article via partner site Divine Caroline by Emily Goligoski
When the Australian university I was studying abroad at announced a two-week fall break, three expat friends and I rushed to plan a road trip up the east coast of Oz. Before we departed, we fantasized about Sydney nightlife and tested how many bathing suits we could fit in our backpacks. While the trip did include great nights out and beautiful scuba diving, the day-to-day enjoyment was disrupted by disagreements about who paid for what, who had to drive on the “other side” of the road, and trips to hospitals with one of our companions, the extent of whose alcoholism was unknown to the rest of us. Had we had more discussions about splitting responsibilities and what we each wanted to get out of the trip, more of us might still be in touch now.
Clearly, there are more than a few headaches that can arise from going to new places with good friends, but they can usually be nipped in the bud or downplayed with a few honest discussions and planning.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Exclusive Access to New Zealand’s Wildlife and Culture and the Chance to Make a Difference
Fiordland Crested Penguin, South Island, New ZealandTerra Incognita Ecotours, an adventure travel company that specializes in wildlife-focused ecotours that give travelers the chance to “make a difference” while vacationing is offering a new ecotour of New Zealand for 2010. This unique adventure takes visitors to both the North and South Islands of New Zealand for an up-close and personal exploration of the incredible wildlife, scenery, and culture of the region.
Travelers will experience things like newly-hatched penguins, the flightless kiwi, keas and kakapo, spectacular marine life, Maori culture, high altitude sheep farming, majestic fjords, seals, dolphins, rainforest, glaciers, and so much more. Travelers also have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the local community as Terra Incognita Ecotours donates part of the booking fee to the Tiritiri Matangi Conservation Project, a program that involves protecting indigenous plants and animals on a small island off the coast of New Zealand.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
As part of the lead up to this years International Apeture Awards competition Head Judge Peter Eastway (Editor of Better Photography Magazine) has put together some advice on entering and succeeding in photography competitions.
HOW TO WIN PHOTO COMPETITIONS | 
Santa Maria dei Miracoli. This image has won awards around the world.The trick to winning a photography competition is to impress the judges. How you do that is a little more complicated, but start by imagining you are one of the judges.
Think about it. You’re presented with hundreds or maybe thousands of photographs. Each image is precious and important to its photographer, but unlike the photographer, you as the judge don’t have the same emotional attachment.
Many people enter photographs of their children or loved ones, thinking they are the best images in the world. And they are. They are the best images for that person because there is a three way association between the subject, the photographer and the photograph.
However, for a judge who doesn’t know either the subject or the photographer, that association is lost. All the judge can deal with is the image, not the personal associations.
Successful photographs will create an association with the viewer. That association is created by choosing interesting or appealing subject matter, by capturing that subject matter with beautiful lighting or in an exotic location, by choosing an unusual camera angle, etc. Successful photographs are usually different from what we are used to seeing.
www.InternationalApertureAwards.com/
Entries Open 1st October - 30th November 2009
Peter Eastway; www.betterphotography.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Baobab Expeditions Offers Eco-Friendly Skiing at the Whitepod Resort in Switzerland
Baobab Expeditions, the company that turns travelers into explorers, is offering a great adventure ski trip combined with sustainable tourism at the Whitepod Resort in the Swiss Alps, where a unique concept to limit the impact of ski-vacationers on nature is in full force. 
Fifteen luxury pods (domed tents) are pitched on wooden platforms in an altitude of over 5,000 feet, next to seven km of challenging ski slopes for the exclusive use of Whitepod guests. The pods are naturally insulated to retain heat. In addition, each has its own wood burning stove along with organic luxury bedding on king size beds and en-suite bathroom. Easy chairs are set in front of porthole-style windows to capture spectacular views of the Alps which may also be enjoyed from the pod’s terrace. Everything has been carefully thought out to create a luxurious and comfortable environment while protecting the pristine mountains.
Using pods minimizes daily water and electricity consumption; reduces waste production; favors the use of renewable resources and increases awareness of environment preservation.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
TAKE STRESS OUT OF THE HOLIDAYS AND LET FAIRMONT DO THE PLANNING FOR YOU
Does the mad rush of holiday shopping, baking and party-planning leave you without any time to enjoy the season? Forgo the lights, decorations and in-laws this year, and let Fairmont take the lead with its collection of stress-free holiday offerings. Whether you’re seeking a beach vacation free from ice and snow, or an enchanted winter getaway at a picturesque Château, Fairmont offers guests a stree-free opportunity to gather loved ones and enjoy a cup of cheer with these holiday packages and winter getaways:
Holiday Packages at Fairmont:
The Fairmont Washington, D.C.’s Holiday Lights and Breakfast Delights Package is guaranteed to make spirits bright this holiday season. Guests can take-in the festively decorated lobby and courtyard, which is transformed into a crystal garden, filled with thousands of tiny white lights, shimmering holiday trees and animated reindeer. Next to the garden is a 20-foot holiday tree and gingerbread village created by the hotel’s executive pasty chef. Outside of the hotel, families can delight in the Downtown Holiday Market, ice-skating, the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah on the White House Ellipse and much more. Offer includes nightly accommodation and continental breakfast for two. Available from November 20, 2009 to January 11, 2010, rates start from $142 USD per night.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
a guest blog by Marti Mayne
This year Halloween is on a Saturday, making it the perfect time to escape the costumed marauders and enjoy a hauntingly good time in Massachusetts. Leave a bowl of candy with a note suggesting one per person (yeah, right!) and escape for a great weekend at a bootiful B&B — or should we say “dead and breakfast” nearby.
Penny House Inn and Day Spa, Eastham, MA: There are some parts of this restored home that innkeepers won’t enter after 10 pm. Haunted? You decide. According to the innkeepers, the spirits here are friendly, yet mischievous. Through October 31, take $50 off already low rates starting at $185 nightly for Queen, Deluxe Queen and Whirlpool King rooms when you book online. Check the availability calendar, then when you book online, $50 will automatically be deducted. Ghost sightings are included!
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".