Info for Planning Your Virtual Journey

By The Associated Press

Tips on touring “Second Life”:

WHEN TO GO: When “Second Life” gets crowded, your avatar might seem sluggish and there might be a delay before elements of the world pop into full view. So you may want to consider visiting in the “offseason.” Creator Linden Research Inc. says that’s usually before 4 p.m. EDT and after 7 p.m. EDT.

HOW TO GET THERE: Visit http://www.secondlife.com/, download the free “Second Life” software and pick a name for your avatar.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A graphics card and a computer that meet the software’s technical specifications. See http://secure-web9.secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php.

GETTING AROUND: Fly, teleport or catch a ride on a hot-air balloon. Plan on spending some time on an orientation island while you’re figuring out how to navigate.

HOOK UP WITH A TOUR GUIDE: Synthravels bills itself as “the first online virtual travel agency”: http://www.synthravels.com.

FIND AN AUTOMATED TOUR: The Guided Tour Company of Second Life offers a free, automated tour of tours: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mocha/228/85/32/.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Until next month, you can find a room at the virtual aloft hotel, a “Second Life” model of Starwood Hotels’ new brand, to be launched in the real world next year; http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aloft%20Island/132/100/39/.

GUIDEBOOKS: “The Unofficial Tourists’ Guide to Second Life,” published last month by St. Martin’s Press ($9.95). Also the Wired travel guide to “Second Life”: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.10/sloverview.html.

AFTER DARK: Like on the Internet, sex is everywhere. Those under 18 should stick to “Teen Second Life,” and everyone else should be forewarned: You might run into something you wouldn’t see at Disneyland.