Wanderlust & Lipstick Newsletter – October 2010

Hello Wanderluster!

As you read this, I will be on my way or already in India or Bhutan leading the Eastern Bhutan Trek to a region of this Kingdom that just opened up to tourists in the past few months. We’ll be one of the first groups to reach Merak, Sakten and other areas that have been closed to outsiders due to the sensitive nature of these cultures. Photos and stories to come…

The 3rd Annual WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest kicks off this month!
Grand prize is a trip for two through Vietnam & Cambodia with Buffalo Tours and each category winner will receive a Briggs & Riley Explore 22″ Upright carry-on bag!

FINAL CALL for the North India Golden Triangle tour! If you respond immediately, there’s a slight chance we can still squeeze you in on this cultural tour that includes Diwali and the Pushkar Camel Fair.

In November, I’ll be speaking about Vietnam & Cambodia at the Savvy Traveler and Wide World Books, both Seattle-area travel stores. Oh, and fancy that, I just happen to have a tour to SE Asia in February! (See calendar for details.)

And last, but not least, Passports with Purpose 2010 is gearing up. This year we’re raising $50,000 to build a VILLAGE for a Dalit community in Southern India. Travel bloggers, manufacturers, sponsors and donors are all encouraged to contact me for more details. Because, really? We can’t do it without YOUR support!

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***Sponsors***

French Alps Tours
Experience the beauty, history, cuisine & villages of the Alps.

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***Tours***

Bhutan, India, Vietnam and Cambodia!

Read Testimonials from previous participants.
See videos of Bhutan and Beth’s photo gallery of Bhutan, India, and Vietnam & Cambodia.

NORTH INDIA (women-only) – Nov. 4 – 21, 2010
It’s not every year that Diwali (the Festival of Lights) and the Pushkar Camel Fair fall closely enough together to include in the same tour. 2010 is such a year! This 18-day North India tour also includes a guided tour of 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. This tour is one-third full! See the full itinerary.

SOUTH INDIA (women-only) – Jan. 14 – 30, 2011
SLOTS ARE FILLING FOR THIS TRIP – DON’T WAIT!
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.

BHUTAN YOGA TOUR (women-only) – April 19 – 30, 2011
Join tour leader Susan Weis for this 12-day tour of Bhutan that incorporates yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic workshops! Enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas on this unique journey that also includes the cultural highlights found on other Wanderlust and Lipstick Bhutan tours such as light trekking, festivals, a hike to Tiger’s Nest and a lecture on Buddhism by a renowned Bhutanese scholar. See the full itinerary.

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** New October Subscribers **
Win a KEEN Airport Way Checkpoint Friendly Daybag

All new newsletter subscribers during the month of Octoner to this newsletter will be entered in a drawing to win the KEEN Airport Way Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Daybag. Value for this item is… $130!

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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September Subscriber Winner!

Congratulations to Marsha from Boulder, CO for being the winner of our September subscriber contest! Marsha is a new newsletter subscriber and will receive a toiletry case (left) from Briggs & Riley, 2 travel pouches (right) AND a passport pouch from Tom Bihn. All that for being a new newsletter subscriber! Yeah for Marsha!

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WanderGear from CafePress!

This fall, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee in a Wanderlust and Lipstick mug. Available on Cafe Press along with many other WaL items…

Wanderlusters across the country have been ordering products from 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 coffee mug.

Go on, be a Wanderluster!

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

On the Bookshelf
The Last Men by Iago Corrazo and Greta Ropa
Continuing with my theme and “high” for Papua New Guinea… this is an informative, well researched and beautifully photographed book on both PNG and Irian Jaya (the left side of the island). I’ve been reading a lot about PNG recently and this is one of the few books that has managed to capture this complicated culture, yet be written in an understandable non-textbook sort of way. Available on Amazon

In the iPod
David Broza (check out anything!)
When I drove down to Portland recently, I popped a David Broza CD in my player and pretty much sang all the way. I discovered David ages ago in a cutout bin – the best $1 I ever spent. Since then I’ve purchased most of his CD’s and try to catch him whenever he (infrequently) plays in Seattle. He’s Israeli, sings in both English and Hebrew, and is the most passionate singer/songwriter/guitar player I can think of. You’ll do well checking out any of his CD’s. Available on Amazon

In the DVD Player
A Man Named Pearl
This has nothing to do with travel but it is SUCH a lovely movie that I couldn’t contain myself from sharing. This is the story of Pearl Fryar, a black man in South Carolina, who is moved to create a beautiful sculpture garden in his yard after being turned away from buying a house when the neighbors believed he wouldn’t take care of his lawn. He shows them! (And then some.) His home has put Bishopville on the map with tourists arriving from around the world just to see his handy work. Available on Amazon

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.
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 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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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:

• Heather on Her Travels – Interview with Beth on Papua New Guinea

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Connect with Beth

I want to hear from you!

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Till next month…

Travel Well!

Beth