February 2009

For the traveler with a bevy of gadgets in tow, the concept of charging via USB is a godsend. As long as you have the right cables, you can leave home without being encumbered by hordes of dedicated chargers, no matter where you're traveling. This arrangement is great as long as you've got a laptop nearby, but what about when you're sans-computer or don't have enough ports? To help keep you and your gadgets going on the road, check out our list of six great USB power adapters.

What's the longest road trip you've ever been on? A few days, or maybe even a week? We managed to catch up with Kelsey and Tom, who are on a road trip spanning two continents. Despite the fact that they're on a voyage of massive proportions, they've managed to create an excellent blog, Joydrive, where they share their experiences, photos, and funny stories from their trip. For more on them and their trip, check out our interview below.

Do you prefer a hike in the mountains or the sunny shores? Are you a nature lover or a beach bum? Why do you prefer one over the other? Do you take a side or do you remain neutral?

Taking you past the kimonos and sushi, Nihon Sun highlights the culture, food, and lifestyle that makes Japan a wonderful place to both visit and live.

Would you cross the Taklamakan Desert via motorbike? Vic Swift caught this scene while working for the International Dunhuang Project, a project digitizing all archaelogical and archival artifacts from the Eastern Silk Road. Check out the entire set of photos from their latest Silk Road adventure.

Are You Gonna Eat That?: Hong Kong: Seafood in Sai Kung
Curious to learn more about seafood in Hong Kong? Head over to Are You Gonna Eat That? for both a photo tour and a few good places to try.

If you're a design addict, then you're probably already familiar with the popular blog, Design*Sponge. Grace Bonney turned her obsession into a full-time job, featuring some of the best independent artists and designers from around the globe. But that's not all they've been doing lately, Grace and her team of designhounds have been creating stellar city guides for the past few years. If you love Eames, all things handmade, or indie artists; look no further. The next time you're on the road, these guides will point you to the best shops, snacks and sites to get your design fix.

If you're heading to a new country, ask anyone for advice and they'll be sure to tell you not to miss some great, local cuisine. "You've got to try the pizza in Italy or a curry in India," they might say. But, what about the other cultural options available? How about kebab in Berlin, or Indian food in London, or even Chinese in Italy? All of these foods, despite the fact that they're not native or "authentic" to the place they're in, are cultural experiences all their own. By all means, go to Italy and eat their pasta and don't miss the chicken rice in Singapore. But, the next time you're on a trip and hungry, don't limit yourself to having an "authentic" experience, be sure to try everything the locals are having, regardless where the cuisine originated.

We've loved Filipino food ever since we had it years ago at a Filipino wedding. Before you head on your next trip to the Philippines (or to your local ethnic restaurant) be sure to be familiar with these delicacies.

Have you ever procrastinated on buying a flight because you thought the price might drop? You can usually get a refund if that happens, but who wants to keep checking after you buy? For you chronic procrastinators, as well as everyone else interested in saving money on flights, Yapta is a site worth trying.

Italylogue Italian Food Markets: Rules, Vocabulary & Market Days
Curious on how to handle yourself in an Italian market? Jessica gives some great advice on how to handle yourself and the produce.

The ruins of Machu Picchu aren't the only reason to visit Peru. With scenery and wildlife like you see above, how can you resist?

ikangaroo Ryanair and Easyjet: 5 Issues to Consider
Budget airlines can come with major headaches. Check out these tips for what to keep in mind before you book your next flight.

Whenever I get my hands on a new National Geographic Traveler, I always look forward to reading the latest article by Daisann McLane. This month's, Traveling In Stride, touches on a simple, but overlooked, aspect of traveling: walking. One of the best ways to connect with the place you're visiting is by putting your feet on the ground and exploring. Daisann writes, quite eloquently, about all the beauty she's found, simply by taking walks wherever she goes.

If you can make it through a trip with someone, chances are you'll be friends for life. Close quarters, uncertain circumstances, and individual agendas. Nothing tests a friendship quicker than a trip abroad, and we want to know have your friendships stood the the test of travel? Do you have a horror story or criteria someone has to meet before you'd even think about setting out on the road with them?

Waiting for your flight can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling. People are milling around and stressing, eventually spreading their worry, making you feel even more anxious. So why not wait somewhere else and break free from all those bad vibes?

The Guardian: Cherry Blossoms Arrive Early in Taiwan
Thanks to some unusually warm weather, many of the cherry trees in Taiwan are blooming early. Check this story out for some great photos.