Products

Blogs (learn from these world travelers–for free)

Ali Watters’ Travel Blog by Ali Watters (he ignited my desire for world travel; I’ve read and analyzed every post)
A Year in the Life by Steve James (a year-long daily account of Steve’s round-the-world trip in 2005; well-written)
GoBackpacking by David Lee (an account of his 1.5-year round-the-world trip–before, during, and after)
AlmostFearless by Christine Gilbert (well-written; popular; she’s been traveling since July 2008)

Books

Lonely Planet Guidebooks (the brand of guidebooks)
Escape 101 by Dan Clements and Tara Gignac (how to get away on sabbatical)
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (best book to learn principles of photography; get an SLR camera first)
Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson (a follow-up to Understanding Exposure; explores photographic styles)
Beyond Portraiture by Bryan Peterson (a follow-up to Understanding Exposure; explores people photography)

Cameras, Lenses, etc

Canon Rebel Tli SLR Camera (if you want quality photos, you’ll need an SLR; this popular, entry-level model will do)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens (if you want spectacular photos, buy this lens; it has the best focal range for travel; my advice: buy the best lens you can afford; they last 15 years; they hold value well; buy this lens)
Tiffen 77mm UV Filter (it protects the glass of your lens; put it on immediately and always keep it on–forever)
Tiffen 77mm Polarizer Filter (if you want to shoot when it’s sunny, you’ll need this; it goes over your UV filter)
Lowepro All-Weather Backpack (for holding your camera gear)
Canon PowerShot SD1200IS (best pocket size point-and-shoot camera)

Photo Management

SmugMug (unlimited photo storage for $39/yr; amazing photo organization and presentation; I use it; I love it; get $5 off with my personal coupon: $1$0fpuoWFV$R)

Backpacks and Other Gear

REI (find a store; go there; ask an employee to help you pick a pack and fit you; USA only)

Travel Insurance

Airline Tickets

Kayak (best search engine of major airlines)
Comprehensive list of low-cost airlines (you won’t find them on Kayak or other aggregators; you must go directly to their site for prices)
AirAsia (best low-cost airline for Southeast Asia)