Pick Your Backpacking Path and Get Moving!

Cape Foulwind, New Zealand

I love lists. I love to see things put in some kind of order so that I can check them off, one at a time, getting a sense of accomplishment with each little tick mark.

I also love to get travel advice from people who have been there and done that, so when Lonely Planet puts a list together for me, I pay attention.

Today I’m reading about their Essential Backpacker Trails. I’m happy to say that I’ve done three of the 10 on their list (#2, 4 and 6), and have plans to do at least one more in the next year (8).

I’m also thankful for the ideas they put in my head. I haven’t thought much about the Trans-Siberian Railway before, but now it’s something I’ll consider for a future adventure.

Even when you know where-ish you want to go sometimes (Paris, Cape Town, Sydney), you still have to answer the question, “But then where?” Being able to put together a route like this is a big help.

What cities have you put together to create your own travel trail?

Could Your Travel Video Be Worth $500?

Maybe. That’s up to Lonely Planet. They’ve launched a LonelyPlanet.TV and are looking for contributors. If your video makes the cut (what a terrible editing pun), you could win $500.

Learn more at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/youtube/ and have a look at where other travelers have been. You might just discover a new destination to add to your travel wish list.

Another Chance to Travel Free from Lonely Planet

Are you a fabulously entertaining writer? Do you dream of making your living by traveling from city to city, continent to continent, recording your many thoughtful or comic observations?

Start your travel writing career with a bang by entering Lonely Planet’s Bluelist competition (and hopefully winning it). You have until 3pm AEST on 18 January 2008 to submit your best travel list and impress the judges. Think about what knowledge you want to share with other travelers, and get to writing!

Work & Play Contest: Head to the Northern Territory

Lonely Planet has a new contest for a trip to Australia’s Top End, and all you have to do is watch a few videos. If you don’t win, you still get to enjoy the mini-movies, and if you do, it would be a great way to turn your Aussie surf camp experience into a full-blown tour of Down Under; because as the locals will likely tell you, you haven’t seen Australia until you’ve seen the red dirt.

Get the contest details here.