Here are my picks for some of the best resources available for planning a trip, either around-the-world or just next door. All of these services and website I have researched and used in the process of planning my own around-the-world trip. I have received no compensations, monetarily or otherwise, to include these links on this website, but I have included them here solely because I’ve found them useful or of exceptional quality or value.

I am trying really hard to keep this list short yet chalked full of the absolute best stuff, as opposed to making it an endless list of mediocre things that is not so useful.  Bare in mind that this list is dynamic and will change–things will be added, others may disappear as their usefulness or content wanes—I’ll update this list as things come up, so check back regularly.

Please don’t hesitate to comment or add your own suggestions by using the comment box on the bottom of this page.

(Note: Phone numbers in this list DO NOT include the country code unless prefaced with a “+” So, if you call them from outside of their country, you’ll have to look up the country code and add it to the front of the number, and often drop the leading ‘0′ on the number.)

Travelogues

• Vagabonding.com: One of the first online around-the-world travelogues I read, and it was a big initial inspiration for my own trip. Despite being more than 5 years old, its still a well written website with fun videos and photos: www.vagabonding.com
• Vagablogging.com: One of the guru’s of around-the-world travel, Rolf Pott’s website offers excellent advice, information and tips on all types of travel. If you have a moment, read his book Vagabonding, it might be my favorite non-fiction book on around-the world travel.
• The Lost Girls: These three ladies made quite a splash in the web world as they documented their one year around-the-world adventure and the stories of their trip can be an inspiration to all of us to travel—especially young women. Look out for their forthcoming book.
• Brave New Traveler: One of my favorite travel related blogs turned blog empire. Ian and his crew update the site(s) very regularly and the stuff is well written and research. It differs from most travel websites because its takes a bend towards independent travel.
• Stuck in Customs: The best travel photo blog I’ve seen.  Heavy on HDR and heavy on travel, many of Trey Ratcliff’s photos are just jaw dropping.
• The Written Road: Do you ever dream of travel writing, this is one of my favorite travelogues dedicated to the subject.
• Learning Cantonese: From well-known travel writer Daisann McLane , written mostly from her home in Hong Kong, this is one of the most well-written and educational travelogues I’ve seen on the web, each post is well crafted, interesting and often quite insightful into Hong Kong culture. Aspiring travel writers, take notes.
• Exploring the Unknown: An award winning journalist and a friend of mine from college, Brian Triplett’s eight-month around-the-world trip that coincided with part of mine, is full of great stories, fun pictures, and some crazy adventures. Want to get inspired to travel, read Brian’s travelogue. Update: Brian and his friend Denny have another great website from their walk across America: No Stranger Land.
• Huge In Asia: These guys absolutely crack me up. Post-college they headed to Asia with backpacks and a video camera with the goal of becoming “Huge In Asia.” Their videos will probably be some of my all-time favorites from the YouTube generation.  They originally had a nice blog that has since disappeared from the web, but I’ll give you a link to one of their best videos: The Hanoi Hustle that’s still around.
• Where The Hell is Matt?: Probably the world’s most famous Around-The-World traveler and now the star of his own Visa commercial.  You can’t help but smile at his videos.
• Border Jumpers: A blog by  Bernard Pollack and Danielle Nierenberg as they travel to nearly every country in Africa.  Bernie and Dani are meeting with farmers, workers, NGO’s and community groups writing about innovations and projects that our working to alleviate hunger and poverty, trying to highlight stories of hope and success.  My kind of people.
  

Planning, Paperwork and Bureaucracy

• Lonely Planet Thorntree: [Highly recommended] 10,000 lbs giant of the travel industry Lonely Planet is the most well-known name in independent travel and I hesitate to include it here, since I assume most people know of the company. But I decided to include it because I wanted to point out the Lonely Planet’s message board system called the ‘Thorntree’. These geographically specific message boards are amazing sources for the latest and up-to-the minute information when backpacking. When I was in Yunan, China the day after a landslide killed two backpackers in an area I was planning on hiking, the Thorntree message board was the only place I could get reliable information. Its the best and only place to get information travel regulations in Tibet.
• US Department of State International Travel Information: [Highly recommended] An extremely valuable website that has country specific information, visa requirements (for Americans), travel warnings and political, cultural and economy history on all the countries of the world. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
• World Nomads Insurance: Travel insurance is absolutely necessity when traveling. While traveling on a 2-week vacation, a person’s normal health insurance usually covers them, but if you’re traveling around-the-world for a year and some, your policies at home might not be in effect. I’ve been using World Nomads, which is designed with the independent backpack in mind, and I like it because it can be purchased by the month and can be extended from on-the-road (online). Although I’ve yet to have to file a claim (cross your fingers), research seems to indicated that its a good insurance company to work with.
• Travelex Insurance: A little more robust and comprehensive (and expensive) then World Nomad’s insurance, Travelex seems to be another good insurance option.
• Backpack Budget Estimator: Though estimating your budget for independent travel is complicated because of all the factors involved (where are you traveling, what your travel style is, exchange rates, etc) here’s a great web tool that can help you at least get a ball park figure.
• Google.com: It’s likely you’ve heard of this website, but do you know about it’s built in travel tools? Type in two cities in the format “Beijing to Hong Kong” and it will spit back current airfare prices (note: this search often doesn’t include discount airline fares). Type in “distance between” and list two cities and it’ll tell you that. Need to know what time it is in a different time zone? Type “CITYNAME time”. One of the most useful features is Google’s currency conversion. Type in “1 USD in Indian Rupees” and you’ll get an up-to-minute number at current exchange rates. If you don’t know the name or the abbreviation of the currency you can simply enter “American money in French currency” and it’ll try to figure out what you’re talking about. Very helpful.

Equipment

• Proaston: I’ve only ever seen gear from this company in one store in the world (Rose Sports in Hong Kong, Shop No.8, G/F and M/F. No.432-436 Hennessy Road,. Causeway Bay, (852)-2893 2801 or 39 Fa Yuen Street, Mongkok), but their bags have replaced the bags I original set out with (both backpack and day pack), because Proaston gear is solidly constructed, smartly built and sells at a price that’s half the cost of more flashy brands like The North Face and Columbia. They have a very weak web presence, but I assure you their gear is of top quality (I’ve even thought I should import and sell it in the US when I get home).
• Patagonia Capilene: [Highly recommended] I love this stuff despite it being a bit yuppie and very pricey. Of all the gear I’ve taken with me on the trip from various outdoor companies (Nike, Pearl Izumi, Columbia, Adidas, Eagle Creek, etc.) Patagonia’s Capilene (a fabric) gear is the most durable, fastest to dry, and lightest to pack. I’d recommend spending the little bit more to get the Capilene gear, as in my experience, it will outlast the other stuff.
• PacSafe: If you’re traveling with a large amount of valuable electronics or equipment (computers, cameras, etc), having a PacSafe is a good idea. It is essentially a lockable mesh wire bag. On the road in many countries its not safe to leave your valuables in your hotel/guesthouse room or even in the hotel’s “safe.” They come in various sizes and shapes, and their cost will be a savings if the alternative is getting your stuff stolen.

Travel & Transport

• Airtreks.com: [Highly recommended] Based in San Francisco, specializes in multi-leg and around-the-world tickets, Airtreks has been my support on the ground for much of my trip. They’re agents and staff are extremely helpful, patient and informed and can help you get about anywhere from about anywhere. Their cheapest around-the-world ticket packages run as cheap as $1,500 USD plus tax. A good place to start your planning and dreaming about a trip-around-the-world is with their cool Flash-based online fare/map tool. My agent at Airtreks, Daniel Gambler is a seasoned traveler and agent and can be reached at +1 415.977.7100 ex 146.
• STA Travel: If you’re a student or a teacher, you can get exceptional airfare deals through STA Travel, an agency specializing in student and teacher travel. They have offices around the world, find the closest one to you at on their website, or email my friend STA Travel Agent Brian (in one of their Chicago offices) at nwu@statravel.com.
• Cathy Pacific Asian Airpass: Possibly the greatest airline ticket deal in the world.
• Zuji.com: A great source for good airfare in Asia
• Indian Discount Airlines: India is chalked full of discount airlines and they are a fabulous way to move about the country for relatively cheap. The big names are King Fisher, Jet Light, Go Air, Spice Jet, India Air Express, and Indigo, or check out a few Indian websites that search all these airlines for the best price: faresearch.rediff.com, www.yatra.com, and makemytrip.com, three I’ve used successfully. (Warning: some of these discount airlines do not accept non-Indian credit cards!)
• The Man In Seat 61: [Highly recommended] in my opinion, the most useful travel website on the web, Seat 41 contains endless, extremely accurate, and valuable information about traveling by train (and sometimes other overland methods) in all parts of the world. If it were up to me, Mark Smith, the sites creator would get a “Lifetime Achievement Award’ for contributions to the encouragement of travel.
• Kayak.com: Great source to quickly check average price of flights on most routes worldwide. Keep in mind that they typically do not list discount airline fares, so before you buy it’s best to also check out the region’s discount carriers as well.
• AirAsia.com: [Highly recommended] AirAsia is Asia’s best discount airline, I’ve flown with them so many times, I’ve probably bought them a plane.
• cTrip.com: An amazing website to find the best deal on travel in China. They have amazing customer service (in English) and an English version of their website. cTrip will typically out price “Western” websites like Expedia and Travelocity 2:1.
• Indian Railway: A surprisingly useful site with current train times, schedules, distances, routes and even the ability to buy tickets online!

Housing and Accommodations

• Finding Hostels: There are a number of comprehensive websites that can help you find hostel and guesthouse accommodations throughout the world, some of the best ones I often use are: Hostels.com, Hostelworld.com, Hostelbooks.com and Hosteling International.
• Couchsurfing.com: [Highly recommended] A great resource for connecting with local people and finding a free place to stay. It’s extremely popular on the backpacker circuit and I’d highly recommend using it. Just realize it takes time to make connections and research, so make sure you plan ahead and begin your search before you arrive in a place.
• Servas: An international peace organization founded after WWII, once you become a member you can stay with any of the other 4,000 members worldwide in their home for 2-3 days. Servas has offices in numerous countries, the US office is on the web at www.usservas.org and the international office is at www.servas.org.
• The World’s Best Places to Stay: During the course of my trip around-the-world, I’ve stayed in hundreds of guesthouses, hostels, home stays, and hotels, here’s some of my favorite below. Do note that will only a few exceptions these are ‘budget’ accommodations:
  • Wild Coast, South Africa – Bulungula Lodge: [Highly recommended] The best place I’ve stayed in more than 30 countries, this little gem is an eco-friendly guesthouse like no other, set on the most beautiful grassland, next to the most beautiful beach, at the base of the most beautiful hills. Fully integrated and half-owned by the local Xhosa village it’s situated in, it’s a dream vacation for the social-conscious traveler interested in unique and authentic travel experiences (and great deserts). On a given night at this place it’s often hard to figure out who’s the guest and who’s the villagers. Major props to Dave and crew for building this amazing little Shangrila.
  • Nkota Bay, Malawi – Mayoka Village: Located on the shores of Lake Malawi, it’s got an amazing location with a lively bar/restaurant hanging over the water, hot showers, free snorkel gear and probably one of the best ‘dorm with a view’ in the world. (Oh, did I mentioned the free buffet dinner on Sunday and $1 Carlsburg beers!)
  • Bangkok Thailand – Suk 11 Guesthouse: This guesthouse wins my award for ‘best interior design,’ its a fun place to stay down in the flashy Sukhumvit part of town. The interior is designed like the old streets of Bangkok (I think) and its kind of like staying in a interactive Disney display. The owners are very friends, the price is great for the neighborhood, now if only someone could convince them to wi-fi the whole building. www.suk11.com, 1/33 Soi Sukhumvit 11 (behind 7-11) Sukhumvit Rod, Bangkok. 02 2535927
  • Lembongan Island (Bali), Indonesia – Mainsky Lembongan Resort: This one makes the list not because the quality of its rooms or the beauty of its beach (which is rather mediocre), but because for the price of a budget room (under $20 USD) you get access to an infinity swimming pool and a cool bar and restaurant that overlooks the Balianese sunset. (+62) 0366 35592)
  • Krabi, Thailand – Chanchalay Guesthouse: I didn’t stay here too long, but I like how the place was put together, the rooms were great and the owner was very friendly. 55 Uttarakit Rd, Muang Krabi, Thailand. 075 620 952.
  • Jaisalmer, India (Rajasthan) - Shahi Palace Hotel: My favorite little town in Rajasthan, this guesthouse earns its place in The Lonely Planet. Well decorated rooms, great location, friendly staff, they do a nice camel safari, +91-2992-255920).
  • Zanzibar, Tanzania – Kendwa Rocks Resort: [Highly recommended] Located on the northern tip of the main Zanzibar Island, Kendwa Rocks has a little secret that I hesitate to share with you because its so good. The resort is targeted at the honeymooning crowd with private beach bungalows constructed of palm trees and nestled against the most emerald waters you might ever see. Though the normal room rates are not that bad at all (starting at $45 for a private bungalow up to $90/night for their honeymoon suite). The secret is that there is a little backpacker’s dorm tucked behind the registration desk that sells beds for $10 USD/night including a great breakfast with pineapple and fresh bread and full access to all the amenities of the resort (that the honeymooner have paid 10x what you did to use). The resort is accessible by tourist van ($15 from Stonetown one-way), but I’d suggest you catch the local ‘dala dala’ ($2 and have them drop you off at the turn off (just tell them ‘Kendwa Beach’). If you’re on a budget, pack in some food cause the resorts food is pricey (though very good).
  • Near Alice Springs, Australia – Ooraminna Station Homestead – I lived and worked here for 6 weeks and though its a bit out of the price range for the budget traveler, it’s a highly recommended stop for the more well-heeled traveler.  Situated on the larger Deep Well Station property its offers luxury Outback accomodations and a pretty rockin’ film set for large events.  The owners, The Hayes Family, my be the nicest in Australia.  I’d recommend a stay here for a unique and memorable experience.

Experiences

• Aqua Afriqua Scuba School (Nkhata Bay, Malawi): [Highly recommended] A world-class dive school on the shores of lake Malawi. The joint South African/English owners provide high quality training at one of the lowest tuitions costs in the world (approx. $250 for an Open Water Diver course that would cost you easily $1000 in the US). Dusty and Andy run an excellent shop and also serve the best Western cakes and pastries in all of Africa! PO Box 209, Nkhata Bay Tel: +265 (0)1 352 284 Fax: +265 (0)1 352 284 Cell: +265 (0)9 921 418 E-mail: aquaafrica@sdnp.org.mw
• Thai Cooking Classes – A Lot Of Thai Cooking School (Changmai, Thailand): [Highly recommended] I’ve taken cooking courses in a dozen countries and Yui and Kwan in Chang Mai, Thailand give the best. The classes take place in their well-equipped home kitchen, they’ll take you through a local market and you’ll get a cook book to take home that’s worth the price of the class alone. Do not miss this place if you are in Chiangmai. www.alotofthai.com, lothome@hotmail.com, 053-800724
• Free Chinese/Hong Kong Cultural Experiences: Your foreign passport will get you into free, hands-on classes on a range of classes from Chinese tea history to Hong Kong architecture to tai chi. Register online, on the phone or in person at any of Hong Kong’s Tourism Offices.
• Microlight Flight over the Zambezi River (Zambia/Zimbabwe Border): One can not appreciate the shear immensity of Victoria Falls unless you fly right over the top of it. There are numerous providers on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side of the river, check with your local guesthouse upon arrival as competition is fierce for your business.
• Surf Lessons in Bali – Odyssey Surf School (Kuta Beach, Bali): There are a number of surfing school near Kuta Beach (one of the world’s best surf breaks for beginners), this is the one I went with and I was very satisfied. For $35 you get a two hour lesson and a guarantee that if you don’t stand-up, you get a free lesson until you do.
• Seaventures Dive Center, on a converted oil rig (Sipidan, Malaysia): Sipidan has the best diving I’ve done on my trip. Seaventures has converted an old Panamanian oil rig into a full service dive center. Amazingly, the oil rig is pretty much the budget option for those wanting to dive at Sipidan and its close proximity to the reef and the delicious buffet dinners with uninterrupted views of the sunset over the Celebes Sea, make it a very memorable experience. Oh, and you get UNLIMITED diving under the rig for the entirety of your stay (within dive chart limits obviously).
• Stay in A Buddhist Temple (South Korea): Originally created for the 2002 World Cup, the Temple Stay program has exploded in popularity in recent years. This website serve as your English-language guide on how to arrange a stay at one of more than 50 Buddist Temples across the country.
• Working Holiday in Australia: Australia has an excellent Working Holiday Visa program that is open to people of a couple dozen nations. Once you secure the visa, it’s as simple as flying into the country, registering with a couple of job agencies and pounding the pavement with your resume. If you’re interested in work in Western Australia, I’d recommend you talk with the fine folks at The Job Shop (224 Williams Street, Northbridge (Perth) WA 6003. )* 9228 1457  (They also have an office in Kununurra, WA.)
• World’s Highest Bungee Jump (Eastern Cape, South Africa): A must do if you’re in South Africa, $75 USD will have you jumping off the highest single span bridge in the South Hemisphere and the highest commercial bungee jump in the world (a mere 271 meter/600 feet).
• Tour de Afrique and the Vuelta Sudamericana: Ok, so I haven’t actually done this, but I’m posting this here so that maybe one of you might agree to do it with me. Its either a four-month bike ride across Africa from Egypt to South Africa, or a 4-month bike ride from Rio to Quito. Who’s in?

Gap Year Resources
Planning a Gap Year/Overseas Experience?  Here are some ideas and resources that might help you plan.

• Davey Dance: A few dozen countries, a famous tourist site, iPod full of hipster music and a video camera.
• Around The World and Across The USA: Brian Triplett took an unscripted 8-month trip around-the-world and documented it at Exploring The Unknown, and if that wasn’t enough then he walked across the US as part of a project he called No Stranger Land.
• Huge In Asia: These guys absolutely crack me up. Post-college they headed to Asia with backpacks and a video camera with the goal of becoming “Huge In Asia.” Their videos will probably be some of my all-time favorites from the YouTube generation.  They originally had a nice blog that has since disappeared from the web, but I’ll give you a link to one of their best videos: The Hanoi Hustle that’s still around.
• Where The Hell is Matt?: Davey Dance with a bit less style, Matt Harding is probably the world’s most famous Around-The-World traveler and a legend now in his own time.  You can’t help but smile at his videos.
• One Week Job: Sean Aikan took to the task of doing a different job each week for a year from a bungee-jump instructor to mayor of a small town, Sean’s now turned the experience into a book, a speaking tour and appearance on Rachel Ray, CNN, the New York Times and more.
• Want to make it free (or almost free)? Apply for a Fulbright Fellowship or a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship.  Are you an American and do you want a 2-year adventure?  Look into the US Peace Corp.
• Looking for volunteering ideas?  Try Idealist.org, Look under their job list and volunteer opportunities.
• Working Visa Down Under: Under the age of 31 from a select list of countries (including the US), get a Working Holiday Visa in Australia lots of interesting jobs (working picking fruit, wrangle cattle, chase kangaroos, serve coffee, work on a pearl farm) and lots of travel opportunities.
• Working Visa in New Zealand: Don’t want to go to Australia? Try their stunning neighbor to the south: New Zealand.
• Backpacking Budget Calculator: Here’s a tool that can provide a guideline budget for daily expenses in many parts of the world.  Reminder that your actual costs will depend heavily on your own person needs and spending habits.

Travel Links