The Internet-Saavy Traveler

The Internet has done marvelous things for do-it-yourself travelers: airline ticket comparisons, discount hotel rates, everyman reviews, and of course, the option to book everything yourself. But when you choose the former, sometimes things can get a little messy. Travel agents are used to tracking four-leg flights and dozens of hotel confirmation numbers, but the rest of us? Not so much. Fortunately, I stumbled across TripIt the other day.

TripIt helps you put all those confirmation e-mails into a streamlined master itinerary. You can enter the information yourself or forward all your confirmations to plans@tripit.com, where the "Itinerator" will do the rest. For the iPhone obsessed, there's even an application that lets you access your itinerary or share it with friends. Along with a master itinerary, TripIt presents useful information like weather forecasts, maps, directions and city guides.

Though it launched back in September 2007, TripIt's been gaining considerable momentum lately with mentions in The New York Times, Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal. (Not to mention this blog.) With any luck, that attention will result in even more features to explore and enjoy.

Cheap Thrill: Camping

Keep an eye out for "Cheap Thrill" posts with suggestions for inexpensive traveling. First up: Camping.

Camping* is a great way to see beautiful places for a fraction of what you'd pay in a hotel. A site generally runs about $25/night, which just leaves the cost of travel and food, both of which you can keep as inexpensive as you like.

Chances are, at least one person you know has all the gear you'll need. (Check with current and former Scouts first.) If that doesn't work out, you can buy your tent and sleeping bags for about $100. That's less than one night in a hotel, and it will all last you indefinitely. (Target has a great selection of inexpensive tents, sleeping bags and other equipment from big-name brands like Eddie Bauer and Coleman.)

Your campsite makes a great home base for nearby sight-seeing. Beach bunny? Check around for sites within a short drive to the beach. Prefer a city vibe? Same deal. You'll get the vacation experience you want without having to worry about you'll afford the hotel.

*Hating bugs is irrelevant. No one likes them — and besides, there are citronella candles and bug spray if you're really freaked out.

Introduction

One of my earliest travel memories involves a well-worn jump rope. My parents and I were on our way to Cape Cod, Mass.  —  about six or seven hours from our home in central New Jersey. I was eight at the time, and had the energy supply most eight year olds do: infinite. My parents suggested I bring along my jump rope and, at each rest stop we visited, use it to burn off some of my excess energy. I did a lot of new things on that trip, but the one I remember most clearly is jumping rope next to 18-wheelers.

Since that trip, I've traveled all over the country and the globe  —  from Canada to the Caribbean, San Diego to Spain, Delaware to the Dominican Republic. This blog will offer advice on can't-miss destinations and the latest trends in travel and products, along with stories and suggestions from my own experiences. 

And just in case you were wondering, I don't bring my jumprope along anymore when I travel. But I'm sure some of my co-travelers wish I did.