It’s time for our weekly monthly occasional look at the tweets, links and travel news packing our inbox (also, suitcase).

Here’s what’s going on in the world of travel:

USA Today has an interesting look at 10 popular travel stories.

The Tourist Trap looks interesting.

Welcome to the internet, Avid Blog! You look marvelous.

Take the Beatles tour of Britain, it’s fab!

Have you had life-changing experiences in the great outdoors? Outside magazine wants to hear about it.

Have you visited the Travelocafe?

Chicago’s Pierrot Gourmet celebrates Oktoberfest from September 24 through October 9, 2010.  Be there!

Bausch & Lomb want to give you a trip for two!

Win a trip to Australia!

And there you go, travel around the internets! Send us your links!

UpTake Orlando on Facebook

Any seasoned traveler will tell you that the best information about your destination comes from the locals.

This is especially true if you’re heading to a popular tourist trap destination like Orlando, Florida.  Companies spend big money to show up in Orlando guidebooks and internet searches for “things to do in Orlando” – but that doesn’t necessarily mean those companies offer the best deals or experiences.  If you want the real low down, ask a local.

But what if you’re planning a trip to Orlando and you don’t know anyone who lives in the area?  Head on over to Uptake’s Orlando Facebook page!

Recently launched earlier this month, UpTake Orlando on Facebook is all about getting the best information about what to do, see and eat in Orlando straight from the best sources – people who live, work and play in the area every day.  We also feature content from UpTake and other sites about current events taking place in Central Florida.

UpTake Orlando on Facebook can help you fill your vacation with events you’ll never find in the guidebook provided by your hotel.  Have a free night during your vacation?  Check out the charity event taking place at a local night club.  Not sure what to do with that afternoon between amusement park visits?  Head over to the surf competition at Cocoa Beach.  If you’re planning an Orlando vacation and have specific questions, you can post those, too.

If you live in the Orlando area, become our friend and join in the conversation!

Photo by UpTake (and messed with by Britt Reints, with permission.  After the fact.  Which still counts.)

UpTake on Port Au Prince, Haiti

UpTake for HOPE!

It was 17 days ago that a massive earthquake hit Haiti. This “UpTake” is of a helicopter delivering first aid kits to people camped near the Haitian National Palace. Now more than ever, Haitians are looking up to see the result of everyone worldwide reaching out to make these deliveries possible. In a time of great need, this is when the inert goodness of humanity shines through; we care and we bond together to bring hope to those who need it.

For more information on how you can help, please check out Unicef or The American Red Cross. You can also text “HAITI” to “90999″ to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. This charge will be added to your cell phone bill.

If you are a Starwood Member, you can transfer points to donation dollars! 4,000 points equals $50! Hilton, Marriott and other are also transferring points. Find out how you can help.

This post is part of our blog photo series: Things are Looking Up! If you would like to share one of your “UpTakes”, please submit your photo by using the editor contact link in the sidebar.

Photo courtesy of: United Nations Development Programme

Innovation Analysis Group does a bunch of cool stuff, but that didn’t stop them from hosting yours truly in their ongoing series of travel-related podcasts.

Listen to the patient Addison keep me on track as I discuss the perils and benefits of traveling with children.  Really, there are benefits!

It’s only 14 minutes of your life that you’ll never have back. And yes, sadly, that is my real voice.

Traveling With Children