Travel Picks of the Week - 12/07/07

December 7, 2007

Photo: Flickr/BrendaM
Ancient monuments and towering cathedrals fill us with a sense of amazement and set us thinking about the energy that inspired such arduous human endeavor. Today’s top world attractions were social and spiritual centers of primordial civilizations.
Robert Scheer takes a peek at some of the world’s most visited sacred sites and provides tips on preparation for such a journey in In Search of Sacred Places.

The global religious travel market has become an 18-billion dollar a year industry, thanks to an upsurge of young travelers who seek to combine faith with fun and adventure. New York Times’ Joshua Kurlantzick looks into opportunities for faith-based travel combined with active pursuits like skiing and hiking in Leave the Sackcloth at Home.

Richer experiences await those who prefer the budget travel route to the luxury one. Travel is not about blowing the cash on rooms with gold taps, but about adventure, discovery and serendipity says Kate Quill in Tired of Gold taps? Try a Budget break.

Currency exchange values need not deter travelers from taking out-of-country excursions. A little latitude in choosing destinations opens up interesting options for the budget conscious traveler. Countries like Vietnam and Morocco offer great holiday values, despite the slide in major currencies, says Jason La in Countries where Dollars Go the Distance.

Shopping gifts for someone who has been bitten by the travel bug?
Eleanor Willis has some wonderful gift ideas for those who love to travel in Give the Gift of Travel.

Are you traveling this holiday season and plan to send exotic gifts back home? It pays to understand the recipients’ tastes, as this relative learned in the Latin American Parrot incident.