One of the best ways to know the inhabitants of the world is to travel the world. Whether you want to take a trip to exotic locales or just get putz about in your own backyard, here are some resources that may assist you in your journeys.
Backpackers.com - A nifty
web
site for the "independent travel community". You can also register for a
free emailbox whilst you are travelling to stay in touch with people back
home.
Travel reservations and
information from the Internet Travel Network - this is an
INCREDIBLE site which allows the user to specifically examine current
plane fares from their departure point of choice to anywhere in the
world. A small browser window opens up for their "cheap fare ticker",
showing some real deals. And, you can book your passage on-line. Well
worth taking a look.
If standard travel is not
your cup of joe, then look into
the Internet Guide to Hostelling -
featuring a FAQ about hostelling, the Worldwide Hostel Guide, information
on hostel memberships and discounts, and more. [editor's note: Hostels
are the way to travel inexpensively and meet people - one does not
achieve the same sort of community atmopshere in a hotel or even an inn
or bed-and-breakfast.]