Subscribe to Outside Magazine
advertisement
Survival Guru

Today's Question
How do you make primitive snowshoes? answer

What should you do if you get lost driving in a snow storm? answer

Eco Adventurer

Today's Question
What is the greenest ski and snowboard on the market? answer

Can I really damage a coral reef with sunscreen while snorkeling? answer

Videos Ask Dave
  • What kind of dog will make me look manlier? answer
  • Is there a sport that safely combines my twin passions for guns and kayaks? answer
  • How come most of the world's cultures enjoy eating goat, but Americans don't? answer

Online Favorites

Special Issues

Photo Galleries

save this page print this page email this page
  • share this page

Outside Magazine, July 2004

Dispatches: Travel
Group Mind Meld
Get the latest on-the-ground travel tips, online

By Anne Sasso


Summer Mountain Resorts | Online Travel Tips

TIMELY LOCAL TRAVEL advice was once as tough to come by as a stiff drink in Salt Lake City. Looking for the new underground club in Tokyo or a drivable road to the coast in Peru's rainy season? You no longer need to hit up other travelers once you've landed, thanks to growing Web-based travel forums. Designed for swapping stories and info, these sites let you tap into the knowledge of thousands of frequent fliers—some logging on from the road—to float plans before making a critical mistake.

VIRTUALTOURIST.COM »
BEST FOR: Leisure vacations » PROFILE: 444,000 users trade thoughts on international getaways » TO USE: Plug keywords into the search engine » CHOICE BETA: Hit the best bed-and-breakfasts along the Tour de France route.

TREKSHARE.COM »
BEST FOR: Exotic adventures » PROFILE: Extended travelogues (some with photos and video) filed by 10,000 bold wanderers TO USE: Skip the sermons and e-mail a member who's been where you want to go—or is still there » CHOICE BETA: Find the most secluded beaches in Fiji.

THORNTREE.LONELYPLANET.COM »
BEST FOR: Essential travel info » PROFILE: 175,000 savvy travelers drill each other with pressing questions » TO USE: Post your specific queries in a regional discussion group » CHOICE BETA: Learn the latest visa requirements for Libya. —ANNE SASSO



Summer Mountain Resorts | Online Travel Tips

 Subscribe to Outside and get a FREE Gift!
 Give the gift of Outside Magazine!
 Subscribe to Outside Online's free weekly e-mail newsletter featuring gear reviews, fitness advice, galleries, podcasts, and more.