There are many websites where you can post your blog for free. Many of them even allow you to post pictures. Some blogs even specialize in travel logs. Two of my favorites are:

Travellerspoint - Allows you to create a public travel blog or a private travel diary that is password protected for selected viewers. TravelBlog - Provides blog space and allows for unlimited photos in your travel journal.

If you've got travel bug, but can break away from work or don't have appropriate funds, you can go on a virtual vacation by subscribing to a travel blog that someone else is keeping. You may also want to read through a blog of someone who's been to destination that you're planning to visit. You'll get first hand travel tips and advice for that destination.

A travel blog can enhance your vacation by allowing your friends and family to participate as well as creating a record of trip that you can enjoy later. Make sure you create one for your next vacation.

In fact, entire trip, including airfare, fee for guide on Chimborazo, and everything else, cost $1040. That was for four weeks. How I kept it so cheap is a subject for another article.

More Information on Ecuador

The mountain towns (Quito, Riobamba, Loja, Cuenca, Otavalo, Ibarra, Ambato, Latacunga) have wonderful climates. Highs are in 60s to 70s fahrenheit year-round. Guayaquil and coastal cities can be hot, but temperature is moderated by Humboldt Current, which brings cool water along coast of South America.

If you like beaches, you have many options. In Salinas, for example, you can sit on a beautiful Pacific Ocean beach, while vendors bring you everything from beer to ice cream to chair rentals an music. For $20 you can rent a jet ski and have some fun in waves.

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and tour information is available in all major cities (It's cheaper to wait until you're in Ecuador to book a tour).

Good meals can still be had for under two dollars in most cities, if you eat where locals do. Hotels in most cities start at around $12 (less for a bed in a hostel). Cross-country travel by bus is cheaper and more comfortable than bus travel in U.S.

The people of Ecuador are almost universally friendly, and speak one of clearest, easiest to understand dialects of Spanish (A great place to learn). Ecuador is a safe, democratic republic, with a legal system similar to that of U.S.