A clever man in Britain pointed his high-speed camera out of the window of a train pulling into a station. By taking 210 shots per second—and then playing the images back at 30 shots a second—Graeme Taylor created the following video. (For photography lovers out there, Taylor used a Casio Exilim FH20, $304.)
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Should students take a gap year?
5 great spots to ride the Polar Express and see Santa
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Should students take a gap year?
It's popular for middle-class Europeans to "take off" the year before going to college, and many spend the year traveling. The idea is to allow older teens some time to discover themselves and learn about other cultures. Two recent studies link participation in a gap year to increased graduation rates. if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('f14524be-a978-476e-927e-f8dd57408f66');Get the Poll Creator Pro widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)Americans haven't much liked the idea of a "gap year," either before or after college. Fewer than 10,000 are estimated to do it each year. Those who do take a gap year tend to visit Australia most. "Down Under" saw a 25 percent jump in visa grants for its " " target="_blank">working holiday youth visas" in 2009-2010. But gap and bridge years may become more popular. Since 2009, Princeton University has been running a "Bridge Year" program that financially supports up to 10 percent of their incoming class in doing nine months of volunteer work in other countries before they start their freshman year. Harvard and Yale are copying with similar programs.Have any advice for any students thinking about taking a gap year? And what would you do with a gap year? (Post a comment, below.) Having the support of an organized program could make a gap year useful for an 18-year-old. Otherwise, he or she may end up like the following "gap year" student, who is mocked in this sensationally popular YouTube video: MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL Volunteer travel trend: Wwoofing Nonstop Caribbean Our tool will help you find every Caribbean island you can reach nonstop Why Is the TSA Questioning Me?
5 great spots to ride the Polar Express and see Santa
All aboard! Wear your PJs! No matter if you're staying home or hitting the road this holiday season, chances are you'll be pretty close to a festive rail ride with a special theme based on the popular book (and movie) The Polar Express. While you may not get anywhere near the actual North Pole, passengers can expect caroling, hot chocolate, and just maybe gifts for the kids handed out by you know who. Many regional rail lines host special Polar Express departures this time of year. While several Santa trains are already sold out for the season, here are five of our favorite lines that say they still have tickets available: Grand Canyon Railway: Tickets for kids ages 2 to 15 are $19, while adults pay $29, on trains that depart Williams, Ariz., at 6:30 p.m. bound for a rendezvous with Santa and his reindeer near the Canyon's South Rim. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad: First class seats are sold out on nearly all dates, but coach tickets are available on many Polar Express departures, which leave from Portland several times a day before and after Christmas. Infants are free, while all coach passengers ages 2 and up ride for $25. Oregon's Mount Hood Railroad: The rides out of Hood River (one of the Coolest Small Towns in the U.S.A.) include 4:30 departures most days through December 24, along with periodic mid-day rides (some leaving at 11:30 a.m.) that should be perfect for younger ones -- so long as that's not nap time. Tickets start at $18 for kids 2 to 12 and $26 for adults. Texas State Railroad: There are four departures daily on most days up until right before Christmas, and then there are couple more chances to see Santa right after he's deposited toys under trees around the world -- but apparently before he heads off on a well-needed vacation. Tickets start at $19 for kids (3 to 11) and $36.50 for adults on this ride, which takes place roughly right in between Dallas and Houston. Utah's Heber Valley Railroad: Through December 24, the North Pole Express departs Monday through Saturday daily, with tickets generally running $21 for kids (ages 3 to 12) and $32 for adults, and with elves serving hot chocolate to all in souvenir ceramic mugs. Santa awaits at the "North Pole," which is actually somewhere south of Park City -- but hey, the mountain scenery should suffice as a snowy winter wonderland. MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL America's Most Scenic Train Rides 15 Places Every Kid Should See The Fastest Trains on the Track: Speeding Tickets You'll Beg For Traveling with Thomas the Tank Engine
