If you think I post a lot of travel news and links, wait till you read Mike’s Vagabondish blog. He shares my fascination with odd/funny/weird/interesting travel news.

There’s that post about a plane getting hit by lightning and the pilot who taped his scalp back on after surving a plane crash. He also shares interesting links, like this one site that shows real time world statistics (it’s mind boggling, I tell you), and a site that shows how the world would look like without man.

He also shares great travel tips, specially for backpackers who are planning for their round the world trip. There’s his entry about fighting malaria without medication, and a link to GoBudgetTravel’s Budget Travel Costs of 94 Cities around the World. A great resource for everyone who’s planning a trip anytime soon.
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Because otherwise, you might not be able to take home your precious “souvenir.”

CAIRO, Egypt – Security officers at Cairo airport were horrified when the search of a Saudi passenger’s carry-on luggage revealed a mass of live snakes, baby crocodiles and chameleons, police said.

Police became suspicious of the 22-year-old man’s pair of carry-on bags when the X-ray machine at the departure gate gave odd readings. They opened the bags and found a large number of reptiles, including at least one cobra, squirming to escape.

Source: MSNBC.com

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American Airlines is set to be the first US carrier to offer Internet access onboard their domesic flights.

Beginning in 2008, American will test the service on its 767-200 aircraft, which chiefly fly transcontinental routes, AirCell said.

AirCell Chief Executive Jack Blumenstein told Reuters that the equipment costs about $100,000 per plane and that airlines can offer the service for about $10 per flight.

Source: CNN.com

Hmmm, I wonder when Philippine carriers will have a similar service? (Not that I need it — if anything, I need to spend more time away from the computer)

5 Island Nations You’ve Never Heard Of

Nothing says “escape” quite like an island in the middle of a vast ocean. Below are five island paradises you’ve probably never heard of, and whose inhabitants probably prefer it that way. With a little ingenuity you can find these places. But once you do, keep it to yourself.

Source: Fodor.com

Do I get a prize if I know 2 out of five? I know about Niue; I would be crazy not to! My host, as well as my former domain, fork.nu is using Niue’s Internet country code. What a way to know about an island nation, right?

I know about Dominica from Globe Trekker/Pilot Guides Eastern Caribbean episode with Justine Shapiro. That and I’m maintaining this Caribbean travel blog.
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