Travel Notes; Rough Guides, iSubwayMaps, Podcasts, iPod.
I spent the majority of this evening scouring all kinds of the sources, both on the web, and… believe it or not in print too! Google Earth was quite helpful in revealing exactly where these places were, and is, as ever a tool that always uncovers new corners to our world. I also found some great resources on both on the iTunes Store as well as a collection of websites including iSubwayMaps which offers downloadable tube maps for the most common underground networks in the world; Including LA, NYC and London. Rough Guides which looks like it can keep a keen traveller occupied for ages, with heaps of content from fellow travellers. It also contains a Mobile section which is aimed at iPod users, featuring a Podcast and iPod formatted magazines (something I am very much a fan of, watch this space gaming community…;)). I just quit listening to a Podcast, speaking to the author of Rough Guides’ First Time Around The World. The author whilst funny mentioned something interesting tips for travellers, which I thought were very smart.
- Whilst travelling on Buses, in a 3rd world or developing country, try and keep to the habit of sitting 6 or 7 rows back from the front, therefore lowering the risk of crash injury, should it occur. This did make me chuckle, especially as it leaves those ‘crash sensitive’ seats to other poor unsuspecting souls.
- The author also mentions positioning yourself in accordance to the sun/destination to try and avoid the sun as best you can, to avoid ‘melting’ to the window. Sneaky tip, but I am not sure I could get my head around all the thinking involved here!
- In cities like NYC, visit tourist info desks to pickup maps, but in doing so ask the staff to circle spots to avoid, both in the day and at night, to avoid risks of muggings and alike.
- Speaking of muggings, keeping possessions like cameras concealed at all times, and do your upmost not to promote the fact you have them. For example, don’t carry a case that says ‘Nikon’ on it, try and find a similar sized one that says ‘Microsoft’ or ‘Goodmans’ and nobody will give you a second look. 
- Trying your best to avoid ‘the beaten track’, the places all travellers seem to hit. This makes particular sense to me, because in visiting this travel hotspots, you’re likely to meet people from your own country, and not get the true taste of the place you’re actually staying in. We can chat with Brits, anytime… 
Some good tips actually.