Packing light for a winter trip is difficult, to say the least. Cold weather means heavier shoes, bulkier clothes, and a coat. But, who wants to lug so much around? We've got a few tips that can help you pack lighter during those cold winter months.

An afternoon in the gardens of the Belvedere Palace may leave you feeling like you've just left Paris. That may be because of the common history the two share. The Belvedere Gardens' architect, Dominique Girard, was a pupil of André le Nôtre, the man behind Versailles.

Think about how you visit cities for a moment. You might find yourself drawn towards the big attractions: the monuments, the museums, what you're "supposed to see." Rinse, wash, repeat. The world becomes a homogeneous place filled with McDonalds, Starbucks, and the Gap. But what about the parts that aren't in the guidebooks, that doesn't get the attention it deserves? On your next trip, take a moment, or heck, take a whole day, and get to know the heart and soul of a neighborhood through its own eyes.

Have you ever tried to picture the ideal guide? I've always preferred someone friendly, down to earth, well-spoken, and knowledgeable. Dan McCoig of Dan Traveling, is all that, plus he tops it off by throwing in a soft, familiar (for me at least) southern accent. Every week, Dan shows you around Appalachia through his videos and photos of his trips around Virginia, North & South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Built in 1965 by the German Democratic Republic, the Fernsehturm (or TV tower) is an iconic landmark in Berlin. A visual reminder of the not-so-distant Communist past of the city, while leading the way to a new, modern Berlin.

When we were writing our gift guides last month, we found ourselves returning to Flight 001 to lust after the chic, modern travel goods they purvey. If you're on the market for some new travel gear in the new year, be sure to check out Flight 001.

The Art of Nonconformity: How to Travel Rogue States and Other Interesting Places
Not everywhere in the world is beach resorts, shopping, and five star hotels. Chris gives some great advice on what do you do when the travel industry and your government tells you "don't go there."

Now that we've shown you your favorite posts this year, we're going to share ours. Of course, we love all our posts, just the same, we have our favorites. So as 2009 begins in earnest, enjoy our favorite picks from 2008.

Sometimes numbers speak for themselves. Here's a look at our most popular posts, as determined by you, the reader.