The recent earthquake has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced even more in the country of Haiti. The utter devastation is on an unimaginable scale and, as such, the efforts to support Haiti through physical and financial relief is at a scale rarely seen before.

The travel blog community can use this opportunity to spread their influence and aid to a nation that has suffered unspeakable damage. If you or anyone you know wants to help with the relief effort in Haiti are several ways to do show your support:

Donating Money Online

1. American Red Cross - Their operations in Haiti include deploying personnel, financial assistance, and relief supplies
2. UNICEF - One of their main focuses is helping the many children affected by the earthquake in Haiti. They will also be distributing basic supplies to those in need. You can also donate here>>
3. CARE - They will be handing out nutritional food in Haiti in the form of high-protein biscuits
4. Clinton Bush Haiti Fund - A fund dedicated to providing basics such as food, medical aid, shelter, and water
5. Doctors Without Borders – All funds go directly to financing medical teams on the ground in Haiti and provide for medical supplies that they will be using while providing care
6. World Food Program – Charity dedicated to providing food to the displaced and needy not only in Haiti but around the world
7. Save the Children – Funds will be directed towards the children in Haiti that are in desperate need of support and aid

These are just a few of the many charities and foundations that are providing help and aid to the people of Haiti. If donating online is not the way you want to attack this problem, you can still donate in other ways.

Donating Money Through Text Messaging

If you decide that your contributions to the Haiti relief effort should not be done online there is an easier way to do…. just text! There are several numbers that you can text in order to donate money to charities operating in Haiti. The number in here apply to SMS text messaging within the United States only.

1. SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
2. SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
3. SMS text “GIVE10” to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

Others Ways to Assist the Haiti Relief Effort

If you are low on money and can cash to the  people of Haiti isn’t realistic, don’t give up. There are other ways in which your help can make a different there.

1. Google Map Aid- The first way is to help Google map the area of Haiti since so much of the country experienced catastrophic devastation. Your help in this effort could make a difference to aid workers on the ground. Go to the Google Map Aid website>>
2. Criss Commons - A recently created organization, they’re on the ground and Haiti and need your help. Visit Criss Commons>>
3. Haiti Volunteer Network - A gathering point for anyone wanting to volunteer financially or in person, it’s a great way to find your unique way of helping out those in Haiti. Check out the Haiti Volunteer Network>>

Haiti is in desperate need of relief, no matter how you decide to donate. These are just a few ideas and opportunities for you to do something about it and no matter what your choice is you can have a part in saving the lives of the people of Haiti.

Looking for someone in Haiti? Register your person on the Google Person Finder Network>>

Do you know another relief effort that we didn’t mention? Drop it into the comments below!

Winter Olympics 2010

The Winter Olympics this year will move back to the North American continent in the form of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Whistler Olympic Park, and Whistler Sliding Centre. Situated in British Columbia this area boasts plenty of things to do and see besides the Olympic events which will take place there later this month.

For a full list of Olympic events and their locations visit The Official Vancouver 2010 Olympics Website>>

Staying in Whistler

If you are making the arduous trip to British Columbia, chances are you are staying in or around Whistler Village. The village itself is an attraction, one which will keep you entertained in between the Olympic events you will be attending.

Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village meaning you will not have to deal with the hustle and bustle of cars coming in and out of the small town. There are nearly 100 bars and restaurants (like Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Buffalo Bills, and Bearfoot Bistro and Champagne Bar) to split your time up in and meet new people, spas in the village center to re-cooperate from the exhausting days, and enough shopping to keep the ladies happy.

A Comprehensive Guide to All Restaurants in the Whistler Blackcomb Area>>

When your day in the village is winding down and you are looking for that transportation home, take the Village Shuttle (view a map of the Whistler Village) . It is free of charge and runs from 8 in the morning to midnight, seven days a week.

Whistler Village Nightlife

The nightlife in town is as diverse as the people that will be rolling in town for the Winter Olympics. Check out Buffalo Bill’s, Garfinkel’s or one of the many clubs in Whistler if you are looking to meet new people, dance, or simply have some drinks with friends.

Whistler Activities

When wanting to get away from the village center head just outside for some different activities. Snowmobile riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all very popular activities to do during the winter months in Whistler and Blackcomb. Since there will be so much activity and so many people in Whistler for the Olympics and the weeks leading up to it, it will be a good change of pace to get out of town and enjoy the fresh snow without the company of the thousands of people flooding into town.

Vancouver Activities

While many people will be heading to Whistler for a stay during the Olympic period, many others will find themselves staying in Vancouver. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and it can be seen in everything from the fresh fish markets to the all-glass high rises which seem to dot the landscape like glimmering crystals. The proximity to the Pacific means it is naturally blessed with good, fresh seafood.

Tsunami Sushi, located on Robson Street, is known for being one of the best places to grab some sushi in Vancouver and with the seafood coming in fresh; it is a place you do not want to miss.

Steamworks , a popular restaurant and micro-brewery located in Gastown, is a great place to go if you are someone who appreciates a good, fresh brewed beer.

Things to see in Vancouver

Vancouver boasts a rich history and wide array of different cultures and in turn has a plethora of things to do and see within the city. A good place to start would be the area known as Gastown. While visiting attractions in Gastown, make sure to stop by and see the old steam clock. It sits on a street corner in Gastown and runs solely off steam.

For some sights of the city, check out the Vancouver Lookout. It is on top of the Harbour Centre and allows a 360 degree view of Vancouver and the surrounding landscape. Canada Place along the riverfront is a popular and recognizable landmark of Vancouver. Built for Expo 1986, it is now a host to the many incoming attractions and shows to Vancouver. Other places of interest in Vancouver are Granville Island, Stanley Park, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Whether you are making your way to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway or staying in Vancouver for a few days, there is no shortage of things to do. Vancouver is your source of local, Pacific-driven culture highlighted by natural seaside beauty. Whistler, Vancouver’s alpine cousin, is the go-to place for adventure sports, but not without its taste of nightlife and high culture.