Travelicious forums on Poorbuthappy.com

How will economic conditions affect backpacking in Panama and Central America

By panama420247 on Oct 31, 2008, 13:27.

i run an international backpackers Hostel in David Panama www.bambuhostel.com lately we find outselves wondering and worrying if folks will keep traveling this year with the west in econonomic meltdown..also why is there no Panama section here..I invite everyone to come to David Panama and party withus at the hostel, always jam sessions next to the pool in the garden it is paradise..

Guitars

By babygirl on Oct 10, 2008, 15:48.

Anybody travel with their guitar? I brought my guitar on a trip (just a one week resort visit) and it was such a pain to lug around in the hard case. A gig bag would have been better but I'd be too freaked out bringing my guitar on the flight without a hard case. Any suggestions?

Had bedbugs?

By Peter on Oct 3, 2008, 07:42.

Have you had bedbugs while traveling? If so, where? (This post http://travelgeneration.com/blog/2008/09/the-backpackers-scourge-bedbugs/ has a nasty picture:)

On travel and tourism

By Peter on Sep 30, 2008, 04:36.

A good post on travel and tourism: http://backpakker.blogspot.com/2008/09/on-travelling-travellers-and-tourists.html

Classic travelers you've never heard of

By Peter on Sep 29, 2008, 03:12.

From http://perceptivetravel.com/blog/2008/09/24/americas-greatest-rural-traveler-government-demographer-calvin-beale/: "National Public Radio this weekend ran a fascinating story, a memorial obituary of one of the most interesting and dedicated travelers you’ve never heard of. Demographer Calvin Beale worked for the US Agriculture Department for 55 years before his death on September 1st. Beale didn’t think of himself as a traveler — he simply spent decades cataloging life and images in rural America as part of his job and the work he loved."

Another Good Reason 2 Be Goin_South:

By goin_south on Sep 27, 2008, 12:48.

Experts find 'chemical equator' dividing globe...30-mile wide atmospheric line divides polluted north and cleaner south. Scientists have discovered a "chemical equator" that divides the polluted air of the Northern Hemisphere from the largely uncontaminated atmosphere of the Southern Hemisphere. Researchers found evidence for an atmospheric chemical line about 30 miles wide in cloudless skies in the Western Pacific, with levels of carbon monoxide four times higher on the northern side. For the rest of the story/photos: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26853933/wid/18298287/

Greedy.

By babygirl on Sep 25, 2008, 21:32.

Hi all, Just curious... How many of you have found a really cool place to chill while traveling, that isn't in a guidebook,.. so pretty much off the radar and NOT WANTED to share with anybody else?

Backpacker culture?

By Peter on Sep 24, 2008, 13:39.

In defense of backpacker culture: http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/09/23/rolf-potts-backpacker-culture-is-not-destroying-civilization/ "In truth, backpacker culture is far more dynamic than reporters assume when they visit Goa or Panahajachel to shake down stoners for usable quotes. Outside of the predictable traveler ghettos (which themselves aren’t as insipid as these articles let on), independent travelers distinguish themselves by their willingness to travel solo, to go slow, to embrace the unexpected and break out from the comfort-economy that isolates more well-heeled vacationers and expats. " Good post, I especially like the idea of traveling "mindfully".

Hand-drawn maps

By Peter on Sep 24, 2008, 07:36.

I love hand-drawn maps (as you can see here: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/travel/guide/walk-to-sagrado-corazon/) From http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/313-a-handy-map-of-san-francisco-bay/, a great hand-drawn map: Much prettier than mine!

Around the world on boats and trains

By Peter on Sep 24, 2008, 07:33.

How cool is this? (Via http://www.verysmallarray.com/?p=36) Around the world by train on boats and trains:

Your reasons for traveling: running away?

By Peter on Sep 24, 2008, 07:31.

On the ever-entertaining Vagablogging blog: http://www.vagablogging.net/the-best-reason-to-travel-yours.html "Someone once asked me if I was traveling because I was running away from something. The question took me by surprise—I had to stop and ask myself if I really was running away." I've been asked the same thing, and once I almost believed it.

Indian traveling to South America

By Peter on Sep 23, 2008, 06:01.

BackpackingNinja (a woman from India) has a brilliant blogpost about question they ask when traveling from India to South America. http://backpackingninja.blogspot.com/2008/08/south-indian-mamis-on-latin-america.html Some of the questions: 1. Oh a 7 month break - You are having a baby aren't you? (after spending an hour explaining to them about your trip, you may still get this question cause anything with months in it has to do with having a baby) 2. Your husband is not going with you. Will he still be in the same house when you are gone? (Polite way of asking if everything in your marriage is ok) 3. You are going to Latin America. Then, won't you be visiting California and Niagra falls? (they only catch the America bit.. leaving the Latin out)

411 types of beaches

By Peter on Sep 21, 2008, 23:10.

Here: http://www.hobotraveler.com/de3be_1indexbeaches.php Just the ones that start with an H: Hammock Beach Heat Rash Beach Hide in air conditioning Beach High rise apartment Beach Hippie chick Beach !! Andy Happy !! Hippie jewelry sales Beach Hippies make huts on beach, Beach. Hot car Beach - southern California, Daytona Beach Hot springs Beach Hotel on Beach Hotel towel Beach

The "SPIDER" method of travelling

By Peter on Sep 21, 2008, 23:08.

From Hobotraveler, the "spider" method of travelling: http://www.hobotraveler.com/2008/03/hobotravelercom-spider-travel-method.html

Women travel bloggers

By Peter on Sep 21, 2008, 08:19.

This post has a bunch of (US based) women travel bloggers. Not all particularly backpackers, but good blogs :) http://www.uptake.com/blog/travel_industry/travel-meet-up-blogher08_413.html

Finding travel partners

By Peter on Sep 21, 2008, 04:53.

I love to travel alone, but it can get boring sometimes, and it can be nice to find a travelbuddy. (This post was inspired by http://www.vagablogging.net/finding-worthwhile-travel-companions.html). What are good ways to meet a travelbuddy? Just go and see if you meet someone in the hostels? Use a website like travbuddy etc? What do you think?

How do you document your travels?

By Peter on Sep 21, 2008, 04:52.

A lot of people like to document their travels. Do you prefer a travelblog? Flickr? Something else? Here are some more thoughts in the bootsnall forums: http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/209091657/m/26300611516

Need suggestions on where to go :)

By fuzzycozy on Jul 14, 2008, 10:45.

Can anybody give me suggestions on where to go for my next vacation? I'm planning to travel around Aug/Sept for 3 weeks somewhere in central/south america. I'm looking for a budget place that is not too touristic but still pretty save for a single girl that speaks no spanish could do some diving or possibly learn to surf without wearing 7mm wetsuit. Some salsa scene would be nice too. Thanks

Cheap Flights to Lima From Vegas

By ice on Jul 11, 2008, 11:15.

Hi, Just wondered if any one knew of any secret ways to get to Lima this summer? Everything I can find is going for about $1000 usds. Pretty outrageous considering that I could find the exact same fair for $500 back in June. Any help would be great. ice

Travel the world dancing

By Peter on Jul 11, 2008, 04:32.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

THE NEW NUT CASE

By CatGirl on Jun 28, 2008, 22:41.

Nuts have had a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, causing the weight-conscious to put nuts on their lists of forbidden foods. Researchers took a closer look at walnuts, almonds, and other nuts, they're discovering these delicious, crunchy foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And that fat we were so wary of? Turns out it's good for our hearts. Not just any nut will do, however. Stay away of prepackaged nut mixes, often coated in oils and salt. Instead, buy the following types of nuts raw and toast them in the oven or on the stove top to bring out their full, rich flavor. WALNUTS Very rich in the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA. This type of fatty acid isn't as effective as the kind found in fish, but a recent study indicates that ALA decreases inflammation that can damage arteries and may help reduce the breakdown of bone. Studies have also shown that walnuts can increase levels of HDL (known as good cholesterol) while lowering LDL ALMONDS The fiber in almonds blocks some of the nut fat from being digested and absorbed! One serving of almonds provides 35 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against diseases such as Alzheimer's PEANUTS Peanuts are technically not nuts — they're legumes and belong to the same family as beans and peas. They have a low glycemic index, which means they're digested slowly and help maintain a balanced blood-sugar level. Peanuts also contain resveratrol, the same phytochemical found in red wine. PISTACHIOS High in lutein, an antioxidant typically found in dark leafy vegetables that's been shown to protect our eyes from macular degeneration. PECANS A 2004 study found that pecans are one of the top 15 sources of antioxidants. In another study, pecan antioxidants were shown to prevent LDL from building up in arteries and lowered total cholesterol levels. Compared with other nuts, pecans have one of the highest levels of phytosterols, a group of plant chemicals that may help protect against cardiovascular disease. HAZELNUTS They have the highest nut level of folate, a B vitamin known to reduce the risk of birth defects. Along with other B vitamins, may also lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression. Hazelnuts contain moderate levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which can help lower blood pressure. **********************************Just a Few********************** Eat nuts with saturated fat sparingly Brazil; Highest amount of selenium of any food; this mineral helps eliminate free radicals that can lead to cancer Macadamia; High in thiamine, a type of B vitamin that helps metabolize carbohydrates into energy Cashews: Rich in copper and magnesium, as well as zinc, for a healthy immune system.

Bored while traveling?

By Peter on Jun 26, 2008, 02:12.

Hey all, even though traveling is supposed to be great all the time, with lots of fun etc.., I wonder if anyone else feels bored during traveling sometimes. Especially on long trips (months), not just short holidays?

Some good thoughts on mini-retirements

By Peter on Jun 3, 2008, 06:13.

Traveling *and* saving money to retire early? http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/06/03/how-to-take-a-mini-retirement-tips-and-tricks-from-timothy-ferriss/

Passports

By Peter on Jun 3, 2008, 02:07.

A great post on passport stamps: http://younghee.com/2008/06/02/entry-stamps/ What are your favourite travel stamps?

How do i explore south america?

By kinsley on May 27, 2008, 08:45.

I've gotten the opporunity to go travel wherever i want in the world for a year without money being an issue.. It didn't take me long to choose South America. I was first thinking about volunteering at four organizations three months each but then I realized, I'm probably never going to get a chance like this again. So I've decided I want to fly down to South America and spend a few months in one place ( where? I don't know!) to get my wits about me and become better at Spanish Then spend the rest of the year exploring. I've been being told a lot of really conflicted things about whether or not this is too dangerous for me to do but, i think thats not true at all. All the information i've been finding so far online has been really alarmist for example, one source said "women should be wary traveling alone because they will be hollered at. Avoid especially construction sites." Oh really, I'm going to be cat called by construction workers? That never happens in Boston... More than that I've been told I should not go at all because just being a young girl makes it too dangerous. Does being a girl really ban me from traveling? I don't know how to go about this though. I'd really like to go soon.Where should I begin? I'd appreciate any advice. thank you! -Alyssa Kinsley

Memoral Holiday

By ibemeubeu9001 on May 26, 2008, 07:55.

Hello fellow veteran's, I just wanted to take the time to say Hello, and God Bless, those that is not here to read this little message from one vet to another...... I really thank of each of you that I know and those that help me in all area's of the military,,,,,,look, Iam going to have to get back and finish this for all of the memories, are, as you know not good and that's were Iam now.....so I will finish, this very soon....God Bless, each of us and pray one day my feelings will pass........USN-UDT-REV-13-March 17th,1967-Nov 15th,1969-----seperated from duty-Love Yall-Shorty............................................................................................

Miami:South Beach Becoming BackPaker's Paradise due to Hostels

By miamimike on May 11, 2008, 12:56.

With its Art Deco buildings, bikini-clad women and late-night party scene, experts say South Beach is becoming a hot tourist destination for young travelers looking to spend less money on where they are going to sleep and more on sightseeing. Anywhere between three to 14 travelers are cramped in one room at a hostel, sleeping on bunk beds. A room with 12 beds can run for $18 a night per person; an eight-bed room is $18; $30-$40 for smaller rooms. http://www.miamiherald.com/775/story/529050.html

Advice for living poor but happy on a boat

By bosh on May 9, 2008, 23:51.

Greetings, I'm looking for advice on my future endeavor to live on a deep sea cruiser for a year while traveling around the world. Let me first give you a brief (as possible) bit of background about me so you know I'm serious. I'm 37, I was in the Navy for 6 years, 3 of which were spent on the oldest ship in the fleet, so I'm no stranger to cramped spaces, cold showers, stale food and 18 hour workdays on a pitching deck. I'm currently finishing my BA in economics (focus on development) and will be going to grad school. During the same time (Summers) I'll be taking sailing lessons and clocking as many hours at sea as I possibly can. After graduation my hope is to sell my rental property and buy a modest deep sea cruiser and sail around the world with one or two other adults. We plan to visit coastal villages in developing (3rd World) countries in Africa, SE Asia and South America. We want to work with some developmental projects (ie. help build a school, work with a mission etc.) where we'd be staying in one spot for several weeks at a time. While doing this we hope to research a book (or two) on the subject. My (potential) first mate is a professional photographer who would also be doing work for the book. Don't get me wrong, we plan on visiting plenty of tourist type spots as well. I wont lie, at this time I have no real sailing experience. I mostly have a dream, an iron will and I've read a few Hal Roth books that have (somewhat) grounded me in the reality of what I'm up against technically. Obviously we'll be living on (read: setting fire to) a large chunk of savings. I am hoping to get some advice as to what things we can do to conserve as much money as possible while traveling and, if possible, what we could do to actually earn some money while traveling. Hal Roth talks about how he and his wife were always able to pick up odds-n-end jobs here and there in port to scrape up a few dollars to live poor but happy at sea. I was just hoping to find some "trade/s" that may be more popular in that respect. Since I have a few years before this gets underway, I could even pick something up and make sure I have the right tools (limited space providing). Thanks for any help.

looking for travel buddies for Leticia trip

By MataiAnd on Apr 24, 2008, 15:52.

i'm planning to go to Leticia in June or early July and take a real adventure jungle trip. around 4-6 days. The total cost of the trip would be between 1.000.000 - 1.400.000 (depends on the number of people and the number of days) so, R u interested? let me know, write me to: mataiand@yahoo.com bye

Would like to add El Salvador/Central America to PBH

By tropicaltimes on Jan 23, 2008, 12:54.

"Get off the gringo trail with a free backpacker travel guide to the entire world written by travelers like you. On PBH (poorbuthappy), we want to create a free backpackers travel guide to the world, that you can print out and take with you. We only have a few countries now, we're just getting started. Let us know if you want to add a country." Travel to El Salvador, a small country, once war torn, in the heart of Central America is now booming! Many wanderers are enroute to South America, a few are braving the Darien Gap route, sailing or by land and most others hop over from Panama by plane. Here is my webpage: http://www.tropicooltours.com/donaldlee.htm Website htp://www.tropicooltours.com/ Our neighbors are Guatemala, a 5 hour bus ride from Guatemala City to San Salvador and Honduras, a 7 hour bus ride from San Salvador to capital city of Teguciglapa, Honduras, Nicaragua is a 10 hour bus ride and San José, teh capital of Costa Rica is 9 hours distant from Managua in Nicaragua. The last leg of the journey is San José, Costa Rica to Panama city, some 16 hours via 'Tica Bus' www.ticabus.com/ Contact us and stop in and see us, even if you do not wish travel services, enroute, take a break form the Internet and tell some travel stories good old fashioned way f2f! Ciao.

For travelers "afraid to go"

By tropicaltimes on Jan 21, 2008, 11:30.

I, the writer, live far and away from the USA for well over 20 years, mainly in El Salvador and Guatemala which are considered by "Americans" to be dangerous places. I drove over 800,000 km./500,000 miles during the 15 years I had my vehicle, the major problems I encountered were some really bad back roads and occasional mechanical breakdowns and flat tires, always got help when I needed it, when empty picked up mothers with children, the elderly and infirm at bus stops and took them home to their door if possible, they always wanted to pay, I never accepted nor wanted their money. Once a woman and her 8 kids were stuffed in my station wagon, squealing with joy, thy had never been in a "private car" before, much less with a "gringo". I avoided picking up young backpacking foreigners traveling, they never even offered to help with gas and always wanted me to take them to a 'good hostel'. Always the same question from travelers..."What are YOU doing here in this country?" My answer always was "Breathing first and surviving second!" Once, some travelers asked me if I don't get "scared" driving and living down here, well told them that I left "The Fifth World", New York City, before Guiliani, crack epedemic, murders, whatever to Guatemala "The Third World" So here's the scorecard, folks Resided Boston and New York City 1964-1966, 1972-1985 Mugged 5 times My fault 2 times..intoxicated or in wrong place, wrong time Apartment/House bugarlized 3 times Resided Guatemala and El Salvador 1985 to present Mugged 1 time..My fault, intoxicated, wrong place, wrong time That's it 8-1 Third World wins! Want to know more, come on down to visit, get away from the cold, the rules and regulations for awhile to just chill out ,or travel and experience El Salvador and Central America till you drop, surf till you sink, contact us via: http://www.tropicooltours.com/contact.htm Tropicool.com El Salvador http://www.tropicooltours.com/ The following is from "Andy Hobo Traveler" Bloq: A Gift to My Children "I do not have children, however, if I did, I would teach them. ------------ --------- --------- --- Manila Philippines - Southeast Asia Malate Mabini Ermita Monday, January 21, 2008 Andy of HoboTraveler. com ------------ --------- --------- ---- I would take them to what the world believes is a dangerous place, so they would know the world is safe. Maybe Iraq, Colombia or Africa. I would take them to South America for two months and teach them a language so they somehow accept that learning a language is easy, possible and nothing to be afraid of. I would try to teach them To type so they can use a computer. Read books, not magazines, not papers, but books. I would teach them manners and respect for all humans. Hello, Please, Thank You, Excuse me, and learn to say them even when the other person does not, or even understands English. I would show them poverty, suffering, and lack of hope until they were grateful. I am not sure how to do this, but maybe taking them to South America to live in some village of Colombia for three months would work. No, maybe better to Africa, where even travelers are now afraid to go, and who knows why. I think at age 12-16, this would open a door and eyes of the world. It is an extremely safe planet, all is possible if we are willing to read and learn. No fear of life, this they can only learn by leaving the resort. I think two months in China would make them American again, somehow to stop the noise in the USA that covers the truth." A Gift to My Children Posted By Andy HoboTraveler. com to Andy HoboTraveler. Com Travel Blog Vol II at 1/20/2008

Spanish School / Lodging in Buenos Aires

By dthf90210 on Jan 21, 2008, 10:01.

I am planning a trip to Buenos Aires for the last couple of weeks in December and am looking for great one-on-one instruction. Or would a small group be better? Anyway, I am looking at GIC Argentina. They also have a student residence. Any thoughts on this school or others? Any thoughts on student residences, shared flats, hostels or hotels? I might be too isolated in a hotel. I want an environment where I can meet people. I am an advanced beginner right now.

WHERE TO GO

By germuno on Jan 21, 2008, 08:41.

WHAT ARE the best bets for full time travel/living around the world on the us$? ...my parameters are between the tropics & on a beach. ...SEA .& southeast china have good beaches & trekking with good $ exchange ...northern south america?...about the same.

Going to Buenos Aires.. pass on Colombia !

By carlos slim on Jan 20, 2008, 21:56.

Making 1st trip to Buenos Aires to live for 3-6 months...definitely prefer Buenos Aires over Colombia...Have found the overall living situation/apt sublets to be much more interesting and $ reasonable...and hey its very civilized too !... You know... I worked as an expat for years in some very uncivilized places in Africa/Amazonia.... and really do not miss that lifestyle anymore... ! Right now.. taking these Practitioner/ Certification classes here in Texas to practice this (state of the art) mind-body energy medicine.. would like to move down to B.A....to start a practice (word&referral) treating clients out of my apt..its a very safe.. very effective protocol...that offers promise for healing ...But I really do not want to get involved with all that visa B.S.... and all the other bureaucratic mess down there ...In fact...that is the main reason I choose to live out of the States...too much govt manipulation and interference ...people need to be careful these days to insure their individual freedom and personal privacy....anyway wish me luck ?

Solution to the "website" problem unique lodging places, hotels & hostals

By tropicaltimes on Jan 20, 2008, 11:22.

Central America...Colombia Latin America..let's link up. Enlacemos. Our site is now up and running with El Salvador pages. Interested in traveling to or through El Salvador or the rest of Central America? I live here. No second hand information. Dry Season now. Sunny and warm every day. Refreshingly cool at night at high altitudes, hot and and humid lowlands. I am an "Ex Pat" not a traveler. Soy estadounidense no soy "americano". There are several "types" of traveler, Adventure, Backpacker, Independent, Tourist, Volunteer, etc. Everyone has a bit of a different agenda and everyone sees the world a bit differently. Since I reside over 22 years in Latin America this is not an "Adventure" or "Vacation" for me, this is my life. Please do not even ask me if El Salvador or Guatemala or Colombia or the other Central American countries are "dangerous"..if you are paranoid best stay home or travel to Europe. Especially seeking small and medium sized tipo PYME lodging, tour and travel providers throughout Central and South America to link with our site, we plan a forum soon, common sense travel information for everyone. Interactive..make friends online.. I find that it is often difficult and time consuming for a traveler or persons who wish to invest, relocate or retire in Latin America to find honest services on the "Internet", eswpecially if they are wishing to invest or purchase real estate, many small unique lodging places for example as well as excellent local tour operators and native guides either do not have a website, or if they do it is in Spanish only. Up to date PRINT City, Country or Regional specific Guidebooks are PRICELESS For hotels and hostals 1-5 Star, I found a solution to the "website" problem on an International travel portal which offers a free website, you write the content (texto) and are able upload up to 57 photos of your lodging place. (Por favor, se incluye fotos de sus empleados y vecinos....."gente, lugares y cosas"...no solamente "lobby", jardines y habitaciones, etc.) Offer personalized services that other nearby lodging places don't...tours with native guides on call, transportation, travel info., coffee and juice 24 hours a day in lobby, allow guests at least an hour a day on the Internet if you have it, include breakfast with price of room, make guests, national or international, feel at home, we did all this some years ago at the "Hotel Villa San Francisco", converted a small 2 star hotel that was losing money into one of the most popular lodging places in Antigua Guatemala "For The Budget Traveler with Champagne Taste". The best advertising is word of mouth. Lo mejor tipo de publicidad es boca a boca. Saludos Asesor de Turismo Receptivo Tropicooltours.com www.tropicooltours.com

Travelling to the Mexican Riviera - Need some tips

By CatGirl on Dec 31, 2007, 11:41.

Mexico is not my favorite...but a vacation is a vacation. I am looking for the best city to purchase beautiful pottery. I will be going to the following cities: Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

Buenos Aires

By dthf90210 on Dec 20, 2007, 10:33.

Looking for a fun, social place to stay for a couple of weeks. A private room in a student residence or nice hostel/hotel (with single rooms) would be a possibility. Something where you can meet people. What do you recommend? I would also like to study Spanish with a good teacher one-on-one for the two weeks I am there. What schools/teachers are good? If they have a student residence all the better. Is this city a good place to learn spanish for a couple of weeks? I hear that the dialect is a bit different. The city really appeals to me though.

Anyone interested in Mexico?

By Tanya on Dec 12, 2007, 07:01.

I was just wondering if anyone was going to be traveling to Mexico? Is anyone interested in Playa del Carmen? I have been there and it is awesome! What are your experiences?

please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By lisa1978 on Dec 9, 2007, 19:16.

My husband and I got married in the US on Nov 28,2007. He is over here on a work visa from Belize. Little did we know about all the paperwork involved. His work visa expires in Dec 2007. He is going back home on the 14th of December. If anyone out there can give me an idea where to start and how long of a wait we may have

Buenos Aires second part

By Lucas Freley on Nov 17, 2007, 15:47.

Well, some of the pbh friends are coming on december to Buenos Aires, so here are more pictures. This is Retiro area, the plaza San Martin, in Av. del Libertador; in the building on the corner there a lot of important offices and companies. This is the Recoleta, and the bar is called La Biela This is Caminito Sreet in La Boca. There are plenty of colour in the houses. Is very attractive. The Buenos Aires Design Recoleta, a Shopping Center of design but with a lot of pubs, like the Hard Rock Cafe. This is an aerial of the Obelisco where you can estimate how wide is the Av. 9 de Julio. The other is the Diagonal Norte Avenue. In a rainy day in the 9 de Julio Av., the Symphony Colon Theatre, and a Colectivo (bus) crossing very fast. The Calatrava Bridge in Puerto Madero. Also you can see the Fragata (army ship) Libertad. Puerto Madero at the evening In the northern area of Buenos Aires, is Villa Devoto, where are situated the most elegant and nice houses. In this zone lives Diego Maradona. The sun is going down on the Rio de la Plata. One of my favourite places.

Is Thailand Safe for travellers?

By dyuen3 on Nov 14, 2007, 04:07.

Hi, Anyone been in Thailand recently? Is it safe for foreigners? Where is it safest? Thanks dyuen3

volunteer and learn spanish in bolivia

By irispalacios on Nov 12, 2007, 18:09.

Hey Instituto exclusivo offers the oportunity to travel while studing spanish (yes with your teacher) and also volunteering and having spanish lessons. Contact me at mporape@gmail.com www.instituto exlcusivo.com (we dont have the info here yet) but any question i will email you the answer. also if you wanna brush up your spanish before comingot latin america visit: www.ie-spanishonline.com we use skype so you have a real class on real time the first one is for free you dont loose anything but you van win a lot!!! iris

Dublin / Ireland Accommodation (free finder)

By brianw on Nov 12, 2007, 10:03.

There's a free quality accommodation finding / booking service for Dublin called Almara Accommodations Dublin. They find and reserve Hostels,B&Bs and Hotels at no charge. Any size group from 1 to 100. If people prefer they can ask for an availability search and A.A.D. will give them the contact details to reserve for themselves. See enquiry / advice form at www.almarabb.com/almaraa.htm or sister company at www.almarabb.com A.A.D. is also an official Dublin Tour Operator with discounts for entrance fees for Dublin attractions. We are going to ask permission from PBH to open a new Ireland section.

HELP

By antony1282000 on Oct 19, 2007, 20:05.

Hi there. I am looking into driving from new jersey into colomia, in dec 1 2007. Can you tell me about shipping a vehicle from Panama to Colombia? How difficult is it, what kind of costs are involved, and would I then need to fly to Columbia to meet the vehicle there? Any advice would be gratefully received. Cheers,

help

By antony1282000 on Oct 19, 2007, 20:02.

Hi there. I am looking into driving from LA into South America, over the space of six months, starting in August. Can you tell me about shipping a vehicle from Panama to Columbia? How difficult is it, what kind of costs are involved, and would I then need to fly to Columbia to meet the vehicle there? Any advice would be gratefully received. Cheers,

Morkedoh/Tee Lor Su Waterfall/Karen village Kohta/Ban Phalata 4 D/3 N

By Supin616 on Oct 17, 2007, 18:52.

TEE LOR SU WATERFALL When When you visit the Tee Lor Su Waterfall in Umphang, Tak province, Northwestern Thailand, you are going to see a lot more than simply Thailand's highest (and according to Thais the most beautiful) waterfall. From Umphang you can arrange to take a trip through the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary down the Mae Klong river to Tee Lor Su, passing through some wild and wonderful countryside, and even stop to shopping indigineous products at a Karen village. You should allot about three days if you want to make the most of your trip, and Wattana Village Resort is our recommended lodging in Mae Sod, the gateway to Umphang. You will be taken on a raft trip up the river where you can overnight in a cave or camp near some hot springs, before going on the next day to Tee Lor Su and spending another night there. Just after the end of the rainy season (November and December) is the best time to visit Tee Lor Su, so start planning your trip now.From Umphang you can arrange to take a trip through the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary down the Mae Klong river to Tee Lor Su, passing through some wild and wonderful countryside, and even stop to shopping indigineous products at a Karen village. You should allot about three days if you want to make the most of your trip. You will be taken on a raft trip up the river where you can overnight in a cave or camp near some hot springs, before going on the next day to Tee Loor Su and spending another night there. Just after the end of the rainy season (November and December) is the best time to visit Tee Lor Su, so start planning your trip now. Please contact Me! Supin616@gmail.com www.jaiumpang.com Thanks & enjoy!

World's largest swimming pools!

By Peter on Oct 7, 2007, 00:31.

http://googlesightseeing.com/2007/10/03/the-worlds-largest-swimming-pool/ and http://googlesightseeing.com/2007/07/23/floating-swimming-pool/ Some really big swimming pools out there!

Great travel story: leave microsoft and change the world.

By Peter on Oct 3, 2007, 01:35.

Leave Microsoft to go change the world: a book about the story of an ex-microsofter that went to build libraries for children around the world.

BBC buys Lonely Planet

By Peter on Oct 2, 2007, 04:51.

The BBC (their commercial arm) has bought 75% of Lonely Planet! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7021791.stm

Bariloche's National Parks: Trekking, Cerros and more Lakes

By Lucas Freley on Sep 29, 2007, 16:28.

Bariloche (Rio Negro State) has a very varied Flora and Fauna. So if you like the Trekking, there are a lot of hills to go, like Cerro Campanario, Cerro Otto, Cerro Tronador, Cerro Catedral. There is an extensive area inside the National Park to visit. Let me show you in pictures. Lago Gutierrez Climbing the Cerro Catedral in the Cordillera de los Andes The Refuge Jakob at the top of one of the sides of the Cerro Catedral. Is really cold The Laguna Jakob, from the Refuge The Huemul Island Lago Mascardi...tus ojos son como dos lagos de agua cristalina... Lago Nahuel Huapi from Playa Bonita Lagos Perito and Moreno Nahuel Huapi again Rio Limay Valley, in the south Rio Negro State Rio Limay Valey The Cordillera de los Andes