The Triptastic 10: Recommended Reading Right Now

Every day, I read many great posts from the travel “blogosphere.” 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”

Life Lessons We Learned From Jordan’s Bedouins (my #1 pick)

I love this post because I met the Jordanian Bedouins last summer and really connected with their way of life. So these life lessons, in a post on Uncornered Market’s website, really resonated with me and what I saw/experienced in Wadi Rum…rituals, tea, not making life more difficult than it needs to be, etc.  Made me want to go back to Jordan and sleep in the desert again!

(c) 2010 chickybus

9 Things I’ll Never Understand About Travel

Whether you’re a new or seasoned traveler, you’ll get a kick out of this post by Andy of 501 Places. I certainly did. Here’s one thing he doesn’t understand: how time seems to stand still when taking a night journey. I don’t get it either. Feels like an eternity! There are 8 more  ‘things” that are just as good (and those added by others in comments.) Fun stuff!

33 Photos That Will Inspire YOU to Jump Out of Your Chair and Travel the World!

This one, by Mark of Migrationology, is self-explanatory. Look at the title. The photos did inspire me. They’re that awesome. I love the variety: food, animals, people, nature. Escape for a few minutes. You won’t regret it.

Encountering Racism on the Road

This is a great post because it’s intelligent and deals with something important–racism that we sometimes encounter when traveling. I’ve had the type of experience Laurence of Finding the Universe wrote about and I’m sure that many of you have, too. Check out this post and the questions he’s asked. It’s an important dialogue to read or become part of.

Learning Active Kindness as a Volunteer Abroad

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” is one of the many things about this post that stood out. Marissa LaValette, a guest poster on SpunkyGirl Monologues, wrote about about passive vs active kindness and shares some of her volunteer experiences in Haiti. Meaningful stuff that she makes real. The kind of thing that makes you want to be more than just a traveler.

Photo credit: US Army

Why I Wouldn’t Recommend Using Pre-Pad Credit Cards While Traveling

I hate paying fees for credit card and ATM transactions when traveling and am always looking for a solution. Good to know, in advance, that pre-paid credit cards are not the way to go. Here, Nicole of Woman Seeks World explains how she got burned when she tried this alternative. Useful information for all travelers.

Dirty Lodging: A Survival Guide

You hope it never happens to you, but it can…and it might. Staying in a crappy room, that is. I think these are really useful tips (by Christina of Packed Suitcase) because they help protect you from the ick of an unacceptable room. Check ’em out…and then hope you never need them! PS: I’ve stayed in some bad rooms and had to do exactly what she recommends.

Amazing Machu Picchu, Peru

It’s been years since I hiked the Inca Trail and saw Machu Picchu, and I still remember how it took my breath away. This video, by JD Andrews of earthXplorer, had nearly the same effect on me. The owner/executive Producer of earthXplorer Productions, who just won the Shorty Award in Travel, captured the true essence of the place visually and, by adding the perfect music, created an amazing multimedia experience. Whether you’ve been there or not, this video is worth your time!

Amazing Machu Picchu, Peru from JD Andrews on Vimeo.

A Real Voodoo Experience (near) Ouidah, Benin (sleeper post)

Ever wonder what voodoo is really about? Does it scare you just a tiny bit? Have no fear. You can have a safe and vicarious armchair experience, thanks to Mark of Travel Wonders of the World. The cool part? You may be surprised by what voodoo really is.

The Day I Met the King of Bhutan (sleeper post)

Have you ever seen a king? I haven’t. Well, maybe…on a chess board. But that’s not the same. Imagine meeting a real one! Aaron of Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures did and his post puts you right there in the middle of the action. Have the experience vicariously…great story and photos–not to be missed!

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 generally in the middle of or 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.

Help Me with the Next List

I chose the Triptastic Picks on my own, but I do appreciate some help with the review process. I’m sure there are a lot of posts I don’t see that may be worthy of recognition here.

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: March 28th and April 18th.

*Note: Submissions must be made on Facebook to be considered. Thank you!

Previous Triptastic 10 Lists

Triptastic 10 List #2

Triptastic 10 List #1