We are researching and booking hostels through the following sites:
http://www.hostelworld.com
http://www.hostelbookers.com
Here's our take on some of the places we have stayed and eaten:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/members-reviews/ElissaB_12
General trip planning:
http://www.roughguides.com/website/shop/products/First-Time-Around-the-World.aspx
http://www.travelindependent.info/
For general information on country destinations, we have been obsessively watching the Lonely Planet Globe Trekker series (http://www.pilotguides.com/tv_shows/globe_trekker/travelers/ian_wright.php), as well as Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" (http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain). Actually, we've been glued to the Travel Channel when pretty much any show about one of our destinations comes on.
Volunteering:
http://www.workaway.info/
What to do on the ground:
http://www.roughguides.com/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
