Travel Picks of the Week - 11/16/07

November 16, 2007

Photo:Flickr/SlipperySlap
National pride can be a blessing if it serves as motivation for being a force of change for the betterment of society …or not …if it is used for bragging rights, feeling superior or stereotyping different cultures as curiosities, so away from normal. Rick Steves narrates how travel shatters egocentricism and lets one empathize with human endeavors, irrespective of geographical boundaries, in Good Travel is Thoughtful Travel.

Fascinated by tales and the intrigue of foreign lands and love to experience the adventure of travel, but too afraid of getting it right? Amanda , a seasoned backpacker eases butterflies in the rookie traveler’s belly by sharing her experiences in Vagabondish’s Confessions of a Seasoned Backpacker: Overcoming Your Pre-Trip Fears

Millions around the world commonly use air travel. Concerns over carbon footprint, airport security and mechanical problems not withstanding, it is still the most popular way to get to other countries. Media headlines feeding on the public’s fears have caused many to stress over upcoming travel and Jack Keady of Armchair World analyzes the validity of these fears in Air Safety.

Have you been in an aircraft and had an unusual experience?
Share your story with our readers!

The excitement of journeying through antiquity has made archaeological and heritage tourism very popular. Uncovering legends and lost civilizations puts a perspective on societal intelligence centuries ago. Peru, known for one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, is now in the news this week as being the site of the oldest (roughly 4000 years old) temple in the Americas, National Geographic reports.

From dining with Zulu royalty to cooling off in Irish pubs, a string of cultural faux pas made Mark McCrum wiser as he makes travelers aware of common blunders and misjudgments in diverse cultural settings in Global guide to etiquette: When in Rome… don’t say it with flowers

To wrap up, and to make you smile, here is how Indu Prasad found humor in a drive through deserted roads in the Himalayas.