Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Their world at your fingertips

By JANET K. KEELER
Published March 26, 2006

Keeping a travel journal has long been a way to remember the highs and lows of vacation. Yes, we'll eat fresh Maine lobster again; no, we won't share a house with that dreary dolt from the office another year.

The travel diary used to be a personal thing, perhaps shared with a special someone years later or simply left to languish in a bottom drawer, for your eyes only.

But like so many ways we communicate, the Internet has changed that. Now, through the narcissistic Web log, or blog, we can check in with the likes of Andy at HoboTraveler.com as he continues his journey around the world - he has been at it for nine years. He has already visited 62 countries and wants to tell the world about it. He's not alone.

The authors of most travel blogs are mysterious about who and where they are, but unless you're doing undercover government work, who really cares? They are mostly trying to protect themselves from Web creeps, which is why they aren't explicit.

Nevertheless, it's worth the time to ride shotgun by visiting their sites, especially those that have podcasts and lots of photos. Living vicariously through the happy travelers can be fun, especially when you want to take off but can't afford it. Travel blogs are also a good way to do research on upcoming trips or to connect with people who've been there, done that.

Here are a few travel blogs that took me to places I may, or may not, want to go in person. In each case, though, they opened my eyes.

- JANET K. KEELER, Times staff writer

lao-ocean.com

The nameless writer is a Laotian-American woman from Oregon who is teaching English in South Korea. Her blog is part weather report, part travelogue, but all young person's guide to the world. She scuba dives in Bali on a work break but remains obsessed with the Academy Awards. Lots of photos and links.

travelblog.paintedstork.com

A young chap from Bangalore, India, writes this India travel blog and includes lots of colorful photos. Even if you never go, you'll enjoy looking at his lively photos and reading the earnest and detailed accounts of his journeys in the subcontinent. This site gives you the idea of India's vast and varied landscapes.

www.crazyguyonabike.com

This Web site is a clearinghouse for a whole slew of bicyclers' journals, 897 of them to be exact. Heidi is pedaling along the Great Divide. Marcus is riding around South Dakota's Badlands and Chris has found his way to New Zealand (at last!). If you believe in pedal power, this is a site where you'll find kindred spirits.

www.thetravelbloggers.com

Web master Tom Royce and his partner scour legitimate news sources on the Internet and post excerpts of stories. Some recent posts: "21 Airports Fail To Detect Bomb Making Components," "Business Travelers Paying More in 2006" and "Bali Travel Slumping Due To Terror Fears." It's not all straightforward news. Tom gives his opinions, too, and wants to know all the states you've visited.

london-underground.blogspot.com

Annie Mole is the award-winning Web master behind this blog that takes readers deep under the streets of London to the world's most famous underground public transportation system. Fitting name, don't you think? My favorite recent post is "London Underground Fashion Victims" on St. Patrick's Day. The Cat in the Hat toppers are even popular in the United Kingdom.

lhobotraveler.com/blogger.html

Follow Andy around the world. He arrives in New York next Sunday and is nervous about what he might find. This from a guy who has been just about everywhere else on the planet. Andy is a brainy guy and likes to riff on more than the best and worst places to eat and sleep. He has trouble labeling his photos, because he doesn't like labeling people. That's Andy, and his site is a trip in itself.

[Last modified March 26, 2006, 13:03:46]