Wanderlust & Lipstick Newsletter – May 2010
Aloha, Wanderluster!
I couldn’t resist the warm Hawaiian greeting since I’m on my way to Kauai shortly. Yippee! And then southern Cali for a series of talks (see Events at right) in early June and then, with a bit of luck, Papua New Guinea! If I can’t get the warm weather in Seattle, I’ll go to the warm weather!
What’s even more exciting, however, is that I have 2 new tours to announce for 2011 – South India and Vietnam & Cambodia – both women-only. See the descriptions below.
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A reminder that you have a few more days to give the gift of travel to your favorite Mom. Through May 9, order a copy of any Wanderlust and Lipstick book for just $10. Take this opportunity to treat yourself or someone else to a book from every WanderGal’s favorite guidebook series.
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***Tours***
Bhutan, India, Vietnam and Cambodia!
It’s National Photography Month! Register in May for the Bhutan photo tour and save $200!
Read Testimonials from previous participants.
See videos of Bhutan and Beth’s photo gallery of Bhutan, India, and Vietnam & Cambodia.
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. (Save $200 by registering in May!)
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 unexplored 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 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 and is already one-half full. This WILL sell out quickly – please don’t delay in registering. See the full itinerary.
NORTH INDIA (women-only) – Nov. 5 – 22, 2010
Back by popular demand, this 18-day North India tour includes Diwali, the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Taj Mahal and visits to Varanasi, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. This unique journey has been specially crafted for women and includes unique opportunities where you get to experience the diverse culture of the subcontinent through special pujas (prayers), private music concerts and safaris in the desert of Rajasthan. See the full itinerary.
SOUTH INDIA (women-only) – Jan. 14 – 30, 2011
This trip incorporates the best of South India including spectacular temples, tours of tea and spice plantations, wildlife viewing in a national park and relaxing on pristine beaches. Take a yoga class, overnight on a houseboat and experience learn to cook local specialties during this journey from Chennai to Kerala. See the full itinerary.
VIETNAM & CAMBODIA (women-only) – Feb. 10 – 28, 2011
This 17-day journey explores the highlights of these two southeast Asian countries. Trek the Mai Chau region of northern Vietnam, visit ethnic minority villages, take a cooking class in Hanoi and experience the bustling city of Saigon before soaking up the Mekong Delta by boat. Then, head off to Cambodia, where you’ll revel in the wonders of Angkor Wat and explore the small city of Siem Reap. See the full itinerary.
Other tours:
Cambodia with Passports with Purpose (co-ed) – July 24 – August 2
This is a unique opportunity to join the Passports with Purpose gals for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Passport School in rural Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Tour includes the country’s top sites: the temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh and the beaches of Sihanoukville.
See the full itinerary.
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Between Me And You™ Keepsake Journals
A really unique and personal gift idea!
Each hardcover, spiral-bound book contains 35 – 45 fun-to-ask and fun-to-answer questions.
Give them to the people you love and they are returned with handwritten memories in a keepsake you’ll cherish.
Just $14.95. You may view page samples and order securely at Between Me and You Books.
Sand Dune Publishing is Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating.
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** New May Subscribers **
Win ExOfficio Travel Clothing!
All new subscribers during the month of May to this newsletter and/or Beth’s RSS blog feed will be entered in a drawing to win a pair of Women’s Nio Amphi Capris and a Dryflylite Shirt from ExOfficio, valued at $125! Subscribe to both for 2 chances to win!
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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April Subscriber Winner!
Congratulations to Hayley from Walnut Creek, for being the winner of the April subscriber contest. Hayley is a new newsletter subscriber and will receive a women’s Crinkle Plaid Tank and a pair of Sidney Convertible Pants from Royal Robbins! What a great thing!
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Wander Recommendations
(Purchase directly through this Newsletter and you help support Wanderlust and Lipstick!)
On the Bookshelf
The Tropical Vegan Kitchen by Donna Klein
This book recently popped up twice for me in one week. Needless to say, I don’t ignore signs like that and knew I must have it. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or carnivore, you’ll love this cookbook which is filled with tasty (and easy) tropical veggie recipes. It includes a full gamut of appetizers, soups, mains and desserts. I’ve tested out just a couple so far but can’t wait to dive deep into this one. Even though it’s not filled with photos, I still love perusing it for unique and exotic ideas. Available on Amazon
In the iPod
Razia – Zebu Nation
Madagascar-born, Razia Said is a true WanderGal having left her home country to travel through Europe and Bali before landing in NYC. The songs on Zebu Nation were inspired by Razia’s realization that Madagascar was being ruined by man-made causes. Much of the CD is sung in her native Malagasy, but is still thoroughly enjoyable even if you don’t understand the lyrics. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
Dharm with Pankaj Kapur
There can sometimes be a huge divide between religious beliefs and tolerance for those who are different. This Indian movie explores how deep-seated this can be through the story of a Brahmin holy man and his encounter with a Muslim-born boy. The pundit connects with and then abandons the boy with both experiences touching him deeply and with strong consequences to his family and community. Available on Amazon
WanderGear Review
Clothes from ExOfficio
ExOfficio clothes provide a number of cool bennies for the traveler. I’m a big fan because they are made from quick drying material making them easy to wash out in a hotel sink and then dry overnight. ExO clothes are also great for their anti-wrinkle and moisture wicking properties. And, depending on the item, it might feature Insect Shield or built-in sun protection. All-around a good choice for the full-on adventurer or armchair traveler! This month, you can win $125 in ExO clothes! Read more…
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New WanderBlogger! Food Freeway!
Stephanie Arsenault considers herself a late bloomer (18) when it comes to being bitten by the travel bug but she hasn’t looked back since. Her love for food, however, began at a much earlier age, and her enthusiasm for new ingredients and recipes grows a little bit each day. Come and join her in a quest for delicious food, new cultures, and the spectacular combination of the two as she travels the Food Freeway. It’s guaranteed to be a sweet, scrumptious and spicy journey!
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World Eats
While you’re watching Dharm (reviewed above) consider sitting down to this easy meal of Indian Dal with Basmati. Don’t let all the ingredients fool ya, most of them you’ll find in your own cupboard and the others aren’t exotic at all. It’s perfect with a little yogurt and if you can stand the heat, try cranking it up with a bit more chili or cayenne.
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Got Wanderlust?
Need something to inspire your travel dreams?
Click this link to order your $10 books for Mother’s Day! Through May 9, 2010 only!
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.
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 (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:
• Vacation Gals – Best Summer Travel Destinations (with WanderMom)
• Travel with Teens and Tweens – Book Review of Traveling with Kids
• Travel Blog Sites – Travels with a Purpose (best blog!)
• CreditCards.com – Advice on Carrying Money While Traveling
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Connect with Beth
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
