Overwhelmed by Technology
April 30, 2010
Besieged. Inundated. Plagued. Beset. Snowed Under. These words swirl in my head every time I look at my desk and the stack of owner’s manuals sitting there. I know I must get to them to move my blog along. That’s a motivating factor but still I’m paralyzed.
I have never embraced technology the way that others have. All computer skills are learned on an `as needed’ basis only. Perhaps that’s why I enjoy books so much. Open and begin reading. I’m trying really hard but I think I’m losing ground. I need a tutor. Fast.
My photos on my blog suck. I know it and you the reader knows it too. It’s not so much the composition or the subject but the formatting. That’s my next big challenge. Some of you will laugh. How could she be so stupid with the easy stuff? Hah, I say. I need an English-Technology dictionary just to get going. I now have advice from many sources on the best software and plug-ins to use. I didn’t start this blog to learn about plug-ins but that seems to come with the territory. Help!
Then there’s video. I must have video I’m told because Google has a love affair with it. They’ll index you faster and your rankings will soar- if you can believe them. So now I have a little video camera. Great. Except I haven’t a bloody clue what to do next. I know. Shoot some video. I have and it’s horrible. This weekend I’ll shoot some more. Then I’ll try and make a one minute video with software I haven’t the first clue how to use. Help!!
So dear reader – please bear with me. I started this travel blog because of a passion for travel. My feelings for travel haven’t changed – but it’s going to take time to become the writer, photographer, videographer and social marketer that I need to be. You’ll know when I’ve arrived.
Leigh McAdam
This Week’s (April 22-29th) Great Reads
April 29, 2010
There has been plenty written this week about the fallout from the ash cloud. We’ll hear more in the weeks to come as the event will be dissected and analyzed to bits. Stay tuned.
Last week The Sunday Times had this to say: Get packing: Brussels decrees holidays are a human right. The Greeks will be happy. At least they won’t have to give up holidays in the face of austerity measures.
A website worth bookmarking is called Practical Hacks. Kevin states “that he provides practical, down to earth tools, techniques and ideas to help busy people”. Every week you’ll find some gems on this site.
A contest out there is run by the Global Bloggers Network. It’s easy and the prizes are great. It requires a quick visit to 6 websites and then answer 6 simple questions relating to those sites. It’s well worth doing.
This week’s roundup from travel blogs around the world include the following articles.
The Best European Beach Holidays for Travel Snobs Budget, beauty, boating and beautiful people. Great pictures and interesting list.
Culturally Correct Nudity – Staying Safe If you’re traveling ouside of North America then give this a quick read.
Our Favourite Countries Seven countries are chosen from 38 visited. Some interesting outcomes.
The 10 Cheapest Cities in the World There are some surprises in the list.
How do we Pay for our Extended Family Trip This isn’t just any family trip but a 20,000 mile bike ride over 30 months from Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. One amazing journey. I wish I was one of those kids!
Bed Bug Alert: What to Know Before You Go Make sure to read the comments section since it has more good advice.
Adventures on Canada’s Ferries
April 28, 2010
Canada’s ferry system is extensive. Did you know that 7 out of 10 provinces operate ferries? There’s something about summertime, ferries and vacations that go hand in hand. It’s almost always easier and far cheaper to go as a ‘walk on’ or to ride your bike and then you’re loaded first.
Here are some ferry adventures you might want to consider.
BC Ferry heading through Active Pass
British Columbia
- The 90 minute ride between Tsawwassen and Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island is especially scenic. Pass Galiano and Mayne Islands as you head through Active Pass. If you’re lucky you’ll see whales and porpoises.
- The southern and northern Gulf Islands are linked by a smaller set of ferries. Most of the rides between islands are short – 15 minutes to 45 minutes. It’s quite easy to island hop over the course of a few days. Here’s an example of what you can do: Tsawwassen – Galiano – Mayne – Pender – Saturna – Salt Spring Island – Schwartz Bay. You’ll need to plan where you want to night over and work around the ferry schedule. Download my free bike guide to the Gulf Islands for the details.
- A summer only service is available from Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the mid coast ports of Bella Bella, Shearwater, Klemtu, Ocean Falls and Bella Coola. This route is referred to as the Discovery Coast Passage. You can also continue all the way up to Prince Rupert on a summertime 15 hour cruise and then head over to Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands). The coastal route is particularly stunning…in sunny weather the scenery will dazzle.
Ontario
- Ontario has 12 ferries. Visit Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest fresh water island, from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. Or try a trip to Pelee Island, the most southerly point in Canada. It’s particularly good for bike riding and bird watching. You can actually continue via ferry to Sandusky, Ohio from there. Other short trips connect Kingston to Wolfe Island , where there’s quieter backroad type biking, and Adolphustown to Glenora, a ferry that puts you squarely in Prince Edward County wine country.
Quebec
- Fourteen ferries ply the waters of Quebec. The short 10 minute ride across the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord is one of the shorter rides. Another short but scenic ferry ride takes you to Isle aux Coudres, an island discovered in 1535. It’s famous for its craftspeople, apple and nut orchards, summer theatre and great food. The hour long Riviere-du-Loup – Saint Simeon ferry crosses the St. Lawrence River in an area frequented by whales. The Iles de la Madeleine are far removed from the Quebec mainland and in fact are accessed via a 5 hour ferry from Prince Edward Island. Here you can easily spend a week exploring. The islands are renowed for their restaurants, wind surfing, kite surfing, snorkeling, caving and biking.
New Brunswick
- Fourteen ferries operate within New Brunswick and one three hour ferry leaves Saint John, New Brunswick for Digby, Nova Scotia. Most of the provincial ferries are short 5-7 minute affairs. The exception is the 90 minute crossing to Grand Manan Island. Grand Manan Island has plenty to offer the visitor. Whale watching, kayaking, biking, beachcombing and bird watching are all possibilities. Wildflowers, interesting rock formations and trips to nine different lighthouses all help round out your experience.
Nova Scotia
- The three ferries operating in Nova Scotia take you to either Saint John, New Brunswick, Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island or Port aus Basques/Argentia, Newfoundland from North Sydney. They offer time saving alternatives to alot of driving and make it possible for Newoundlanders to leave their island without flying.
Prince Edward Island
- Look for ferries to Nova Scotia on the 75 minute route between Woods Islands, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia or the 5 hour ferry to the Iles de la Madeleine.
Newfoundland
- Newfoundland has ferry service to Nova Scotia, Quebec (near the Labrador border) and St. Pierre and Miquelon. In addition 17 ferries unite small communities up the coast of Labrador and along the remote southern edge of the island. The Port aux Basques – North Sydney, Nova Scotia route crosses the Cabot Strait and can be done as one very long day trip during the summer months. The St. Barbe-Blanc Sablon ferry takes just under 2 hours and connects Newfoundland to Labrador via ferry and a short drive from the Quebec ferry terminal. The return trip can be easily done in a day. Look for whales as you make the crossing.
- The St. Pierre and Miquelon ferry will take you to another country – quite literally. France is the proud owner of these two small islands. Daily trips during the summer will allow you to get a real taste of Europe, complete with croissants, Euros and French culture.
Leigh McAdam
One of Africa’s Gems: Etosha National Park, Namibia
April 27, 2010
Elephant in Etosha National Park, Namibia
One of Africa’s little known gems is Etosha National Park located in northwestern Namibia. It covers 4600 square kilometres making it one of the biggest parks in Africa. It’s dominated by a huge white mineral pan full of salt and DUSTY clay. The rest of the park consists of scrub vegetation and some trees interspersed with dozens of natural and man-made watering holes. A number of roads loop through the park and accommodation is available both in and outside the park boundaries.
The pan is a dominant feature but is mostly avoided by wildlife unless it’s the rainy season. Then flocks of flamingos and other waders descend briefly for the water doesn’t last long. Along the edge of the pan perennial springs are the magnet for birds and wildlife. But head for the water holes when it’s the dry season – May to September. Then one of the most enjoyable things to do is to spend hours watching the comings and goings of the animals. Look for giraffe, elephant, rhinos, lions, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala, eland and occasionly leopard and cheetah.
Male Lion
Driving on the roads through the park can prove interesting. Elephants and giraffes inadvertently stop traffic as they meander along the edges and across the roads. Night time driving is prohibited.
Watering Hole in Etosha National Park
Bird watching is first rate. Peak season is November to March and coincides with the rainy period. The lilac breasted roller is a perennial favourite – a beautiful, multi hued bird with flashes of electric blue visible in flight. They can be found on telephone wires. Another easy to identify (maybe that’s why I liked them so much) bird is the squacky yellow billed hornbill. Altogether it’s possible to see over 300 bird species so binoculars and a good bird book are a must.
Weaver Nests
You can easily book a trip to Etosha National Park with the help of the Cardboard Box Travel Company. Renting a car and touring the country is surprisingly easy. Allow at least 3 days for Etosha and plan a stay in one of the private hotels just outside of the Park. Namibia is a long way for most people to go but it’s a country very much worth visiting.
Leigh McAdam
Life After Twitter
April 26, 2010
I swore you wouldn’t catch me dead using Twitter. That was for people with No Life and No Relationships. It was a tool to communicate with people you would likely never meet. It was a waste of Time. You had to be a Loser to use Twitter. The whole social marketing was nothing but buzzwords and not something that I as a 50 something woman needed to Squander my time doing or even cared to embrace.
That was how I felt in mid January 2010.
My Life After Twitter began on January17, 2010. Twitter awakened me to the power of social networking. I had no idea what it was capable of delivering. I am a Twitter Convert. But I haven’t embraced Facebook….yet.
I was converted to Twitter by a computer geek’s bored wife – a bored wife who was amazing at setting up Twitter accounts. I was told that if I was serious about a travel blog then I needed to get serious about Twitter. This woman got me going with hundreds of followers in just days. Now I’m hoping to hit 2000 followers by early June.
Here is what Twitter has taught me:
- There are real people behind each twitter address. With time and effort personalities shine.
- Great blog articles and fascinating info is tweeted nonstop. A twitter platform like Tweetdeck allows you to monitor what’s going on and break down the tweets into your areas of interest – for example travel, wine, adventure or health. Unfortunately it’s addictive.
- You can find about what is happening in the world faster than through traditional news sources.
- You can, as I did last Saturday, catch a chance remark on Twitter, and end up meeting the real person a few hours later. I met Jeannie Mark of Nomadic Chick fame at Vancouver’s Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show. We had a great discussion, especially since we share a passion for travel and blogging. But, Jeannie is way ahead of me in using Twitter. She has learned the art of a Twitter conversation and I’m not quite there yet. She was also smart enough to contact a well known travel writer via Twitter for an interview. Not only did she get the interview she got a free media pass to the show. Brilliant!
- It’s a great way to promote one’s blog and an extremely interesting lesson on what people in cyberspace find worthwhile reading. A blog you think should be successful often isn’t and vice versa.
- Participating on Twitter mimics the real world – what goes around comes around. If you’re supportive of people they return the support but it’s not instantaneous.
- You can find out (in my opinion) who has a disproportionably large ego or sense of self importance by checking out how many people they follow in relation to their followers. Bill Gates can get away with it – not so sure about too many others.
- You can pose questions and get timely answers.
There are a few things I don’t like about twitter.
- Some of the tweets are completely inane – just like some conversations in real life.
- It can take up a huge amount of your time if you allow it to happen.
- I have to constantly defend twitter. Non users don’t get it.
Never say never is what I have learned. Maybe Facebook is next.
Leigh McAdam
Paddle BC’s Gorgeous Bowron Lakes Circuit
April 23, 2010
Isaac Lake
British Columbia’s Bowron Lakes circuit is on the wish list of every paddler - the equivalent of a Boston Marathon for a runner or the Annapurna Trek for a hiker. It attracts an international crowd looking for adventure and solitude.
The 116 km (72 mile) Bowron Lake Circuit is typically paddled over 7-10 days. The journey takes on 6 major lakes and 2 rivers linked by numerous portages with the Cariboo Mountains serving as a backdrop. A canoe cart is highly recommended to make the portages tolerable.
The weather is notoriously unpredictable. Rain, wind and thunderstorms are common and it can snow at any time of the year. Hypothermia is a real risk.
Before the Storm
Bowron Lakes Provincial Park publishes a downloadable pretrip booklet with a list of essential items. Don’t leave home without them. Also bring clothing for four seasons and a few days of extra food in case of emergency. Wind can keep you shore bound for a day or two.
Moose at Kibbee Lake
The Bowron Lakes Circuit takes you into bear and moose country. We were lucky enough to see several moose on our trip, including a family with a young one, but never a bear. Fortunately every campsite and portage has metal bear proof boxes.
This trip has been one of my favourite adventures. Stunning mountain vistas, clear lakes, wildlife and solitude (despite what the numbers would have you believe) make this a first class experience. I have met many people who return year after year.
Sandy Lake
The Bowron Lakes are accessed via Quesnel. Driving time from Vancouver is about 9 hours in total. Orientation sessions are required before heading out so it’s just about impossible to leave Vancouver and start the same day. Fortunately you can stay in Quesnel, about 90 minutes away, or camp in the park and start the following day. Canoes and carts can be rented in the park.
John, my husband, near the end of the trip.
Dream. Plan. Go.
Leigh McAdam
This Week’s (April 16-22nd) Great Reads
April 22, 2010
I search somewhere between 50 and 100 travel blogs every week to come up with my list of the week’s great reads. I discover new blogs, old posts and what’s happening in the travel industry. I love this part of the week. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
How to Avoid Temple Fatigue Any traveler who has done too many temples, museums or churches can relate to this post. Excellent advice for visiting the Siem Reap temples of Cambodia.
Why I Love the West: Deserts As a desert lover myself I can totally relate to this article.
Musee d’Orsay: On French Impressionists One look at the beautiful photographs will have you jetting (perhaps boating now) to Paris.
A Rough Guide to Dim Sum Great descriptions and photos.
My Asylum from the Insanity of Travel A trip to the movies can be an experience in itself. Interesting post.
Burlington Street Art Nice post with photos of great street art in Burlington, Vermont.
Leigh McAdam
Five Fabulous Reads for Armchair Travel
April 20, 2010
Here are five fabulous reads for armchair travel. These books will take you to another time and place which would be a very good thing if you’re sitting in a European airport waiting for ash to blow away.
- The Places in Between by Rory Stewart. This book was published in 2003, after Rory completed a walk across Afghanistan post 9-11. It verges on the unbelievable! He survived because of his knowledge of Persian dialects and Muslim customs, his wits and I suspect his charm. Great insights into Afghan culture and still a timely read with the ongoing troubles.
- The Mapmaker’s Wife by Robert Whitaker. This is an amazing account of the mostly unknown Isobel Godin, the first woman to travel the length of the Amazon …in 1735.
- The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor, The First Woman Settler of the Miramichi by Sally Armstrong. The author is the great, great, great grandaughter of Charlotte Taylor. British born Charlotte fled England for Jamaica in 1775 with her family’s black butler. From there she traveled to Miramichi, New Brunswick where she became a living part of history, the part that wasn’t in the Canadian history high school curriculm. She married three times, bore ten children and enjoyed a long term relationship with a Native man, during the time of the British America war, while trying to settle a beautiful but harsh area of New Brunswick.
- Passionate Nomad. The Life of Freya Stark by Jane Fletcher Geniesse. The story of Freya Stark, one of the most famous 20th century travelers, reads like fiction. She was fearless, brave, smart and difficult. She traveled widely through the Middle East, often with only a donkey and a guide, testing the accuracy of British maps. In the end she was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and honored by the Royal Geographic Society.
- Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Getrude Bell: Adventurer, Advisor to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia by Janet Wallach This is one of my all time favourite reads. Getrude Bell explored Arabia at a time when it was unconventional for British females to go anywhere in Britain unchaperoned. But once in the Middle East she explored by camel and horse, alone at times, became a confidante to kings and helped draw the boundaries in the Middle East after World War I.
The Places In Between
Happy reading.
Leigh McAdam
A Canadian Adventure For Every Province & Territory This Summer
April 19, 2010
O Canada - how I long to visit all parts of you in the summer, while the days are long, the waters are warm and the sun is shining. Here’s my list of one great adventure to try in every province and territory.
Yukon Territory
Backpack the Tombstone Mountains, situated south of the Arctic Circle by two degrees latitude. Black granite peaks, alpine lakes and subarctic tundra are the attractions, plus fantastic flora and fauna. Do it yourself or try Cabin Fever Adventures or Yukon Nature Tours. Mid to late August seems to be the best time to go – amazing colours, northern lights and fewer bugs.
Northwest Territories
Raft or canoe one of Canada’s most famous rivers – the Nahanni River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been called the greatest river trip in the world and has seen the like of prime ministers, princes and princesses. The 600 kms of river travels through true wilderness – pristine forests, canyon country and mountains soaring up to 2000 metres (6000 feet). Check out Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls. There are lots of outfitters and an assortment of itineraries for the beginner to advanced paddler. Visit Canadian River Expeditions or Black Feather.
Nunavut
Try a two week backpacking traverse of Ellsmere Island. It’s an ice free corridor less than 700 kms from the North Pole. Follow caribou and musk oxen trails from tidewater on the west to fjords on the east. Twenty four hour daylight, glaciers, incredible vistas and wonderful birdlife are the hallmarks of this trip.
British Columbia
Sea kayak the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Islands known as Haida Gwaii, the Haida name for Moresby Island. The islands making up the archipelago are off the northwest coast of BC and offer a remote, wilderness experience. A visit to the ancient Haida Indian village – SGang Gwaay( Ninstints), a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee can be included in the tour. Plan your own tour if you’re an experienced kayaker or join one of the many companies operating in the area including Butterfly Tours and Pacific Rim Paddling.
Alberta
Hike or backpack the beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park in the southwestern corner of Alberta. It borders Glacier National Park in Montana and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Crypt Lake trail is considered one of Canada’s best trails to hike. Hike in a group or go as part of a tour because this is serious grizzly bear country. Visit Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan doesn’t come to mind when I think of adventure and yet it’s covered in lakes to the north. Try a paddle on the Churchill River, which is actually a series of lakes linked by rapids or falls. The Voyageurs passed through this area and it’s still in pristine condition. You can drink the water right from the river, just like the Voyageurs!
Manitoba
A trip to Churchill is on the list of polar bear fans in the fall but it is also a very worthwhile summer adventure. Kayak or snorkel with the 60,000 beluga whales that visit Churchill every summer and if that doesn’t sound like a thrill head out on a Huck Finn style camping trip and follow the paths of early explorers. Lazy Bear Lodge offers all of the above experiences plus it was included in National Geographic’s great places to stay listing of 2009.
Ontario
Kayak around the 30,000 islands that are found in the Georgian Bay, just a few hours north of Toronto. You can enjoy fantastic lake swimming, and the iconic glacier smoothed granite and white pines that have been the subject of many a painting. Try White Squall Paddling Centre or Voyageur Quest.
Quebec
Visit the Gaspe Peninsula, the 3rd most beautiful destination in the world according to the powers that be at National Geographic headquarters. The 885 kilometer loop road takes you past gorgeous fishing villages with picturesque sea and coastline views. In the interior the highest mountains of southern Quebec can be seen. The ChicChocs are known for their excellent hiking and caribou herds. Visit Scott Walking Adventures for more highlights.
New Brunswick
Head to the Bay of Fundy and while you’re at it vote for them to be included as one of the new 7th Wonders of the World. This is great kayaking country so join one of the local outfitters to get a taste of the area. The highest tides in the world, sea caves and hidden beaches await discovery. Contact Fresh Air Adventure for the details.
Nova Scotia
Do a circle loop by car or by bike around the northern end of Cape Breton Island. The island has received accolades over the years from the heavyweights in the travel industry. It has been called “the most beautiful island” and a visit is ”amongst the most friendly people” so you can’t go wrong. Stunning vistas, Gaelic culture, fresh lobster and blueberry pie, local crafts people, fantastic fishing and worldclass biking combine to make this an ideal destination for at least a week. For bike trips try Freewheeling or Atlantic Canada Cycling.
Prince Edward Island
Ride the 279 kilometer Confederation Trail from one end of the island to the other. This easy trail takes you past small towns with lots of accommodation options so it’s an easy ride to do on your own. Take side trips off the trail so you can enjoy the famous red sand beaches. MacQueens can help with shuttles or be your guide too.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Hike a section of the East Coast Trail, located along the east coast of Canada. 220 kms of the trail are presently fully signed and are at the world class level and another 320 kms are under development. This trail can be hiked in small sections or linked with the help of stays in B&B’s. Highlights of the trail include iceberg and whale sightings, birdlife, historic communities, lighthouses, ecological reserves and many National Historic Sites. The Newfoundland hospitality is legendary too. Trail Connections can help with all the planning.
I haven’t done any of these trips (though I’ll bike the Cabot Trail this summer) and I’d like to do them all. I hope you’ve been inspired too.
Leigh McAdam
Zanzibar- As Exotic as it Sounds
April 16, 2010
One of Zanzibar's Beautiful Beaches
When you have been riding your bike day in and day out for about 2 months, it can become a bit tedious. While the countryside changes, the daily routine doesn’t. Wake up, change into bike shorts and shirt, pack up tent, eat breakfast, bike for several hours, stop and have lunch, bike for several hours, arrive at camp, set up tent, eat dinner, go to sleep. So when riders on the 2008 Tour D’Afrique were told that we would not be biking through Kenya (due to post-election conflict), I was secretly relieved. This meant that I had 2 weeks in the middle of Africa to do whatever I wanted. I decided that I would climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and do a safari. Kilimanjaro was probably the highlight of my time in Africa but unfortunately the safari Gods lined up against my travel partners and I; our hand was forced and we decided to hop on the next flight to Zanzibar instead!
Hotel Bed in Zanzibar
I didn’t know a thing about Zanzibar; I just thought the name was awesome so the place must be too! We had a bit of a bumpy time getting there as the plane aborted take-off due to a sandstorm. After the sandstorm passed and the plane was in the air, we were able to see the stunning scenery from above. Stone Town, Zanzibar greeted us with a wave of heat and humidity. It was fabulous! We had made no formal arrangements so upon arrival at the tiny airport we talked to a few locals about what to do. We ended up bargaining with a taxi driver to stop at the bank and then take us to the north end of the island. We left picturesque Stone Town and for about an hour winded our way through the tropical island’s bumpy roads. Once outside of Stone Town it was apparent that much of the population of Zanzibar lived in poverty. However, like everywhere else I’d seen in Africa, the people were smiling and gracious. The taxi driver took us to an amazing hotel right on the coast. It was dark by the time we arrived so we didn’t really get a chance to see what sort of place we were staying in. But surprisingly, we were greeted by other members from the Tour D’Afrique! It was such a welcome sight to see familiar faces in such a foreign place. They all looked well rested. I, on the other hand, was exhausted as it was just that morning that we had finished descending Kilimanjaro.
Aquamarine coloured Indian Ocean by Zanzibar
I felt as if I’d landed in paradise. The grounds of the hotel were beautiful. There were huge tropical trees and sandy paths leading to the main building. Here we enjoyed the warm breezes off the Indian Ocean. Breakfast with other members of the Tour D’Afrique gave me insight on what there was to do…it turned out that the snorkeling was incredible, the walks interesting and the water perfect for swimming. But unfortunately once outside the hotel, the stark difference between how the locals lived and how the tourists lived hit home.
Beaches of Zanzibar
After several days of soaking up the sun and lying on the beach Stone Town beckoned. It’s a beautiful spot with maze like streets, busy bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses. I loved exploring so hours were spent poking in shops and seeing the sights. The food was unremarkable but ice cream in the heat was a treat.
Zanzibar was also littered with tourists. You could find most of the tourists congregated around the shops dedicated to Freddie Mercury, the lead singer from the band Queen. (Funny enough, on the Tour D’Afrique our tour leaders would sometimes wake us up with a song by Queen – “I want to ride my bicycle” – pretty fitting?). The week in Zanzibar flew by and before I knew it, it was time to hop on a plane back to the mainland and continue biking south. After a day back on the saddle, the pristine blue waters and sandy white beaches seemed like a dream. But it wasn’t. And if you are in Tanzania and have the time, make the trip to Zanzibar. You won’t regret it.
Guest blog was kindly written by Kristen McAdam, a 2008 Tour d’Afrique cyclist.
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- Hichsters - Get paired with a fellow traveler going to the same airport. Share a ride and split the cost.
- Hole in the Donut Travels - Read about Barbara’s travels from the perspective of a 50 something female with a serious case of wanderlust.
- Home Exchange 50plus - 50plus Home Exchange is specifically for the older traveller. Swap your home with other like minded seniors. Stay free – travel more
- Hop and Jaunt - Check out the website of this pair of traveling designers.
- Hoseasons Log Cabins - Luxury log cabins throughout the beautiful UK countryside.
- How to Travel with Pets - This is your go to website if you’re a pet owner and you love to travel with pets including birds, fish and reptiles.
- i Backpack Canada - Corbin provides you with lots of advice and tips for hitting the road with a backpack in Canada.
- Ian and Wendy - Follow this well traveled Canadian couple on their worldwide travel adventures.
- Inside the Travel Lab - A well written blog on the art and science of unusual travels.
- Janes Guide to Scotland - Look for travel tips and information from someone who calls Scotland home.
- Jet Set Citizen - John and his wife are jet set citizens – a group of people living the lifestyle they choose involving travel, technology and social media.
- Lonely Planet Author: Joshua Samuel Brown - Read the musings of Josh, an expat living in Asia.
- Monna McD - Follow the writings of this Canadian woman living in Bangkok.
- My Several Worlds - Carrie writes about photography, lifestyle, travel and teaching ESL in Asia.
- No Debt World Travel - Learn Brian’s tricks of traveling around the world cheaply.
- Nomadic Chick - Jeannie is joining a long line of former cubicle dwellers and is about to embark on a RTW trip. Her stories are great as so is her writing style.
- One Bag - Everything you need to know to pack light. A great site.
- Otts World - Follow Sherry on her travels and enjoy inspiring photos and video.
- Paddy in Buenos Asia - A very funny blog on everyday life of an Irish expat now living in Hong Kong. Warning – may contain nudity, bad language and Irish humour.
- Quiver Tree Family Expeditions - Let this company help you plan a unique trip for your family to some of the world’s great places. Kid and parent tested itineraries.
- Riverville House B&B, Kenmare, Ireland - If you are walking or touring the Kerry Way in Ireland then add this B&B to your must stay list. You will find lovely rooms and welcoming hosts at reasonable prices.
- Rome Hotels - Looking for a hotel in Rome??
- Runaway Jane - A lovely website by this fulltime travel writer and freelance illustrator.
- Snarky Tofu - Check out the videos.
- Start Backpacking - Get info on the steps to start backpacking, backpacking medicine, cheap flights and more.
- Sunmaster Holidays - Find holidays, all inclusive holidays and package holidays with Sunmaster.co.uk
- Tech Guide for Travel - Reviews of tech products used by travelers and all sorts of useful techie info in easy to understand terms.
- The 9 to 5 Alternative - Peruse well written articles about travel, lifestyle and entrepreneurship.
- The Caffeinated Traveller - Insights into world travel with colourful images – perfect with a cup of coffee.
- The Guide to Sleeping in Airports - Over 6500 airport reviews let you know which airports are the best and worst for sleeping.
- The Planet D - Read about and watch videos on the ongoing adventure travels of Canada’s Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil.
- The Professional Hobo - Adventures of a girl with no fixed address.
- The Travel Expert(a) - Marina blogs about traveling in Central America AND plans and organizes trips in Costa Rica.
- The World Effect - Excellent photography and writing are the hallmarks of Beau and Meggan’s round the world blog.
- Trail of Ants - Check out this Brit’s excellent writing. He’s traveled on the Trans-Mongolian railway!
- Travel Blissful - Follow Erica’s stories, tips, musings, video and photography as they relate to travel.
- Travel Enlightenment - A multi year journey around the world is recorded with insight.
- Travel Squire - An online travel magazine & travel itinerary planning service.
- Travel Wonders of the World - Mark blogs about his travels to over 80 countries.
- Travel Yourself - Follow Cailin as she travels the world one country at a time. Nice photography. Upcoming TV.
- Travelholic - Look for travel tips, reviews, photos & videos by this addicted adventure traveler.
- Traveling Canucks - Nicole and Cameron are a couple and a well traveled one at that with over 47 countries under their belt. Their photography is a treat for the eyes.
- Traveling Greener - Sonya provides green travel news, trends and information.
- Traveling Savage - Keith is a wonderful travel writer who tackles a wide range of off the beaten travel path topics.
- Traveling the World by the Seat of our Pants - Follow the good, the bad and the nasty as this couple travels the world.
- Travels with Phillip - Phillip writes about sharing his love of travel with his three kids. Lucky kids. Great adventures.
- Travels with Two - Great website with lots of useful information for trip planning – especially for couples.
- TravMonkey - Paul gives you detailed info for backpacking around the world.
- Tuscany Tours - Offers full day and half day tours in Florence and Tuscany, Italy.
- Uncornered Market - Look for human stories, photography, street food reporting and personal growth stories.
- Vacation Rentals by Owner, Homes, Beach House, Condo rentals, Cabin rentals, Cottage, Beach rentals and Lake rentals. - Worldwide Leader – vacation property rentals that specializes in connecting property rental owners with travelers.
- Vagabonding Life - Greg writes thought provoking articles about travel since escaping from the cubicles of corporate America.
- Velvet Escape - Read about Keith’s escapes and adventure travels to some of the world’s most interesting places.
- Wild Junket - Follow Nellie’s wild ride around the world. She’ll teach you how to swear in Spanish and get you up to speed on odd Asian habits!
- World Clock - Find out what time it is anywhere in the world + get international dailing information.
- World Electric Guide - Provides information on plug types and voltages in every country around the world.
- Worldwide Airlines - You’ll find both the major and some of the obscure airlines in countries around the world.
- Worldwide Weather - Get weather forecasts for most countires.
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