Website of the Week: 5/10/2009

Wikitravel

Inspired by Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, Wikitravel is a continuing project “to create a free, complete, up-to-date and reliable world-wide travel guide.”

Founded in 2003 by two writers and programmers from San Francisco, Wikitravel has grown into a huge database of facts, figures and practical travel information about thousands of destinations around the globe. Like Wikipedia, Wikitravel is constantly updated and edited to make sure consumers have the most current and relevant data. There are currently over 21,200 destination guides and articles and the total grows weekly.

The home page and interior pages of Wikitravel are laid out a lot like Wikipedia. Each destination page usually features at least the basic travel information under the following headings: Get In, Get Around, See, Do, Eat, Drink, Sleep, Stay Safe, and Get Out. More popular destinations will get a more comprehensive treatment, often providing some historical context, more detailed recommendations on what to see or buy, and useful tips on local customs. (In Malaysia for example, dress respectfully, particularly in rural areas; take off you shoes in a home or place of worship; and don’t criticize the royal family!)

Always wanted to be a travel writer? Then Wikitravel would love to have you! Again, the principles for contributing and editing content are similar to Wikipedia. Just keep in mind that you need to be fair and objective. First time and regular contributors are asked to follow comprehensive community policies and conform to a style guide that encourages consistency of presentation. There are also some specific goals and non-goals that Wikitravel would like you to observe.

Although its older cousin Wikipedia probably provides a more comprehensive reference guide when it comes to unearthing facts and figures for school projects, Wikitravel shouldn’t be ignored. It has the benefit of describing a destination from a traveler’s perspective, often highlighting features and customs that only an outsider can appreciate.

The “Random page” feature on the home page is also a fun application. As the name suggests, it will arbitrarily pull up random destinations with often entertaining and educational results. Five clicks told me all I needed to know about Newport Beach, Bahia de las Aguilas in the Dominican Republic (which sounds beautiful!), the Chuo Alps in Japan, Anchorage In Iceland, and the Dixie region of Utah!

If you want consistent and practical destination information from fellow world travelers, Wikitravel is the place to go!