4 posts tagged “tripconnect”

Facebook officially released there API about ten days ago and many developers and organizations are in a rush to complete their apps. When I first looked at the API, I was a bit skeptical about the functionality and the benefit in building an app. But I came back after Memorial Day Weekend and immediately set the team working on an application for TripConnect.

The current version of the TripConnect Application allows Facebook members to build a travel profile and publish parts of it on their Facebook profile page. I have a screenshot below of my profile object showing my favorite destinations, places I want to go, and  my travel interests. If you're a Facebook member, you can also add the TripConnect Application.

Facebook clearly rushed the announcement and release of the API. While MySpace is building their walled garden and finding ways to prevent third parties from integrating their components, Facebook is taking the exact opposite approach and allowing developers to plug in their apps. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Facebook is putting some controls on their application directory and their terms of service reserves them rights to charge fees in the future.

The API has promise. There is a markup language (fbml) for dynamic publishing pages (called a canvas on Facebook) and a query language (fql) for making sql like queries of the Facebook data structures. There are development kits for almost all of the popular web development platforms. But the API looks like it was rushed out the door. Many users are having trouble with authentication, cache'ing and other integration bits. I publish a separate blog for software developers and technologists and plan to put some development hints up there in the near future.

TripConnect Profile Object on Facebook

Back in August, I wrote about Six in the World goes on Yearlong Journey Around the world. If you thought planning your week long family vacation was tough... This family was heading to New Zealand, China, India, Vietnam, South Africa.... over the course of the year and home schooling four children! You can read about their travels on their sixintheworld blog or you can read my update  in SixInTheWorld on Oprah. That's right! They're scheduled to be on the Oprah Winfrey show on April 2.

Always looking for travel inspiration.... You can join this family traveler group if you want to read or share your own travel experiences

• Definitely Montreal is up there. I love Jean Talon market and a good mix of dining options from eclectic/expensive to ethnic (hint, visit Montreal's Chinatown)  and cheep.

• Maui - or pretty much anywhere on Hawaii. Yes it's expensive, but you can't find fresher ingrediants and very different/interesting fish and seafood options.

• Thailand - Getting more exotic here, but if you're into fiery foods, Bangkok and Chiang Mai need to be at the top of your list.

• Hong Kong - Dim Sum.... mmm.

• Paris - Duh...

• Barcelona - It's way more than Tapas and Paella.
  

My top destinations on my TripConnect Profile:

TripConnect Top Destinations

I am also a member of several groups there including the Budget Travelers, Traveling Foodies, and Family Travelers. I use VOX to blog (mostly to friends and family), but post travel advice and ask travel related questions on this site.