Best of the Rest (Weekly Links Ending 6/26/11)

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This weekend we have friends visiting us in Miami, which is always a good time as it allows us to do touristy stuff around our own city for once.  When Tony and I travel the world, I want to make sure we take this same approach with each place we visit – Live like a local, but also take some time to hit up some of the tourist must-sees.  It seems like our beloved travel bloggers have this balance down to a science… And that is why we keep coming back for more!  Here are some of my favorites from this week:

• It’s really cool to read about a couple that is in the same scenario as Tony and I.  Good luck Brian and Kim as you prepare for your journey and please share any helpful tips!
• MJ offers up great advice (and wisdom) on what to do when illness and injuries creep up on the road.  This article also reminded me that Tony and I still need to find a solid travel insurance plan that will help get us back on our feet fast when accidents do happen!  After all, the two most fitting words to describe myself are “Murphy’s Law”.
• Once again, A Lady in London WOWs us all with the London cuisine… and my mouth is watering!
• … Unfortunately, some of these dishes from London may not fit our budget… But what will?  Nomadic Matt has us covered on how to eat cheap around the world!
• Northwest England looks like it came right out of a Harry Potter movie… and I am GAME!
• The Aussie Nomad faces his travel butterflies as he prepares for his next European backpacking trip to Spain…This is certainly a familiar feeling that is growing inside of me as our departure date approaches.  But I think the butterflies are what makes RTW trips so exciting.  Going into the unexpected is scary, yet so remarkably fun all at the same time… It surely beats the heck out of the comfortable 9-5 grind, where you live each day like the one before!
• I am a passionate scuba diver and snorkeler, so I really enjoyed reading Yuli’s guest post on his top 5 snorkeling spots around the globe.  At the top of my list: The British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands!
• What is a trip to Thailand if it doesn’t include some illegal activity?!?!  Johnny Vagabond may not be at the level of the guys in The Hangover Part 2, but he shares a great tale on his brush with the law.
• I never thought we would add India to our list of places to visit on our RTW trip… Now I am intrigued (although I remain skeptical on whether or not I would actually like it).
• These are the most badass business cards I have ever seen… and I need to get some!
• I have read about several male travellers doing the “no bag challenge” (ex: Rolf Potts), but a woman??!??  I am impressed!
• Adam is about to embark on his last trip (to Europe) before moving back to the states after a year+ of travelling.  We wish him the best of luck and I am interested to see how he acclimates back into to the non-travelling  lifestyle!
• When I was 17, I visited the city of Tulum in Mexico with my family on a tour bus… Which was quite possibly the worst travel experience of my life (mainly because I hate tour buses).  But after reading about Nicole and Cameron’s expeirences at the ruins, I hope to someday go back there for a different perspective!
• I have been to the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda five times in my life (including my Honeymoon) and each time its just as magical as the one before…. What is YOUR “chasing ghosts” destination?