Reality tourism: Not quite a day in paradise
For most, vacation involves sitting poolside sipping mojitos. For the growing ranks of adventurous travelers, however, “reality tourism” is the way to go. Here are a couple of options:
Liepaja, Latvia – a masochist’s dream
Instead of just visiting Latvia’s infamous Karosta prison — a former KGB facility that no one escaped during 100 years of operation — tourists are treated like inmates. They’re handcuffed, thrown into solitary confinement and ordered around by “guards.” (Be prepared for plenty of situps.)
Website: Karostascietums.lv
Price: Approx. $15 per person a night
Los Angeles – the darker side of La-La Land
The City of Angels may be known for celebrity mansions tours, but its latest attraction is a gang tour. After signing a release form – presumably because of the iffy neighborhoods visited — patrons board a bus for a three-hour tour of infamous shoot-out spots, the birthplace of the Crips and more. Former gang members also share stories about street life.
Website: LaGangTours.com
Price: $65, lunch included
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
