Howdy, Wanderluster!
You missed it. Another amazing journey to Papua New Guinea. It’s so difficult to express how absolutely mind-blowing this country is and this past tour was no different for me (and our participants!). You can see some of my photos here.
For a little less adventure, but definitely better food, we’ve just announced our inaugural Seattle Culinary Tour in June 2013. I’m so excited to be offering a tour of my own backyard (well, not literally, that wouldn’t be so interesting).
This month I’m off to Costa Brava, Spain to speak at TBEX EU. I leave in less than 2 weeks for that trip and am delighted to be spending a bit of time in Barcelona as well as on the Mediterranean Coast. More firsts!
In online news… some wonderful stories have been coming in for the Hawaii-themed travel writing contest sponsored by the Big Island Visitors Bureau. Grand Prize is a 5-night stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Aloha, Hawaii Island! 3 category winners will receive a pair of KEEN sandals to wear on their very own beach getaway.
Don’t forget, we’ve got 3 tours coming up this fall and we need to hear from you immediately if you’re interested in either Bhutan, Burma or North India. In-country flights and hotels are being confirmed right NOW.
And if you register for the spring, 2013 Vietnam and Cambodia tour by September 15, you can take advantage of this month’s WanderTours Deal and receive a free copy of the beautiful coffee table book, Vietnam Journeys ($50 value)!
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***WanderTours***
BHUTAN CULTURE AND FESTIVAL TOUR (women-only)
October 25 – November 5, 2012
Experience the best of Bhutan’s cultural highlights with light hiking in the pristine Himalayas, a cooking class and a hike to iconic Tiger’s Nest in this 12-day women only tour. The trip is highlighted by the Jambay Lhakhang tsechu (festival) in Bumthang where a midnight dance takes place in the courtyard of an ancient monastery. See the full itinerary.
MYANMAR (BURMA) CULTURE AND PAGODA TOUR (women-only)
October 29 – November 9, 2012 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Visit Burma just as the country is opening up to the outside world and slowly but surely changing its reputation. This 12-day adventure includes Burma’s highlights – the pagodas of Bagan, the magic and artistry of Mandalay and the peaceful and tribal-filled region of Inle Lake. This tour is close to selling out – don’t miss your chance to experience Burma with a group of Wanderlusters. See the full itinerary.
NORTH INDIA CULTURAL TOUR (women-only)
November 4 – 17, 2012 4 SPOTS LEFT!
Join us on this unique tour of Northern India – a destination we know well. Visit the Taj Mahal, be immersed in a Bollywood-like cultural extravaganza in Delhi, get to know the cuisine through an intimate cooking demonstration and enjoy spectacular Diwali festivities with a local family. This tour covers the best of the North including Delhi, Agra, Chambal and Rajasthan (with a Varanasi option). See the full itinerary.
SOUTH INDIA CULTURE AND TEMPLE TOUR (women-only) January 27 – February 10, 2013 REGISTER EARLY FOR BEST AIRFARE!
Journey through South India’s spectacular temples, tea and spice plantations, pristine beaches and the waterways of Kerala. 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 13 – 30, 2013 REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 15 AND RECEIVE A COPY OF VIETNAM JOURNEYS ($50 VALUE)
Experience the unique culture, cuisine, history, scenery and people of these fascinating Southeast Asian countries. Pay a visit to awe-inspiring Angkor Wat along with other remarkable temples near Siem Reap, learn about Cambodian culture and history in Phnom Penh, take a relaxing boat trip down the Mekong, feel the vibe of Saigon, hike through Sapa tribal communities, take part in a cooking class, overnight on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay. See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR (women-only)
March 17 – 28, 2013 1/3 FULL AND FLIGHTS ARE FILLING FAST!
Discover the unique cultural aspects of this Buddhist Kingdom. Visit impressive dzongs (temples), learn about their philosophy of Gross National Happiness and meander through ancient villages. Finish the trip with a hike to Tiger’s Nest! The tour coincides with the Paro Festival which features the unfurling of the country’s largest thongdrel (banner). It is a spiritual event not to be missed! See the full itinerary.
SANTA FE CULINARY TOUR (women-only)
June 5 – 9, 2013 SEE THE VIDEO
A culinary extravaganza suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike! Experience a hands-on tamale-making class, tour the farmer’s market with a local foodie expert, take a guided downtown tour, meander through gallery openings and learn about the area’s Native American history, culture and cuisine. Each day includes chocolate-tasting at local specialty chocolate shops  Scheduled for the summer for those who can’t break away other times of the year. See the full itinerary.
SEATTLE CULINARY TOUR (women-only)
June 27 – 30, 2013 JUST ANNOUNCED!
Join Beth on this 4-day culinary adventure to her hometown of Seattle. During this tour, you’ll experience some of Seattle’s best (and most iconic) restaurants, sample wines from the region’s nearby wine country, take a private food tour the Pike Place Market and learn how to prepare a special breakfast using local ingredients. You’ll also visit some of the city’s best sweet shops including specialty chocolates, popcorn and cupcakes. Suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. See the full itinerary.
SNOWMAN TREK IN BHUTAN (co-ed)
September 15 – October 16, 2013 THE HARDEST TREK IN THE WORLD
Known as the hardest trek in the world, this legendary adventure is only for the experienced and determined trekkers. The route essentially combines the Jomolhari and Laya treks, passes through the Lunana region and ends at Bumthang. The trek includes breathtaking landscapes and ultimately reaches an altitude of about 18,480 feet. See the full itinerary.
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Hawaii-themed
Travel Writing Contest
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Submit your Hawaii-themed travel story for a chance to win a 5-night stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii Island!
Sponsored by the Big Island Visitors Bureau, there will be one Grand Prize winner who will receive the Marriott prize package (with lots of extras) for their stay on the island. There will also be 3 Category winners who will receive sandals from KEEN Footwear!
See all the details here. You have until September 14, 2012 to enter.
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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Lessons from the Monk I Married by Katherine Jenkins
An insightful and inspirational memoir from a (Seattle) woman who makes her way to Korea on a spiritual journey and ends up meeting and ultimately marrying a monk. I was prepared to not like the author for pulling a devout monk away from his faith but this love story is too irresistible and the writing too good for me to be mad for very long.Â
In the iPod
El Cor del Temps by Maria del Mar Bonet
I first learned about the Catalonia region of Spain (where I’m headed very soon!) after hearing Maria del Mar Bonet’s singing about 15 years ago. This is her latest release, a 2-disc set that includes both live and studio recordings. All in Catalan, all beautiful. I don’t understand a word of what she’s singing but it doesn’t matter because she’s one of a handful of performers that can bring tears to my eyes – no matter the language.
In the DVD Player
Samsara
Samsara in Buddhism means the cycle of rebirth or being reborn in a cycle of suffering. And this movie is a combination of beauty and suffering – a kind of visual mashup. It’s hard to not feel really sad at times during this film but it’s the beautiful imagery that sticks with you the longest – the setting sun on sand dunes, the Egyptian Pyramids, Thai dancers. Definitely catch this on the big screen if you can.
WanderGear Review
ECCO’s BIOM Lite Mary Jane Shoes – Now that summer’s nearly over and I’m about ready to put away my flip flops and sandals, I’ve pulled out some of my favorite closed toe shoes that are perfect for travel as well as just walking around my neighborhood. The ECCO Mary Jane’s are cushy, sturdy and kinda stylish. Read more…
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Upcoming Wanderlust and Lipstick Events
September 21, 2012 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â October 17, 2012 – 7 pm
Beth on book publishing             Joslin on VietnamÂ
TBEX EU in Girona, Spain           Wide World Books, SeattleÂ
December 1, 2012 – 10 am
Joslin on Vietnam
Savvy Traveler, Edmonds, WA
See Beth’s calendar for details.
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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
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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,
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.
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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.
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Parting Words
From Fanny Burney… “Traveling is the ruin of all happiness! There’s no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.”
Until next month,
Travel Well!
Beth
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