tripcrazed's Tripcrazed

Kamaole Sands in Maui, Hawaii

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:49:00 GMT

Our new condo was located in the Kamaole Sands Resort. It is, in fact, very much resort-like, with lavish grounds, a sparkling pool, not one but TWO hot tubs (one is reserved for those over age 18), and abundant picnic areas with gas grills. It is located directly across the street from the Kamaole III beach, known to locals as Kam3. More Here...

Summer Ideas for Geeks: The Official Star Trek Convention and More

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:02:00 GMT

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A lot of my friends are, I guess, what you could consider geeks. They aren't the kind of math whizzes with their glasses taped together, but they are the kind who obsess over new video game releases and movies like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. If you consider yourself a geek in any way, then I may have found just the thing for you this summer. More Here...

St Christopher’s Inns Launch World’s First Live Dorm Cam

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:46:00 GMT

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St Christopher's Inns have installed a live webcam in the 14 bed dormitory of their London Bridge hostel – The Village.

The live feed is available at http://www.stchristopherslive.com and is the first project of this kind, in the world.

Murray Roberts from St Christopher's said: “There's nothing out there like this and in the test runs so far, our travelers are loving it." More Here...

Should Women Travel Solo?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:43:00 GMT

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Traveling solo can be fun, but if you’re a woman, chances are you may have been warned against taking excursions on your own. Traveling off the beaten path by walking unfamiliar streets by yourself, talking to strangers and hitchhiking can seem adventurous and exciting; but can a woman do these things and still stay safe? More Here...

Where Would You Rather Vacation Over Summer?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:08:00 GMT

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What would you rather do over your summer vacation: relax in the woods by a lake or spend time visiting all of the tourist sites around Europe? More Here...

My Pilgrimage to Hat Yai, Thailand

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:32:00 GMT

With my laptop fixed, I'm finally able to share about my recent trip, something that I should have done three months ago, before my hard disc crashed on me.

I was away on a pilgrimage trip to Hat Yai, Thailand where I took a bumpy coach ride departing from the Golden Mile Complex and crossed the Thai border via Malaysia. It took a staggering 16 hours of traveling and going through four customs (exit SIN > enter MAS > exit MAS > enter THAI) before reaching Hat Yai. After alighting from the coach, I had to transfer to a mini van where I was further driven away from civilization.

The temple that I was heading for, was hidden away at a remote part of Hat Yai, surrounded by nothing but mountains and forest.

Life at the temple was laid-back yet mundane at the same time. More Here...

China and Other Travels I Envy

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:09:00 GMT

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While China made headlines in America, my friends, Ellen, Katie, and Laura Leigh, made some smaller headlines in China with the Spivey Hall Tour Choir.

Ellen told us stories today about the haggling made in markets full of designer clothing and accessories, the food with the animal heads still on the plates, the temples that Disney's Mulan did not distort, and the Great Wall with its many stairs. It all sounded dramatic and fun.

Envy may be one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but I am definitely feeling envious of her recent travels. More Here...

Five Simple Travel Tips for Any Backpacker

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:59:00 GMT

post by Teresa of artofbackpacking

Whether this is your first trip around the world or you’re an expect at navigating countries; everyone always says their goodbyes with tips on your grand voyage. Your mother will shout “Don’t spend your money all in one place”, while your best friend will tell you to “Get massively trashed in Amsterdam!” Here are five simple things every traveler should know.

1. Be aware of your personal belongings

I know most backpackers don’t have a lot to begin with when they are traveling, but what you do have is valuable. Maybe you have a photo album from back home that means everything to you. Your lucky pair of socks or your trusted digital camera are essentials you brought on your trip. Keep your belongings close to you at all times. When you’re traveling during the day, make sure you have everything you need and stay aware of any strange people that might look suspicious.

If you’re leaving something at your hostel, make sure it is properly locked and secured. Also, when traveling between countries, be aware of overnight thieves. Hold your backpack to your chest like a pillow to avoid placing it in the overhead compartment where you might doze off and lose your stuff! Keep your eyes peeled! More Here...

Protection and Good Luck for Taxi Drivers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:31:00 GMT

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Continuing on the theme of Thai taxis, almost all taxis here in Krungthep (and pretty much everywhere else in the kingdom, I'd suppose) are given special protection for their drivers and occupants through a variety of means.

A monk will bless a new taxi, chanting, sprinkling it with holy water, and often marking the ceiling over the front windscreen with various designs and Sanskrit words that are meant to ward off evil, bad luck, and accidents.

As an extra layer of protection, drivers will decorate dashboards with various good luck charms. More Here...

At Home in Traverse City

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:49:00 GMT

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If I don't stop YouTubing videos like this, I'll end up hopping a bus all the way to a Glen Lake beach in Traverse City, Michigan.

Actually, that doesn't sound too bad, with the song stuck in my head. Sneaking away, to sleep under the stars on the white-sand beaches in the cherry capital of the world, the one city that feels more like home than the one I live in. I know I'll live there one day. I'm even changing my life goals from Renton, Washington, to Traverse City, Michigan, I think.

It's a place I've gone to almost every summer since I was born. It's a place I have vivid memories of. More Here...