Tibetan sings a tune / Photo: wonderlane

To kick things off, I thought I’d share a new list of the Top 50 Travel Blogs, with BNT coming in at #2. Whooo!

Steph over at Twenty Something Travel writes the thoughtful Why Travel Won’t Solve All Your Problems. This is a reality many travelers only realize after they’ve been on the road for some time (and maybe that’s the way it has to be).

A few more lists: the Independent Traveler celebrates 5 Reasons For Travelers To Give Thanks, AC360 blog shares 28 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Traveling, and if you’re thinking of settling for a time, check out 11 Incredible Homes From Around the World.

One more list: Gadling offers up 5 Ways To Thwart Homesickness.

This just in (circa 2005): the future belongs to the Right Brain. (Take that, Left!) A classic Wired article Revenge of the Right Brain explains why.

So you think you’ve become enlightened. Not so fast. Tom Stine shares his own view on what it’s like To Be Half Awake And Half Asleep.

Lastly, when planning your next trip, you may want to read Where Americans die abroad. Then again, the numbers are so low, it’s hardly worth considering (except Mexico… seriously 126 deaths?)

Enjoy your weekend!

Alan Watts

“It is quite possible, you see, that the whole enterprise of man to control events on the Earth by his conscious intelligence, by his language, by his mathematics, and by his science is a disaster.” The late Zen philosopher Alan Watts shares his views in the provocative seminar “The Value of Psychotic Experience.”

Knowing when it’s time to act on an urge can be difficult… you grapple with your mind and your heart. Salon’s Cary Tennis offers some great insight into making the move. And DailyOm backs it up with advice for those on the precipice.

Can you imagine life after death? That depends on many things… but mainly your belief in the afterlife. In a fascinating article for Scientific American, Never Say Die reveals our wish for a timeless consciousness may be a by-product of consciousness itself.

Everyone knows how good it feels to laugh til it hurts. Ode Magazine explains how laughter meditation can also lead to peace and joy.

Days with my Father is a stunning essay chronicling the last days of one photographer’s relationship with his Alzheimers-ridden dad.

Where Does the idea of God come from? Author Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) gives us his short, funny take on where the idea came from.

While all lists are inherently controversial, the Times shared their picks for 20 best travel books of the past century. Previously, we offered up our own 50 Greatest Travel Books of All Time.

Any great links I missed this week? Share in the comments!

Love and Rocket / Photo: Sean Aiken

Prior to the event, I wrote about my expectations in Burn Baby Burn.

Having now returned from the desert, I can honestly say Burning Man was an event unlike any other. In fact, I’m still processing exactly what it is.

In the meantime, I humbly submit my own photo set of the event, with additional photos by Ross Borden.

(Interestingly enough, I found it difficult to take photos, even with all the visual overload. Cameras seemed woefully inadequate to capture the true essence…but I tried anyway).

Along with my photos, here’s a roundup of my favourite post-BM links around the web. Enjoy!

Jay Michaelson, in The Truth About Burning Man writes:

It’s not sustainable, but it is a temporary autonomous zone of bullshit-free living. And just being there, just participating in the creation of an entire city devoted to what we want to do, rather than what we have to do to make money, has the tendency to invite self-reflection like Lampert’s. Who am I? What do I really want to be doing?

Mark Morford, with his trademark wit in The Life Lessons of Burning Man says:

BM reminds you that you are far from alone in your understanding that this is one hugely painful, incredibly difficult, unbearably gorgeous, terrifying, excruciatingly short life experience and sometimes the best you can hope for is to dress in fake fur and mount the dragon and scream from atop the roof of a dusty RV of your ravenous desire to lick the moon.

Joanna, my fellow friend at Camp Nomadia, summed it up like this:

While I can’t quite put my finger on the defining moment of my Burning Man experience, I think the very idea that we define who we are in relation to the rest of the world is a significant key in this mad creation of a city in the desert.

Brian Aker writes:

Standing out on the playa one night, I spoke to a friend who had only just arrived midweek. She was wound up and the look in her eyes were one of apprehension. I mentioned to her that no matter what, her being there meant that she was going to change.

Her response?

“That is what I am afraid of.”

Finally, Leigh sums it up when she says:

Much like the Indian proverb of the wise men and the elephant, this beast is too big to know and understand in its entirety. You lay on your hands and feel what you do, perhaps blindly, then take away what you want.

Did you write about your post-BM thoughts? Share a link in the comments!

Find out about my worst sunburn, hostel, and boat ride! In case you missed it, I share my “World Worsts” in the Titanic Awards.

“Of all the species on earth, we alone attempt to explain who we are and how we came to be, through the prisms of both science and religion. How has the tension between the two played out?” Narrated by Liam Neeson, check out this intriguing documentary What About God?

“The recession can be chronicled through Aaron Heideman’s van.” He’s a 29 year old Oregon native who spent the past 6 weeks driving the country asking people to write on his van how the recession has affected them. Check out the A Vehicle For Expression.

When you can’t flood the streets, how do you register your dissent? In Quiet Riot, Newsweek chronicles the efforts of oppressed citizens in how they show their discontent.

Let’s face it… air travel isn’t as fun as it was in the apparent “glory days” of the past. A big part of the problem is airlines losing money. Here’s 11 Ways Airlines Could Save Money (Without Asking Staff to Work for Free)

Speaking of saving money, for those travelers in a pinch, check out 12 Ways to Travel the World for Free!

Enjoy your weekend!

Man on the mountain, Lisbon, Portugal. / Photo: Julia Dimon

Hot of the press, fresh for your weekend reading, here’s BNT’s Best of the Week. Enjoy!

• 10 Reasons why Superman is better than Jesus – The Good Atheist
• How To End Suffering – Think Simple Now
• Are Your A Spiritual Pioneer? – Write to Done
• 9 Spiritual Ways To Be Green – Intent
• 7 Ways To Better Recall Your Dreams – Reader’s Digest
• The Eight Irresistable Principles Of Fun – animated slideshow
• The Top 10 Existential Movies Of All Time – Sentient Developments

Any links we missed? Share in the comments!

Photo: spammo91

Everyone has a guilty pleasure. Maybe you sing along to Kelly Clarkson when no one’s looking, watch Golden Girls reruns, or spend afternoons on the couch reading celebrity gossip magazines. The point is, you know you shouldn’t, but you can’t help it.

But sometimes it feels good to just air it out. Tell the world proudly, without a hint of shame, “Yes, I wear women’s panties and I don’t care what you think!”

Guilty pleasures are about something more than meets the eye. They can act as a window into the internal self; who we are beyond our cool guy (or gal) exterior. These pleasures are what make us real, flawed, human, and just plain fun to hang out with.

After all, who wants to be around Mr. Boring/Perfect all the time? Give us the guy who somehow tracked down the Facts of Life and You Can’t Do That On Television DVDs any day. Or the chick who secretly prefers a bacon double cheeseburger and a beer after a long hike.

Just for kicks, we’ve compiled a list of our travel guilty pleasures. So, here you go. Take a deep look into our souls…and offer up your own guilty pleasures in the comments.

Come on, we know you want to get it off your chest!

The Matador team shares their guilty pleasures

Carlo (@vagab0nderz): Mine’s a literal guilty pleasure. In China I could not get used to the blatant staring. I tried to ignore it, but eventually gave up and started to snap. I turned to striking up one way conversations with the starers, speaking in loud English of course. “Hey. How’s it going? Like what you see? Anything else I can do for you?” That sort of stuff. For me it was a pleasure in that I wasn’t holding the feeling inside anymore, but letting it go. The guilt was from me being a bit rude. But they never understood anyway. Or did they?

Photo: 摩根

Christine (@livingholistic): When I was vegan, demanding we go through hell and high water to find me meat-free, dairy-free, honey-free, food (definitely my pleasure and not anyone else’s who was traveling with me!). Nowadays, it’s probably drinking coffee and eating whatever the hell I want and saying, “I’m on vacation, damnit!” (even if it’s more like four months of travel).

David (@dahveed_miller): I love getting my hair cut in local places when I’m traveling / living abroad. A couple standouts: Punta Abreojos in Mexico. A woman there gave me a haircut, then without me mentioning a shave she whipped out the razor. Ok. That’s cool. When she was done I looked in the mirror and she’d fully styled me out with the haircut, shave, and a tight little mustache. I left it for a day.

Eva (@evaholland): Cheesy souvenirs. I am powerless before their tacky, silly, Made-in-China charms. However, I’ve recently limited myself to semi-useful items like fridge magnets, mugs and notebooks. That helps to reduce the clutter and post-trip regrets, a little.

Hal (@halamen): I’m gonna steal one from Teresa. Though I usually try to keep the accommodation costs down, sometimes I splurge for a room with cable TV to catch up on all that quality programming I’ve missed.

Another, allowing myself to think I’m better than the backpacker passing through town for a couple days, just ’cause I’m staying for a month. In fact, I’m experiencing this one as I type and can say it generates a lot more guilt than pleasure.

Photo: dawvon

Ian (@ianmack): Busting out the guidebook. Of course, I often ask other backpackers/locals for the hidden hole-in-the-wall gems… but when I’m stumbling off an 8 hour bus/boat/plane ride, the guidebook recommendations are gospel.

Jen: Any restaurant, anywhere, that serves bottomless sodas. I admit it, I’m an addict, but I bristle when I have to pay for more than one hit.

Juliane (@JulianeH): The boys. What can I say, I’m a bit of a dog. I love checking out each country’s eye candy.

Julie (@collazoprojects): Because I’m blonde, lots of locals in the countries I frequent (Latin America, mostly) think I don’t speak Spanish fluently. I’ll let them chatter on for a few and then edge in on the conversation and totally get off on their surprise that I speak Spanish. I’m addicted to the way the dynamic suddenly changes and I’m brought into the fold. I’m also really addicted to digging into a place and staying a while and becoming as local as a gringa can become.

Josh (@joshywashington): My guilty travel pleasure is wistfully watching some local beauty round the corner and out of sight wondering what it would be like to be with her, or be her…

Photo: telethon

Kate: Being mistaken for native by English speaking tourists. I might let them haltingly stutter for a bit longer than necessary in a foreign tongue before I reveal my dastardly English speaking ways.

Lola: Patches. Not just any ol’ country patch, but really cool, simple ones with nice edges that I can easily sew onto a fleece jacket or top. After sewing on the first 3, the rest have joined (and keep joining) the “pile”. Apparently I don’t have enough fleece tops.

Michelle (@StrayNotes): Mine’s kind of like Julie’s, but kind of the opposite, too! I whip out the Portuguese when I don’t want someone to know I speak English. Here in Korea, it’s not unusual to sit next to someone on the subway that wants to practice their English with you. (And usually, they need a lot of practice!) I don’t want to be rude, but teaching English six hours a day is enough for me! So “não falo Inglês” has come in handy a few times.

Photo: permanently scatterbrained

Nick (@pharaonick): If a taxi driver catches my eye whilst I’m trying to cross the road, I’ll let him screech to a halt, as if I need the ride. I’ll then saunter up to him and ask where it is he needs directions to. Naughty, but you take your small victories where you can!

Ross (@rossborden): McDonald’s. Besides the occasional Egg McMuffin at 6 AM on the way to a Tahoe day trip, I literally don’t ever eat at McD’s in the US, but when traveling this is not always the case. Sometimes when you’re in a train station, or it’s late and nothing else is open, or you’re simply starving and don’t feel like taking a gamble on some little hole in the wall across the street, McDonalds provides predictable regularity that I crave.

And more often than not, between tearing into my Quarter Pounder with cheese and stuffing handfuls of golden fries into my mouth, I strike up a conversation with some cute locals. I went to a McDonald’s in Stockholm at 2 AM and it was like a discotec in there. Right at in the center of the nightlife district, this place was three stories tall and packed with young people straight out of the bars. We ended up chilling in there for 20 minutes after we’d finished eating, shooting the shit with a bunch of college students.

Sarah: Doing nothing at all. Spending entire days reading or camping out in a nowhere city, and giving a pass to all the traveler-themed things I should be doing (seeing orangutans, visiting temples, doing something “cultural,” etc.)

Teresa: I love staying in hotels. Even cheesy chain hotels. I love the tiny shampoo, the white towels, watching horrible American TV on cable. And when they give you one of those teeny coffee makers? Aaaahhh.

Photo: chidorian

Tim (@TCPatterson): I can’t stop myself from pulling the odd prank while on the road. In Japan I would sometimes go fishing with a fly-rod in parks and shopping malls. A ¥1,000 note makes great bait, and I would catch everyone from old ladies to salary men. No hooks of course, just tape, though once my line got tangled in the spokes of a man’s bicycle.

In Boulder, Colorado, I switch it up and go hippie fishing instead, replacing the money with a joint rolled with oregano. One time a bum chased that joint 3 blocks down Pearl Street. The best spot for hippie fishing in Boulder is the back steps of the Downer.

Tom Gates (@waywardlife): Pizza. I’ve been collecting my Worst Pizza pictures over the past six months, during my trip. No matter how bad I know it’s going to be I still can’t resist ordering it when I’ve overdosed on local cuisine. So far Chile takes the lead with this beauty. Note that the cheese is not melted and that the ham (cold) is about an inch thick. And yes, those are cherries on top.

Don’t be shy, tell us your dirty little secret below!

With special reporting by Carlo Alcos.

I wonder if they have internet? / Photo: tomeppy

You can find an internet cafe anywhere these days… as proven by Darren Barefoot’s photos in No 419, Spam or Porn: Internet Cafes From Farflung Corners of the Globe.

Speaking of time travel… Discover put together the clever and mind-bending Rules For Time Travelers.

“If there is one major country where history is a political instrument, it is China. ” For the ambitious, peek into the history of this massive country in the provocative China’s Interesting Times.

“It’s really a simple thing to go out and see the world,” says write 5dolla. “Planes are flying to interesting places all the time. You just need to get on one.” Check out the encouraging How To Quit Your Job And Travel The World.

From Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia, some travelers are seeking the spiritual. Browse 10 Gorgeous Pilgrimage Sites You Need to See.

What type of travel blogger are you? Jeff Patch explores a variety, from the journal to the billboard in To Travel Blog, or Not To Travel Blog.

Any links I missed? Share in the comments!

Buddhist statue, Cambodia / Photo: Ian MacKenzie

Previously, we’ve written about magic mushrooms and other drugs on the road. In many areas, it is illegal to possess many of these substances. But depending on where you go, as outlined by Barbara Cleavand, it’s possible to have mind-altering vacations, without running afoul of the law.

With the threat of swine flu (or should I say H1N1), terrorism, and kidnapping, you’d think most people would stay home. Yet some travelers are going against the grain and visiting “dangerous” destinations anyway. (Check out our own 5 Reasons To Visit Banned Countries).

“If enough people in the world transformed themselves into peacemakers, war could end,” so writes Deepak Chopra in his greart article Seven Spiritual Practices for Peace.

Also on the topic of “feel good” here’s a group of people dedicated to Hug It Forward.

I can’t remember how I found Link TV, but I’m glad I did. Check out hours of excellent programming online, including the excellent Spiritual Quest show.

Speaking of great online programming, did you know PBS recently launched their video channel? I’m still wondering why people watch regular tv…

Can punk rock and Buddhism co-exist? Just ask Noah Levine, founder of Against the Stream Meditation Society, and a guy you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Read his story In the stillness, space for a rebellious spirit.

Lastly, here’s an intriguing piece from Wired, highlighting Mystery Spots: Places Where Bizarre Forces Obscure Reality

Enjoy the weekend!

Lighting the way, Cartegena / Photo: Ian MacKenzie

One of my personal “worst case scenarios” with backpacking is when you’re in a dorm… and someone is snoring. Worst. Sleep. Ever. Here’s a roundup of 7 Tips for Sleeping through Hostel Snoring.

Another worst case scenario for others may be walking particularly hazardous sidewalks. Like this one documented by Chris Mitchell 12 Ways To Seriously Injure Yourself On A Bangkok Sidewalk.

Looking for a spiritual journey but not sure where to start? Julia Dimon (who we’ve interviewed before on BNT) offers a few ideas of where to start: from Korea, to Namibia and more.

“We are constantly surrounded by miracles,” writes Tina from Think Simple Now, “but we do not recognize them because they come to us so gracefully and seamlessly.” Learn how to avoid routine and Find Beauty In Life.

One of the primary sources of power in life is the skill of adaptation. And the way to adapt is outlined in the very interesting Art Of Change according to Tom Morris.

Many people make excuses for not doing new and fun things because they believe they have no time. “I’m so busy these days!” Or…are you? Check out 10 Tips for Freeing Up More Time for Yourself and you’ll be painting a picture or learning japanese in no time.

Lastly, a provocative post challenging: Is child sponsorship the most effective way that you and I can be involved in the lives of children in the developing world? Read it here.

Enjoy the weekend!

Photo: Sukanto Debnath

Based on our popular 50 Most Inspiring Travel Quotes, Unearthing Asia has created some inspiring desktop wallpapers to encourage you to follow your dreams.

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with their song still in them.” quoting Henry Thoreau, The Art of Non Conformity teaches you how get crackin’ and Write Your Life List.

Seems like travelers all over are tweeting their travels on Twitter. World Hum rounds up 25 Twitter Tips from the best of them.

While hiking the Annapurna circuit in Nepal, Uncornered Market founders realized they were in the presence of famous-ness: Australian super-model Gemma Ward. From their experience, they crafted the wry and hilarious 7 Ways To Trek Like A Supermodel.

Given the economy, do you feel you can’t just up and leave the country? Fear not. There’s a growing tide of travelers who feel Now Is The Best Time to Travel.

Because we can never have enough green tips (and cash), here’s 31 ways to reduce your impact while saving money.

Enjoy the weekend!

Enjoying the mud volcano, outside Cartegena, Colombia.

“To be fully healthy and alive today, I believe we must consider and become more open to the nomad within us.” In this thoughtful essay, Mark Lundegren lays out his manifesto for new nomadism.

From Iraq to Sudan, check out 5 Travel Destinations for Super-Adventurous Tourists. While Colombia also makes the list, calm your fears by reading 10 reasons why Colombia is not as dangerous as you think.

Given the choice, would you rather be a perpetual traveler or a world citizen? Joel Falconer explains the difference.

“We are all living in cages that our fear has created,” writes Derek at Live Uncomfortably. “If you want to get out you have to face those fears. The outside world is incredible.” Check out his full list of 27 Things I’ve Learned While Traveling.

Nature is beautiful…but slow. Sometimes painfully so… that is until you use the magic of time lapse photography.

Lastly, check out “What You Think Probably Won’t Kill You,” my rumination on how fear often keeps people from heading out on the road.

Enjoy the weekend!

Photo wili hybrid

Robin Esrock aka The Gonzo Traveler knows you’ve heard of medical tourism, faith tourism and voluntourism. Yet he still manages to reveal 8 Tour-isms You’ve Never Heard Of.

For many around the world, the “American Dream” used to mean that no matter where you came from, with enough grit and determination, you could make something of yourself. So how did it go so wrong? Read Vanity’s Fair’s epic article “Rethinking The American Dream.”

Mashable serves up How To Use Social Media For Travel Research, while Enduring Wanderlust suggests Unique Ways To Choose Your Next Destination.

Too many pints and banana pancakes ruining your immune system? Instead try honey, chili peppers, and others in 11 Common Foods To Naturally Relieve Illness While Traveling.

Are you drawn to travel with a craving you can’t ignore? Fresh New Life explains Why Travel Is So Addictive.

Finally, Lara Dunston explores the beta of Offbeat Travel Guides, and finds herself pessimistcally pondering the future of travel guides. Read parts one, two, and three.

Enjoy your weekend!

Photo: diemieux

Robin Esrock writes his tips on Making the World’s Best Online Travel Videos.

For those still dealing with old fashioned pictures, check out our classic Ultimate Guide To Travel Slideshows.

Salon offers a revealing interview with Rick Steves, were he talks about Iran, terrorism, and the best places to smoke pot in Europe. After all, Rick is not pro-drugs, he’s pro common sense.

If the Flinstones taught us anything, it’s that stone suitcases were not practical. Luckily, the evolution of the suitcase continued on since those prehistoric days.

“The beach was too sandy,” and other ridiculous complaints made by holidaymakers.

Book lovers rejoice! Here’s 10 Websites For Book Lovers that may not have heard of already.

Thinking of taking a gap year? Here’s how to make sure it isn’t a crap year.

Finally, a harrowing read on the intersection of race and pop culture:

“Racial invisibility is always relative and conditional, when you are discovered or reveal yourself, anything might happen.”

Don’t miss this excellent essay, Look Twice, that starts with a fistfight on the subway.

Enjoy the weekend!

Statue in Cartagena, Colombia

Ever wondered what it’s like to die of hypothermia? Peter Stark writes a harrowing play-by-play in The cold hard facts of freezing to death that will leave you chilled.

In November 2008, Muslim clerics in Malaysia issued a religious edict banning the practice of yoga by Muslims. One yoga practitioner wonders Can’t Yoga and Islam Get Along?

Speaking of India, don’t miss the stunning photo essay on Holi – The Festival of Colors.

Travel Channel offers up this fun diagnosis to discover if you have The Travel Bug.

When is life like a game of Pac Man? Spiritual guru Steve Pavlina explains the metaphor in his article Leveling Up.

Any great links you came across? Share in the comments!

Are you stuck in a situation you don’t enjoy? This could be your job, your relationship, or any aspect of your life. I humbly offer my advice in What’s Your Inner Voice Telling You?

If the economy has sent your mind into a tailspin, consider heading to Thailand to be a Monk For A Month. They offer short stays or the full month if you’re looking to commit.

In times of war, it’s hard to know who is “right.” As Japanese author Haruki Murakami says in his brilliant address to the Israeli leadership, no matter the conflict, he’s always on the side of the egg.

Craving a dose of wisdom from some memorable individuals? Check out What 11 Inspirational People Can Teach You About Life.

“To look at the moon, it is necessary to gaze beyond the finger.” Read this great post explaining this classic Zen story.

The Telegraph lists the 20 best travel books of all time. See how they stack up against our own classic list of the best 50 travel books.

Any great links you’ve found this week? Share in the comments!

T’is the season / Photo kassa

“For me the first great joy of traveling is simply the luxury of leaving all my beliefs and certainties at home, and seeing everything I thought I knew in a different light, and from a crooked angle.” Read this classic article from Pico Iyer on “Why We Travel.”

“Joy to the world is contagious,” says a new study. Turns out you can infect others with your oozing good cheer not just at holiday time, but all the time.

Speaking of joy, it all starts with an open your mind. Read an elightening post on What The Buddha Discovered by Genpo Roshi.

Also check out one of our newest spiritual bloggers, JennyD.

Given the doom forecast for the economy, it’s time to evaluate how much you really need to live. For inspiration, read about one former engineer who found peace on mind on $5000 a year.

Or you may want to have a giant garage sale and head out on the road. Learn more about what Yaro Starak calls trave-living and how to hit the road with your family.

Since you’re hitting the road, might want to avoid 20 of the world’s most dangerous places.

Enjoy the weekend!

Statues of Easter Island / Photo AndrewGill73

Are we already experiencing the slow death of blogging? Not likely, says formber BNT contributor Brenda Yun.

“The surface of Mars is in better condition than most Albanian highways, but that didn’t stop the driver from playing chicken with the approaching trucks.” In this harrowing piece, Robin Esrock reveals his 10 Tales of Transit Hell.

Celine Rogue, writing for Web Worker Daily, experiments with just how far she can leave civilization and continue to work. She also offers some great mobile tips in her article on web working for the road.

“We live in two Americas. One America, now the minority, functions in a print-based, literate world. The other America, which constitutes the majority, exists in a non-reality-based belief system.” Read this provocative article that was originally titled America The Illiterate.

With the election of Obama to the White House, the US has now become a beacon of virtue and tolerance right? Just don’t tell that to Catherine Vogt, 14, an Illinois 8th grader who experimented by wearing two different shirts to school. The results will surprise you.

Chalk it up under hilarty. Amber Mac lists her Top 5 Internet Culture videos, with some new picks and old gems.

Finally, get inspired with an interview with travelblogger Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere. He sold everything to hit the road now for over a year.

Bombay flower / Photo lecercle

Last week, we published an ariticle about giving up your dream as a surf bum. But what if you’re persistent enough to keep trying? Then you might want to read 5 Ways to Survive-and Surf-On a Negative Income.

Our very own Tim Patterson get’s an interview over on Gadling, where he talks about guidebook writing, solo travel and what’s keeping him busy.

So you’re heading to Australia? Keep your money in your pocket with this great list: 101 Free Things to Do in Australia.

“By traveling, you learn not only about the people and places you visit — you learn about yourself. But without capturing your thoughts on paper, the lessons of travel are like shooting stars you just missed,” says Rick Steves. Read his article The art of journaling as you travel. Then check out our travel writing tips.

Hitting the road with your kids can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Read 8 Things Every Traveling Parent Should Know

Losing your luggage sucks. Big time. Check out 27 Ways to Eliminate Lost Luggage at the Airport to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

To politics now. First, Rolling Stone offers Seven Days In The Life Of The Late, Great John McCain – a must-read article on the man vying for the Presidency.

Second, an illuminating piece We Are Winning: An Interview With Battle In Seattle Director Stuart Townsend.

Lastly, if we need more of anything, it’s Love Now. Enjoy!

The Dude wants you to take it easy.

Our own columnist Robin Esrock is featured in Forbes Traveler ruminating on his Best Adventure Ever – for someone who’s traveled to over 70 countries, can you guess what it is?

Dudeism: could you be a disciple of the new religion sweeping the globe? Read the Take It Easy Manifesto and see if you’re a convert.

My Inspiration Lounge lists a number of great sites that help you daydream about your next trip, or make it a reality.

Feeling lonely on the road. Ironically, you’re not…alone. Eric Daams writes a great post on shaking off the blues and getting back to what matters – like enjoying life.

Recommended by the one and only Jeff Bridges, here’s an enlightening conversation with author Ian Lustick on who discusses being trapped in the War on Terror.

A sobering reminder of the dangers on the road, Matador member Jon recounts his experience when his bus is robbed in Ecuador. Not for the faint of heart.

Wondering where to live next? What if you knew you could walk most anywhere? Check out the cool site Walk Score – where they rank neighborhoods based on their walkability.

Any links I missed? Share in the comments!

The rooster knows all… / Photo Ian MacKenzie

“The American DNA encodes wanderlust ambition, and a romance clings to Mr. Obama’s story. The roamer who would make himself and his land anew is a familiar archetype.”

Don’t miss this excellent NY Times post on how Obama embodies The American Wanderer.

Matador’s own David Miller ruminates on travel writing and the one book that’s influenced his own style, in this great interview with Written Road.

Looking for an alternative to the regular hotel circuit? Check out DarnGoodDigs.com for unique, independently owned options. Oh yes, and the people behind the site are nice too.

Here’s something you don’t read every day: The price of rat meat has quadrupled in Cambodia this year as inflation has put other meat beyond the reach of poor people.

Speaking of the meat, Jim Motavalli says there’s never been a better time to break up with meat. He writes, “evidence shows that our meat-mased diet is bad for the environment, aggravates global hunger, brutalizes animals and compromises our health.”

With the release of another awful spoof film “Disaster Movie,” the CBC has tried to at least salvage a shred of value. Read Ten things I learned from watching disaster movies and you’ll be prepared should catastrophe strike.

No Impact Man writes a thoughtful post on our culture of stuff, posing the question,”are the things we’re supposed to want making us happy? Because for certain, our having more stuff is not making the planet more happy.”

Enjoy the weekend!

istockphoto / Janne Ahvo

“We are all God playing hide-and-seek with himself,” says Alan Watts. It’s just one of the Top 10 Reasons You Should Like Alan Watts, as compiled by Spiritual Mind.

In a very cool interactive map, GOOD magazine portrays the most famous journey’s throughout history, from Marco Polo to Lewis and Clark.

Did you know LSD helped foster the discovery of DNA? Or that cocaine stimulated the study of psychoanalysis? Neither did I…until I read The 5 Greatest Things Ever Accomplished While High.

Forget finding that perfect beach. What about your own perfect island? Check out 5 Insanely Small And Inhabited Private Islands.

Train kids to police their parents on eco-crimes? While it seems like a good idea in practice, the new green initiative in Britain is forcing some uncomfortable references to Hitler Youth.

Speaking of green – now you can help the environment by using a green search engine. Check out Search Green Travel.

I have some friends that head out on the road with little more than a bag of hotdogs and a sleeping bag. Then there’s everybody else, who have access to the 25+ tools for a Roadtrip 2.0.

It’s a battle of epic proportions that has been going on since the dawn of time. Scientific American tackles Free Will vs. the Programmed Brain.

Hipsters: the deadend of civiilzation? Photos Adbusters

Read my first interview on a Portuguese blog! Uma Malla Pelo Mundo asks me about how I started traveling, the birth of BNT, and my thoughts on green travel.

Good Magazine offers a travel guide with a twist – Beautiful Messes: A Travel Guide to Man-made Disasters.

“We’ve reached a point in our civilization where counterculture has mutated into a self-obsessed aesthetic vacuum,” says Adbusters in Hipster: The Dead End of Western Civilization.

Would you photograph a homeless man without permission? Explore the ethics of photography in this interesting post by Ellen Wilson.

Documentary filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga is interviewed for Nomadic Matt’s website. Also, don’t miss his win free stuff contest.

Have a few (or more) thousand dollars to spend on a weekend? Check out Robin Esrock’s article on the art of glamping.

Lose the ego. Make peace with the present. Awaken. Thornton McCamish examines the Eckhart Tolle’s spiritual teachings.

Enjoy the weekend!

Treehugging is fun / Photo Self Centered

What’s it going to take to change the world? A miracle? Or how about The Girl Effect.

Our own Julie Collazo writes up her advice on How To Work From Home. Most interesting tidbit: she chose to go freelance after a near-death experience with a tractor.

Speaking of work, check out the clever 10 Signs It May be Time to Quit Your Job.

Another list with tongue firmly in cheek: Top Ten Signs You’re a Fundamentalist Christian.

People make up all sorts of funny reasons for why they can’t meditate. But it’s actually easier than you think. Here’s the last 10 list, I swear: The Top 10 Meditation Misconceptions

Did you know, 81% of the world’s executions in 2002 took place in just three countries: China, Iran and the USA? Here’s 50 more Facts that Should Change the World.

Earlier this week we stirred up some controversy with the first-timers guide to magic mushrooms. As a follow up, check out Top 10 Psychoactive Substances Used In Religious Ceremonies.

Lastly, here’s a few tips to avoid common scams, thanks to Budget Travel.

Have a great weekend!

Sun rays / Photo by Ian Mackenzie

Ever tried an electric skateboard? Just one of the options in the NZ’s Herald’s guide to green transportation.

Video could become more popular than text for online traveller reviews, says Anthony Rawlins. He quotes an unlikely source to back up his claims…me!

Words don’t belong in the garbage. Instead, here’s 10 Creative Ways to Recycle Old Books

Today’s high gas prices can make anyone depressed. But what about the bright side? Time magazine shares 10 Things You Can Like About $4 Gas

Then again, it’s not just the energy crisis that’s depressing. Read how the Modern World Has Robbed Us of the Simple Joys in Life

Brewed Awakening. Just Falafs. Cycloanalysts. Just a few of the 50 Best Pun Stores.

It can be extremely difficult to focus on the good when, seemingly, bad things are happening in your life. Break the habits of these 8 destructive thinking patterns!

Finally, America gets blamed for a lot of the world’s ills. But it has plenty of good to offer, as shown in the roundup: 15 Movies That Show What’s RIGHT With U.S. (hattip Eva)

Enjoy the weekend!

Illustration by Matt Mahurin / Rolling Stone

“Like everything else assembled in China with American parts, Police State 2.0 is ready for export to a neighborhood near you.” Naomi Klein exposes China’s All-Seeing Eye – a must read article.

GOOD Magazine has written a primer on the big, shadowy organizations that secretly rule the world. See how each one scores on the “power” rating!

Speaking of shadowy secrets, here’s Money Saving Tips the Travel Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know.

Why do people feel compelled to let strangers sleep on the couch? Some say ego. Check out the full article.

Would you go to Timbuktu for a haircut? Read the Q&A with Rick Antonson, a guy who actually wrote a book about it.

“We don’t intend to let the oldest Buddhist monastery in the Western Hemisphere burn.” Monks prepare to protect the Big Sur monastery in California.

Medical tourism is on the rise. Find out why, on this interesting piece from Vagabondish.

Any great articles you found this week? Share in the comments!

Wheels in the wind, Cape Cod. Photo Ian MacKenzie

If only the headlines showed good news for a change, like this inspiring Google news mock-up.

Christine Gilbert and her blog Almost Fearless was a great discovery this week. Check out 10 Unexpected Costs of Owning Things and 8 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 22.

Turns out there’s more similarities in the sayings of Jesus and the Buddha that you might guess. Read Tom Stine’s Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings.

How to instill kids with the desire to clean up the planet? Free Range Studios, the team behind The Meatrix, has kicked off their new green series Gorilla in the Greenhouse.

Speaking of apes…is man an ape or an angel? Steve Jones explores Darwin’s theory of natural selection, 150 years on.

Stuck in an airport until your next flight? Read the top 10 ways to kill your boredom.

Need to bargain better? Sweep that special someone off their feet? Get your friend to buy you another beer? Read 8 Ways To Get Exactly What You Want.

Enjoy the weekend!

Obama the Enligthened One?

What a week it was! My post on mind-blowing films hit the the Digg.com homepage, rocketing it past 45,000 views on Friday alone.

We also published some excellent posts that garnered many thought-provoking comments. I’m constantly amazed at the (overall) level of intelligence and sophistication of BNT’s readers. Keep it up!

And now, onto the best of the week.

Barack Obama isn’t really one of us. Not in the normal way, anyway. So says Mark Morford in his article Is Obama an enlightened being? (Warning: To be read by open-minded people only).

Robin Esrock lists off the eight best places you’ve probably never heard of (including obscure destinations in Borneo, New Caledonia, and Albania).

A great new spiritual blog I discovered this week Urban Monk, explores Attachment: Understanding the Origin of Human Suffering.

“Seekers seem like hunters on a safari to capture the soul. The spiritual path isn’t like that,” says Deepak Chopra in his article Seeking Signs of Spiritual Growth.

Gaze up the Top 5 Strange and Beautiful In The World.

Finally, Rolf Potts interviews the legendary Arthur Frommer, where they discuss his first traveling experience, and the biggest reward as a travel writer.

Enjoy the weekend! I’m off to practice my French…

The boys from Bhutan. Photo by babasteve

Imagine if you had the wisdom of a lifetime but with a twist…you still had years left to put it into action. Read the excellent 30 True Things You Need to Know Now

“Shouldn’t we be technologically advanced enough here in the 21st Century to quit siphoning off the pus of the Earth?” says the provocative article 8 Reasons We’ll Rejoice When Oil Hits $8 A Gallon.

When will the copyright boards realize they’re plugging holes in a rapidly leaking dam? Not for a while, considering this new article proposing tougher laws on illegal files.

How to plan your day, but remain open to better opportunities than may come knocking? Check out The Other Side of Productivity: Coincidences, Synchronicity, and Serendipity

Delicious Baby has a great roundup of Myanmar (Burma) photos meant to inspire aid to the country.

Could God be a product of evolution? Software says yes. Read the intriguing article from New Scientist.

Finally, the Tao of Travel, according to Dustin Wax, is that traveling “should be about something more than doing what the locals do.” Read the full article here.

Enjoy the weekend!

Photo by Ann Jones

“There is a common misperception about travel junkies,” says Kelly Westhoff for the Huffington Post. “It is often said that we travel to “find” ourselves. We do not. Or at least, I do not. I go looking for God.” Read My Travel, My God here.

Have a question about travel? Chances are, it’s on this list: Your 50 most asked travel questions.

Travel agents are a dying breed, proclaims Chris Eliott. But don’t let that stop you from finding the most competent agents left.

“Real change has content and direction. It’s driven by courageous people unafraid to speak up, even — or perhaps especially — when it’s risky.” Read an important article by Ann Jones on making change.

The easiest way to save the world is stay home, says Laura Vanderkam for USA Today. Fortunately, the technology to work virtually already exists.

Win some sweet travel gear! FitnessTravelGear is looking for travel essays that will inspire readers to plan their own adventures.

The travel journal blog ‘o sphere is big. Check out the Top 100 as chosen by Christina Laun.

Finally, would you be willing to bare it all on a nude vacation? Check out No Shirt, No Shoes, No Worries in the NY Times.

Enjoy the weekend!

Photo by Tim Patterson

These links will knock your socks off.

The Harris family’s quest to quit consumerism cold turkey, rid themselves of stuff and settle down in an organic farming community in Vermont was just featured in the New York Times.

The Times describes the Harris family as “partisans of a movement some call voluntary simplicity.”

All I’ve got to say is, Welcome Neighbors!

On the theme of healthy, local community in Vermont, I was just privileged to listen to one of Vermont’s finest writers – Tom Slayton – deliver a commencement speech at a college graduation. Mr. Slayton ended his speech with a poem by my favorite poet, Gary Snyder.

The poem is called: For the Children

Although BNT knows it’s possible to travel without leaving home, for all the good and necessary focus on local community, there’s still a mighty big world out here.

Two sites that all socially conscious travelers should know about are The Common Language Project, dedicated to citizen powered global journalism, and Stay Another Day, a great tool for connecting with grassroots organizations that are working for a better world in the former war-zones of South East Asia.

“It’s better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.”

I’m off to the bonfire. Have a great weekend everybody.

Reading is for nerds.

Admit it – you were wondering which airline has the most comfortable economy seats.

Not sure if this is true or not (being a man and all) but The Frisky explores Why It’s Easier To Meet Men On Vacation.

Robin Esrock dishes up 8 Reasons To Stay In A Hostel (as if you needed convincing).

Our own Tim Patterson wrote a piece for World Hum, exploring the intersection of brand, identity, and place In Patagonia, In Patagonia.

And don’t forget my own piece, The Essential Soundtrack To Southeast Asia.

Think you know all there is to know about volun-tourism? Test your own advice against 10 Tips from a Voluntourism Master.

Some think it’s a fear-based society which now we live, based largely on the idea of terrorist organizations waiting to strike at anytime. Newsweek offers a refreshing perspective in Terrorist Triage, believing Al Qaeda is overrated.

Enjoy what’s left of the weekend!

Photo by the World Resources Institute Staff

Four thousand American soldiers have died in Iraq. This is the true story of how one of them came home. Read The Things That Carried Him.

Poor people are turning micro-lending into one of the world’s least likely sources of untapped profit, primarily because they will pay interest rates most Americans would consider outrageous, if not usurious, says the article The Ugly Side of Microlending.

Mark Morford talks about the surprising new discovery that the Earth is humming. Yes, humming.

Perhaps the cosmos themselves are trying to tell us something, so says The Intelligent Universe.

Getting burned out on all this green fanaticism? Don’t lose heart, Michael Pollan believes you should still bother.

Research suggests that practicing a more simple lifestyle made people happier while using fewer resources. Don’t believe it? Read Why working less is better for the globe.

It starts about a bit depressing, but 31 Reasons To Travel Green In Pictures offers the incentive to take extra care.

What links have you found on the web? Share in the comments!

The collapse of the cheap oil economy demands action. James Howard Kunstler offers 10 ways to prepare for a post oil society.

350 parts per million is the red line for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – any more than that and we’re all in serious trouble. Bill McKibben and the team of eco-ninjas at 350.org are spreading the word.

Here’s the definitive guide to hostel etiquette from Lonely Planet author Leif Pettersen. # 18. “Spontaneous farting is only funny under very precise circumstances.”

Yesterday I found absolutely outstanding advice on writing by one of the masters – Kurt Vonnegut. His most important point? Keep it simple.

Taken Vonnegut’s advice to heart? Good.

Your next assignment is to read The 10 Steps To Becoming A Successful Travel Writer.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Photo by The Flooze

That’s right.

I figure it’s a good time to open up this week to allow you the opportunity to share the links you found the most interesting.

So if you’d like to share, leave a comment. If the link is exceptionally long, use Tiny URL to shrink it down and paste the modified link below.

Then add a brief description as to why you liked the link so much.

Add your link now!

Photo by Jim Snapper

John Fraser wrote an excellent article, Butchers and Monsters, about why the Chinese government will never ease it’s grip on the Tibetan people.

Misty from Matador posted a concise list of tips on how to travel on the cheap.

Judi Lees shares her experience volunteering abroad in South American orphanage.

“There’s a huge gulf between the number of people who travel and the number of people who care to read about travel,” says Gridskipper, in the aptly titled 10 Reasons Why Your Travel Blog Sucks.

Enlighten Your Day published an inspiring gem Experience the Zen of traveling and change your life. Just be sure to scroll below the enormous picture.

Rick Steves thinks a broader global view would benefit Americans. “My challenge is to get Americans to be thoughtful in their travels.”

From cholera, tetanus, and dengue fever – Amanda Kendle rounds up the 10 Nastiest Travel Diseases.

Enjoy the weekend!

Wend Magazine, always an inspiring travel read, has offered their current version online for free! Check it out here.

The Peace Symbol turns 50th. Celebrate with this photo essay from Time.

Columbus proved the world was round, and Einstein failed math right? Maybe not. Read The 5 Most Ridiculous Lies You Were Taught In History Class.

“A journey is one of the most basic and ageless myths,” says author Philip Marsden, who believes travel writing will once again enter a golden age.

A must read/watch/share: the timely online documentary “Leading To War” which chronicles how the US government swayed the public to support the Iraq invasion.

Futurist Ray Kurzweil wants to live to witness the “singularity” – the moment when artificial intelligence will surpass human intelligence. Find out if this is a good or bad thing. The BBC also weighs in.

Score some free copyrighted Ebooks over at Wowio.com – just don’t say I sent you.

Lastly, need to edit your travel photos online? Adobe was kind enough to release a free online version of Photoshop.

Enjoy the weekend!

Here’s our favourite links we found this week:

Tibetans have taken to the streets in a fight for freedom. Add your voice to the global petition.

Thinking of volunteering abroad in Thailand? How about eco-friendly volunteering? Check out a few great options.

A must read if you’re still in the dark about the quagmire in the Middle East: Five Things You Need to Know to Understand the Latest Violence in Iraq.

What would BNT do without our wonderful contributors? Here’s an article homage to you: Writing for peanuts and loving it.

The 2008 Travvies are now open for nominations! Last year, BNT was a respectful runner-up in a few categories. With your help, maybe this year we’ll win some! Consider nominating us for:

• Best Travel Blog
• Best Group-Written Travel Blog
• Best Informative/Practical Blog

Spring break is just about over, but these timeless travel tips with your kids won’t go out of style: Tips for a Smooth Travel Day With Kids

Lastly, the feel good story of the week is a guy who got mugged…and made sure to give the thief his own jacket.

Enjoy the weekend!

Photo by the boy with the thorn in his side.

Would you keep your garbage for 3 months? That’s the challenge taken up by one American family in Garbage! The Revolution Starts At Home. Don’t miss their Dirty Dozen cleanup directives.

Start Backpacking is hosting a travel photo contest asking What is your craziest travel moment?

Earlier this week we wrote about the coming US recession. Here’s some specific ideas on surviving it.

Tibet is engulfing the headlines these days. Check out Trashing the Bejing Road for an idea how the latest uprising started, and the CBC for how it got to this point.

Many younger folk aren’t as religious as previous generations, but instead identify themselves as spiritual, says the article Children of a modern God.

Lastly, Lifehacker’s put together a practical and imaginative list of do-it-yourself laptop stands.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Photo from Virgin Galactic

If you use your cellphone, the plane will crash. Cruise ships are all-inclusive. Recirculated cabin air on planes will make you sick. Just three of the busted travel myths in this article from Yahoo.

Jeff Nickles was so inspired by a BNT post, he wrote his top excuses for staying stuck in a travel rut.

Space travel is coming, and it will allow “regular” people (ie. non-billionaires) the chance to travel through space. Check out these plans for spaceports around the world.

How green is green? Chris Elliot teaches you How to spot the travel industry’s eco-spin.

Channel your inner Spielberg with these two great articles: 4 Easy Tips For Shooting Better Travel Films and Simply Making Great Video.

Forget real vacations: Second Life sends users on virtual vacations.

Finally, Stephen Orchard offers wary words to the traveler, with The 5 Worst Travel Gadgets.

Enjoy the weekend!

Well, here at BNT we have our own saying:

Not a smoking fuse box, perfect surf or bikini clad Norwegian girls shall stop the Best Of The Week.

The last 30 minutes here in Punta del Diablo have presented all three obstacles to your brave editor, but never fear – here are the very best travel related links from around the world wide web.

There are lots of poorly written, self indulgent travel blogs out there. Nothing wrong with that. But when an inane backpacker diary shows up on the front page of the Guardian, readers take out the knives. Here’s a good summary of the whole affair.

In a headscratcher of a news story, two young ladies escorted off a Southwest Airlines plane by uniformed police claim they were targeted for abuse because flight attendants were jealous of their good looks. I’m not buying it. They don’t look that hot in the photo.

Stephanie Bryant offers 4 helpful tips for shooting better travel videos in this tightly written piece for the notebook.

What do you look for in a city? Becky Timbers lists the top ten attributes of a perfect city in this popular post at Everywhere Magazine, one of the coolest travel writing and photography communities on the web (outside of Matador, of course).

OK – I’m off to the beach. Until next week!

BNT contributing editor Tim Patterson travels with a sleeping bag and pup tent strapped to the back of his folding bicycle. His articles and travel guides have appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, Get Lost Magazine, Tales Of Asia and Traverse Magazine. Check out his Matador profile.

Come across any entertaining, intriguing or inspirational travel tidbits lately? Leave a link and a comment below!

Robin Esrock takes you on a culinary journey through some surprisingly delicacies from around around the planet.

Four words: Tetris Ice Cube Maker. Brilliant.

A car that runs on compressed air? Get’s over 100 gas-equivalent mpg and over 90 mph, has zero to low C02 emissions, seats six? Check this out. That’s almost as amazing as the tetris ice cubes.

In true “ridiculously long link post roundup style” have a read of Go Green Travel Green’s Ultimate Packing List.

Spread good karma with Vagabondish’s 5 Simple Ways to Be Kind To Your Fellow Traveler

Gaze upon the World’s 16 Least Inspiring Flags.

And for inspiration, view The Best Travel Photographs of 2007 (as chosen by The Independent).

Enjoy the weekend!

Ian MacKenzie is editor of Brave New Traveler. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

Thanks to Valentine’s Day, love is in the air this week from Bondi to Bangkok, and some of them were shouting their love from cabbage patches?

Listen to some tips on travel photography in this podcast from Ryan Libre.

Want one of Marmot’s sweet, new softshell jackets? Wend Magazine is having an online contest – all you have to do is email them a photo of you or a friend wearing a piece of Marmot gear and doing any human-powered, outdoor adventure.

Tim Teeman believes it’s okay to be a lone traveler, in this great article for the Times Online.

Killing Batteries provides the bitter and hilarious definitive guide to airport and airplane etiquette.

Interested in jumping off the hamster wheel? Consider reading Nomad4Ever’s 9 Surefire Strategies NOT to Retire Early.

Lastly, check out these 10 Amazing Tree Houses that would make the Ewoks jealous.

To be a traveler or tourist? John Flinn says there are some places he’s happy to surrender my independence and travel under the wing of someone who knows what he’s doing.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ian MacKenzie is editor of Brave New Traveler. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

First up, Times Online warns about the 13 best travel scams to save you from the cheats and the sharks.

Even though I’m Canadian, I know an inspiring political video when I see one: watch Obama’s “Yes We Can.”

The US budget for 2008 is 3 trillion dollars – that’s a million times one million, or a thousand times one billion. Learn more interesting facts about 3 trillion.

Wisebread rounds up 11 volunteer opportunities you may not have uncovered.

Boots n All posted an interesting interview with Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler, where they discuss (among other things) his new book, Lonely Planet, and travel.

BNT contributor Cam Karsten asked me to extend the offer of a Yoga retreat in Bali, Aug. 17-31, 2008. For more details, visit here.

Torture or not? Current TV has a controversial video depicting the practice of “water-boarding.” Not for the faint of heart.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ian MacKenzie is editor of Brave New Traveler. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

Last year we published an interview with Daniela Kon, the director of a new documentary about voluntourism. She’s hoping to raise funding to finish the film – so if you’re inclined, go pitch in!

The Vancouver Sun rounds up a list of Six Travel Sites Worth Discovering. And wouldn’t you know it, BNT is first on the list!

Sizzling and hot are just what you’d call this Rolf Pott’s article revealing travel tips from Sir Francis Bacon.

Ever seen the inside of an Airbus380’s cockpit? Neither had I…until now.

Upload and “incredible travel photo” and write a story about it, and you could win a $25,000 dream trip from Conde Nast.

KLM Airline has a funny promotion “Stop the Hassle” – basically an excuse to upload video of you dancing horribly on the beach and on the road.

Couples listen up: Budget Travel offers the secret of how to travel together and stay together.

Finally, Vagabondish digs deep and rounds up 12 Google Shortcuts Every Traveler Should Know. From how to check the weather, convert your currency and more.

Enjoy the weekend! As for me, I’m off to Hawaii.

Ian MacKenzie is editor of Brave New Traveler. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

What do you get when you drop a few dozen backpackers into a hostel, soak with beer and mix in a healthy dose of liberation from social norms?

A tidal wave of hormones…and one major problem: where to go to get it on?

Unless you’re a flamboyant exhibitionist, nothing puts a damper on romantic relations like company. Dorms are almost never empty, and even when they are, the likelihood of someone barging in makes anything more than surreptitious groping an impossibility.

If you’re hankering to slide the key into the ignition and get your motor firing on all cylinders, you need to get creative, and get out of the dorms.

First of all, let’s consider the options in and around the hostel.

Every hostel has hidden nooks and crannies that offer enough space and privacy for at least a hasty knee-trembler. You can be sure the hostel staff know about these spots, but unless you’re hooking up with one of them, asking for directions is bad form.

The trick is to know where to look, and to scout locations in advance if you’re feeling lucky. Here are some possibilities:

The Laundry Room

Most hostels have a laundry room that is abandoned at night. If you’re feeling naughty, the stacks of fresh-smelling sheets and towels make an ideal love-nest.

The more considerate and hygienic option is to make use of the sturdy appliances, with the woman sitting on top of the washer / dryer. (Extra points for spin cycle).

The Roof

When checking into your next hostel, take a look around and see if there’s any way to access the roof. Overhanging trees are one possibility, as are upstairs windows with broad sills from which you can pull yourself up to the rooftop.

Of course safety is important, and you shouldn’t take unnecessary risks, but you’d be surprised at how many hostel roofs are accessible with a little ingenuity.

And once you’re up there – well, the sky is the limit.

The Bathroom

OK, maybe it’s not the most romantic location, but most hostels have bathrooms that lock. As long as the floor and toilet are reasonably clean, you can shut yourselves inside and bump uglies to your heart’s content.

Even open bathrooms with several stalls offer the possibility of a quickie – just ask Senator Larry Craig.

The best position is for the guy to sit on the toilet while the girl sits in his lap – this way she can lift her legs off the floor if someone comes in, so that from the outside it looks like just one person is in the stall.

The Broom Closet

If the laundry room is locked, the roof is inaccessible and the thought of sex in a bathroom stall makes you queasy, the hostel broom closet is a classic option.

The main problems with the broom closet are that nothing more than a standing position is possible, mop handles have a way of whacking you in the head at inopportune moments and the smell of high-test floor cleaner can make you pass out.

The key is to be quick (if you’re screwing in a broom closet I doubt this will be a problem).

The Kitchen

Don’t have sex in the hostel kitchen. Just don’t. People cook food in the kitchen. No one wants traces of mystery juice in their stir-fry.

Plus, hostel kitchens aren’t as private as you might think. Even at 4 am you can bet that someone will be looking for a midnight snack, and nothing ruins an appetite like the sight of bare asses bouncing on the counter.

Seriously, don’t have sex in the kitchen.

The Great Outdoors

If your hostel has a backyard, look for a shadowy spot behind a tree.

Better yet, if you’re in a semi-rural area, get out of the hostel grounds entirely. A copse of trees can provide all the privacy you need, and a lonesome beach is even more enticing.

Just remember to snag a towel or a bed-sheet from the hostel before running naked down the sand.

Get A Room Already!

Look, I know you’re on a tight budget. But I guarantee that a few years down the road, when you’re married and have a mortgage, you won’t regret having dropped a couple extra bills for a night of passion.

In many countries, like Japan and Taiwan, there is the ‘love-hotel’ option, where you can rent a fantasy-themed room by the hour. Otherwise, just jump in a cab and ask the driver to take you to a guesthouse or motel.

As usual, Mark Twain sums it up best, “10 years from now you will be more disappointed by the people you haven’t done than by the ones you have, so cast off the panties, sail away from the hostel dorm – explore, dream, get laid!”

Where’s the most creative place your “friend” has ever had sex? Shock and titillate us by leaving a comment below!

BNT contributing editor Tim Patterson travels with a sleeping bag and pup tent strapped to the back of his folding bicycle. His articles and travel guides have appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, Get Lost Magazine, Tales Of Asia and Traverse Magazine. Check out his Matador profile.

Lea Woodward has launched the “Leave it Better” initiative, as a way of giving back to the communities we visit.

A pretty cool video showcasing Evolution in 5 Minutes.

Travel isn’t related to the younger crowd these days – seems Baby Boomers are increasingly hitting the open road.

Travelhappy tells us how to be a Lonely Planet travel writer in an interview with Simon Sellars.

Get smarter. Here’s 200 Free Online Courses to Learn Anything.

Gaze into the future, with Elliot’s 8 Things Travelers Should Expect in 2008.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ian MacKenzie is editor of Brave New Traveler. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

Travel is a drug.

Travel hooks you with a mainline shot of adrenaline on that first mile of highway and takes you on a rollercoaster of mental and spiritual stimulation that reaches everything from dazzling Himalayan highs to Cambodian outhouse lows.

Finally it leaves you standing with luggage at a bus-stop and feeling strange – perhaps inspired, perhaps grateful, perhaps just suffering from a serious jet-lag hangover.

It’s no wonder so many travelers like to drink and get high. Many of us are young, liberated from authority, in search of exactly the feelings of exhilaration and supposed insight that drugs, alcohol and travel can all provide.

Should our parents worry about us? Should brave new travelers pledge abstinence before jetting off to India?

Nah.

Although alcohol and drug abuse can lead to serious problems while traveling, just like they can back home, in my experience most travelers indulge responsibly.

And while travelers have an important obligation to respect local customs, most – though far from all – countries are more tolerant of drugs and alcohol than the United States.

This isn’t to say you should throw caution to the wind and travel the world as if you were on permanent Spring Break. If you plan to indulge, here are some important points to keep in mind:

Safety First

Safe travel depends on good judgment and clear-headed awareness of your environment and your self. Alcohol and drugs can alter your perceptions and influence your judgment, making you paranoid, rash or just plain vulnerable.

Always pay close attention to your surroundings. Know your limits. Know the local laws and cultural norms.

For example, drinking beer in a city park is fine in Japan, but would get you busted for an open-container violation in Massachusetts. Likewise, marijuana use is widely tolerated in places like Spain and California, but you would be very foolish to risk lighting up in Taiwan, where laws are much more strict and pot isn’t part of the culture.

Finally, remember that your travel insurance policy probably has a clause about alcohol and drugs in the fine-print – if you do something stupid and get hurt while under the influence, they might not cover the bill.

Respect, Mon

As a traveler, you are a guest in a foreign culture. Like it or not, you are also an ambassador of your home country. This is a tremendous responsibility.

Getting tipsy with the locals can break down barriers and contribute to genuine friendship and cross-cultural empathy. Drinking alcohol is a ritual of hospitality in many parts of the world, and there really is something to the transformative power of peace, love, understanding and passing joints around a campfire.

When I worked in Japan, I soon learned that it was impolite to NOT get fall-down drunk at office parties.

However, there is a huge difference between getting fall-down drunk within the boundaries of a specific cultural ritual, and getting fall-down drunk and roaming the streets as a pack of boorish foreigners.

Pay attention to cultural norms of ritual and reciprocation. Be sincere, be considerate and have a good time.

Focus On The Journey, Not The Beer

Why are you traveling? To see the world and experience new ideas and new sensations? Well then why are you getting drunk every night at the youth hostel?

There are few things more pathetic than someone who travels around the world, but never leaves the cozy alcoholic bubble of the guesthouse bar.

Travel is a privilege, a rare and valuable opportunity to see the world – and yourself – from a new perspective. To squander such a gift is just plain sad, so always remember that although it might be fun to hang out and crack a few beers with your fellow backpackers, the world outside the bar is far more interesting.

Why not go out to a local bar, buy a beer for a stranger and start a conversation?

A Word About Moderation

At first glance, it would seem that moderation is the key to safe and respectful imbibing. True enough, limiting yourself to one or two drinks is generally a good idea in just about any situation.

But you know what? Once in a while it’s healthy to throw moderation out the window. Sometimes it’s good to take risks, to live large – to make mistakes and learn from the scars.

Get drunk. Get high. Go wild and howl at the moon. Leave the bar at daybreak with new friends and climb up a hill to smoke a joint and watch the sunrise over the ocean. Open yourself to all the passion and possibility in the world.

Just remember to be safe, be respectful, and never forget that it’s about the journey, not the parties you have along the way.

BNT contributing editor Tim Patterson travels with a sleeping bag and pup tent strapped to the back of his folding bicycle. His articles and travel guides have appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, Get Lost Magazine, Tales Of Asia and Traverse Magazine. Check out his personal site Rucksack Wanderer.

Robin Esrock visits the New 7 Wonder’s of the World and lives to tell about the experience.

Ever wonder what’s in airline food, or how to upgrade your dish? Read Chris Elliot’s 5 Things Airlines Won’t Tell You About Their Food.

Upgrade: Travel Better reveals how jet contrails affect the weather.

Under a tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, Perceptive Travel reminds us that humanity is the last frontier that truly needs exploring.

20/20 asks: what makes people happy? The answer will probably surprise you.

Enjoy the weekend!

The 2008 Bloggy Awards are now open for nominations – and I’m still baffled by the fact they don’t have a category for “Best Travel Blog.” If you feel like putting a good word in for BNT under “Best Group Blog” we’d be eternally grateful.

As a nice counter-argument to our previous about 7 Reason to Travel with One Bag, Ubertramp posted 5 Good Reasons to Travel with MORE Than One Bag.

Worried about quitting your job to travel? The Lost Girls assuage your fears and offer tips on leaving the workplace behind (if only temporarily).

Two excellent articles from the NY Times that shouldn’t be missed: Tips on Traveling the Globe with a Single Ticket and the tongue-in-cheek A User’s Manual to Seat 21C.

What the difference between seeking wealth and seeking liberation? Find out in Hobopoet’s thoughtful post on Dharma Economics.

Finally, imagine being born without legs, and traveling the world documenting the odd stares that people gave you. Enter: The Rolling Exhibition.

Enjoy the weekend! I’m off to LA on Monday.

Chuck Thompson, author of Smile When You’re Lying, offers up the similarly scathing 10 Most Overrated US Tourist Attractions.

Find out Rick Steves secret weapon! Read Confessions of a Guidebook Writer (hattip Gadling).

Vagabondish lists a few good reasons on keeping a travel blog your friends will love to read. Hint: just give us the highlights.

Chris has a useful list of budget travel websites for Europe that may come in handy if you’re heading that way.

An inspirational public school in Georgia has evolved into “a laboratory for the art of getting along, a place that embraces the idea that people from different cultures and classes can benefit each other.” Read the full story here.

If you had it all, would you give it up? Young, rich, and miserable, computer whiz Tom Williams ditched the fast lane and started his own charity social network Give Meaning.

Enjoy the weekend!

Guidebooks are building their online presence says Eric Pfanner. Trouble is, they’re a little late to the online world.

How do you choose where to travel next? A married couple from Seattle, choose their vacation destinations based on what they fear is fated to destruction.

Justin Sailor shares the 13 points it takes to be a true world explorer.

Want to polish your travel writing or photography? Head to Florida for the 13th Annual SATW weekend conference.

Malaria continues to be the scourge of Africa – what’s the remedy? “Bad Blood” an-depth article from OnEarth Magazine explores the issue.

Craig Martin for Traveler’s Notebook outlines a step-by-step guide to creating a Wordpress travel blog.

Finally, the Story of Stuff short film comes with a handy guide on 10 Little and Big Things You Can Do to change the system.

Enjoy the weekend!

Let’s kick things off with a new interview (starring myself) in Make Travel Fair, where I discuss BNT and tips for new travelers.

Good Magazine wrote an excellent expose on carbon offsets (and don’t miss their video on Danny Devito.

Check out the results for Travel Photographer of the Year and the runner ups.

Still trying to organize your photos? Here’s 15 Photo Album Managers from Techlicious.

Finally, find out what goes on behind the iron curtain…in Confessions from an Airline Executive.

Enjoy the weekend!

The road is an excellent teacher, as espoused in 12 Lessons Learned from the Road (hattip Vagabondish)

Wondering what to buy the traveler for the holidays? Check out Gifts For Travelers on Tripso.

Guaranteed you’ll find some gems in the great list 101 Best Travel Websites (even though, oddly, BNT isn’t on it…yet).

If you’re in debt, travel can be a distant dream. Seize control of your finances with The 10 Key Actions That Finally Got Me Out Of Debt.

Finally, say it ain’t so – Newsweek asks Is Photography Dead?

Enjoy the weekend!

You’ve heard that too much TV can be bad for your health, but Jacob Pedersen takes it one step further: he asserts TV broke the minds of 3 generations.

If you’re the type that attempts to sleep on your flight, here’s some solid tips for getting some shuteye.

The Times Online rounds up their grandiose list 50 Best Travel Websites of 2007.

War + art = war graffiti.

For travel writers, check out Pam’s 7 Writing Lessons from the Road and Rolf Potts’ new interview with writer Kate Siber.

Finally, riddle me this: Do environmentalists conspire against their own interests? Find out in the two part series The Idols of Environmentalism.

Enjoy the weekend!

What does denial have to do with forgiveness? Quite a lot, says the NY times article “Denial Makes the World Go Round”

With films like ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ and ‘Sicko’ we seem to be living in the golden age of documentaries. Learn how activists and filmmakers are teaming up to change the world.

“Plausible and even courageous in the mouth of a patient who knows he’s going to die, the sentiment fits equally well in the heart of a citizen-ry that believes it is already dead.” Quoted from the must-read article “Specific Suggestion: General Strike” in Harper’s.

Savour that dog-eared paperback in your hands while on the road. The future of reading is coming.

Religion is back…with a vengeance, so says “The New Wars of Religion.”

Finally, for the travel photographers, here’s 10 Ways to Add Variety to Your Digital Photos.

Enjoy the weekend!

Dream of making money while being a wandering nomad? Vagablogging dishes up 10 Businesses You Can Run From the Road.

An interesting new journey and social community has hit the scene, with the ambitous plan of Traveling the World For Free.

In what can only be described as “gnarly” – a surfer dude has put forth a Unified Theory of Everything. Be sure to check out the theory in motion.

A trillion dollars can buy a lot of things. Evidently, it can finance a war. But what else could that money buy?

For aspiring travel writers, Vagabondish has put together a great list of 23 essential tips to spice up your writing.

Finally, saving for an upcoming trip can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the Daily Transit shares 7 Ways To Stay On Top of Your Travel Goals.

Enjoy the weekend!

Air travel is an indulgence. Purchasing carbon offsets is one way for eco-conscious fliers to assuage their guilt. But, as Annalee Newitz notes at AlterNet, throwing money at guilt is never a long term solution.

WARNING! The Traveler’s IQ Challenge is highly addictive. My top score is 577,666. If you can beat that, I’ll give you a full refund on this column.

For those thoroughly disillusioned with United States politicians, here’s an uplifting proposal from 2 U.S. Senators who want to revive the GI Bill and guarantee war veterans a college education.

Intelligent Travel just launched a really cool feature called “Golden Eye” that highlights striking photography from around the world. Aspiring photographers take note: Intelligent Travel is a National Geographic publication, and they’re asking people to contribute their best travel shots!

Finally, Vagabondish dishes out 12 Clever Uses for Your Digital Camera. Digital camera as a makeshift lantern? Heck, I’ve done that.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

With winter fast approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to start thinking about Caribbean getaways. This collection of lesser-known and budget-friendly Caribbean islands from the CBC will jump-start your wanderlust.

Vagabondish (one of our favorite online magazines) ran a great article yesterday about overcoming your pre-trip anxieties.

Your Momma told you not to talk to strangers – but that’s no fun. This article will tell you how to converse with random people on the street – and the folks who wrote it know what they’re talking about.

The fine folks at Matador have launched a new travel zine called the traveler’s notebook. Check out 10 Conscious Choices To Make On Your Next Trip.

The Brave New Traveler team loves beautiful travel photography. If you have a quiet moment this weekend, open your heart and drift into Ryan Libre’s awe-inspiring gallery of mountain photos.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Looking to escape the ratrace? Nomad4Ever dishes up The 3 Secrets of Early Retirement.

Earlier this month, the BBC bought Lonely Planet. Some aren’t too impressed.

Halloween is coming up…do you know where the World’s Creepiest Places are?

Pickpockets are often a worry of new travelers. Witness a short video clip of the technique called The Phantom Wallet.

Finally, improve your vocabulary and donate free rice with the nifty website FreeRice.com

Enjoy the weekend!

Chris Turner asks the hard question “Is Flying Akin To Driving a Hummer?”

If you can spare 60 seconds you can learn how to improve your photos – from proper lighting to flash techniques.

IGoUgo lists the top 10 Big Media blogs on the web.

Discover your inner McGyver with Rob Meyer’s 14 Ways to Use Duct Tape in your Travels.

Hotels that ask you to use less towels are great, but what if they did more to cut back on waste? Here’s the Top 10 Ways to Help Hotels Go Greener.

Lastly, check out Around America in 2.0 - a project following Matt Danzico as he travels around the US relying only on video-sharing websites.

Enjoy the weekend!

Traverse Magazine features a practical, nuts-and-bolts guide that explains How To Make A Travel Documentary.

“Where The Roads Diverged”, the latest Dispatch over at Worldhum, is easily one of the best travel stories I’ve ever read.

New York Times columnist David Brooks has a thoughtful and revealing essay that explains why so many college graduates in the Western world take time to travel and try out different careers.

Here’s a cool visual feature that shows which empires have conquered the Middle East over the past 5,000 years.

Finally, the Economist magazine has a thought-provoking piece about Che Guevara – and why his myth is bad for the left.

Until next week!

The Solas are back and looking for the Year’s Best Travel Writing. Deadline is Oct 15.

Hobopoet has an inspiring post about how to stop dreaming and start doing…before it’s too late.

Thinking about making money from your travel snapshots? Road Junky has an excellent guide travel photography guide to give you a head start.

Micheal Cross remembers a time before Lonely Planet and way more hippies.

The world is always changing…and now you can see how much. Check out the Earth Clock.

Finally, Photojojo put together an informative tutorial on how to make your own photo journal.

iloho has announced a new photo contest, asking you to upload unique pictures of landmarks around the world. Prizes include 1Gig USB sticks and portable iPod speakers.

Ethical Traveler is collecting photos of solidarity for the pro-democracy uprisings in Burma.

How good is your knowledge of European geography? Lingo24 has created an online game to test your skills.

Joseph Dispenza writes his 10 Tips for Spiritual Travel, including a tip for creating your own “fear box.”

Thinking of quitting the cubicle? You may want to consider How To Quite Your Day Job in Six Not So Easy Steps.

Finally, here are some great travel writing tips on keeping a journal during your journey.

Enjoy the weekend!

Robin Esrock weighs in on the 7 New Wonders of the World – offering his witty and descriptive take on each.

Two new trip sites launched recently: TripIt automatically organizes your itinerary if you email them your booking confirmations, while SimpatiGo gives you neighbourhood highlights along with regular directions.

Hostels aren’t just for dirty backpackers anymore. Benji Lanyado reveals 10 stylish sleeps that won’t break the budget.

Rob Meyer explains the benefits of making friends on the road in How To Build A Traveler’s Network.

Finally, a recent article on Dumpster Diving by Cam Karsten generated some pretty interesting discussion. Check out Pam Mandel’s rebuttal and add your own thoughts on the controversial topic.

Enjoy the weekend!

DeSmogBlog is having a contest for the Greenest Photo Ever. Check out the entries so far and submit your own.

Concierge offers up The 9 Commandments of Travel Writing (hattip: Gadling)

Getting rid of stuff can be hard. Train Yourself To Give Things Away by reading Lighter Footstep’s article.

Two articles for you aspiring travel writers: Writing Tips from the Masters and How Freelancing Made Me A Better Writer.

The token 2 week vacation not enough for you? How about a 6 Month Leave Instead?

Bored of regular travel? Check out Road Junky’s 101 Experimental Travel Ideas.

Enjoy the weekend! I’m heading to Halifax.

EvilMadScientist has a great tutorial on how to make your own travel camera bag (via Photojojo)

USA Today shares their top 25 changes in the way we travel.

The policies (or lack thereof) of the current US administration are making it very expensive for millions of Americans to travel overseas. Learn How Economic Policy Affects Travelers with an article roundup on Transitions Abroad.

Travel Happy has a great article on How To Travel Anywhere When You Only Speak English.

Feeling stressed out in the middle of a city you don’t know? Remember these 7 Powerful Relaxation Techniques from Pick The Brain.

Rob Meyer offers great advice on how to describe travel experience on your resume – in a way that convinces potential employers you didn’t just spend your time drunk on the beach.

That’s it for this week. I’m off to Montreal!

Earn air miles just by searching the web…or so says the new upcoming search engine ZooMiles. Currently, you can sign up for their private beta testing.

Thinking of doing some volun-tourism during your gap year? Check out Gap Year Review for objective reviews so you know before you go.

The only thing better than travel, is travel with a monkey. Welcome to Monkey Travel.

Traveling often pushes us to confront our fears about ourselves, and the world. Get a head start by reading 10 Tips For a Fearless Life.

Check out a handy step-by-step guide to getting a first class upgrade on almost any airline.

The most effective social conditioning happens without you even noticing. That said, have you fallen for these negative attitudes pushed by the media?

Backpackers.com has a great writing assignment – tell them the good, bad and the ugly of sleeping in airports.

Enjoy the weekend!

All donations are not created equal, says Rob Meyer. Check out his provocative post on How To Make A Responsible Donation.

In a similar vein, the Guardian reports that you may be better off backpacking instead of going on a volun-tourism vacation.

Chris Elliot whips up some absurd travel rules that should be jettisoned.

Freelance Switch explores the idea of Vacation 2.0.

If you’re a woman and still unsure about striking out alone, check out this great article on the joy of solo travel.

Finally, here’s a web gem filled with great stories and tips about long-term travel: Hitchhike the World.

Enjoy the weekend!

Earn money on the road by writing for websites, blogs and magazines, says Laptop Travel Lifestyle.

Web Worker Daily offers their top sites for easing travel woes.

Check out a new viral campaign from Steape Travel Translators, involving a monkey and a French waiter.

Wondering if you can see the world via Facebook? Benji Lanyado at the Guardian explores how.

Worldchanging defines how to travel lightly, including how to green holidays that are really “green-washing.”

Finally, IgoUgo published their list of 10 Travel Blogs We Love, and had the excellent taste to include Brave New Traveler.

Enjoy the weekend!

Lost in translation: Traveller’s Point pulls together 20 funny signs from around the world.

Leaving soon for a big trip and want to know how to put together a great website? The Lost Girls offer some sound advice.

Lifehack offers some more little known micro-hacks for travel.

Wondering whether to burp after your meal or leave a little on the plate? Vagablogging found some great websites dedicated to etiquette around the world.

Get more out of Flickr with the mind-boggling 101 Flickr Tools for Flickr Addicts from Mashable.

The top travel nominees have been announced for the 2007 Podcast Awards. Check out the list and vote for your favourite before Aug 11.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ever wanted to be a video documentary filmmaker? World Nomads is offering a full scholarship to go on assignment in Africa with professional filmmaker Trent O’Donnell. Check out the full details here.

RoadJunky has whittled down their 2007 Gonzo Travel Writing Contest to the first short-list, featuring BNT contributor Greg Rodgers.

An internet classic, if you haven’t bookmarked Perpetual Travel’s Round the World Travel Guide, I highly suggest you have a read.

10 Travel Tips From a Seasoned Traveler offers some good advice for travelers of all types.

Lighter Footstep suggests ideas for How To Take A Green Vacation, focusing more on the types of trips, rather than specific details.

Rob Meyer sparks an interesting discussion about the ethics of the voluntourism industry, in part I and part II.

Enjoy the weekend! As for me, I’m off to Toronto for a few weeks.

Ever get the feeling while traveling in poorer countries that you’ve been ripped off? Eric Daams thinks it’s alright.

Tim Ferris (aka “Four Hour Work Week” author) writes a great post with the longest title ever: How to Travel the World with 10 Pounds or Less (Plus: How to Negotiate Convertibles and Luxury Treehouses)

Admit it: you’ve dreamt of heading out on the road indefinitely. Make it happen with the free Guide To Making Passive Income.

How to solve the environmental flyer’s conundrum? Cut tourist binge flying and business commutes, says Perceptive Travel.

Roadtrips can be an escape from the everyday. Or they can be an uncomfortable hell. Avoid the latter by reading How To Survive A Road Trip.

Tired of the same old attractions around the US? Travelocity and IgoUgo put together a new directory of wonders: Local Secrets, Big Finds.

Dance Dance Revolution! Yahoo interviews Matt “Where the Hell Is” Harding about his third trip around the world.

Travel Stories Magazine, a newcomer to the scene, is offering $50 for a travel writing contest. Deadline is Aug 31.

John Hargrave risks airport security and a prison sentence by sneaking salad dressing on his flight.

Steve Coronella blames Al Gore for signaling the end of travel literature.

For current parents (or parents to be) CNN shared a great article What is the right age for children to travel abroad?

Chris Mooney wonders what I’ve thought myself: why did global warming tip in this past year?

Are You A Boring Backpacker? Ben Groundwater reveals why you could be… and how to avoid it.

Enjoy the weekend!

The massive worldwide concert for climate change Live Earth hits today, and the event is not without its skeptics. Megan Tady writes Rocking Out To Our Demise while Oliver Tickell exposes Live Earth’s Limits.

You never know when you’ll find yourself lost in the wilderness. How well could you survive? Prepare with The 5 Basic Survival Skills.

Joby Weeks, a young world traveler, refuses to produce “official” ID when flying on the grounds that it violates Americans’ fundamental rights. Read how well he does in How To Fly Without ID.

In a foreign country and can’t speak the language? Just wear this shirt.

Off The Radar is a traveler’s resource dedicated to bringing passionate, independent travelers reliable information about smaller, owner-operated companies around the world.

Rob Meyer shares his 5 Fundamentals of Budget Travel in the Developing World.

Lastly, I randomly stumbled across this great article by Tony Northrup buried in the Microsoft site: Tell vacation stories with photos.

Have a great weekend!

Steve Jackson weighs in on the downside of voluntourism, sparking an interesting debate, answered here and further explored here.

Rolf Potts shares an enlightening discussion with Tim Ferris, author of The Four Hour Work Week, on how to free yourself from the daily grind.

John Rosenthal asks the hard question most of us would rather not confront: is travel destroying the planet?

Zen Habits dishes up what we’ve all been looking for, A Guide to Escaping Materialism and Finding Happiness.

Dumb Little Man believes we all need reminders on Ways to Live, and Not Merely Exist.

Finally, Frank Bures takes aim at the Western world’s continued attempt to turn Africa, the second largest continent in the world, which has 53 countries and nearly a billion people of every variety and situation, into one giant crisis.

In the same vein, don’t miss another brilliant essay, How to write about Africa.

Happy Canada Day!

Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler is on tour for his new book “Bad Lands” – inspired by the infamous Axis of Evil. Two great interviews about his trip surfaced this week: A Tourist In The Axis Of Evil and Now’s the time, guys: escape the rat race.

Continuing the theme, BNT contributor Derek C Wallace was kind enough to transcribe a powerful article on ditching the cubicle: Quit Your Job, Work Is A Sham!

George Monbiot, also on a book tour interview “Two Degrees From Devestation“, doesn’t shy away from issuing the ultimate challenge to those wanting to combat climate change: stop flying.

Downloadable audio tours seem to be on the cusp of mainstream penetration. Check out the latest offerings from Canadian entrant City Surf.

The 100 Greatest Adventure Books Of All Time has been on National Geographic for a while, but thought I’d share this classic with you just in case you missed it.

Brush up on your skills with a great new list The Ten Most Common Photographic Mistakes.

And finally, for those budding travel photographers worried about protecting their images from online theft, here’s a guide for you Protecting Images: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.

Enjoy the weekend!

Lifehack delivers 5 Things To Pack For Travel, including some unorthodox things like duct tape and wipes. (Be sure to check the comments for more ideas).

Is recycling worth the effort? The Economist answers the question with The Truth About Recycling.

There are so many random diseases out there to catch on your trip – learn all about them with the wealth of info on the CDC Traveler’s Health site.

Roadjunky turns the tables and publishes a well-written guide on The Evolution Of Travel Guide Books.

True or False: Are You A Flying Arse? Take the quiz and find out.

Rob Meyer offers a nice roundup on 30 Surefire Ways to Stretch your Travel Dollar.

Finally, prepare to have your mind blown with this incredible HDR Tutorial from Stuck In Customs.

Have a great weekend!

In the age of communication, writing skills are essential. That’s why Traveling Forever inspires you to bring out your inner Hemmingway with How To Become A Great Writer.

Traveller’s Point, taking a cue from our own bevy of travel writing posts, decided to add their own advice with How To Blog Your Way To The Top.

Rob Meyer shares How to Actually ‘Make a Difference’ as a Foreign Volunteer – a list of 11 things a volunteer can do before, during, and after their service to maximize the outcome of their efforts.

Do you feel like life is speeding up? According to the article The Slow Life: Real Blue Sky Thinking, you’d be right. By toning down the nagging sense that you have to do more, and do it faster, can have plenty of long term benefits.

The worst way to kill a year long trip is to come home early. Avoid the usual pitfalls with Road Junky’s 12 Indestructible Tips For Staying Out On The Road.

If we see life as an adventure, even unexpected stairs can provide fodder for a good story and a good lesson in accessibility. Carolyn Scheidies writes about her experience in How To Travel With A Disability.

Finally, two must-read photography articles from DPS include 11 Surefire Tips for Improving Your Landscape Photography and 10 Beach Photography Tips.

Have a great weekend!

Travelvice dishes up some good advice on Backpacking With A Laptop.

Feel like learning a new language on the bus or flight? Open Culture offers a buffet of free language podcasts for the motivated.

The benefit of traveling solo is meeting interesting new people. Brush up on your social skills with this article on meeting other travelers and locals.

Airports are at best a hassle, at worst a nightmare. Thankfully, Travelhappy has put together Ten Tips For Surviving Airports.

How dirty are the world’s dirtiest cities?

The Complete List of World Wonders reveals there are many more wonders than you ever wondered.

Killing Batteries wants you to read The Definitive Guide To Hostel Etiquette, so you will stop bothering him anymore.

Enjoy the weekend! I’ll be back on Monday (after my wedding).

You’d think in the age of science we’d have less travelers searching for spirituality. Not so, according to recent articles The Age Of The Pilgrim and 21st Century Religious Travel.

Myspace and Facebook used to initiate the next golden age? It’s possible, according to John Dierckx’s exploration On World Peace and Social Networking.

Lighter Footstep has put together another great post on How To Take A Green Vacation. Which reminds me, if you haven’t checked out No Impact Man, do it now.

Timen published a great roundup of 10 Travel Photography Tips from a Pro, written by Exposed Planet. Another non-travel related by still useful article is 11 Tips For Better Candid Photography.

The modern global economy runs on fear, says Road Junky. But as explained in Travel In The Age Of Terror, don’t let that stop you from defiantly venturing out into the world.

Until next week…same URL time, same URL channel.

Have you voted in the 5 Hilarious Travel Photos Contest yet? Deadline is Sunday at midnight, so click to to vote now!

Every journey begins with a single step. Good thing Lighter Footstep rounded-up the ten easiest ways for you to start moving toward a lighter lifestyle.

For those wanting to get a bit more dirty, Treehugger’s archive of 20+ Go Green Guides offer tips on everything from greening your pet to your travel.

Beautiful and oddly compelling, the Strangest Statues From Around the World will suck you in for hours if you’re not careful.

Food poisoning? Terrorist attack? It turns out the most likely cause of death while traveling is bad driving. (via World Hum)

The Ethical Volunteering Guide offers ideas to help you work out how you can be an international volunteer and find a valuable placement.

Lastly, Road Junky put together a comprehensive guide on How To Travel For Free that’s worth a read if you’re strapped for cash.

Enjoy the weekend!

Huge In Asia offers an astounding array of video blogs (or vlogs) on their website, along with a tutorial on how to make your own. (via Our Man In Granada)

Chris Mitchell lays out how you can make money from your travel blog, with a number of caveats: it’s a lot of work and difficult to achieve.

Jim Crotty writes a great list of all the things a travel photographer should carry.

Good karma is essential for every veteran traveler. But sometimes, as Mark Peltier reminds us, you have to look a little closer to notice your good fortune.

Woman travelers take note: Judy Wiley outlines why traveling solo can be a liberating experience.

Finally, the Independent Travel recently unveiled a Go Green Travel portal offer tips and advice on treading lightly while on the road.

Have a great weekend!

This is from last year, but if you’re wondering how to video blog from your phone, check out How I Mashed Up A Mobile Videoblog.

Step Up Travel Offers $1000 Advocacy Grant to anyone who can identify a specific issue in a developing country that needs greater international attention and advocacy for change. Proposals are accepted until May 15.

How long before a traveler is no longer traveling? According to some, that magic number is identified in the 3 months rule.

What do you call it when men go on real vacations normally without their women and families. Apparently, a ‘man’-cation.

If you’re dreaming of hitting the road with a laptop and earning while you travel, a recent interview with a Nu Nomad offers some helpful tips.

Finally, in a world that seems separated by a clash of civilisations amid continued globalisation, can tourism bridge the gap among regions and cultures?

Have a great weekend!

Lorraine Sanders gives us practical advice with an extremely long title in Five Ways Travelers Can Reduce Carbon Footprints without Spending a Dime.

The greater Tokyo metro area has over 12 million people and no trash cans. Yet there is hardly any trash on the street. Andy Stoll thinks he knows why in Trash Talking.

Technological nomads take note: Chris Mitchell delivers Seven Tips For Taking A Laptop Travelling.

Peter Casier dispells any myths in an excellent post So you want to be an aidworker, hey?

Travel writing will forever be the ‘middle-man’ of literature, writes Thomas Spurling in On Travel Writing.

Finally, who says you’re not allowed to jump on a hotel bed? Celebrate cutting loose with the offbeat Bedjump.com.

How can one travel to a foreign place without watering down local culture? This question is posed in The Tibet Dilemma.

A provocative article over at Alternet is causing a stir Ecotourism: Responsible Travel or Marketing Sham?

Similarly, Timen and Daniel ruminate on the difference between a tourist and a traveler, if in fact, the distinction even exists.

The Cosumerist dishes up a video clip outlining 9 Times Travel Insurance Isn’t a Ripoff.

Gadling offers 5 Tips To Avoid Getting Ripped Off While Traveling.

Thinking of packing your mobile abroad? Better read NuNomad’s Cell/Mobile Phone Basics for Travelers.

And finally, have you ever wondered what make’s a great photo? Conscientious asks around and gathers a collection of answers.

Have a great weekend!

A reason to still love print: Wend Magazine. In their own words, they blend “the convergence of sport, style and creativity” along with stunning photography and great travel writing.

Dare to Chat the Planet? This unique website streams daily video “confessionals” from people around the world, offering a much needed glimpse into their lives – and shared humanity.

Gaze at the majesty and beauty of the 10 Most Magnificent Trees In The World.

Rolf Potts dishes up a gem of advice for the aspiring travel journalist: pick an area of expertise.

Why are the governing elites threatened by public expressions of collective joy? Barbara Ehrenreich writes a stunning article urging us to reclaim what makes us human.

Lastly, figure out how to snap great low-res pics with 13 Tips For Improving Camera Phone Pictures.

Keep it real, folks.

Timen is offering a free download of his new photography book “My First Experience,” showcasing images from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. I highly recommend you grab a copy of this stunning collection before everyone uses up his bandwidth.

Where The Hell Is Matt? is back…with outtakes. And wouldn’t you know it, he’s getting sponsored to go on another “dancing” trip around the world, and asking YOU to join him.

“Aldous Huxley was right. To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries,” writes Jeff Greenwald as he muses about the definition of ethical travel. (via World Hum)

As if torn from the pages of a sci-fi book, Wired writes Could Crazy Technology Save the Planet? revealing the number of bizarre and bewildering solutions being considered to combat global warming.

Fortunately, Eyeflare put together 5 Eco Friendly Travel Habits we should all consider as we set out into the world and work to minimize our environmental impact.

Lastly, brush up on your travel photo skills with How to Make a Killer Photo using 8 Simple Composition Rules

Have a great weekend!

Think you’ve got a thankless job? Writer Barbara Perterson goes undercover for My Life As An Airport Screener (via WorldHum).

Roadjunky attempts to figure out The 10 Leading Causes Of Travel Deaths, with this disclaimer: All statistics should not be confused with actual information.

On the Road Travel outlines the Top 10 Things I Most Dread About the Travel Process just in case you needed to know how wonderful it is to travel these days.

We’ve said money won’t make us happy for a while, but now we know why. Bill Mckibben explains in his brilliant piece Reversal of Fortune.

The Five Most Dangerous Roads In The World (via Gadling) will make you think twice about the next time your instinct tells you not to hop in a rickety transport vehicle into the backcountry.

Boris over at Travel-Junkie.com puts together a Beginner’s Guide to Traveling, filled with useful and comprehensive tips for new backpackers.

Darren Cronian rounds up a few travel tips from his friends, including why you should always use a bank while abroad (and not just a bank machine).

Lee LeFever (of TWINF) publishes a surreal video Driving 4600 Miles in 2.2 Minutes, chronicling their journey across the USA.

When can numbers fail to do justice? Dale Mugford writes an ode to those lost with Numbers Are Not Bodies.

Overwhelmed with work? Pamela Slim offers 5 Tips of Advice to declutter your life.

Lastly, Timen weighs the pros and cons of traveling with a partner.

That’s it for this week. Any great articles you’ve found? Share in the comments!

Which got me thinking: I should be sharing the top links instead of burying them in my bookmarks.

So from now on, every Saturday will be BNT’s Best Of The Week travel roundup. Hope you enjoy this first edition:

• If you’re young and heading to Europe, you may want to check out Young In Europe, an online travel community for sharing insider info on the best spots to visit.
• Travel columnist Julia Dimon offers some tips on How To Travel Blog while Timen debates the pros and cons of keeping a journal at all.
• Mary over at Eco Travel Lounge outlines a few Spring Break alternatives, such as volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or EarthWatch.
• Pia Taylor asks would you know how to survivor a hostel fire? – essential information for every budget traveler.
• And finally, Daniel writes about the best ways to save money for your trip of a lifetime (hint: get out of debt).

That’s it for this week. I’m off to explore the 2007 Northern Voice blogging conference.