Travelling? Which Xmarkers will be nearby

[ForresterModern]

I know that there have been numerous xmarkers who have travelled the world and met and interacted with fellow xmarkers in those locales, and that most of this has been set up through sometimes random and sometimes openly sought out connections here on the forum. I personally think that is great, and commend all who have travelled and shared their experiences, as well as those who have been hosts and shared their homes, hometowns, and local activities and attractions.

I was wondering if the forum members, and Steve as our host here, would consider setting up an international listing---map, country by country, state by state, province by province, or other listing format---of forum members who would be willing to act as hosts or guides or simply plan to meet up with someone who is coming through their piece of the world to enjoy their company and maybe a wee dram. It would be an entirely voluntary list of those who would post their location and level of interest, so that others planning a trip could contact them directly by PM for advice or other assistance as available or offered.

I know I would open my home to fellow xmarks visitors who might be venturing through my part of the world (north central Kentucky, if you were wondering), or offer to set up a kilt night for a visitor (already did for one--Elim), or at least offer assistance in navigating the area and nearby sights and attractions.

What does the rest of the rabble think of the idea, and does anybody have any ideas about how best to organize this? Could this be a new category, possibly with a sticky, that anyone could post their location to, along with possible activities in the area, and the level of involvement they might be willing to partake in? Should this be some form of interactive map where we could each put in a pushpin which links to our own Member page, and then have a small section there for travelling visitors? I am personally open to ideas of what is possible, functional and easy and least expensive to do.

Anybody else out there think this is a good idea, or am just I out to lunch again (or both)?

jeff

[thescot]

I kind of like the idea, Jef. We used to have a map, didn't we? You could click on it to see who was around--assuming they weren't hiding out or something.

It would be pretty interesting to know if someone was coming to the Atlanta area so we could do some gathering, so to speak. I know last October, several of us got together just before the Stone Mountain Games.

[Livingston]

IF everyone put their location in their profile and IF the member directory could be sorted by location THEN we would have the list. Otherwise, I think it would be a great idea. But then again, we do have seperate sections of the forum based on locations. You can post there where you are traveling.

[Duncanofcolorado]

I think it is a very good idea. Even if someone is visiting an unfamilar area
and just wants suggestions on places to see then Xmarkers can offer up some suggestions.

[EagleJCS]

I concur Jeff. (Maybe it's that Louisville/Kentucky/Southern hospitality thing?) It's an idea that makes sense.

An alternative to your suggestion would be for the person visiting to post in the appropriate geographical section of the Kilt Nights when they're going to be in the neighborhood and whomever wishes to host the visitor/organize the locals can then do so. Much as is done now, but perhaps with some means for identifying the organizer/host?

[BoldHighlander]

IF everyone put their location in their profile and IF the member directory could be sorted by location THEN we would have the list.

I agree.

I also think it would be a great idea to have a sub-section entitled "Travelling" or some such....then those travelling could post their plans there & others can make contact, make plans etc.

[JolyStNicholas]

All the above suggestions sound grand ta me. I'm in favor of the map idea 100%.

[guitarmatt]

Sounds good to me. By the way, I'll probably be in Lexington, KY and Brevard, NC for a few weeks this summer and I'd love to share a pint with folks.

[skauwt]

steve mentioned he was all up for it in a post the other day from what i can remember he mentioned something about noone uses frapper maps so i guess if he can find the right ones to use then it would be added on xmarks
does anyone know which map software/site would be practical for this forum ?

[ForresterModern]

Posting in the Kilt night by state or country works if folks actually frequent those areas to respond to a fresh post from a visitor, but I fear may miss some folks who would be interested in being involved.

Using the stated locations would be helpful if one could sort by location, but then might require multiple PMs to various members in those areas as there would be no centralized listing of who in those areas might be interesting in helping out a visitor, i.e., interested hosts so to speak.

An interactive map would let folks post their own "pin" in their location which should then lead to a forum member's name, as well as what kind of things he/she might be interested in helping with---directions, guidance, sharing adventures or meals or drinks, even hosting a visitor in his/her home or B&B, etc... Only those interested in the whole project would need to "post" a pin and description. Not interested, no pin, regardless of the fact you live there. Those who are travelling would be able to see where folks are who are interested in helping out a traveller so they can contact them and plan their trip in those areas.

A second use of a map, or better a separate map with a different use, would be one where folks could post a "pin" at a location and link it to a short description of a particular point of interest, photographic opportunity, sight to visit, place they have been, and could be linked to travel photos in the "post your photos" section of the forum. E.g., somebody visits Ben Dhub, the could post a "pin" linked to a brief description of what they saw, and what was so great about this place, and then link to their photos. Different colored pins could be used for places to eat with reviews, places to stay with reviews, particularly interesting but lesser known places to visit and activities like highland games, etc...

Just some thoughts. Ponder some more on them as will I.

jeff