The Triptastic 10: Recommended Reading Right Now

Every day, I read many great posts from the travel “blog-o-sphere.” Certain ones, however, really catch my eye.

Usually, it’s because they’re off the beaten path/quirky, intelligent/thought-provoking or simply really well-done (well-written, amazing photos, great tips, etc.). Or maybe they’re ‘sleeper posts,’ those yet to be recognized/appreciated.

These  posts are what I call “triptastic”–fantastic from a traveler’s perspective. They deserve more than a mere “tweet” or basic comment. They’re meant to receive some extra praise and to be shared with others.

Note: Although my favorite pick is at the top of the list, the others are in a random order and not intended to be a ranking.

My “Triptastic” Picks

Wolf’s Lair: Hitler’s Bunker in Poland (my #1 pick)

If you’re interested in WWII and Hitler at all and/or you like to travel off the beaten path, then you have got to check this out. Norbert takes you on an unforgettable trip through the Mazurian forest and into “Wolfsschanze,” aka, Hitler’s bunker. If I return to Poland, I am so there! Read it and be transported back in time and history…

The Wolf's Lair: Hitler's bunker in remote Poland

On the Road to Kampot – Cambodia and the Value of Life

Sabina had just arrived in Cambodia and was in a taxi when her driver hit and killed a dog. It got her thinking about how Cambodians view safety, as well as  life and death. This post is well-written; it puts you in the moment and makes you think. It’s also unsettling. But that’s why it works so well.

Squatting in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Imagine staying on a gorgeous beach…for free? Just having to buy food/ drinks from the locals? That’s exactly what the Roamantics got to do at the “Chaimoy Love Shack,” where locals set up temporary accommodation for ‘backpacker squatting.’ Join them for a few idyllic days on the beach.

My Twitter Love Story

People meet online and get involved all the time…but how about two travelers meeting on Twitter, getting to know each other and then meeting in person? Ali and Andy did this, met in Germany and now they’re in love! This is a wonderful story. Really sweet. Or is it…really tweet? I really <3 this story and think you will, too!

Looks like love is in the air...and it's not even February yet!

“We’re Getting Married Tomorrow…at a (Thai) Buddhist Temple.” (sleeper post)

Imagine if your parents turned to you, an adult, and said this. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Aaron of Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures. In the post, you’ll read the story, see some great pics and even watch some video. A unique post that definitely caught my eye!

Responsibly Irresponsible

This is the kind of post that makes you long for an adventure or ex-pat life or something big. At least, that’s how it affected me. I like Gillian’s planning and plotting for the move before the big move. Warning: If you read this, you might start planning/plotting, too!

Would You Buy a $500 Turkey? Have You Met Andres?

I once lived in Ecuador, a developing country that many travelers say is “cheap.” But that’s not reality for everyone and if you read Ayngelina’s post, you’ll see why and be humbled after you read her story about her powerful learning experience with Andres, who showed her the reality of Ecuadorian economics and more.

How to Swim in Antarctica

I don’t like the cold and frigid water sends a chill up my spine. Well, obviously, this is not an issue for Brendan who jumped right in when he was in…Antarctica. Brave man, isn’t he? Shackleton would be impressed! Check out the video for a vicarious thrill…and chill!

When to Bribe, How to Bribe, Do You Bribe

I’ve always wondered about this and now, I know what I’ll need to do if I’m ever in a…um…situation. I love how Todd breaks this down into the “shakedown,” the “negotiation” and “the deal”. A real system and one that’s truly useful!

Why Everyone Shouldn’t Like You

I get tired of seeing people play it safe and people please too much. So I totally agree with Nick, the traveler who wrote this one. He begins the post with, “If no one has a problem with you or what you believe, then you’re probably not pushing yourself enough” and continues from there. If you’re a nonconformist (like many of us travelers are), then you ought to check this one out!

How Many Picks? How Often?

While many people run their picks once a week or biweekly, I’m going to do this approximately every 3 weeks or so–when I’ve found just enough and the right ones (not all will be brand new). It’ll usually be close to the end of the month and cover the previous 30 days. Some will be new, others ‘fresh’ and some a little older.

I’ve changed my mind about this many times, but it looks like it’ll be the Triptastic 10. (Thanks to Aaron of Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures for suggesting it!) In order for this to happen, though, I’ll need help–your help–for the next list.

Help Me with the Next List

I’ll chose half of the Picks on my own and hopefully, the other half, with your help. I’m sure there are posts you’re reading (or that you’ve written) that I don’t get to see.

Want to be considered or know of a post that that you’d like to recommend? Please do the following:

• Recommend yourself or someone else over on my Facebook page*
• Follow the format I used above (the name of the post, a link and a 2-sentence description)
• Include posts between these (approximate) dates: Jan. 21st and Feb. 15th

*Note: Submissions must be made on Facebook to be considered. Feel free to also post here in the Comment section. Thank you!