. Enter the contest here.

    Which destination would you choose?

    Update 2/16/2011: Contestants will have to save their puzzle submissions and return each week to complete the four new clues. On February 18, the last four clues will be released and contestants will be able to select the “Submit entry” button. All completed puzzles must be submitted by 12pm Monday, February 21 to be eligible for the grand prize.

  2. January 12, 2011

    Bikes along the canal

    Dutch Fun Facts

    If Amsterdam is on your 2011 travel list, start your traveling plans with these 10 fun facts about The Netherlands.

    1. Amsterdam has more museums per square mile than any other city in the world. The last count was 51.

    Read more »

  3. January 7, 2011

    Meguro River, Tokyo

    Photo Diary: Rivers

    While Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo have various cultural differences, a common geographical feature is their access to water. Amsterdam was named after the Amstel River, which runs through the heart of the city. Tokyo has multiple rivers, but the Meguro River is particularly famous as a destination to view the blossoming cherry trees during Hanami. The Willamette River divides Portland from east to west and has a double role as a commercial center and recreational outlet for water sport enthusiasts. Read more »

  4. January 3, 2011

    Mike and Raquel: the Haiku Contest Winners

    To Tokyo, Amsterdam and back to PDX

    Last January, the I Love to Fly Nonstop Haiku contest gave would-be poets the opportunity to profess their love for nonstop international flights for the chance to win a trip for two to Amsterdam or Tokyo. Raquel Benito and Mike Donovan were selected as the Haiku winners, and kept I Fly Nonstop apprised of their vacation itineraries before and after their trips. Read more »

  5. December 23, 2010

    Magna Plaza is one of Amsterdam's largest shopping centers and boasts intricate holiday decorations.

    Photo Diary: Christmas

    Inspired by Christmas, we chose photos of each city decorated for the holiday. What are your seasonal decorating traditions? Read more »

  6. December 3, 2010

    Also known as Yushima Tenjin, this Shinto shrine collects prayers for ancestors, friends and good fortune.

    Photo Diary: Winter

    Snow falls, the wind blows and lights twinkle when winter comes to Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo. While all three cities have fairly mild winters, they each receive a makeover when snow makes an appearance. In Amsterdam, bikes find parking wherever they can (even if it means on top of each other); Portlanders leave the car at home and dust off their cross country skies, and in Tokyo, locals leave prayers for family and loved ones at shrines, like the Yushima Tenmangu. Read more »

  7. November 30, 2010

    PDX MAX station

    PDX Wins Zagat’s Heart

    Portland is well known for its obsession with coffee, love of bikes, and a growing experimental culinary scene. In addition to food and exercise, Portland has won accolades for its international airport, and yesterday it added one more feather to its hat. Read more »

  8. November 22, 2010

    Recycling Forest

    Green Your Travels

    Carbon emissions can come from a variety of sources and helping to reduce these emissions is all of our responsibility in order to preserve and protect Mother Earth. While committing weekends to planting trees in your local forest is an ideal way to offset your carbon footprint, it does not always fit into a busy schedule. Below are a few ways that you can green your travels. Read more »

  9. November 12, 2010

    Tokyo Fare Special

    There’s more to Tokyo than meets the eye. Think it’s all about busy streets and crowded clubs? Think again. With its peaceful parks and beautiful scenery, Tokyo’s got plenty of surprises up its sleeve. Whether you want to join in the fun or escape the crowd, this is the place for you. Book your Tokyo flight now through November 24 at the special fare rate of $489 each way. Read more »

  10. November 11, 2010

    ScenicCanal

    A day with the iAmsterdam Card – Day One: History

    At this point, most major cities have at least one “city card” that bundles popular attractions – and often transportation – into one price. While not all of them are good deals, the iAmsterdam Card can really be worthwhile. Yes, it’s very likely to save you money, but even more importantly it will save you some time since most sights allow you to can skip the long ticket queue and head to the front door. Read more »