A recent Wall Street Journal article said that the crisis is sending people overseas to look for greener pastures. I think this is a bit of an illusion, and that it’s just taken longer for the crisis to reach other places. Even fast-growing markets like Dubai and China are starting to feel the effects now.

Although if more people fall in love with traveling and become more concerned about the world, that would be … Read more »

When people heard about the attacks in Mumbai over a week ago, most were horrified.  Some were horrified to the point of canceling any travel plans to India.  On the surface, it seems like this decision makes sense.  In a recent article entitled “Keep on Travelin’–To India For A Start”, Elisabeth Eaves points out why foreign travelers are the target of terrorist attacks:

“To be sure, … Read more »

In August, Vagablogging interviewed Kelsey Timmerman about his burgeoning publishing career and his new book chronicling where clothes are made. Now his book, Where Am I Wearing? is out, just in time for the holiday season.

Consider tucking this fascinating glimpse into the lives of garment workers into a stocking alongside Rolf’s books. Also be sure to check out the Where Am I Wearing blog for … Read more »

Travel scams sort of come with the territory — if you’re continually putting yourself in situations where you’re confronting the unknown, at some point someone is probably going to con you. We’ve all given in to lesser scams like over-priced cab fares, greedy tuk-tuk drivers and the like. Sometimes you do it because you’re tired, sometimes you just … Read more »

The LA Times article about the most overrated destinations makes me a bit sad. I’m not saying that I’ve never had my own ‘overrated’ moment. But that’s just it—it’s personal and subjective, based on my personal expectations and experiences.

One of the places mentioned in the article is Paris. We’ve all been fed images of Paris just by living and breathing—from movies, books, and friends who have visited—which can make the real thing … Read more »

If you’re looking for something to give to your fellow traveler this holiday season, I have a suggestion for you: Rory MacLean’s excellent book on the mystery and tragedy of Burma, Under the Dragon.

It’s come to the point where travel narratives are a dime a dozen and, let’s face it, most of them stick to the tried-and-true formula of wacky-humorous-adventure stories told with witty, … Read more »

As people interested in travel, we are obviously interested in the world around us, and I’m sure that all of us have thought about how we can make a difference. Any teeny weeny difference. There are many initiatives you can take part in, but if you want something effortless to kick-start your “making a difference” motivation, have a look at the Passports With Purpose program.

This is unique (and definitely a first) because it … Read more »

Sometimes it’s nice to get REALLY off the beaten track.

Socotra Island, Yemen: This place is the strangest looking place on earth, pretty much.  The location of dragon’s blood trees among other endemic landscaping (meaning it only exists there), Socotra is off the coast of Yemen and reachable by plane from Sana’a or Aden. Bhutan: This tiny country between India and Nepal is essentially closed to all but the very wealthy; it … Read more »

It’s once again winter holiday season, which means it’s time to tout my books as stocking stuffers for the travel lovers on your Christmas list. My latest book, Marco Polo Didn’t Go There, is not just an entertaining and engrossing read for the armchair traveler; its “commentary track” makes it an offbeat travel-writing textbook for students and fans of the genre.

And of course a copy of Vagabonding makes a great holiday gift … Read more »

At this time of year, what you’re focused on depends quite a bit on what kind of person you are. Did you map out a Black Friday shopping route or spend Thanksgiving day camped out in front of the local electronics store? No? You’ll forgive me if I’m not shocked to hear that. The fact is that for many long-term travelers, the consumerism that seems to take over this time of year is a little … Read more »