Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“Solo Travel To Paris and Beyond” From Weekend in Paris

Submitted by Priscilla

Priscilla shares some of her strategies and tips for having a successful solo trip to Paris. From cooking classes to tours, many of her tips for conquering Paris all alone can be applied to other cities.

“Adventures in a Zulu Village, South Africa” From Monkeys and Mountains

Submitted by Laurel

Laurel spends some time in a Zulu village in South Africa, led around by a local guide. As the village prepares to get electricity, Laurel provides an insightful look at how the societal values from one place to the next can greatly differ.

“The Hippie Epicenter” From California Notebook

Submitted by Barbara

Barbara joins the Flower Power Hippie Tour in San Francisco. Not your average tour in the city by the Bay, she roams Haight & Ashbury all while a hippie guide name Izu tells of the city throughout its flower power days.

“How One Interview in Palestine Changed The Way I Travel Forever” From Heather’s Harmony

Submitted by Heather

On a research trip throughout Palestine and the West Bank, Heather uncovers the powerful story of Ben, a Palestinian shot by an Israeli soldier and left paralyzed. As she interviews Ben and his family, she finds a group of people curious about the life she leads.

“The City in a Palace: Carried Away by Split, Croatia” From Seek New Travel

Submitted by Kit

Kit slips and slides all over Split, Croatia thanks to the help of ancient stones adorning the flooring of the city. Being a city inside an ancient Roman palace, Kit provides enough reason through her photographs and words to head to the Croatian city, bumps and bruises and all.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“The Sacred Rituals of Besakih ~ And the Gods came down to Bali…A photo essay” From Balifornian Tours

Submitted by Michael

Michael gets the chance to partake in Ida Batara Turun Kabeh while in Bali, one of the holiest rituals in the Balinese Hindu calendar. The event centers around the idea that the Gods come down to earth for the day and take up residence at the six holiest temples on Bali.

“No, Not Everyone Can Travel – A Bubble Burster” From Someday I’ll Be There

Submitted by Mina

For the second week in a row, I was impressed by Mina’s words about travel, money and nationality. Mina explains how articles telling him he can travel for just $23 fail to grasp the perspective of someone living in a country outside of Europe or the U.S. He presents a refreshing perspective from an Egyptian trying to travel, jumping through hoops for visas and permits to stay just for 6 days.

“The Peruvian Amazon-Day 4 Photo Gallery” From Green Global Travel

Submitted by Bret

Bret takes us on an Amazon River cruise, deep into Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. From bird watching to monkey spotting, Bret even gets the chance to swim in the Amazon, a once in a lifetime experience indeed.

“Video: Swimming with Butanding Whale Shark in Donsol, Philippines” From Married 2 Travel

Submitted by Sheila

Sheila swims in whale sharks in the Philippines, along with many travelers. While she enjoys the experience, she also presents an interesting perspective on when tourism goes too far and endangers the creature so many want to see.

“Life Lessons in Armenia” From Katie Going Global

Submitted by Katie

After seven months on the road, Katie experiences something she hasn’t before, that overwhelming sadness to leave a place behind. As she leaves Armenia for Georgia, she reflects on not just how wonderful everything about Armenia was for her, but rather what she learned from her time there. It is a good reminder that sometimes we are sad to see a place go for what it gave us.

Don’t forget to leave you submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“Wild West Coast Adventure with SANParks” From Rory in South Africa

Submitted by Rory

Rory explores West Coast National Park, 120 kilometers outside of Cape Town. From views of Table Mountain, sunsets of dreams to unique cuisine, Rory provides a nice weekend view into life in the park.

“One Day in Galway” From Expat Edna

Submitted by Edna

Edna encourages those on a trip to Ireland to not overlook Galway on their itinerary. She provides a nice outline of things to see, do, eat and drink while in the Western Irish city, from pubs to street performances. 

“The Definitive Guide to Pizza Margherita” From Tour Absurd

Submitted by Katrina

Katrina provides the not-so pizza educated with a very detailed post on Italy’s most well-known pizza, Pizza Margherita. From how it’s made to what makes it a Pizza Margherita, Katrina’s insight into this key dish in Italy is a must read for anyone headed to or dreaming of Italy.

“The Maasai and The Honey Badger” From Maiden Voyage

Submitted by Emily

In this guest post on Maiden Voyage, Walker details his experience with tourism and tribal Africa in a Maasai village. His insightful experience of visiting a tribe at a price makes a comment on the westernization of Tanzania.

“Siwa Oasis Photo Essay” From Someday I’ll Be There

Submitted by Mina

Closing out the week, Mina takes us to the sands of the Siwa Oasis in this photo essay. From the changing colors on the sands at sunset to the history lurking below of ancient burial sites, Mina provides enough travel inspiration to want to get up and go explore Siwa for yourself.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“Living in Italy: Monique from Bringing Travel Home” From This is My Happiness

Submitted by Jenna

Jenna interviews former Italy expat Monique from Bringing Travel Home. And while we all know I can’t resist articles about living in Italy, I found the interview to be very insightful as Monique separates the difference in being a visitor to a country and a resident.

“Tsunami 2012: I Thought I Was Going To Die” From Never Ending Footsteps

Submitted by Lauren

Lauren experiences what might be every traveler’s worst nightmare, being right in the line of a pending tsunami in Phuket. Between the not knowing the gravity of the waves and the lack of high ground in the area, you can sense Lauren’s heartbreaking fear. Don’t worry. This story has a happy ending.

“Walking Through The Land of the Giants” From The World is a Book

Submitted by Mary

Mary details the beauty, mystery and enormity of the monarch sequoias trees found in central California. On a visit to the groves at Yosemite National Park, King’s Canyon and Sequoia, Mary marvels at these natural giants, thought to be the largest trees on earth.

“Love Letter To California” From Not in the Pink

Submitted by Ceri

Ceri expresses her love for California, a place that took ahold of her in a very short amount of time. It is always inspiring to me to see someone fall in love with a specific location and exude that passion for the place. She details some of her favorite moments with California, a state unlike any other in the U.S.

“I Hate Cruises” From Leah Travels

Submitted by Leah

While the cruisers of the world might object to Leah’s opinions on cruises, she outlines a few of the reasons why cruises make her skin crawl. What I admire about this piece is that Leah didn’t list out why she hates cruises without ever going on one. After experiencing a few cruises in her life, you won’t find this traveler enjoying the buffets and pushy passengers.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please leave a link to your submission in the comment box below. It can be from your own travel site or another’s site. I can’t guarantee I will see submissions left on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your submission must be travel related. Please only submit one post per person each week. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. I will get busy promoting your articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission for this week made my five favorites.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“The NYC Psych Ward, Or My Manhattan Hostel” From That Backpacker

Submitted by Audrey

Audrey finds a cast of characters in her Manhattan hostel room. She looks at some of these strange bunkmates, all while pointing out how unforgettable those nights are with some of the strangest people to walk through the door. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel or shared an overnight train car with a group of oddballs can relate to this piece.

“Is Space Tourism The 8^th Continent?” From Welcome 2 Someday

Submitted by Hilary

After a meaningful exchange with an astronaut at a young age, Hilary develops an interest in examining the possibility of space tourism. Those who brag of hitting up all of the continents on earth might want to take a look at Hilary’s findings on space tourism and its future.

“7 Super Shots—India Edition” From GQ Trippin

Submitted by Kieu

The duo at GQ Trippin present some classic shots of India, those the imagination always tends to create even for those who haven’t visited. From the perfect center shot of the Taj Mahal to the man in front of temple clad bright colors, I found their super shots of India to place me right in the country’s imagination.

“Brisbane; The Good, The Bad and The Breakdown” From Pack Your Passport

Submitted by Beverley

Beverley arrives to Brisbane with hopes of loving the city and plans to stay for some time. However after a few days, her feelings for Brisbane are not of the positive and perky variety. While she finds several redeeming qualities, Beverley decides to cut her losses and move on. I admire any traveler than can go on feeling. When a place isn’t right for you, there is no sense is staying.

“The Horses of Iceland” From A Dangerous Business

Submitted by Amanda

Amanda takes a ride on some of the shaggiest horses in Iceland. Direct descendants of horses the Vikings brought to the country, Amanda finds the animals to be incredible gentle and unique. Having a rough week? One look as these Icelandic horses should turn it around.

Don’t forget to leave your submission for this week in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“You Don’t Choose A Life, You Live One” From A Girl With Gumpton

Submitted by Melanie

After the Peace Corps, Melanie returns home to the USA, choosing to settle into to a settled life with an apartment, 9 to 5 job and all that goes with the two. What she discovers is that this step is not necessary for her to live the life she wants, a life a travel.

“The TSA Strikes Again” From The Epic Adventurer

Submitted by Julia

Julia recounts all of the troublesome reports about the TSA in the United States. She complies several links to news articles in case you have missed some of the injustices of the TSA. Travelers going through airport security might want to think twice about just allowing such an agency to take civil liberties, and in the process put a damper on traveling in the US.

“Old Copán—Copán Archaeological Site, Honduras” From Trans-Americas Journey

Submitted by Eric

Trans-Americas Journey share their experience of visiting the Copán Archaeological Site in Honduras. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of hieroglyphic stairs, secret tunnels and loads of history. The post breaks down the price of each attraction at Copán, weighing if each and every ticket entry is worth the price.

“That Time We Tried To Make Sense of Russia” From Ready Set Jet

Submitted by Gillian

Gillian tries to make sense of Russia, at 2AM no less. She tackles its many superlatives, the country’s bests and worsts. She battles with the images of the country she created in her mind before seeing the very sights for herself.

“Meteora, Greece: A Hard Act To Follow…” From The.Most.Alive

Submitted by Ash

Ash provides us with some eye candy and a want to head off to Northern Greece. He explores an area known as Meteora, the Suspended Rocks. The landscape of large sandstone rock formations litters with six monasteries. Ash spends some time hiking around these rock monsters, lending enough inspiration to get up and go do yourself.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“5 Aspects of Montreal I Love” From Sam’s Playground

Submitted by Sam

Sam details five captivating aspects to life in Montreal. From four seasons to summer festivals, he provides some compelling reasons to head up to the distinctive city and a few of his favorite things about Montreal.

“Packing For Paris” From All Things Paris

Submitted by Erin

Erin shares her tips of what to pack for Paris in the spring. While I can’t resist a good packing post, I appreciated how Erin incorporated fitting into Paris and not standing out as a tourist. Also her packing guide can be applied to most places in Europe.

“Family Kayaking in Southern France” From Raising Curiosity

Submitted by Julie

Julie and her family take to the waters below Pont-du-Gard in southern France. She presents a fine family activity or anyone activity to seeing the area’s Roman remains. Julie also lends practical information for spending the day kayaking in this part of the world.

“Train Madness: The Never Ending Voyage to Montreal” From L’appel du Vide

Submitted by Liz

Liz details one of the longest train delays from Montreal to Washington D.C., some 12 hours. From lack of communication about the problem to the hours of people watching on the train, Liz tells her travel delay horror story, one we all can relate to on our travels when something goes wrong.

“The Glory of Xiaolongbao” From Flip Flop Caravan

Submitted by Kelly

Kelly samples a distinctive taste of Shanghai, Xiaolongbao. The form of dim sum hailing from the city over a century ago has become every traveler’s first taste of the city. Kelly explains how these envelopes of dough are made and how to avoid disaster when eating them.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please leave a link to your submission in the comment box below. I can’t guarantee I will see submissions left on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your submission must be travel related. Please only submit one post per person each week. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. I will get busy promoting your articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission for this week made my five favorites.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“Candi Prambanan (Hindu Temple), Yogyakarta, Indonesia” From Strange Lands

Submitted by Jimmy

Strange Lands venture to Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. With a lack of tourists and emotions flooding about this sacred space, the couple captures the beauty of the temple just as the sun starts to set.

“In the Footsteps of Moses” From Travels With A Nine Year Old

Submitted by Theodora

Theodora makes her way up Mount Sinai, seeing the supposed place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Right on the base of the mountain, she takes several remarkable shots of St. Catherine’s Coptic Monastery and even stumbles upon the burning bush.

“A St. Patrick’s Day Tour Around Ireland” From A Crafty Traveler

Submitted by Amanda

After traveling extensively around Ireland, Amanda shares some of here favorite spots in the country. From the Rock of Cashel to Achill Island, having traveled around Ireland extensively myself, I found her list not just good for Ireland trip planning but also extremely accurate in terms of where you should stop in the country.

“Why Traveling The World NOW Is A Must” From Landing Standing

Submitted by Meg

Tony of Landing Standing provides a very inspiration story about why you should never wait to travel. He opens up about his kidney disease and the uncertainties facing him in life. He chooses to travel now, lending those on the fence about travel the push they need out the door.

“A Castle in the Deep South—The Old Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana” From Travel Rinse Repeat

Submitted by John

While Mark Twain might have called in the ugliest building on the Mississippi, John finds the beauty of the Old Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Under the guise of a castle, he steps in to find an explosion of color.

Don’t forget to leave your submission for this week in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please only submit one post per person each week. Your submission must be travel related. Please leave a link to your post in the comment box below rather than sending it to me on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. Anything left past Friday will be carried over into next week’s submissions. I will get busy promoting the articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission made my five favorites of the week.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

 “Travel Surprise: Living Behind Bars” From Native Foreigner

Submitted by Lindsay

Lindsay tackles culture shock in Costa Rica when she finds most people live behind the security of bars. After living with a host family and several apartments behind bars, she recognizes a small cultural difference that has her appreciating the bubble back home.

“Travel Accident: $23 Cup of Coffee” From Lash World Tour

Submitted by Lash

Lash takes a sip of Kopi Luwak coffee in Penang, supposedly the best in the world. As she learns the strange process behind the coffee and downs her little sample, she is in for a surprise. That little sample cost $23.

“World Heritage Wonder: Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil” From 3^rd Culture Children

Submitted by Raquel

Raquel shares shots of Fernando de Noronha, a surreal archipelago that has captured the imaginations of travelers throughout time. From cobblestone streets and churches to landscapes you could just jump into, her photographs provide more than enough inspiration to get up and go here, now.

“The Greatest “Only in Vegas” Story Every Told” From Over Traveled

Submitted by Amanda

If you have ever spent time reading the terrible reviews of hotels on Trip Advisor, Amanda’s story might top them all. Imagine walking into your Vegas hotel room to find a man passed out either drunk or on some sort of substance in your bed. Amanda relays her story and just how her hotel reacted to such a security breach.

“4 Things I Wish I’d Packed On My Trip To Europe” From Delphia Ann

Submitted by Delphia

Delphia provides some great packing advice for Europe, items she wished she had brought on a recent trip. From a coin purse to a hair dryer, her items are good reminders for anyone going to Europe that might forget the little things.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.

Just a few things to keep in mind, please leave a link to your submission in the comment box below. I can’t guarantee I will see submissions left on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your submission must be travel related. Please only submit one post per person each week. You have until the end of the day on Friday to leave your submission. I will get busy promoting your articles by the end of the day on Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my stumbles on Stumbleupon and “like” me on Facebook to make sure I give your post the attention it deserves. Check back here next Monday to see if your submission for this week made my five favorites.

The 5 Favorites of Last Week

“That Time We Built Castles in Barcelona” From Ready. Set. Jet.

Submitted by Gillian

In a beautifully written piece, Gillian explains the powers of Barcelona, its ways of taking the traveler for a time. She also quarrels with not being able to keep the city with her. She isn’t rejected by the people, but rather the city itself. Gillian confronts feelings of adequacy of becoming part of Barcelona’s grasp.

“Dealing with bed bugs when travelling” From Finding the Universe

Submitted by Laurence

As much as this read made me itch just out of paranoia, Laurence lends a highly informative piece on dealing with bed bugs when you travel. After working in a hostel that had to combat the bugs, he tells of ways to look out for bed bugs, prevention and extermination when you travel.

“10 Favorite Corners of the Earth” From .My.Beautiful.Air

Submitted by Vivi

For Vivi, travel is in her blood, as seen through her 10 favorite corners of the world. Well traveled and finder of subtle moments of travel inspiration, I appreciated this list not just for ideas on travel, but to branch out on my travels. Another traveler’s favorite corner of world might be a place we never considered but should.

“Singin’ The Blues Trail in Mississippi” From The Gypsy Nester

Submitted by The Gypsy Nesters

The Gypsy Nesters make their way down the Blues Highway, traveling south from Memphis through Mississippi Blues country. From donut towers to shack accommodations lost back in time to rock and blues museums, there isn’t another blue about this tour.

“Why I Don’t Want To Go Around The World” From Don’t Call Me Gringa, Emily in Chile

Submitted by Emily

Emily succinctly sums up why she would not be interested on going on a round the world trip, saving for years to travel for a year non-stop. She breaks down her travel style and in the process, provides readers with another option. You don’t have to be a RTW traveler to travel.

Don’t forget to leave your submission in the comment box below. You have until the end of the day on Friday to submit.