Whenever I think of the Timbuk2 I think of custom messenger bags. Actually, the word “bulky” comes to mind. So when I saw they had a Daypack, I became interested. The Undergournd Day Pack is well designed and has easy access flaps and all the custom pockets you could want. You still can’t build your own like with their messenger bags and totes, but in the future I guess they will have that as an option.

This step by step tutorial will show you how to make a rather abstract world map. The map can be made with simple tools and 2 sheets of matte board paper that is used for framing. Total cost of project is about $30. The map can be whatever size you’d like, but the one pictured above is about 40″ by 28″. To launch the tutorial, click here.

I personally have not seen a lot of artwork out of India. So when I ran accross this artist, I was immediately intrigued. Annu Palakunnathu Matthew’s art is about the transformation of change Indians have gone through, and what they are still struggling with. Her virtual immigrant pieces display that message as loud and clearly as possible.

YellowArrow.net is an experimental travel project by (or at least promoted by) Lonely Planet, which should give it some validity, the concept is when you see a yellow arrow, you send a text to a corresponding # and get a short story back about the place where the arrow was.

Travel Takes: I’ve yet to see one while traveling, and while the website does provide a location of known yellow arrows, I doubt I will ever actually remember to be on the lookout for one. And usually, when I’m travelling, getting a little text from someone I don’t know isn’t a huge priority, however, it is unique!

The way I see it…there are two choices for packing the liquid. Cheap bottle vs. Nalgene bottle. Where you will be traveling is also something to consider….does your destination have potable water (okay to drink) or non-potable (drink at your own risk). Most of the time you visit a third world country, there is no need to carry a Nalgene bottle since you will need to buy it bottled anyways. But a reusable Nalgene bottle can come in handy when you have access to good water and a hostel refrigerator.

Bottled water. Be aware that water manufacturers make water with and without carbonation….I hate carbonation, and about gagged when I accidentally purchased it. Look for Sin Carbonacion (Without Carbonation) if you want “regular” drinking water.

Why Nalgene? Simple. They are head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to providing a durable plastic easy access bottle that does not have any effect on the taste of the liquid. Plus….they make a flask….that should say enough. If you are interested in learning more about Nalgene…here is their site.

Water Bottle Tips:
Airlines will not allow any liquids to be carried through security, so start off with an empty bottle and find a water fountain while you’re waiting for the plane.

Look for flavor packets or “On the Go Packets” if you want to actually get some taste to your agua (that’s Spanish for water;). Crystal Light makes some as does Water Sensations. I have seen these available overseas, but not that often.

Most Nalgene bottles have a loop or eye that you can use to attach to your pack, but if you want to get a handle on a regular bottle, use some small 2 or 3 mm perlon cord to tie around the neck of the bottle using it as a strap. The cord also allows you to reuse it for the next bottle. All in all, this cord comes in handy for many things.

This is one of many recently launched online call companies. Jajah offers discount calls to most often traveled countries. If you sign up to be a member and the person you are calling is also a member, many times those calls are free. Of course, you do need a good internet connection to make all this possible. Jajah also offers many features for doing business online that are especially useful if you sell a lot on ebay.

The easyGroup was started from a former airline Stelios. Now they have all different types of businesses in the travel, leisure, telecoms and personal finance fields. Their website isn’t that great, but you can check it out at easy.com.

Travel Takes: Obviously two of the most useful for travelers are the easyJet and easyInternetcafe. easyJet does offer great value fares in parts of Europe to save you some dollars. And I am a big fan of easyInternetcafe once I stepped into one in Barcelona. It is just what it says…easy. And more importantly it’s fairly inexpensive.

Another tee shirt company! Hubwear Travel Tees are fairly simple, yet make a big splash to those who hang around airports as many readers do. The tees are just the three letter symbol for the airport. You get to choose between 24 airports, mostly in the US, to print on a shirt for $25. If your airport isn’t on list they will print it for $35.