Our Travel Picks for the Week 10/19/07

October 19, 2007

If you are looking for an off the beaten path travel experience that lets you become a part of local culture from the ground up and provides you with a sense of fulfillment, volunteering on an organic farm is a choice worth considering. Unlike some ecotour packages, most organic farm experiences cost very little and reward you with a heightened awareness of the communities you visit. Caroline Nye, a veteran agrotourism volunteer, shares her thoughts in Volunteer Work on Organic Farms.

Hitchhiking is increasing in popularity, and the hooking up spot is on the Internet. Sticking up a thumb and having it noticed has never been easier. Carolyn Sayre outlines the convenience and risks in Hitchhiking in Cyberspace.

Jennifer Eastlake has tips for hitch hiking the traditional way .

Have you ever hitch hiked? Share your experience with us!

A pair of binoculars is a commonly tossed-in item in travelers’ bags. The right pair can greatly enhance your trip, be it bird watching, wildlife safari, or admiring the details on an architectural wonder. Ecotravel provides a list of criteria to be considered before zooming in on a pair in Making Sense of Binoculars.

Responsible photography is an intrinsic component of responsible travel. Respecting the subjects being photographed and sensing the appropriateness of making use of a photo opportunity helps foster tolerance and comfort for both parties. Like travel itself, photography builds bridges, says Jim Kane in Culturally Sensitive Photography.

Ever faced an awkward moment photographing somebody or something? Tell us by using our comment box below.

A travel book is the magic carpet a reader rides on to visit distant lands often dreamt about, or to relive memorable journeys undertaken. National Geographic has compiled a list of classic travel books that have enriched travelers’ senses and best informed their peregrinations in Around the World in 80+ Books.

Share your favorite travel books with our readers!

To wrap up, and to make you laugh out loud, here are signs and notices from around the world.