InsideOut Travel—Briefs and Tips

Luckily there are people like Brad Newsham (see our Volunteer story for how you too can make a difference) because this planet needs him: world opinion is not at an all-time high on the country more than half our readers call home and the forces of consumer culture keep steam rolling ahead. All is not lost—you can hang out with the Amish or gloat about it if you're lucky enough to be under water.

Shop Around the World
There are plenty of guidebooks to choose from these days and knowing what you’ll do on vacation will help decide which one is best for you. For all the world shoppers out there, “The Treasures and Pleasures of Thailand and Myanmar,” and “The Treasures and Pleasures of Mexico” from Impact Guides are definite must-haves if you’re planning a trip to these areas. The authors, Ron and Caryl Krannich, travel the globe in search of the best souvenirs from faraway destinations.

Although budget travelers may find the hotel recommendations a little pricey, these guides are packed full of tips on shopping rules, pricing practices and bargaining ethics anyone can use. Readers will also find useful lists of the best places to shop for particular items.

You Have a Story to Tell?
Brad Newsham, author of “Take me with you” is looking for submissions.

"My intention with Backpack Nation in general, and with Phase Three in particular, is to promote the kinder, gentler side of life, the spirit of generosity and sharing that underlies and permeates the human experience but gets short-changed by the media. Specifically, I want to promote the phenomenon of Western travelers reaching out to share ourselves and our wealth with people in the poorer countries,” he says.

With the creation of Backpacknation.org, Newsham has raised thousands of dollars, which includes the money he’s made from travel writing, to help people in need throughout the world. more>>

Newsham also has some great travel photos; Afghanistan circa 1974 and a trip across the US in a taxicab (the meter topped out at over $20k) with a friend he met abroad. more>>

World Opinions on the United States?
In a post-election month, US citizens are still very divided and opinions on what's in store for this country for the next four years can be found everywhere on the Internet, on TV and in newspapers.

TalktoUS.org is putting forward a different perspective on the issue. The website posts video interviews of citizens around the the world where participants can share their opinions and views on the United States. more>>

Wal-Martian Invasion
After months of protest and lawsuits, we’re sad to announce that Wal-Mart has won a significant battle. On Nov. 4, the US retailer opened a 71,902 square-foot store near the ancient city of Teotihuacan.

The 2,000 year-old ruins, in a valley just north of Mexico City, were built by a little-known culture whose very name has been lost. The ruins were abandoned hundreds of years before the Spaniards arrived.
Protests and lawsuits that preceded the opening of the store: more>> more>> more>>

Amish in the City
If you’re looking for a nice evening with family this winter, why not consider having a homemade meal in Ohio? For a mere $12 USD, visitors can join an Amish family for dinner. more>>

Take it to the Moon
Can't figure out what your scuba diving buddy is trying to tell you underwater?

Do your friend a favor, get him a Space Pen. Developed by NASA, this pen has a pressurized ink cartridge that allows you to write underwater, upside down and in extreme heat or cold. The Space Pen has also gone up the Mount Everest and aboard Apollo 7. more>>

Nexugen Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate is a natural skin care product that features an exclusive all-natural formula that can rapidly reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles around eyes, forehead and mouth. www.nexugen.com

<< disclaimer

Briefs

Just the Facts

Destinations

Lingua Franca

Study French at Sorbonne

A Traveler's Life

A Rambling Man