Travel Answer Man Blog

50 Top Ecotourism Sites & Blogs

Posted by travelanswerman | March 9, 2010

If you share a love of both the environment and travel, then an ecotourism vacation could be a way to combine the best of both into one great adventure. You’ll get to see some of the most remote and beautiful locations on earth, all while making sure you preserve them for those who follow. Whether you’re new to ecotourism or an old pro, these sites can help you get some basic information, book a trip, and even contribute to making sure that the world’s most spectacular sites stay that way.

Organizations and Associations

There are numerous organizations worldwide that are dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment while promoting tourism. Here are a few you can get some great information from or even use to get involved.

VISIT: VISIT stands for “Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism” and this site was created to help tourists and tourist destination countries work together to protect the environment while still making it accessible for everyone.
Tourism Concern: This organization focuses on issues related to tourism and the environment. You can read up on campaigns and get helpful information for your next trip.
The Travel Foundation: This charity website can be a great place to find information on how you can better learn to travel without harming the environment. Even if you can’t take a trip, you can also get involved and give back through the site.
EcoClub.com: This international tourism club is a great place to meet up with others interested in ecotourism, find environmentally friendly hotels, and even get links to jobs in ecotourism. Join the site or sign up to receive emails with loads of useful ecotourism information.
International Ecotourism Society: This worldwide community can help you to learn more about ecotourism, support programs, find ecotourism experts, and locate exciting destinations and environmentally friendly accommodations for your next vacation.
The Blue Flag Organization: This Foundation for Environmental Education-run site can help you plan your next beach getaway. Blue Flag rates and certifies thousands of beaches in Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean on water quality, environmental management as well as a number of other factors.
The Nature Conservancy: It’s only natural that one of the largest organizations dedicated to preserving nature would have a whole portion of its site dedicated to ecotourism. Learn how to reduce your impact, take trips through the Nature Conservancy, or check out their list of resources to learn more.
The Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest lovers will find numerous resources on this site about preserving the rainforest, rainforest friendly tours, and even a place where you can adopt a little piece of the rainforest for yourself.
South American Explorers: This non-profit organization can help you to book your next trip to South America. Whether you want to try out your Spanish in Lima or travel down the Amazon in Brazil, you’ll find help on this site to do so all while being ecologically responsible.
World Tourism Organization: Find out everything you ever wanted to know about tourism on this site. The sustainable tourism section has articles on the latest developments and important issues in ecotourism.
Green Cross International: According to the mission statement on this site, Green Cross “provides unbiased environmental analysis and expertise, information dissemination, education, objective evaluations for public debate, scientific studies, and social and medical support.” This site can be a great way to learn the real statistics of any place you choose to visit.

Travel Booking

Whether you want to book an exotic rainforest vacation or a camel ride across the Sahara, these sites can help you find a trip that will be both environmentally friendly and fun.

Sustainable Travel International: On this comprehensive site, you’ll find all kinds of ecotourism resources including trip bookings, eco-certification, newsletters and even advice on how to carbon-offset your trip.
ResponsibleTravel.com: At this site, you’ll find loads of great ecologically friendly holiday getaways as well as travel tips, an ecotourism blog, and even an ezine to help keep you informed.
MesoAmerican Ecotourism Alliance: Recognized for their ecotourism trips by National Geographic, the MEA offers numerous exciting vacations that will help inspire your love for the environment and nurture your adventurous spirit.
GreenStop.net: GreenStop.net contains a directory of accredited green hotels and travel companies to help make finding and booking your next ecotour easier than ever. With destinations on every continent, you can find sustainable vacations just about anywhere.
EcoTour: If you want to book an earth-friendly vacation, EcoTour is a great place to start your planning. With hundreds of ecotour providers, you’ll find tours to everywhere in the world from the Congo to Sahara. Additionally, you’ll find travel guides and articles to help you learn more about your destination of choice.
EcoTourism at Conservation International: Whether you’re looking for an African safari or a trip to the Galapagos, you can find information on how to do so responsibly and even find some very special destinations the organization has helped set up in Brazil, Bolivia, Ghana, Venezuela and more.
EarthFoot: This small company can help you create a fun and personalized environmentally conscious vacation. See the bright avian residents of Guatemala on a birding getaway or swim with the dolphins in beautiful Hawaii.
GAP Adventures: Ecotourism doesn’t have to be boring. Turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure with this booking site. You can visit the new seven wonders of the world or get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas of Uganda.
Global Exchange: Global exchange offers what are referred to as “reality tours”. Travel to Cambodia to learn about and how you can help stop child prostitution or get informed on protecting the coastal environment of Costa Rica.
Intrepid Travel: This award winning company specializes in environmentally responsible tourism and can help you arrange your next eco-friendly vacation. With trips to just about every corner of the globe, you’ll undoubtedly find something that interests you and won’t leave you feeling guilty.
Journeys International: You’ll find a wide variety of small group tours on this family-owned site. Whether your interests lie in trekking through the Andes or exploring the wildlife from the icy decks of an Antarctic cruise, this site has something for you.
Blue Ventures: Combine education, research and conservation with the trip of a lifetime. This site’s tour of Madagascar was named one of the top 50 tours of a lifetime by National Geographic Traveler.
Tribes Travel: This fair trade travel company offers expeditions to Africa, South America and Asia that can allow you to watch lions sleeping away the day or enjoy an eco-friendly honeymoon in a posh hotel in Marrakech.
Wildland Adventures: Make your next trip an adventure by booking a safari or trip down the Nile with this small ecotourism company.
Peregrine Adventures: This Australian based company offers small group adventure tours to destinations worldwide including far-flung locales like the Himalayas and Antarctica.
World Expeditions: Get adventurous without hurting the environment with this ecotourism company. Book trips to volcanic landscapes, the lemur filled jungles of Madagascar or follow in the steps of Genghis Khan on the Mongolian Steppes.
Earth Routes: Find your next earth-friendly vacation through this site. You’ll find tours to the Caribbean, Switzerland and even a few small ship cruises as well as travel tips and green travel information.
Orbitz.com: Orbitz isn’t one of the biggest travel sites without a reason: they offer travel tailored to just about any need, even ecotourism. You’ll find a list of destinations, information about ecotourism, travel tips and more on this part of Orbitz’s site.

Blogs

Blogs are becoming and ever more popular source of information for Internet users, and these ecotourism blogs can be a great way to learn about everything eco-friendly.

Ecotourism Blog: This blog covers some of the most beautiful destinations in the world in regard to protecting and preserving them as well as reporting on various news stories that apply to ecotourism.
EcoTravelLogue: This blog provides all kinds of information for the potential ecotraveler with posts on destinations, planning a trip, accommodation, things to do, and more.
Development Crossing: Whether you’re looking for information on global warming or issues concerning ecotourism, this environmentally conscious blog addresses it all.
Beautiful Oceans: If your ecotourism dreams lie in the coral reefs or kelp forests of the world’s oceans, then you’ll find plenty to read about here. Learn about reef conservation, eco-diving, and even a little bit about underwater photography.
Low Impact Living: Focusing on all aspects of low impact living, this blog contains some great information on vacations that won’t take a toll on the environment. Learn about organic eating, green spas, hybrid car rentals, environmentally friendly hotels, and more.

Information and Guides

Before you ever leave your home, read up on all kinds of ecotourism tips, facts and other information on these great sites.

EcoHoliday Guide
WorldSurface
Planeta: Find resources on ecotourism, recommendations on books, and guides on everything from bird watching to local crafts on this site.
GreenTraveller: Get some great tips on how to have a greener and more environmentally friendly holiday at GreenTraveller. You’ll find directories of green hotels, tours, and low impact ways to travel to them.
Eco-Index: Sustainable Tourism: Here you’ll find a list of businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean that have been certified to be environmentally friendly. It can be a great way to protect the beautiful rainforests and beaches of these destinations while making sure they stay that way.
EcoTravel.com: This online magazine features stories from all over the world about the most exciting ecotourist destinations. It also features a directory of tour companies and agents to help you book your next trip.
Transitions Abroad: This site addresses a wide variety of travel issues, but it does contain a valuable section on ecotourism. You’ll find responsible travel programs and article archives, as well as links to important websites and organizations.
NewConsumer: This UK based magazine is dedicated to stories about how you can live a more ethically, vacations included. Check out the travel section for articles on environmentally friendly vacation ideas all over the world.
Big Volcano Ecotourism Resource Center: Find information on the history of ecotourism, codes of conduct, and loads of other ecotourism articles and resources on this site.
Best Ecotourism Vacations: Not sure where you want to head to? Get some ideas of the best and most popular ecotourism destinations in this article from SmarterTravel.

Volunteering

Take ecotourism to the next level with these sites that allow you to get your hands dirty working on various humanitarian and environmental projects all over the world.

GoEco: This organization arranges volunteer trips to South Africa, Kenya, Nepal and much more to help improve the welfare of the local people and the environment.
EcoVolunteer: Just like the name suggests, this site helps set travelers up on various volunteering vacations, and users can choose their trips based on preferred destinations or particular animals they are interested in helping.
Global Vision: Make a difference in some of the world’s locations that are in most desperate need of conservation help. Work at preserving marine environments, do wildlife research or even help teach others about conservation and wildlife.
Voluntourists Without Borders: Use your volunteer power and vacation time to work on issues involving rural poverty, conservation and environmentally friendly tourism. Work to help preserve the Pang Soong Nature Trails or the village of Ban Mae Lai.
People and Places: On this site, you’ll find a diverse assortment of volunteer projects that range from wildlife conservation in India to building Habitat for Humanity houses in Madagascar.
Green Volunteers: With one of the largest collections of conservation volunteering opportunities, this site is be a valuable resource for those who want to provode a little environmental help on their vacation. Just purchase the guide and choose your exciting vacation from hundreds of options.

Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »

90 Best Blogs for Broke Travelers

Posted by travelanswerman | February 26, 2010

You are probably pretty broke. Pricey plane tickets, disadvantaged exchange rates, and museum passes can add up to a lot of cash very quickly. But don’t worry, at least not on my time or dime! We have done the research to help you realize your dreams of traveling the world, experiencing new things and lounging around Mediterranean beaches all while managing to escape your real world obligations for just a little bit longer…maybe forever! Why not?!!! Anything is possible, right?

Transportation: Finding discount plane and train tickets isn’t as hard as you might think. With these helpful tools you won’t have to go searching all over town to find the best deals on transportation – they’ll find them for you.

Airwise.com: Check out this Web site to find pricing and booking information for flights, car rentals, and cruises anywhere in the world. Airwise also has an Airport Guide, which gives you weather updates, saftey news, and other need-to-know information for airports everywhere.
Air Brokers International, Inc. All you have to do is enter your preferred travel itinerary into the online form and the Air Brokers will find you the cheapest tickets to any destination in the world outside North America.
Asia Air Pass: This Web site offers several different airline packages which all allow you to travel to multiple Asian countries on an extremely reasonable budget.
easyJet.com: Book cheap flights to and from most European countries. This airline is gaining popularity but is still relatively new, which translates into great service and less competition for seats.
Ryanair.com: Ryanair’s Web site brags that it has “the lowest fares guaranteed,” so start searching for budget plane tickets right away! They are definitely the “King” of cheap! You can keep those moths in your wallet a little longer before it’s time to fly!
Eurail: If you’re planning on visiting many different countries while in Europe, your best bet is to get a Eurail pass. Eurail offers various packages. You can design the one that works best with your schedule and bank account. Their service is second to none! I know from personal experience!
Expedia.com: Expedia.com features cheap airplane tickets, as well as rental car reservations and cruise packages.
Vacations To Go: This online company is devoted to finding you the best possible deals for cruises and safaris all over the world.
The Subway Page: This page, found on the Reed College Web site, provides links to subway maps and information for virtually all the subway systems in the world.
CheapTickets.com: Search flights, last minute vacation ideas, and “cheap of the week” specials to find the best deals.

Lodging: You’ve already accepted the fact that your traveling budget is tight, sorry but no Ritz hotel in Paris for you. That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to sleep on a mattress infested with hungary bugs. Here are some ideas that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable…and all for a reasonable price. You don’t really want to spend a lot of money while you sleep, do you? I didn’t think so!

Hostels.com: Book a hostel anywhere in the world. Read the section on what to expect — and what you should bring — during your hostel stay.
Hostelworld.com: This site may just have the cheapest hostel reservations on the Web. Search unbelievably low rates in dream cities like London and New York. Then check what former lodgers have said about their stay.
Hostelling International USA: Most travelers only think of staying in a hostel if they’re going overseas. Use this Web site to find great hostels in the United States in places like San Francisco, Waikiki, New York City, or Monterey.
Hostelz.com: Hostelz.com reviews tons of hostels across the globe so you know which ones to avoid and which ones to book right away.
HostelMania.com: HostelMania.com lets you search for cheap reservations while giving you the top security connections when you decide to make a reservation. Confirmations are sent directly to your cell phone.
HomeLink International: Even though the home swap idea is just now gaining popularity, this company has been around since 1953, so you know your home and your vacation will be taken care of by the right people.
HolidayApartmentRental.com: Can you imagine yourself staying in an apartment, bed and breakfast or condo in a city like Rome or Madrid for a discounted price? Visit HolidayApartmentRental.com and make your dreams become a reality.
TripsEurope.com: Rent an apartment in Paris after visiting this Web site. You can select the perfect apartment for your budget and tastes based on size, neighborhood, and price.
TuscanyAccommodations.org: Ever dream of staying in a Tuscan villa? How about a romantic apartment in Florence? Find cheap but fabulous lodging choices on this Web site. Many of the condos and villas sleep over 10 people, so you and your friends can split the cost.
HomeExchange.com: Instead of spending the night alongside a roomful of total strangers, register for a home exchange program. You’ll get to stay in a comfortable, furnished house or apartment all by yourself. The first year of membership will cost you $100, but if you divide the price by the number of people sharing the space, you’ll find yourself a great deal.

Food and Drink: Part of the joy of traveling the world is exposing yourself to new flavors and traditions in the local cuisine. Use this list to find the cheapest ways to keep your tummy full, your tastebuds happy, and your wallet stuffed. Food and culture go together like a glove on your hand.

The Entertainment Book: If you’re traveling around the United States, you have to purchase The Entertainment Book, which is full of coupons for great restaurants, as well as museums and sporting events.
DestinationCoupons.com: Find great restaurant and meal coupons for the top location destinations, including London, Paris, New York City, Tahiti, and the Caribbean.
Restaurant.com: With a slogan like “Eat. Drink. Save Money,” this online database of U.S. restaurants and coupons is perfect for any traveler on a budget.
Cheap Eats on EuropeString.com: This Web site gives tips on finding the cheapest places to eat and drink in Europe. Browse topics like “Ways to Get Free Drinks in Bars” and “Where to Eat in Barcelona.”
“12 Frugal Vacation Tips:” This article on about.com has clever tricks for finding cheap restaurants wherever you go. Take advantages of afternoon specials or follow the local workers who “know where to get a bargain.”
Chowhound.com: The Chowhound blog posts articles about great finds all over the world. Follow the suggestions, and you’ll be eating good, authentic food without paying too much.
Sydney Eats: Peruse through the list of Sydney’s restaurants. You’ll find out how much you can expect to pay even before you go.

Blogs: Before you jump on the plane, take a look at these blogs for travel advice, destination recommendations, and more from insiders. A true treasury of travel information for the seeking soul.

The Main in Seat Sixty-One: This extensive blog is maintained by a self-proclaimed “career railwayman.” Read tips and ideas for traveling all over the world, whether you’re in Gibraltar, Capetown, or Taiwan. Definitely one of the all time favorites in cyberspace, espceially mine! Amazing amount of helpful information!
Travbuddy.com: Read other vacationers’ travel reviews of popular spots in Africa and Europe or off the beaten path places in Patagonia or the Sahara Desert. If the destination is on planet Earth, it is likely someone has written a review about their experience!
HoboTraveler.com: Included in a past Forbes.com Top 5 travel blogs list, HoboTraveler.com features a wealth of tips about traveling, like picking the right camera, organizing your itinerary, and staying healthy abroad.
Travelpod.com: Claiming to be the Web’s original travel blog, travelpod.com provides a listing of links for transportation, hotels, and tours, as well as hosting a forum for travelers to review their vacations and ask questions.
BudgetGlobetrotting.com: This lighthearted blog gives tips on traveling on a budget. It’s also a great resource for information on planning a trip anywhere on the globe
Backpackers.com: Research destinations, make hostel reservations, and more on this must-read site for backpackers.
Southwest Airlines Blog: Read about news from the popular American airline and air travel in general. If you’re flying Southwest, click through the site to confirm your flight
Europepathway.com: As a comprehensive travel site for the whole continent, this blog has everything you need to plan a European getaway.
Internationalevents.suite101.com: Keep track of some of the best parties on the planet, or at least in South America. If there’s already a party going on, you’ll probably find good deals on day passes — if you have to pay at all. Check the calendar often to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Asiahotelstravel.com: Stay informed on the best deals for traveling to and around Asia.

Guidebooks: There’s only so much planning you can do on your own. Take along one or two of these trusty guidebooks and let the pros tell you where to go without getting ripped off. What a great friend to have with you when on the road.

Frommer’s: This classic guide features a large array of titles and series like the “Day by Day” books, “Phrasefinder” series and “Irreverent Guide to…” books. Pick a theme for your vacation, and Frommer’s will take you there.
Fodor’s: Pick from one of Fodor’s traditional book series by choosing an all-inclusive guidebook for Paris, Italy, or the Caribbean. Or select a travel guide in their “25 Best” or See It” series.
Moon: The Moon guidebooks feature pages of beautiful photographs for destinations like the Canadian Rockies, Ireland, and the Virgin Islands. They also have special map books or guides especially for those moving abroad.
Rick Steves’ travel books: Travel around Europe guided by the professional traveler Rick Steves. Choose books by country, region, or city.
Let’s Go Travel Guides: The Let’s Go Travel Guides are great for planning roadtrips, extreme adventures, or relaxing vacations.
PassPorter: The PassPorter books give detailed descriptions about Disney cruises, trips to the Big Apple and more.
The Backpacker’s Ultimate Guide: These BUG books give extensive information on backpacking through Europe, Australia, and the South Pacific.

Social Networking: Share ideas, read reviews, and meet up with other travelers by logging into these social and travel networking sites.

Realtravel.com: Realtravel.com hosts a huge collection of travel blogs for any place in the whole world. Plan cruises, family vacations or a romantic honeymoon using the tools on this site while reading other travelers’ reviews and tips.
Travelblog.org: Travelblog.org allows you to post an online diary of your vacation and send to friends. In addition to posting basic information about different countries, travelblog.org also features a beautiful photo gallery.
Facebook: Facebook is an online community that lets you design a profile, join groups, and meet friends. Plan a trip with your friends by organizing through Facebook, or ask other users about their vacation experiences.
MySpace: MySpace is another social networking site on the Web. Post your travel questions on your MySpace page and wait for others to give you great advice.
VirtualTourist.com: This site, in addition to being a great travel resource, puts you in touch with members so that you can ask questions, view photos, and find the best deals around the globe.
CouchSurfing: This site is driven by travelers who wish to share their experiences or find out more information abou their upcoming vacation. Find a travel buddy or arrange to meet up with another member if you’re visiting the same place at the same time.
Bootsnall.com: The staff at Bootsnall.com maintains a forum for users to post travel experiences, review hostels, flights, and more. Recognized as one of the best travel sites in the world!
Where Are You Now? Join this community for free. Create a profile with photos, links, and posts to update your friends and family on how much fun you’re having during your travels.
Gusto: Gusto allows you to “collect travel information, organize it into categories, and plan your vacation…without the headaches.” This easy-to-use travel site is also great for finding or writing recommendations about anything and everything you can experience on vacation.

Trip Planners: Why pay someone else when these vacation planning tools and resources are free? Free is good, right?!!! Check’em out NOW!

SoGoNow.com:Search by destination or look through the “best of” section to get ideas on vacations all over the world. Day trips, weekend getaways, and other suggestions are all over this great site.
LonelyPlanet blog: The blog found on the Lonely Planet Web site is great for vacation planning. Search the many travel stories that others have posted. You can copy any vacation that sounds exciting to you too.
London Toolkit: This Web site has everything you need to plan a trip to London.
BargainTravelCruises.com: Find budget travel information for booking a group travel package on cruises all over the world.
Roadtrip America: This site is the prime resource for planning a multitude of different roadtrips all over America.
GoEurope.about.com: This table of contents lists several must-read articles about planning a trip to Europe including “Student Travel Planning” and “Suggested Itineraries.”
The Consumer Vacation Guide: This guide finds cheap travel packages and other all-inclusive deals so you don’t have to worry about planning a thing.
“Planning Tools and Strategies for Budget Travel:” This article includes lots of great tips for planning the perfect budget vacation.
Rand McNally TripMaker Planning Tool: This feature on the Rand McNally Web site allows you to custom design your vacation online. It helps you stay organized while experimenting with different destinations, schedules, and more.

Phone and E-mail Use: If you’re going to be away from the country for even a few days, you’re going to want to get to a computer to assure friends and family you’ve arrived safely; to check on the status of flights and trains; and to check on your bank account. Cell phone use may not seem as important to you, but if you’re going to live on another continent for a semester abroad or to work, you’ll want the best deals on staying connected locally, as well as globally.

The Cybercafe Search Engine: Before you leave, map out the best internet cafes that will be near your hostel. That way you won’t have to waste time hunting one down once you’re there.
Cybercafes.com: This is another database of cybercafes all over the world.
Netcafeguide.com This directory of internet cafes enlists the help of other travelers to review, add, and edit postings.
U.S. Cyber Cafes: Most of us forget that cybercafes exist in the United States, too. Since we’re usually plugged in to our own computers, finding one while on a cross-country road trip could pose a problem. Use this databank to find one quickly.
Cellular Abroad: This online company allows you to rent or purchase cell phones and SIM cards that will work all over the world.
“Guidelines for Using a Cell Phone Abroad:” Read this article about how to use a cell phone when traveling outside the country…before you even leave.
Telestial.com: Telestial.com is a great site for helping travelers find the right cell phones and calling cards for unbeatable prices.
“Staying Connected While Abroad:” This article provides good tips on using cell phones and managing temporary wireless connections when traveling.
International Cellular Services: Research the cost and necessity of renting a cell phone in countries around the world. Find great deals and order before you go.
Rick Steves’ Cyber Cafes forum: This forum reviews cybercafes in Europe, letting you know which ones are a good deal and which ones to avoid altogether.

Packing: Use this list to find inexpensive luggage and to pack the things you’ll need most.

LuggageOnline.com: Peruse this Web site to find exceptional deals on luggage.
Overstock.com: Shop oversized, durable travelers’ backpacks at discount prices.
DiscountLuggage.com: Find discount luggage by searching through kids’ items, lightweight suitcases, travel accessories, and more.
“How to Pack Light and Travel Happy:” This article by Rick Steves’, found on the Transitions Abroad Web site, gives valuable advice on how and why to pack light when going abroad.
EscapeArtist.com: This chart shows you which kind of electrical system, type of plugs and voltage each country uses, so that you know what kind of adapters you have to bring along with you.
Walk About Travel Gear: This site is another terrific resource for finding out about electrical adapters.
Camera reviews: Compare digital camera prices and consumer reviews to find out which one works best with your budget.
“Packing Advice from a Traveler:” This article is full of great ideas for packing before embarking on another adventure.
OneBag.com This Web site is a comprehensive resource for how, why, and when to pack light.

Miscellaneous: From safety to health to one-stop travel resources, you’ll find it here!

Transitions Abroad.com: TransitionsAbroad.com is a Web site principally designed to help out study abroad students and Americans who wish to find jobs abroad; however, it also serves an excellent source for anyone needing information on transportation, culture shock, safety while traveling, and more.
Independent Traveler.com: A superb resource for everything travel-related, this Web site gives information on customs, passports, traveling with children, renting cars, and more.
Travel Checklist: Print out this list to start making preparations before you leave your home and start packing.
U.S. Department of State Embassy Information: Find information and locations of U.S. embassies all over the world. They’ll help put you in touch with certified, inexpensive healthcare if you need it.
The Traveler’s Companies, Inc.: Find out about affordable travelers’ insurance here.
“Health and Fitness for the Traveler:” Check out this article, which offers important advice on staying healthy during your entire trip.
TravelForecast.com: Make sure you’re prepared to face whatever weather is coming your way.
TouristClick.com: This site provides information on destinations, transportation, insurance, and more.
www.nomadicnotes.com Keep this site handy at all times: from the time you start brainstorming about your vacation until you make it back home. It is an excellent travel directory!

Traveling on a tight budget isn’t as difficult as you thought. We’ve listed resources that make it their purpose to help you have a good time, even if you can’t afford to spend a whole lot of money. No more making excuses…get off your tail and go!

www.travelanswerman.com

Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | 1 Comment »

Best Tips for Travel Entertainment & Shopping

Posted by travelanswerman | February 24, 2010

You wouldn’t be on vacation unless you were seeking fun and relaxation, so take advantage of these ideas on how you can save money while still enjoying yourself.

See if second day free passes are available. Many amusement and water parks offer free or half price passes for a second day of admission which can save a lot, especially if you’re traveling with your family.

Ask about tickets through your hotel. Many hotels offer free or greatly discounted tickets for nearby attractions as a bonus for staying with them. Ask at the front desk to see if you can save some money.

Visit free attractions. You can often have a great time at places that are totally free like state and national parks and the beach.

Look for free entertainment. Most big cities offer free concerts, parades, and special events especially during the summer months. Before you go, check to see if any pique your interest.

Check out a TV show taping. Get free tickets to the taping of your favorite show with TV Tickets.com. You’ll get entertainment and a chance to get close to your favorite TV stars.

Find out about museum free days. Most big museums have at least one day of the week when admission is free, so take advantage of the savings by planning your visit around those times.

Don’t pay tax. If you’re traveling in Europe, you may not have to pay tax on the items you purchase if the store you shop at participates in the Global Refund program. Simply get a refund cheque from the store when you purchase your items, have it validated when you go through customs, and collect your cash back at their office or through the mail.

Check out student discounts. Many attractions popular with tourists have special prices for students as long as you have a student ID.

Be a trail guide. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can enjoy a free vacation by becoming a trail guide. Show other hikers through trails at the Continental Divide or along the Pacific Northwest Trail.

Wandering Educators Interviews Travel Answer Man

Posted by travelanswerman | February 20, 2010

Check out the interview about travelanswerman.com recently given to Wandering Educators.com. They are an eclectic group of global and traveling educators, bent on sharing their passion for travel with like-minded individuals.

INTERVIEW

You know who has the best advice and tips for travelers? Someone who has traveled a great deal! I’ve found an excellent resource for travel answers, from a seasoned traveler. John S. Van Kirk is the Chairman/CEO of my favorite new site, Travel Answer Man. On Travel Answer Man, you can peruse extensive resources by geographic location and by tools/resources. Each section is packed with excellent information. To be honest, get prepared to both spend some time on this site (because it is so good) and to get inspired to travel (because it is so good). We were lucky enough to sit down and chat with John about travel, researching travel content and being an intercultural learner. Here’s what he had to say…

WE: Please tell us about your site, TravelAnswerMan.com…

JVK: It has an extensive collection of links to numerous travel related websites, articles, blogs and journals which can used to educate, inform or entertain the reader. It also has a daily blog whose purpose is similar.

WE: What was the genesis of your site?

JVK: I wanted to utilize more than 34 plus years of experience and knowledge in management within the travel and aviation industry in a constructive way that would make a positive difference in people’s lives. By using the power of today’s extraordinary technology, the Internet and a user friendly website mixed with a passion for travel the dream has come to life.

WE: What are your research methods, to find such great travel content all over the world (and internet)?

JVK: Daily calling upon my personal travel experience having visited all 50 states in America…every major resort community in Mexico…every province in Canada…every island you can land a plane (literally) on in the Caribbean…in addition to visiting 115 countries worldwide…accessing a lifetime list of professional travel contacts in foreign governments, the airline industry and travel companies throughout the world…daily using a significant number of search engines to mine data…and from the many lifelong friends who are willing to share from their past experiences.

WE: How can travelers best give back to local communities?

JVK: Get personally involved in individual lives! Ask yourself what are your own strengths, talents or gifts and share these passionately with others. You are your own most valuable gift when you give of yourself to others freely. Engage with the general public along with local leaders and discover the heart of their community. What makes them unique from other communities? Are they lacking in natural resources? What is the general attitude of most people? What are their dreams? Will their children be facing great obstacles or will they have many opportunities? Ask for their own solutions to any challenges they may be facing. Remember, they live there 24/7. Their personal involvement will be critical to their future. They must “buy in” to any decisions being made. Be observant. Use solid common sense to make an intelligent assessment of the current state of the community.

WE: How do you advise travelers to learn more about countries and cultures they are visiting?

JVK: If you live in or near a major city, it is likely there will be a number of companies doing business internationally who have employees from other countries. Contact their Human Resources department and ask if any of their local employees who fit this description would be willing to share with others about their “homeland”. Maybe you could meet during the lunch hour break. Most people will want to share about things from home. Does your city have a foreign embassy that represents the country of your particular interest? If yes, it is likely they would have many foreign born employees who could share with you about their country and culture. Currently, telephone charges have been reduced significantly, which would allow you to call internationally and speak directly to people in the country of your interest.

Contact a local tourism office or Chamber of Commerce office and engage with an English speaking representative. Take a few moments before the call and make some bullet point notes so the call can be conducted efficiently without rambling. Most people will greatly appreciate that you have an interest in them, their culture and their home. All of these suggestions have a common thread, which is they are all engaging directly with other humans. Personal relationship development has the potential of changing an individual for life on both sides of the fence. You can always research the Internet, read a book or magazine along with watch a video. They will all help, but personal relationship development will always carry the most weight.

WE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

JVK: Perseverance with a daily plan of action will go a long way in fulfilling one’s dreams. It will also overshadow a multitude of weaknesses. So, at the end of each day, when you walk off the playing field of life, you will have no regrets. Live life large and be a difference maker!

WE: Thanks so very much, John! Your words – and site – are inspiring.

Source: Dr. Jessie Voigts www.wanderingeducators.com

Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »

Save Money Free Travel Ideas

Posted by travelanswerman | February 15, 2010

Getting around in a new city can be hard enough without having to worry about how much it’s costing you. Try out these free travel ideas for saving money seeing the sights. Your bank account will thank you many times over!

Find a ride. Websites like RideSeek and Ridester make it easy to find and share a ride to your destination, helping cut down on your travel costs.

Get a free gas card. There are many offers you can sign up for that will give you free gas card. Some hotels even give them out as bonuses for staying with them.

Check out AAA discounts. If you’re a member of AAA, it’s likely that you can get a number of discounts on rentals and services by using your card.

Take public transportation. Most big cities have pretty good public transportation systems and often there are substantial discounts if you buy several passes at once.

Use your own two feet. While it isn’t always possible to walk everywhere you want to go, when you can, do it. It can save you money, give you some exercise, and allow you to spend time exploring a new place.

Bring your bike. One way to avoid having to pay for transportation is to bring your own. Biking is a great way to see the sights, not to mention good exercise.

Avoid toll roads. Tolls can add up quickly, especially near cities. Use an online mapping program to provide you with an alternate route. It might take a few minutes longer, but you’ll save money and get to take in the scenery.

Don’t rent a car unless you need one. If you only really need a car to get from the airport to your hotel, don’t bother renting a car. You’ll save not only on the rental fee, but gas and parking as well.

Research free public transport. Many big cities, in an effort to cater to tourists, have some kind of free public transport between big tourist attractions. Check out your destination city to see if you can save a walk or cab fare with a free ride.

Become a preferred renter. Most rental car companies have preferred renter programs that can save you big bucks when you go to rent a car. While most programs have fees, they will usually waive it if you send them a request.

Use good driving habits. Save yourself valuable gas by using good driving habits like accelerating slowly and always keeping your tires properly inflated. If you’re driving a long distance the savings can really add up.

Work from your RV. Rising gas prices have driven up the cost of an RV vacation, but you can get some of it back by becoming a workamper. There are a variety of jobs to choose from that allow you to bring in income while still enjoying the comforts of an RV vacation.

Take part in a driveaway. If you’re going on a road trip, there may be a way to do it for free. Many people who move don’t want to have to move their cars themselves hire companies to do it for them. You can participate in these programs, and get free travel between many different locations.

Charge your rental car. Many credit cards that specialize in travel have free insurance included when you use them to pay for travel expenses. So even if you don’t purchase the additional insurance, you’ll still be protected.

Topics: Adventure, Airlines, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Families, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United States, college students | Add Comment »

Free Travel!

Posted by travelanswerman | February 7, 2010

Do you own a computer? Do you know that’s all you require to see the world? Is your bank account empty these days and maybe even lost your job? Nevertheless, you still want to travel and experience the world around you now. No worries for the Internet becomes your transport, your gateway to the far corners of the earth…and you don’t even require a valid passport or visa for entry into the destination you desire.

It is likely every average size city and larger along with every country in the world is currently listed on the Internet. Each day the amount of information on all of these places grows and grows, seemingly with no end in sight. You can read about anything you want and see just about anything via video twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days a year. You determine the time and place.

So, the next time you want to take off and see another part of the world…don’t wait because of some poor financial excuse…go to your personal home computer or the local library and travel to your heart’s content. I promise you won’t even get jetlag or worry about your luggage getting lost…flight delayed or missed connection! Enjoy the friendly, hassle-free world of travel through your PC. You really don’t need money to travel do you. It’s free!

Best Travel Tip to Meet Locals

Posted by travelanswerman | February 6, 2010

Bringing your own music in an MP3 player or portable CD player is a great way to block out the noise of typical major cities, smooth the ride on trying bus journeys, or pass the time during long transit periods. On the other hand, there is nothing more isolating than a pair of headphones. Who would want to communicate with you when it is obvious your desire is to block out the rest of the planet.

Instead, on your next vacation or holiday, try bringing along some current CDs or cassette tapes. When you tire of the cab’s selection of the greatest American music, offer the driver one of your own. In some parts of the world, you could give your new potential friend a colorful tee-shirt from home and they would be “happy as a clam.” Of course, what action you take depends significantly on where in the world you are located. Take a moment, evaluate your surroundings, and use your best judgement.

Giving simple, inexpensive gifts is an excellent way to reach out and touch people. Consider the many other things that would be acceptable and appreciated. Isn’t supposed to be better to give than receive? Go ahead and give it a try. You’ll likely be surprised at the outcome!

12 Unusual Travel Blogs and Sites

Posted by travelanswerman | February 3, 2010

Hear about all kinds of stories from travelers who have explored the far reaches of the planet and recorded on their blogs these helpful and entertaining online travel journals. Most of the photography is outstanding and allows the viewer to be transported to exotic lands instantly.

Pret a Voyager: The name of this blog translates to Ready to Travel, and that’s just what this roaming graphic designer does. The blog focuses on stories of her travels as well as on fashion, design and photography.

Escape from New York: Wendy, writer of this blog, is a photographer and journalist who travels the world taking photos and learning about what makes cultures unique. Her blog contains stories and, of course, photographs of her travels.

Nomad4Ever: Here you’ll find articles and advice from a self-professed nomad who’s spending his time traveling and living in Southeast Asia. The blog shares his experiences while also giving inspiration and motivation to those scared to fulfill their travel dreams.

Nerd’s Eye View: This self-professed nerd works as a technical writer but also enjoys writing about travel and culture whenever she can. This blog is an extension of that and is full of her travels both local and abroad.

Sand Dollar Adventures: This humorous blog shares the adventures and misadventures of the blogger. It also shares ideas and deals on travel for those who like a little adrenaline on their vacations.

Budget Trouble: Here, self professed travel addict Anna shares her experiences traveling and living in places all over the world.

Greg Wesson’s Esoteric Globe: Follow the travels of Greg, a frequent road warrior and world traveler whose blog covers countries near and far.

Notes from the Road: This blog provides beautiful photos and writings on travel all over the United States.

Randall Wood: Randall Wood is a travel writer, among many other things, and this blog showcases his writings on the places he’s been.

Clearly Enlight’s Travel Blog: Get inspired by the photos and posts from this blogger who plans to travel the world for the next five years, and who is sharing his experiences on his blog.

Not Another Tourist: This blogger has been living and working all over the world. She’s chosen to share her experiences with friends, family and the rest of the Internet through this blog.

www.walkinganddrinkingbeer.blogspot.com This travel blogger takes you around the world using various forms of transportation and stopping frequently at some of the finest pubs for a tall glass of refreshing beer. I’ll toast to that idea!

Best Diners Drive-Ins & Cheap Food

Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010

Food and Drink: Part of the joy of traveling the world is exposing yourself (and your palate) to new flavors and traditions in the local cuisine. It’s also a great way to meet and touch the local people and discover something about the culture. Use this list to find the cheapest ways to keep your tummy full, your tastebuds happy, and your wallet and stomach full. And while you’re getting pleasantly plump, you might just learn something new.

We always look forward to your favorite suggestions! People want quality grub with a cheap price! Tell us where they are and let us know why they are special to you!

The Trailside Cookbook: This site has tons of tasty recipes for backpackers on a budget. Cooking for yourself will barely tap into that $35, but your tastebuds will hardly notice.

The Entertainment Book: If you’re traveling around the United States, you have to purchase The Entertainment Book, which is full of coupons for great restaurants, as well as museums and sporting events.

DestinationCoupons.com: Find great restaurant and meal coupons for the top location destinations, including London, Paris, New York City, Tahiti, and the Caribbean.

Restaurant.com: With a slogan like “Eat. Drink. Save Money,” this online database of U.S. restaurants and coupons is perfect for any traveler on a budget.

Cheap Eats on EuropeString.com: This Web site gives tips on finding the cheapest places to eat and drink in Europe. Browse topics like “Ways to Get Free Drinks in Bars” and “Where to Eat in Barcelona.”

“12 Frugal Vacation Tips:” This article on about.com has clever tricks for finding cheap restaurants wherever you go. Take advantages of afternoon specials or follow the local workers who “know where to get a bargain.”

“Backpacker’s Guide to Cheap Eats:” Read this article to find more ideas for enjoying the local flavor, like buy a bottle of wine ahead of time and enjoy drinking it “in the park.” Drinking rules are usually more lax abroad, anyway!

Cheap Eats in Tokyo: Check out this list of the best places to eat cheaply in Tokyo.

Chowhound.com: The Chowhound blog posts articles about great finds all over the world. Follow the suggestions, and you’ll be eating good, authentic food without paying too much.

Sydney Eats: Peruse through the list of Sydney’s restaurants. You’ll find out how much you can expect to pay even before you go.

Hot Doug’s: www.hotdougs.com The deal here is encased meats, as in hot dogs and more hot dogs, bratwurst and more sausages. You’ll find everything from Polish to Italian sausage. Weekly specials are really where it’s at, though. It is located in Chicago.

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill: www.billygoattavern.com This is one of Chicago’s most famous and colorful burger bars. It’s a funky, no-frills kind of place and a living museum of Chicago journalism. Blowups of columns and bylines of famous writers from days past fill the place. The food is quick, cheap and burger centered (they make a good one, and it’s topped with tasty pickles you’ll want to pile on high). But don’t expect a lot in the way of service.

Shake Shack: Arguably the best burgers in New York City along with juicy hot dogs. Concretes, dense frozen custard blended at high speed with various mix-ins, make for a memorable sweet treat (a favorite is the Concrete Jungle—peanut butter, banana and hot fudge). Beer and wine is also available for quaffing at the tables surrounding the kiosk.

American City Diner of Washington: www.americancitydiner.com Want a soda? Need a hot dog? Crave liver and onions with mashed potatoes? Then this homey, folksy eatery will fill the bill, especially as it’s open 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday. It is located in Washington, D.C.

Bread Line: www.breadlinecafe.com Don’t come expecting to have a relaxing lunch, though, for this bare-bones shop near the White House is usually crowded and a bit chaotic, even after the main lunch hour. You’ll find scones and muffins for breakfast; soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. It is located in Washington, D.C.

Mike’s City Diner: www.mikescitydiner.com Mike’s is the sort of nostalgic American diner politicians choose for photo ops: Indeed, President Clinton once ate ham and eggs with grits at one of its classic checker-clothed tables, among neighborhood folks, cabbies, cops and workers from the nearby hospitals. Mike himself is no longer here, but his practice of roasting turkeys, slicing fresh-cooked ham off the bone, and never skimping on the mashed potatoes—or the coffee—continues. Bring your cash (credit cards aren’t accepted), your appetite (the huge breakfasts are served all day) or your fiercest hangover. It’s centrally located in Boston.

Pink’s Famous Chili Dog: www.pinkshollywood.com Pink’s has been slinging ripe, bursting-with-flavor beef hot dogs into fresh buns for the hundreds of hungry folks who stroll up to its takeout windows longer than almost anyone can remember (about 60 years). It is located in Los Angeles.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Que: www.foxbrosbbq.com Innovative nibbles include fried squares of mac ‘n’ cheese rolled in crumbs and deep-fried, so the cheese is creamy and the outside is crunchy. Baby-back ribs have the proper slightly pink color at the bone—the so-called “smoke ring”—that proves they were cooked over wood. The meat is tender but just slightly resistant to the bite, as it should be. Smoked chicken comes with rarely seen white barbeque sauce. Ask for some to go with the smoked beef brisket, best enjoyed sliced, not chopped. The Fox standard ‘cue sauce is medium-bodied and just slightly tangy. Pulled pork is spot-on, too. Brunswick stew and all sides are made with fresh ingredients and it shows, and don’t pass up the green bean casserole when it’s offered. Finish with banana puddin’ or chocolate pecan pie. It is located in Atlanta.

Jamaican Jerk Hut: www.jamaicanjerkhutinc.com Nicola Shirley, high priestess of island food, presides, ladling out her famed goat curry and spicy jerk chicken. From English rule there’s oxtail stew with roti (a chickpea pancake used to wrap varied fillings—another Indian influence), and, of course, jerk chicken that’s the island’s own. Start the meal with conch salad or mango salsa, heated by Scotch bonnet peppers and cooled by cilantro. Try crisp conch fritters or calaloo (a spinach-like vegetable) tarts that are one of many vegetarian offerings, such as sides of spinach with groundnuts (true African) or okra. Make yourself some rum punch, enjoy reggae tunes and chow down, but don’t forget to include a slice of Shirley’s carrot or coconut pound cake for dessert. It is located in Philadelphia.

Lankford Grocery & Market: Located in Houston. Part of the delight of the exquisite cooking you’ll find here is the unabashed modesty of the retro surroundings, from old vinyl booths to beer signs. Everything about Lankford’s famous burger makes it justly revered: the thickness of the homemade patties, the perfect grill char, the amount of lettuce and other fixings they support, even the sprinkling of black pepper that flavors each bite. With cheese melted into the bun, this two-handed burger may well be the best in town—or on the planet, some devotees would argue. Daily specials include enchiladas—these Tex-Mex marvels rival any in town, packed with chicken and swimming in soulful chile gravy.

This Is It Soul Food: www.thisisithouston.com This latest incarnation of one of Houston’s favorite diners has the charm of a school cafeteria with freshly painted walls, faux greenery and black-and-white checked linoleum floors. But what makes this place the heart and soul of home cooking is its combination of friendly servers along the walk-through buffet line and daily specials of authentic soul food—we’re talking ham hocks, oxtails and chitterlings. Less adventurous country-cooking devotees may opt for the basics of meatloaf, barbeque rib ends, baked chicken and smothered pork chops. Soulful sides include mustard greens, black-eyed peas and candied yams. You can top off your meal with a heaping helping of peach cobbler or an assortment of homemade cakes. It is located in Houston.

The Pit: www.thepitbarbq.com On the edge of the Everglades, The Pit is an easily accessible southern respite from the din of the city as well as a must-stop after or before a day in the Glades. The verge-of-collapse shack and barbeque sauce-smothered goodies make for slightly dangerous eatin’ that evokes old Miami. The service and atmosphere may be bare bones but the idea is that that’s all you’ll leave of your ribs, too. Try the fresh-from-the-swamp frogs legs and extra greasy (extra good!) biscuits. It is located in Miami.

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Topics: Adventure, Blogs, Cuisine, Families, General, Green Travel, Restaurants, Singles, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United States, college students | Add Comment »

Antarctica

Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010

Topics: Adventure, Blogs, Ecotourism, General, Green Travel, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips | Add Comment »

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