My first virtual trip to New York scored me 10 Foursquare badges over 2 days. I’ve since accomplished many other such online expeditions; in Chicago, in Pennsylvania, California and a few more to NYC – each with the primary purpose of unlocking more Foursquare badges.

Seriously, I would have loved going in person to Austin Texas this year to attend SXSW (South by Southwest). However, budget, timing and other priorities had to be respected. Instead, I followed the event via YouTube, Twitter and numerous bloggers as well as travelling through a parralel virtual univeral through Foursquare (by cheating) and checking is as though I were there. At least 10 people asked be if I was there, how it was like or would I want to meet up for a cocktail later… fun.

Here are the 14 badges I unlocked from afar in Austin, Texas, during SXSW between March 11 and 16^th, 2011:

• 4sq SXSW Virgin: First time checking in at SXSW. Keep an eye out for tips, Specials and a ton of new badges! Quick word of advice: Always Be Nappin’! Unlocked at SXSW Badge Pick-up on March 11th.
• Foursquare with Foursquare: Yo dawg, we heard you liked foursquare so we thought you would like to play foursquare while you use foursquare at our foursquare court! Unlocked at Foursquare Court (Pepsi MAX lot) on March 11th.
• Firefox Gone Mobile: You tracked down the Firefox mobile truck and scored yourself a Firefox mobile treat. Nom nom nom! Unlocked at The Firefox Gone Mobile Ice Cream Truck on March 11th. You must also follow Firefox on Foursquare.
• Golden Ticket Badge: “I found a Golden Ticket!” Pepsi MAX and foursquare invite you to attend a MAXed out Big Boi concert on Monday night. Zero time to waste, so hustle over to the Pepsi MAX Lot (11am-6pm) and show this badge to pick up your ticket. 21+ and space is limited, so get on it! #25727643. Unlocked at National Karaoke League Downtown Austin Division  on March 11th.
• Panel Nerd: Looks like someone actually came down here to learn. Better ditch that iPad and hit some parties before you get stuffed in a locker. Unlocked at Hilton on March 12th.
• Blackberry SXSW 2011: Congrats — you found us! Don’t forget to say hi to our staff onsite for your chance to score some sweet BlackBerry swag! Unlocked at Hilton on March 12th. You must also follow Blackberry on Foursquare.
• Karaoke RV: Only the sweet sweet sounds of Journey can power this sound machine through the streets of Austin. So grab the mic, belt it out, and take a ride on the RVIP Lounge! Woot Woot! Unlocked at {RV}IP Karaoke on March 12th.
• Name Dropper: Look at you, name dropping Internet celebs left and right. Welcome to the big leagues of knowing folks like Anoop Ranganath! Unlocked at  ACC – Room 18ABCD on March 12th.
• Director’s Cut: That’s two films you’ve seen at SXSW. Know what this movie could use? More Winklevii. Unlocked at ACC – Room 11AB on March 12th.
• SXSW Hangover: Impressive recovery after last night! Grab yourself a breakfast burrito, some gatorade, and your business cards. It’s going to be a rough day. Unlocked on March 14th at SXSW Badge Pick-up.
• SPINsider ’11: Break out the air-guitar! You’ve checked out a band recommended by the Spin Editors! Why quit now – mosh your way to some more SXSW shows. Unlocked at The ND at 501 Studios on March 15th 2011. You must also follow SPIN magazine on Foursquare.
• Head Banger: You’ve crowd-surfed your way to 3 different concerts. Make sure you catch “Speed of Bees” a Brooklyn based indie rock band. True or False: we just made that band up. Unlocked at Emo’s on March 15th 2011.
• SXSW Far Far Away: You sure are far far away from the Convention Center. Let’s hope you’re chillin’ with some hip new indie band and not tied to the back of a runaway horse. Unlocked at Milwood Dog Run on March 16th 2011
• Platinum Hit: You clearly love music, so you’re gonna love this. BRAVO is hosting a private Jewel event this Thursday. Bring this badge to the SPIN LOFT on 6th (310 East 6 Street) on 3/17 at 5:45pm. Only 90 seats available so first come first serve! Unlocked at ACC – Room 18ABCD on March 16th 2011. You must also follow Bravo on Foursquare.
• SXSW Bar Crawl : Five bars in less than three hours? If SXSW had an MVP, it’d be YOU! And if your liver could speak, it’d scream HELP! Unlocked at Thistle Bar / Thistle Cafe on March 16th 2011.

Despite my best efforts, I did not unlock the Room Service, Disco Nap, Ten-Gallon Swarm or SXSW Bender badges. It was further impossible for me to unlock the following badges because I was not there in person : 4sq Early Adopter, 4sq Sophomore and Platformer.

I invite you to consult my other virtual trip posts from New York and Chicago, as well as to learn more about  Foursquare; how it works, available resources, its numerous usage stats,) and to become my friend on Foursquare.