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(Sent the first Wednesday of the month, archived editions at bottom of page.)

Read the most recent Wanderlust and Lipstick newsletter below!

July, 2009

Happy Summer, Wanderluster!

Despite AAA predictions that travel will be down this 4th of July, my travel-dar says that people are still out there taking advantage of low airfares, hotel rates and car rentals! You go Wanderlusters - keep on travelin’!

In case you missed it, check out my Q&A featured in the NY Times last month. Perhaps more interesting than my conversation with the Frugal Traveler, were the comments! I love the dialogue this prompted.

This month, newsletter subscribers can save a few bucks on the second edition of The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo.

Buy now for just $12.95 and you’ll receive personally inscribed copies!
BUY NOW!
Order a copy for yourself or for that WanderGal wanna-be on the edge of travel but not quite there yet.

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Wanderlust and Lipstick Fall Tours Last Chance (almost)!

Considering one of these very special small-group tours? Don’t delay!

BHUTAN - PHOTOGRAPHY

Join award winning photographer, Brenda Tharp, as she leads a 12-day, co-ed photography tour to Bhutan beginning September 23rd.

The Himalayas are your backdrop as you capture images of the harvest season (wheat and chili peppers) and cultural festivals. Included are light treks and visits to monasteries, all while you have the opportunity to learn from a professional photographer and experienced tour guide. See the full itinerary.

INDIA CULTURAL TOUR - WOMEN-ONLY

Ever want to experience India in all its frantic glory? Come with me on the women-only trip in October. We’ll visit some of the country’s most iconic locations including the Taj Mahal and the ghats of Varanasi as well as festivals such as Diwali and the Pushkar Camel Fair. This trip is a well-rounded mix of culture and sightseeing - sleep in the desert, shop for fabric and volunteer at a home for widows. See the full itinerary.

Watch this video on Varanasi to spark your India Wanderlust.

MYSTICAL BHUTAN

Join me for this co-ed culture and Buddhism-focused trip to Bhutan in November (immediately following the women-only India trip). Take part in a meditation class, meet His Holiness Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, hear lectures on Buddhism and visit the Haa Valley, until recently closed to tourists. See the full itinerary.

Join both the India and Bhutan trip for a discount!

For a visual journey of Bhutan, visit my WanderGallery and read my blog posts.

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June winners!

Christine R. was the big winner last month for forwarding the Wanderlust and Lipstick Newsletter to the most folks. THANK YOU for your support!

Christine wins a super cool travel swag bag (valued at more than $100) filled with goodies including language learning software from iLearn, a Travel Channel hat, luggage tags, the 2nd Edition of The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo and more.

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Bonus Contest - Win an Infant Cruizer!

WanderMom, Michelle Duffy, is giving away a GoGo Babyz Infant Cruizer!

Flying with kids? Leave your stroller at home and use this Cruizer at your destination and in-flight. Save space and hassle on that next trip. 5 ways to win!

Don’t delay - contest closes at 11:59 PM CST on July 7th!

Enter for yourself or a friend.

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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: A Journey through Bhutan by Katie Hickman
Katie Hickman traveled through Bhutan in the 70’s, long before foreigners were allowed the amount of access available today. In addition, she visited areas that have just opened to outsiders only very recently. Katie has a really keen insight into the people, culture, landscape and architecture which makes this a rewarding read. It certainly has not garnered the exposure that Jamie Zeppa’s book has received but for anyone interested in this Himalayan Kingdom or adventure travel in general, it’s an excellent book. Available on Amazon

In the iPod

Baro by Habib Koite
Like so many remarkable African musicians, Habib Koite is from Mali. This CD, his third, really showcases his guitar skills. His band plays perfect accompaniment to his finger picking style, allowing it to stand out front and center. I have a lot of music in my collection, but this is one that I consider to be truly delightful because of all the intricate layers of instrumentation, accompanying vocals and perfect studio production. Available on Amazon

In the DVD Player
The Sea Inside with Javier Bardem
This was quite possibly the saddest movie I’ve ever seen. But don’t let that stop you from watching it. It’s also probably the best, most life affirming movie I’ve ever seen. Ever. Based on a true story, this is about a sweet, kind-hearted quadriplegic, Ramon Sampedro, who fights for his right to die with dignity. Sounds depressing but the story also intricately weaves in the lives that Ramon positively influences. Available on Amazon

WanderGear Review

Flip Video Camera
I recently tested out the Flip Video camera on a trip to Yellowstone and did a side by side test with my Sanyo recorder. While the Flip has its disadvantages, I was really impressed with its over all performance and I LOVE the fact that this camera, the size of your palm, can be stashed anywhere, for those times when digging through your bag for a larger camera just won’t do. Depending on the model, the internal hard drive can record one or two hours of video. Read more…

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World Eats

Just when you’re looking for the perfect unique dish for that summer potluck, consider Myscha’s Mediterranean-style 7 Layer Dip. It includes hummus, cukes, black olives, red onions and feta cheese. It’s a great twist on the southwestern version of 7 layers of goodness.

For more ethnic eats, see Myscha’s blog, World Eats and Readers’ Treats.

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WanderFood - New WanderBlog

Can’t quite get enough of your own food when you travel? Interested in seeing what others are munching on?

Wander on over to the new foodie blog: WanderFood. Here, you’ll see lots of photos of meals, snacks, desserts and treats from around the world as well as regional items from North America.

From soup to nuts, savor it all.

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Got Wanderlust?
Need something to inspire your travel dreams?

The 2nd edition of Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo is the definitive guide for all women travelers. Packed with anecdotes, expert advice and tips from more than 45 women travelers, it’s sure to have you packing your bags before you have time to check your bank account. Don’t wait another moment to pick up a signed copy of every WanderGal’s favorite book.

Newsletter subscribers save $3 in July! Buy Now!

Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids is the practical guide for traveling with children. Learn how to turn possible roadblocks into opportunities for stretching your family’s travel wings.

Written by Leslie Forsberg and Michelle Duffy, highlights include tips on saving money, packing, booking your flights, product recommendations from strollers to baby slings and much more. Buy now!

India is a magical destination that awaits you. Discover the joys and challenges of the subcontinent in For Women Traveling to India and start planning the journey you’ve been dreaming about. In addition to Beth’s own advice and guidance, this book incorporates stories and tips from dozens of women who’ve made the journey to the country themselves. Buy Now!

Don’t even THINK about going to India without it. Seriously!

All books are guaranteed to INSPIRE!

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Wanderlust in the News

More great coverage for Wanderlust and Lipstick!

• Matt Gross’ Frugal Traveler article in the NY Times takes top billing this month. Take a moment to read the comments - nearly 300 of them!
• Listen to my interview with Travel Detective Peter Greenberg

And check out recent Wanderlust and Lipstick book reviews!
•   Travel Betty at Divine Caroline
•   Kristin from Camels & Chocolate
•   Marina, The Travel Expert(a)
•   Melissa from Dreamlist Media
•   Minnemom on Traveling with Kids
•   Seattle’s Child Magazine
•   Shelley from the Austin Examiner

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WanderGear from CafePress

You don’t have to be a biker to get what this WanderGal is feeling.

This month, buy a t-shirt, travel mug or other item from the Wanderlust and Lipstick shop at Café Press.

Illustrations are by Elizabeth Haidle, and this, as well as many other designs, are available on Cafe Press.

Be an insider and join others by treating yourself to a fun and funky Wanderlust shirt, messenger bag or coffee mug.

Go on, be a Wanderluster!
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