Wanderlust and Lipstick newsletter – April 2011

Happy Spring, Wanderluster!

Great news for you! To celebrate the launch of the new WanderTours website, this month save $150 bucks on any international tour. Consider it part of your tax return! Deposits must be received on or before April 30 to qualify for the savings.

While not processing all those new tour registrants, this month I’ll be at Rancho la Puerta, just over the border in Mexico, taking a little breather, and enjoying warm weather and massages. A guilty pleasure that I’m looking forward to!

And speaking of warm destinations, I received some great feedback on the culinary tour to Santa Fe in September. As one Wanderluster put it, “It’s a STARTER TOUR.” That’s right, this is a way for you to get to know us without traveling too far. We’ll eat our way through a 4-day weekend in this beautiful area and learn about New Mexico’s rich food and cultural history. How can you pass this up!?

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Marbella dining guide

Mediterranean dining in malta

Turkish cuisine

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***Tours***

Bhutan, India, Papua New Guinea and Santa Fe!

Read Testimonials from previous participants.

See tour videos and Beth’s photo galleries of Bhutan, India, Vietnam & Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.

BOOK IN APRIL – SAVE $150

PAPUA NEW GUINEA MT. HAGEN TOUR (co-ed) – August 5 – 19, 2011 Papua New Guinea Tribal Man

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mt. Hagen Festival in Papua New Guinea. This inaugural WanderTour to PNG is being offered as the first of many to the country and coincides with the Mt. Hagen singsing. It also includes a tour along the waterways of the fantastic Sepik River as well as snorkeling, diving and cultural experiences along the coastal village of Madang. See the full itinerary.

VIETNAM TRANSFORMATION TOUR WITH AINSLIE MACLEOD (co-ed)

September 14 – 24, 2011

This 5-star, 11-day tour is more than a travel experience through Vietnam. This is a transformational journey with renowned spiritual guide, Ainslie MacLeod. In addition to touring some of the most popular sights in Saigon, Danang and Hanoi, participants will be led through intensive daily workshops with Ainslie, who has been featured on Oprah! See the full itinerary.

SANTA FE CULINARY TOUR (co-ed) September 15 – 18, 2011

Join Beth Whitman on this culinary extravaganza to one of her very favorite destinations in the U.S., Santa Fe. You’ll be treated to cooking classes and demonstrations, take guided walks, soak in mineral hot springs and learn about the area’s Native American history and culture. Suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. See the full itinerary.

BHUTAN LAYA TREK (co-ed) October 11 – 22, 2011 Bhutan trek guide

Experience hiking through Bhutan’s Laya region, where the hospitable Layap people live, on this 12-day tour. This trek takes you over high mountain passes (16,100′) and into the wilderness above the tree line – a world of snow peaks, glacial lakes, herds of blue sheep and alpine blossoms. The group will enjoy the pristine mountain air, the therapeutic hot springs of Gasa and visits to temples including Tiger’s Nest. See the full itinerary.

NORTH INDIA CULTURAL TOUR (women-only)

October 25 – November 9, 2011

This 16-day women-only tour focuses on North India’s highlights including the Taj Mahal, the erotic temples of Khajuraho, the ghats of Varanasi, fantastic Diwali celebrations and a tour of the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar (during their historic animal fair)! You’ll take a cooking class, enjoy a private music and dance performance with internationally-renowned artists and have your fill of exquisite Indian food. See the full itinerary.

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Wander Recommendations

(Purchase directly through this Newsletter and you help support Wanderlust and Lipstick!)

On the Bookshelf

White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Boy – this book really shows a different side of India. It’s written from the perspective of a low-caste driver working for a wealthy family as he describes his life in letters to the Premier of China. You’re left both hating and empathizing with the protagonist. And other than the letter-writing bit, I don’t doubt that the events in this book take place on a daily basis in India. Available on Amazon

In the iPod

Bossa Nova Around the World by Putumayo

Among many musical forms to come out of Brazil, bossa nova is one that cropped up in the 50′s. Bossa Nova Around the World is just that – international musicians, including those from the U.S., South Korea, Norway and Serbia, with their take on this laid-back jazzy sound. Mellow to the core, it’s a lovely soundtrack for your next dinner party. Available on Amazon

In the DVD Player

Nights of Cabiria

I rarely watch old flicks, but I heard a recommendation on the radio about the performance of Giulietta Masini in this 1957 movie and had to check it out. It’s directed by Giulietta’s husband, Federico Fellini, and is definitely one of the best performances from an actress I think I’ve ever seen. Giulietta plays a hooker with a huge heart who finds love and disappointment around every corner in Rome. As much of a wacky Italian as she is, ya love her none-the-less. Available on Amazon

WanderGear Review

ExOfficio Lacy Underwear

Yippee for ExOfficio for taking the leap and launching a line of sexy, travel-friendly undies. The Lacy line comes in a variety of options including thong, bikini, full cut brief and low-rise bikini (pictured). These feature the easy wash-and-rinse-ability that all ExO clothes are well-known for so you just need to carry a few pairs on your next trip! Read more…

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** New April Subscribers **

Win a Pocket XShot Camera Extender and XShot iPhone 4 Tripod Case!

All new newsletter subscribers during the month of April to this newsletter will be entered to win 2 pairs of ExOfficio Lacy Underwear. This month there will be four winners – 1 winner each week will get to choose 2 pairs from the collection! Value is $30 for each giveaway!

Increase your karma – tell your friends so that they, too, will have a chance to win this month’s awesome giveaway. (Names are never shared, by the way.)

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** March Subscriber Winner! **

Congratulations to Sarah from Montreal for being one of the winners of our March subscriber contest (2nd winner pending)! Sarah is a new newsletter subscriber and will receive an XShot Camera Extender and iPhone 4 Tripod Case. Yeah for Sarah!

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New WanderBlogger!

Shae at The Flying Salmon

From breast feeding to bar hopping, Shae Healey came of age in the Pacific Northwest, splitting time between Portland, OR and Walla Walla, WA. After graduating from college, she spent two years dabbling in Chicago’s social work scene before devoting seven months to international adventuring.

Twenty eight countries later, Shae is keepin’ it regional in the great Northwest. To see what grows when women plant their roots in Pacific soil, check out The Flying Salmon for the latest and greatest in estrogen-infused attractions throughout Oregon and Washington.

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Food Freeway

I’m such a fan of Indonesian food. The taste of peanuts and chili garlic sauce brings me right back to the island of Bali. This month you might try out Bami Goreng if you need your tropical fix from this region. Though this calls for pork and shrimp, tofu, tempe or seitan can easily be substituted.

You can find this and other tasty treats on Stefanie’s Food Freeway.

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Profess Your Wanderlust-ness!

Got a blog or a website? Profess your Wanderlust Love by downloading a Wanderlust and Lipstick badge, placing it on your site and linking back to WaL! Let your readers know you’re proud to be part of a growing community of Wanderlusters!

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Got Wanderlust?

Need something to inspire your travel dreams?

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India Cover India is a magical destination that awaits you. Discover the joys and challenges of the subcontinent in Wanderlust and Lipstick: 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!