Wanderlust & Lipstick Newsletter – December 2009
Happy Holidays Wanderluster!
If you read nothing else in this newsletter – pretty please read this: From now until December 21, join Passports with Purpose and help raise funds to build a school in Cambodia. All it takes is a $10 donation on your part. You get to choose a prize and contribute to changing the lives of children in rural Cambodia.
*****
More than 200 
women submitted stories for the 2nd annual travel writing contest, WanderWomen Write. Hang tight while the judges make their way through these amazing adventures. The winners will be announced in January.
The Grand Prize is a 12-day Health and Harmony tour in Vietnam with Buffalo Tours! 5 category winners will receive bags from Overland Equipment and a travel pillow and blanket from Cocoon.
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***Tours***
Vietnam & Cambodia and Bhutan including trekking Eastern Bhutan!!
Spots are filling on the spring tours – don’t delay!
TIMELESS VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA – Feb. 27 – Mar. 14
This 16 day women-only tour encompasses the best of Southeast Asia in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Trek the Mai Chau region of northern Vietnam, visit ethnic villages, take a cooking class in Hanoi, experience the bustling city of Saigon before relaxing along the Mekong Delta. Then head off to Cambodia where you’ll revel in the wonders of Angkor Wat. This is a specially-created itinerary for women who’ve always wanted to experience this region. See the full itinerary.
ENCHANTING BHUTAN – Mar. 20 – 31
This 12-day cultural adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan includes the chance to see the unfurling of the country’s largest thongdrol (banner). It happens once a year and is viewable for a brief time during the wee hours of the morning. This is truly a once-in a lifetime event! This women-only tour combines the best of Bhutan’s cultural highlights with light trekking in the pristine Himalayas. Take part in a cooking class, hike to Tiger’s Nest and enjoy the Paro Tsechu. See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY – SEPT. 17 – 28, 2010
Join former National Geographic photographer and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Natalie Fobes, as she leads a 12-day co-ed photography tour to Bhutan.
The Himalayas are your backdrop as you capture images of the harvest season (wheat and chilli peppers) and cultural festivals. Included are light treks and visits to monasteries, all while you learn tips from this internationally renowned photographer and experienced tour guide. See the full itinerary.
TREKKING IN EASTERN BHUTAN – OCTOBER 12 – 28, 2010
Bhutan is a relatively untouched country. But, it doesn’t get much more remote anywhere on the planet than Eastern Bhutan. This co-ed 17-day tour includes 5 days of trekking in the rarely visited region of Eastern Bhutan. You’ll also partake in elephant and jeep safaris in Northeast India. This area of Bhutan opened to travelers in 2009 and will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Includes the Mongar Festival and a hike to Tiger’s Nest. Space is limited to 12 people and is on a first come basis. This WILL sell out quickly – please don’t delay. See the full itinerary.
For more on Bhutan, visit my WanderGallery and read my blog posts.
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**New December Subscribers**
Win the XShot Pocket and iPhone Case!
All new subscribers during the month of December to this newsletter and/or Beth’s RSS blog feed will be entered in a drawing to win the XShot Pocket monopod AND an iPhone Case. Subscribe to both for 2 chances to win these perfect travel gadgets!
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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WanderGear from CafePress
Order now for the holidays!
Enjoy a cuppa joe this winter served in your very own Wanderlust and Lipstick mug! Simply order through the Wanderlust and Lipstick shop at Cafe Press.
Be an insider and join others by treating yourself to a fun and funky Wanderlust shirt, messenger bag or other gear.
Go on, be a Wanderluster!
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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Shantaram: A Novel
by Gregory David Roberts
This 900+ page tome is an enthralling tale based on the author’s life. After escaping prison in Australia for armed robbery, he hunkers down in Mumbai, sets up a health clinic in a slum and then goes to work for the local mafia. It’s a romance, a mystery, a thriller and a political statement all rolled into one. This book took on even more significance for me when I realized that parts of it took place in the very cafe that was bombed in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. You don’t have to love India to love this book. Available on Amazon.
In the iPod
Ama
by Yungchen Lhamo
This gal is a full-on rock star in her native Tibet, which she fled by foot in 1989. Though she sings in Tibetan, you can still understand the pain and sorrow that she sings about as well as the joy that comes from her deep-rooted spirituality in Buddhism. Her voice reminds me of a soaring bird in flight over the Himalayas. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
Dress to Kill
with Eddie Izzard
Not really travel-related, this one. But this stand-up comic IS from Australia. And he’s a transvestite. If that’s not enough to pique your interest then how ’bout this… This guy weaves everything from European history to Scooby Doo into a smart and sassy two hours of comedy. He is one of the most intelligent comedians I’ve ever watched and you’ll never be bored as you learn about J. Edgar Hoover’s penchant for women’s clothes. Available on Amazon
XShot Monopod
One of my very favorite travel items is the XShot Monopod. It’s a lightweight extendable arm with a camera mount on the end that allows you to take a photo or video of yourself. No more double chins and outstretched hands! The XShot compacts down so that you can slip it into your pocket or daybag. Half the fun is in trying to properly place yourself in front of an interesting background but I love using it even when there are people around who could take my picture for me. It gets great laughs and is a hoot to use. Read more…
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World Eats
In time for the holidays, Myscha’s got a recipe for English Christmas Rum Pudding. This comes from London Lennie’s seafood restaurant in NYC. It’s not one of her easiest recipes to create but she promises that it’s worth it!
For more ethnic eats, see Myscha’s blog, World Eats and Readers’ Treats.
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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 Leslie Forsberg and Michelle Duffy (WanderMom), 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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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
• Dave Fox – His manly take on Wanderlust and Lipstick
• Almost Fearless – Solo review
• Ever the Nomad – The Joys of Solo Travel
• Women on Wanderlust – Beth in India for Diwali
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Connect with Beth
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
