StreetAdvisor Blog

StreetAdvisor is jumping into 2009!

The team at StreetAdvisor have been hard at work over the holiday season planning some fantastic new functions and services to add to the site in 2009. We're not quite ready to unveil anything just yet, but we promise you'll be interested in what we have scheduled.

In the meantime, StreetAdvisor co-founder and co-CEO Adam Spencer went skydiving and he posted some great photos and a video of his experience on StreetAdvisor.

Here he is high over Kettels Road, Kirwans Bridge, Victoria, and this is what he has to say:

"I went for a skydive on the weekend at Skydive Nagambie about 2 hours drive from Melbourne, and I had to share the video with everyone. It was one of the very best experiences I have ever had in my life, and I HIGHLY recommend it... I'm smiling just thinking about it :-) ENJOY!"

As you can see, StreetAdvisor is a great place to share your holiday season stories and photos. Where have you been that excited you? Tell us all about it by writing a review or starting a forum topic at StreetAdvisor.com today.

Vacation suggestions, opinions and advice on StreetAdvisor

Reviews have been flooding in to StreetAdvisor in recent weeks, and included in these reviews are some helpful tips and suggestions for travelers in the holiday season. So whether you're braving the northern hemisphere cold and snow or escaping to the southern hemisphere for some summer sunshine, StreetAdvisor has some recommendations and advice for you.

At Pasadena, California (CityScore 88.20), catofgrey says:

"Pasadena is one of the largest cultural centers of the Los Angeles area. Originally a resort community for East-Coast wealthy on holiday, it is now a major commercial, residential, educational and cultural center, with facilities exceeding all but a few cities west of the Rockies.

Pasadena's heritage shows today in dozens of historical homes, many built by world-famous architects Greene and Greene. The most notable of these is the Gamble House, which is now a museum with tours of the home. The Norton Simon is an international quality art museum.

Most visitors to Pasadena focus on the Downtown area. The Downtown area also has major shopping, and the Pasadena Playhouse and Civic Auditorium are both regional performing art centers.

The New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade (and associated Rose Bowl football game) are an international event, with the 5+ mile parade route lined with an estimate million viewers."

At El Camino Drive, Beverly Hills, California (StreetScore 88.20), irms says:

"A block away from Rodeo Drive and around the corner from everything you need. In the more accessible part of Beverly Hills, the flat part, is where you’ll find El Camino Drive. Lined with quaint single-family homes, it is just a short walk away from 2 Rodeo, the Mecca of high street shopping, and an even shorter walk to the less famous, but just as vibrant South Beverly Blvd. This street is unique as there is affordable boutique shopping just east and glamorous shopping just west. Rodeo Drive on the west and South Beverly drive just east. South Beverly Drive is for the younger crowd with popular hot spots like the Urth Cafe, Pinkberry and Burger 90210."

At W 34th Street, New York, New York (StreetScore 68.00), andiefrancese says:

"34th street is famous for it's role in the film "Miracle on 34th street" but it's far from a miracle in my mind. 34th street is loud, obnoxious and incredibly crowded. Macy's, Penn Station and the Empire State Building, which are all within walking distance of one another, create a triple threat that just seems to breed chaos. The amount of people in the area at any given time pretty much sucks the enjoyability out of the area. As a city dweller myself I don't mind crowds, but this is even too much for me."

At Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois (StreetScore 68.61), belleskids says:

"Wacker drive used for many movies through out history, including the blues brothers, known for being a multi level street and offering great views of the Chicago River. Provides great access to shopping, night life and the many great things Chicago has to offer. It is easy to get turned around and keep in mind the homeless often use lower Wacker as a resting place."

At Wilson Park Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (StreetScore 75.09), Lindian says:

"Wilson Park Road is in eclectic Parkdale, within walking distance of the lake, Roncesvalles Village and Liberty Village. The street is also within a 20 minute streetcar ride of downtown. And a 24 hour streetcar at that. A view of the lake at the bottom of the street is framed by the tree canopy and Victorian houses. Neighbours watch and share the streetscape. Parkdale has always had great community feeling in this most diverse neighbourhood in the city. Long time residents and newcomers feel at home."

At James Street, London, United Kingdom (StreetScore 70.56), lauryn says:

"Perfectly located off the ever popular Oxford Street, and just across the road from Bond Street tube station, James Street is a gorgeous little street that is perfect for lunch or a night out.

Filled with various types of restaurants, James Street is perfect for the local business people to lunch in, or for anyone looking for a great night out and dinner at fabulous restaurants in a convenient and lovely part of London.

It is also a great little retreat for shoppers who have spent the day on Oxford Street. There are loads of attractions close by such as Selfridges and many hotels for travelers.

James Street is delightful and it’s almost as if it should be closed off to traffic and used simply as a grassed area and street filled with food outlets. A visit to James Street is like stepping out of the hustle and bustle of London and into something a little more relaxing and enjoyable on a personal and social level.

Highly recommended for anyone in the area, James Street doesn’t get as busy and overcrowded as Oxford Street so it’s a great getaway if you don’t like crowds but still enjoy good food."

At Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand (StreetScore 88.20), Globetrotter says:

"Cuba Street is officially a registered Historic Area and has many buildings along its length are of historical significance. It is the trendy area of the city, with a real bohemian flavor – art galleries, music stores, craft shops. The centre section of the street has been closed to traffic since 1969 and is now a busy pedestrian mall. The Victoria University’s Te Aro campus is nearby, and the area is a hive of activity at night. Sadly it is also where many of the city’s homeless crash for the evening as well."

At Burralong Court, Burpengary, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 74.67), deb123gold says:

"This has been a fabulous street to raise a family - a very quiet cul-de-sac with only local traffic. Have always felt 'safe' here. Never heard of any 'break-ins' in this street or vandalism. Kids will love being able to ride their bikes in the street without worrying about traffic passing through (apart from the odd neighbor arriving home!). So close to all shopping, medical and service facilities, also close to lakes, dams, duck ponds and parks.

A great alternative to 'country living' - has a country feel about it. All the houses in this street are on 3/4 acre, so neighbors have a bit of 'personal space' around them. In all the time here there have been only one or two noisy parties. Great street if you have a dog as most people in this street seem to have one! Walking the dog is a good way to get to know your neighbours as the dogs sure want to meet and greet each other!!"

Whatever streets you choose to travel on this holiday season, we hope you have enjoyed the genuine local advice provided by StreetAdvisor community members. And when you return from your own travels, be sure to share your opinions of the exciting paces you visited on StreetAdvisor.com.

StreetAdvisor in Singapore

I was lucky to take a few days break to attend the 2008 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix - the first night race in the history of the sport held on a new street circuit in the Marina Bay area of Singapore. The race itself and the whole event were fantastic and spectacular to see, but I also enjoyed spending time exploring Singapore, which I had only visited briefly some years ago.

Beatty Lane (StreetScore 72.00)

On my return home, I immediately started looking up the streets I had walked on every day between the nearest MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train station and my budget hotel in the old and somewhat unfashionable neighborhood of Lavender. I thought it would be fun to write some street reviews while the memories were fresh in my mind and upload my photos.

Jellicoe Rd (StreetScore 54.00)

Lavender is far from the European chic and sophistication of rich areas like the Orchard Rd shopping district. It's a combination of high rise public housing and light industry, with small shops and traders offering almost everything you can think of, including car tires and wheels, scooter repairs, hardware, canvas awnings, sheet metal, plumbing supplies, bathroom fittings and office chairs.

Beatty Lane (StreetScore 72.00)

There's also Buddhist temples and many excellent hawker food centers serving delicious local foods. The charm of Lavender is it's scruffy authenticity. It isn't cleaned up and sanitized for tourists - it is a real neighborhood where people live and work and conduct business and come from other areas to eat.

Horne Rd (StreetScore 72.00)

StreetAdvisor is a great platform to use to show your family, friends and neighbors where you have been on vacation. You can review the streets you walk near your hotel and the places you visit where you have interesting experiences. You can also upload photos to show people exactly what it was like when you were there. Share your travel memories on StreetAdvisor.com today.