Being indecisive, I couldn’t narrow it down to just one addition so I just had to say what the hell and add a couple from my rather long list of regular reads. Go on, say it – I just don’t care, do I?

My first addition is leaveamerica.info – Worldwide Travel on a Budget, run by the very amiable Nia. Now, I find this particular travel blog appealing as, although it has the dependable theme of travel on the cheap, you never really know what you are going to get next. It’s random. And I like random.

And my second addition? Well, it has to be Stacey’s Rambling Traveler. If you haven’t seen or read it yet, I thoroughly recommend paying a visit to the rambler and enjoy all that is on offer.

As always, I enjoy discovering new travel blogs. One great method of uncovering new reads is by following recommends and learning of other readers favourites. So, if you run a blog and would like to join the party by sharing your favourite travel blogs then why not knock up a similar post, add your favourites to the list, and post it encouraging others to do the same? Not only can we all benefit from a modicum of link love from sharing the one list and the blogs therein, but, more importantly, with so many travel blogs and travel bloggers out there the chances of highlighting some previously unheard of blogs are high.

If you want to share your favourites, all you need do is write a quick blurb on your recommended reads, add them to this list, and then put the new list below like this.

___________________Start Copying Here___________________The Originals

• Leave America
• Rambling Traveler
• Go Budget Travel
• A Month In Venice
• TravelMinx
• Budget Globetrotting
• Ubertramp
• GoBackpacking

___________________End Copying Here_______________________

Groovy. Now let’s see what else we can come up with!

With the internet running head on into its Web 2.0 phase, we’re seeing social networks popping up all over the shop. A little while ago I even flirted with the idea of jumping on the bandwagon and creating a community aspect on ubertramp.com. But, after seeing just what else was already on offer among the other social networking sites (especially those focussing more on backpacking and travel), I decided that my time would be better spent reading Strunk & White’s ‘Elements of Style’, improving me grammer n spelling, and attempting to polish my writing skills. Although some of you may find this hard to accept, I feel there is still room for further improvement…

Initially, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to create a community to bring together likeminded traveling bums, but after a few searching questions I realised that one more backpacking/travel community would be just that – one more backpacking/travel community adding to the already substantial list. Realising that I had nothing more to offer than that which was already out there, I decided to shelve the idea. Also, running a successful network takes time and dedication. Time, I have by the wheelbarrow load, but dedication? Sadly, I know myself all too well – and I fall way short of the mark on that one. For now, at least, I’ll be sticking with the current Web 1.1-and-a-half internet dinosaur that is Ubertramp.com and steadily pumping out more of the same pointless pulp that I, and hopefully our devoted readers (!?!), enjoy. It’s a formula that allows me to regularly free myself from the web shackles, get away from the PC, and to do more of what this site is all about – traveling and backpacking. Amen to that.

So, back to the original point – do we really need more Social Travel Networks? The answer, surprisingly, is yes.

If a Travel Network has something different to offer, or is in a particular niche, then I believe it has the potential for success. One such networking site is the Khao San Road Community. Now, the only reason I discovered it was because of an email invite from an existing member. Had I simply Googled up ‘Travel Community’ then I would have either got bogged down in the quagmire of community heavyweights populating the first few pages of search results or I’d have ended up growing dreadlocks, wearing hand knitted woolly jumpers, and living in woods in on the outskirts of Hampshire. Either way, with the KSR Community only being so recently established, it was always going to fly under the radar.

This network does have something different to offer. It has found the proverbial empty seat on the seemingly overcrowded Travel Community bus. As it gains momentum I see it offering more and more to the potential backpacker. If you are planning to travel around Southeast Asia – and you are of a Web Community persuasion – then you should definitely check it out.

Keep up with the Ubertramp

A couple of weeks a go I received an email telling me about a site called Pigs in the Toilet. With the excessive surfing that I do, how this one stayed under the radar I will never know.

Pigs in the Toilet is a travel “blog-book” that Jeff is publishing online in short, bite-sized instalments. The story follows him (and others) on a six-month trip from Tokyo to Paris.

Yes, it sounds like just about any other travel blog. But it isn’t. For one, Jeff took this trip in 2001. More importantly, though, it reads like a book. There is a storyline. There are chapters. There are characters.

Unfortunately for Jeff, there is no publisher. Hence, we get to enjoy publication in a blog-like format. Or, as Jeff puts it, “a highly experimental experiment in experimental publishing.”

And what’s with that title, Pigs in the Toilet? Jeff says that the nominal purpose of the trip – aside from having a good time – was to verify a legendary anecdote he’d had heard from a friend. He claimed there were pigs in some Chinese toilets.

The story is not limited to this quest, of course, integral as it was. In fact, Jeff promises that the “other discoveries” are much more substantial…

There is, for example, his discovery of a French girl who decides to tag along with him.His discovery that young male travelers can make money modeling nude in Hong Kong, and his discovery that he is *not* the first Westerner to discover China.

Jeff uploads new instalments twice a week. He’s already on installment 32, but he promises there should be at least 30 more.

It certainly is an entertaining read so why not check it out. You can even subscribe to get each new instalment delivered right to you inbox.

Good work, Jeff – and I look forward to part 33!

If you wish to discover more of these goodies as I do, just click the orange button for your eternally free subscription to Ubertramp.com.

In simple terms, I was asked to have a scoot around the site and look for shiny objects that, if I were to put my hand in my pocket, would consider purchasing and taking on one of my trips.

Now, I’m personally not on the verge of blowing the dust off my credit card and placing an order as, to me, it’s a wish list – the kind of stuff that would be lovely to receive at Christmas if planning to fly to far off lands soon afterwards.

Oh, one more thing, this ISN’T a sales pitch. I get no backhanders from it, no commission, or anything of the sort. It’s not an advert, I just thought I’d share this list of shiny and (semi) useful things with you lot, because I’m nice like that…and clearly too idle to write a separate and different post on Ubertramp. The phrase ‘2 birds and one stone’ comes to mind.

Anyway, without further ado, here’s the list I forwarded.

1. Deuter Rucksack
I’ve been a big fan of Deuter rucksacks since buying mine a few years ago. They are durable, comfortable, and, with so many different sizes to choose from, you are sure to find one to suit your needs perfectly. I have used my current pack day in, day out for over 2 years and it is yet to show signs of giving up on me. This, to me, is testament to a well made piece of gear that is guaranteed to serve its user admirably.

2. Teva Redpoints
Whilst on the road there will be many different situations that the backpacker finds themselves in, and there will be equally as many activities that they will be involved in. Whether they will be kayaking, hiking, exploring new towns and villages, or simply enduring extended periods on transport, the backpacker needs comfortable footwear that they can rely on.

The beauty of shoes like these is that they are also multi-role; meaning less amounts of footwear will be needed. This all helps keeping backpack size and weight to a minimum. Multi-functional shoes such as these are, in my opinion, a must for any potential globe trekker.

3. Compass/Whistle/Light Combo
We all need a torch (for those power outages and even during stays in hostel dorms, for instance), and we all will find a compass useful at some point during our travels (for hiking or even successfully getting our bearings in a new city) – and to have them together in one, small item is a real boon. If this wasn’t enough, for it to also combine a whistle is a superb idea. Although most suited to outdoor adventure, this inexpensive, lightweight 3 in 1 gadget is a great little package. Highly recommended.

4. Duct Tape
A true backpacker favourite, the Duct Tape. Although it may sound like a strange recommendation, it is superb for making running repairs to your pack (if need be!) and useful in budget accommodation – for patching up/repairing holey mosquito netting if nothing else. Top Tip: Instead of lugging a whole roll around, peel off a long length and wrap it around a pencil. You still have a use of the pencil, yet also a lightweight on-hand means of effecting repairs whilst on the road. Perfect.

5. ASUS Bamboo Eco-Friendly Laptop (I’m serious…)

Since I began travelling with a laptop I now wonder why anyone would ever wish to travel without one. Ideal for the budding (or established) travel writer, or even those just wishing to spend less time cooped up in internet cafes around the world. Write your journal or emails when and where you want, then, after a quick upload/download at an internet café, you can get back to hammock in no time. I’ve travelled with the same ASUS laptop for years, it’s taken a real battering in my pack yet it still serves me well. Bamboo? Yeah, it’s gimmicky, but please indulge me. Check out the original site at Treehugger.com – they have cardboard ones, too!

6. The Elements of Style – by Strunk and White
For those wishing to give their emails or journals an extra bit of ‘on the road oomph’, this handy writing guide is a must. It’s pocket sized and packs a real punch. In the words of The Boston Globe: “No book in shorter space, with fewer words, will help any travel writer more than this persistent little volume.”

Anyway, that’s the round up, and my Christmas wish list. Now, if anyone feels like buying me that Bamboo laptop, go right ahead. I promise to reciprocate with a lovely roll of Duct Tape – maybe even 2 if you’re really lucky.

Marshmallow loving Araptirop continues his Backpacking Odyssey through East Africa, providing us with an insight into his adventure through a rich and somewhat humorous writing style. With the bureaucratic morass of Ethiopia now behind him he faces new challenges in Uganda.

Sick of the daily grind, Glen and Isla had a “Sod it. Why not?” moment four months ago and hit the road. So far their journey has taken them from the United Kingdom to Asia, with their Last known Location being Hong Kong Island. Some super photos and a great blog for that vicarious travel fix.

Canadian Chris may even catch Glen and Isla as he goes the other way, traveling from Asia through to England on $5,000 Moose Bucks (or Canadian Dollars, for those that aren’t as hopelessly sarcastic as me). Guys, keep your eyes peeled for a pack with red maple leaf on Currently in Laos, he still has a long way to travel (and hopefully lots more absorbing travelingchris.com Blog entries to post) , and I wish him safe passage and good travel karma. The lucky so and so…

Rambling Traveler Stacey never ceases to come up with the goods in her blog. With a recent flurry of superb photos to drool over and many alluring travel posts, this blog has to be seen. Viewing her updates has almost become as much a part of my morning routine as wishing I were back on the road sooner, having that ‘morning scratch’, and putting the kettle on!

Do you desire to live a life of temperance? Want to give your travel buddies the slip because they get up too early, ’scratch themselves’ too much, and only make brews for themselves? Then the tips from Paul at www.travmonkey.com may be right up your street. Travmonkey’s ‘ Control My travel ‘ experiment, coming up in April, will also be one to watch.

Timen’s ‘Experience Traveling’ site In My Allstars has a plethora of useful travel tips and information geared toward gaining a better insight into the world in which we live and travel. Regularly updated with ‘news, views, and ‘how to do’s’, this is definitely a site worth bookmarking.

Nomad4ever’s spirited journal defines traveling lifestyle issues in Asia. This site contains many a good snippet of information, specialising to a degree in Indonesian affairs close to a traveler’s heart, such as a cultural insight, visas, and the mechanics behind travel within Indo. Although some may say I am slightly biased toward this site, as my next lengthy trip will see me once again revisiting this vast and magnificently diverse country, I still maintain that this is a worthy read for all.

248 days until the adventure begins! Dave at GoBackpacking.com sets off for his solo Round The World Adventure in December 2007, however, the boots are already on! Before the ‘Big Off’ he invites us to share his previous travel experiences, and his plans, saving strategies , hopes and fears for the forthcoming trip on his blog. Considering the high quality of content on offer at this current time on the site in general, this travelogue promises to be a real spin during the RTW extravaganza.

1. Salvoman, El Salvador

Sunzal Beach, El Salvador. I’m a real sucker for building snowmen – but what can do beyond niveous climates? You can build a coconut man, of course. A staggering 3 feet tall (not including his 12ft bamboo, coconut-tipped spear) and weighing in at a good 5 ½ pounds – allow me to introduce Salvoman – the sick, smoking, Salvadoran, surf statue. Building this was clearly a monday afternoon well spent .

2. Funeral Parlour, Honduras

I took this one outside a funeral parlour in Copan, Honduras. Why spend all that extra time and money on a fancy sign explaining what your business does when a picture, or in this case a model, says it all? We were so tempted to go in. If the outside was this good, just imagine how f****d up the inside must have been…

3. ‘La Minga’ Bar, El Salvador

At some point in our lives, we’ve possibly all walked into a bar like this – but at least this one provides written and pictorial warning of the horrors that lurk within. San Salvador, El Salvador.

4. Guatemalan Fanny Tuna

Maybe it’s just me, but this has to be the funniest tins of tuna in the universe. Childish, I know – but allow me to satiate my desire to tee-hee at such immature distractions. Lago Atitlan, Guatemala.

5. My Special Guatemalan Carrot

Ok, so you can now see a trend emerging…
I rescued Dave the Organ-ic Carrot from a veggie vendor in Quetzaltenango (Xela) Market, Guatemala. As soon as I clapped eyes on him I knew he had to be mine. The elderly lady seemed a little confused that I wanted that one, and that one only, but a couple of Guatemalan guys picked up on this bad boy pretty quickly – they knew exactly why I wanted him. As I walked away from the stall, cradling not-so-little Dave, I caught site of these guys now with equally childish grins on their faces. It left me feeling warm and inspired in the knowledge that juvenile humour is truly a universal phenomenon!