Wanderlust and Lipstick newsletter – August 2011
Happy August, Wanderluster!
I can hardly contain my excitement about returning to Papua New Guinea this month for the Mt. Hagen Sing 
Sing. And I’m humbled by the opportunity to show a small group of 10 this incredibly diverse culture. I’m equally as excited to share images and stories with you next month!
Starting in September, I have speaking gigs planned for the Bay Area, Las Vegas and Seattle (see my calendar below). Hoping to see some of you at these events! In between, I’m off to Hawaii (the Big Island), Santa Fe, Bhutan and Burma. I’ll be settling back in in early November – no doubt ready for a hot cup of tea and a good book.
If you’d like to join me on an adventure, there’s still a chance we can squeeze you in on the Santa Fe culinary tour in September or the trekking tour to Bhutan. And, spaces are starting to fill for the North India tour in October/November.
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***Tours***
Bhutan, India, Papua New Guinea, Santa Fe and Vietnam & Cambodia!
Read Testimonials from previous participants. See tour videos and Beth’s NEW photo galleries of Bhutan, India, Vietnam & Cambodia, Santa Fe and Papua New Guinea.
SANTA FE CULINARY TOUR (co-ed) September 15 – 18, 2011
LIMITED HOTEL SPACE – BOOK NOW! Join me on this culinary extravaganza to one of my 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. We can still squeeze you in! See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN LAYA TREK (co-ed) October 11 – 22, 2011
LIMITED SEATING ON FLIGHTS DUE TO KING’S WEDDING! 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 STARTING TO FILL UP!
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.
SOUTH INDIA TOUR INCLUDING PASSPORTS VILLAGE!
(women-only) January 25 – February 11, 2012
This 18-day women-only tour focuses on South India’s highlights including spectacular temples, tea and spice plantations, pristine beaches, the waterways of Kerala AND a trip to the Passports with Purpose Village! Take a yoga class, overnight on a houseboat, learn the secrets of South Indian cuisine in a cooking demonstration and experience the music, culture and food for which South India is famous. See the full itinerary.
VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR (women-only) March 8 – 24, 2012
Back by popular demand is the Vietnam and Cambodia cultural tour with a few new stops! The 2012 tour includes a visit to Phnom Penh, a ride down the Mekong River from Cambodia to Vietnam, a visit to the Sapa region of North Vietnam AND an overnight on a houseboat in Ha Long Bay. You’re gonna love this tour! See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN BUDDHISM TOUR (women-only) March 27 – April 7, 2012 
Whether you’re a practicing Buddhist or you simple want to know more about how the Bhutanese practice, this tour will be a wonderful way to tap into the very spiritual and mystical side of the Kingdom. Meditate with a monk, take a yoga class and hear a lecture given by a Buddhist scholar. You can’t help but feel the power of Buddhism in this Himalayan country and this tour will help you understand the basis for their beliefs! 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
Beneath Blossom Rain: Discovering Bhutan on the Toughest Trek in the World by Kevin Grange
The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is 24+ days and is considered the hardest trek in the world, with 11 passes – most over 16,000 feet. It’s a trek that Jon has half-joked about us doing sometime. After reading Beneath Blossom Rain, I’m closer to believing we could (and should) do it. In addition to describing the trek itself, Kevin weaves in the personalities of his group as well as info about Bhutan’s culture, religion and magical qualities. By no means does he make this trek seem easy, but you’re left believing it’s worth it. Available on Amazon
In the iPod
Short Sharp Shocked by Michelle Shocked
Not a world music selection at all, but someone who transports me for sure. I’ve really liked Michelle Shocked’s music for ages. I recently picked up a few of her CDs (which I previously only owned on vinyl) and was reminded how much joy music brings to me. Michelle is a thoughtful (and sometimes political) singer/songwriter and is best known for her hit, Anchorage. But this entire CD (as well as most all of her others) are big hits for me. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
North Face
Keeping with my theme of extreme adventure… North Face is based on the true story of two Germans attempting to be the first to scale the north face of Eiger in the Alps. In the process, it’s their goal to serve their country well (1936 Germany) and are in a race to make it to the top before two Austrians get there. Despite the love story that’s woven in, the movie does keep you on the edge of your seat. It also won the German equivalent to the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Available on Amazon
WanderGear Review
Isis Clothing
Two of my favorite items in this summer’s wardrobe are the Mile Hi Shorts and Brighton Bay Shirt from Isis. The shorts feature deep front pockets and a special zippered one to keep an item or two safe while the top has a fashionable twist in the front and buttoned short sleeves. Both are lightweight and loose fitting. Not too dressy but nice enough to bring with you on your travels – whether it’s to a city, beach or cabin. Read more…
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** August Contest **
Win Naturopathica for the Traveler!
Are you already a Naturopathica fan? If so, you know how cool it would be to win this travel pack of goodies from these folks.
All new newsletter subscribers during the month of August AND all new RSS subscribers (add your email to this page) will be entered to win a Naturopathica Starter Kit for the Traveler. You’ll have two chances to win this month! Value is $32!
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** July Subscriber Winner! **
Congratulations to Amber from Saskatoon, SK for being the winner of our July contest! Amber was a randomly drawn winner for having commented on my AmEx contest blog posts, and will receive a $100 gift card from American Express. Yeah for Amber!
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WanderFood Find
How super yummy do these look???! Carolyn’s recipe for Pan Fried Chive Buns is her own attempt to recreate what she’s experienced on the streets of China. She encourages you to test them out for yourself and let her know how they turned out. Try this and other recipes from Carolyn on her WanderFood blog.
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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?
The 2nd edition of Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo is the definitive resource 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.
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 Michelle Duffy (WanderMom) and Leslie Forsberg, 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 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!
Don’t even THINK about going to India without it. Seriously!
All books are guaranteed to INSPIRE!
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Upcoming Wanderlust and Lipstick Events
September 6 September 7
Essential Tips for Travelers Essential Tips for Travelers
REI – Saratoga, CA REI – Berkeley, CA
Sponsored by Briggs & Riley Sponsored by Briggs & Riley
September 8 September 11
Essential Tips for Travelers The Travel Blogger Show
REI – Santa Rosa, CA Las Vegas, NV
Sponsored by Briggs & Riley
October 5 October 7
Travel Safety Tips for Women PURE Travel Collaborative
REI – Seattle Pan Pacific Hotel – Seattle
Sponsored by XShot
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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
- MSNBC – How to Avoid a Security Pat Down
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
