If Your Compass Could Talk…

If  you’re on the road traveling you certainly have picked up a good book or two. Long bus rides, flights and just waiting around. Certainly when you’re trying to kill down time in a hostel as well. Here are some of our favorite books perfect for the travel-weary soul.

Shantaram – All the best of intrigure, prison escapes and a world of travel in this true autobiography by Gregory David Roberts. Convicted felon turned author. Get past the first 100 pages and you won’t put it down.

Life of Pi – This book is all about a journey. Great for any trip.

Anything John Krakauer –  As if it wasn’t obvious Into Thin Air would be on our list. Krakauer is a great writer and you’re sure to go on an exciting journey with his books.

Paulo Cohelo – Anything by our favorite Braizlian writer will open your eyes to different worlds. Anything of his is an excellent choice.

Let us know what your favorite travel books are and we’ll throw it on our official list!

You may be commenting on how lovely this building is. And yes, it is lovely isn’t it? It’s a bank in Buenos Aires, sharing the same plaza as the President’s House. Common place for protests and a million economic headaches I’m sure. But this post isn’t about that.

Right now, as if travel weren’t already cheaper than ever (our current economic lull means great travel deals for backpackers) but the peso is falling sharply in contrast to the dollar and the euro. This means blissful exchange rates on the upwards of 3.7:1, nearing rates you would have seen in 2002 during the crisis. This of course means inflation is rising and additionally ‘big trouble’ is looming for this struggling economy but, if there is a silver lining, it’s that travel is cheap and you can take that…right to the bank.

it would ask you what you think about Bocas del Toro, in Panama.

We were recently there traveling and have to admit, that although the scenery is gorgeous and the islands pristine we couldn’t help but feel that the local culture has been completely smothered by mass tourism. And okay, okay, I know we’re on a rant about mass tourism these days but we’re wondering if anyone else has been there and felt the same. We were so looking forward to chatting in Spanish and found ourselves hearing and speaking waaaaay too much English. Are there anymore truly unique destination vacations left?

Thoughts?

Machu Picchu is just amazingly incredible. This archaic footprint left by the Incans centuries ago is a favorite among tourists. The problem is, with so much mass tourism to the area Machu Picchu is in danger of turning to ruin. Geologists investigating the area are confident that if Peru doesn’t take protective action, Machu Picchu won’t be around for future generations. Which means, if you’re seeing it now, you’re both lucky and you may be amongst the last travelers to see the relic.  Be sure to be careful and respectful while you’re there! Sustainable and Responsible tourism is important in maintaining the world’s incredible sights and in improving the mismanagement of places such as Machu Picchu. Just something to keep in mind when you travel.

Aguas Calientes is the town you stay in while visiting Machu Picchu and I absolutely have to give a shout out to Pirwa Hostel, an amazing place I stayed at while visiting. If you’re in the area – check it out!

Enjoy!

If you want to educate yourself about this incredible Latin Ameircan Holiday. Check it out!

5 de Mayo is tomorrow and Buenos Aires is gearing up. Check back for some great outing ideas (like the CBC party in Palermo and Kika parties) to celebrate. Above is the plaza de Mayo in el Centro. Beautiful fountains and views of the pink President’s house.

… is Punta del diablo, uruguay. This charming little village town is just so precious to us. If you love the real backpacking feel, no real roads or cars, lounging on the beach and just getting away this place is for you. I would highly recommend staying at the new hostel there, Diablo Tranquilo. It is certainly tranquilo and we love it for that. Not too late to grab some good weather too!

Well it seems in the midst of this traveling scare, Argentina has closed its doors to any travelers coming from Mexico. Although it has no confirmed cases of swine flu, it has stopped travel to the region completely. While the WHO has repeatedly stated that this will do little to no good in stopping the spread of the virus, some countries are taking extreme action.

Okay, we promise this is the last time we’ll mention swine flu. But its our beloved Argentina and its the hottest thing in the news!

As swine flu continues to rear its ugly snout, public health warnings have been released about travel to certain regions like Mexico and the United States. Read this cnn article for more details.