Wanderlust and Lipstick Newsletter – August 2009
Hot Greetings, Wanderluster!
I’m still trying to keep cool in Seattle where temps hit 104 last week. I loved it, but many Seattleites weren’t with me on this one. I just envisioned myself in Costa Rica, where I’ve experienced similar temps with no air-con.
Speaking of exotic destinations… this month I’m excited to announce two new tours just added to our spring 2010 lineup. Vietnam & Cambodia and Bhutan – both are just for WanderGals.
And, to celebrate Michelle Duffy’s (aka WanderMom) TV debut on Evening Magazine, I thought I’d run a little special for buyers of Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids. This month only, North American newsletter subscribers get free shipping while international buyers pay just $5 (a $5 savings).
Stock up! Buy for your friends! Only $12.95 each!
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Wanderlust and Lipstick Fall Tours: Last Call for Fall and Get Ready for Spring!
Join other Wanderlusters on one of these exciting adventures.
BHUTAN – PHOTOGRAPHY – Sept. 23 – Oct. 4
Join award winning photographer, Brenda Tharp, as she leads a 12-day, co-ed photography tour to Bhutan beginning September 23rd.
The Himalayas are your backdrop as you capture images of the harvest season (wheat and chili peppers) and cultural festivals. Included are light treks and visits to monasteries, all while you have the opportunity to learn from a professional photographer and experienced tour guide. See the full itinerary.
INDIA CULTURAL TOUR – Oct. 16 – 30
Ever want to experience India in all its frantic glory? Come with me on the women-only trip in October. We’ll visit some of the country’s most iconic locations including the Taj Mahal and the ghats of Varanasi as well as festivals such as Diwali and the Pushkar Camel Fair. This trip is a well-rounded mix of culture and sightseeing – sleep in the desert, shop for fabric and volunteer at a home for widows. See the full itinerary.
Watch this video on Varanasi to spark your India Wanderlust.
MYSTICAL BHUTAN – Oct. 30 – Nov. 11
13 days for the price of 12!
Druk Air canceled our flight out of Delhi on October 31st – therefore, we’re departing a day early and YOU get an extra day in Bhutan.
Join me for this co-ed culture and Buddhism-focused trip to Bhutan in November (immediately following the women-only India trip). Take part in a meditation class, meet His Holiness Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, hear lectures on Buddhism and visit the Haa Valley, until recently closed to tourists. See the full itinerary.
Join both the India and Bhutan trip for a discount!
JUST ANNOUNCED!
TIMELESS VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA – Feb. 27 – Mar. 14
This 15 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. A special tour for WanderGals 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 is a women-only tour. It 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 Teschu for the special unfurling of the great thongdrel (banner) which takes place in the wee hours of the morning. This is a SPECIAL event not to be missed! See the full itinerary.
For more on Bhutan, visit my WanderGallery and read my blog posts.
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July Hyatt Winners!
5 people won a night at a Hyatt anywhere in the world simply by becoming Wanderlust and Lipstick newsletter subscribers during July.
They include: Marty from Nebraska, Holly from Washington, DC, Jan from California, Len from Washington and Janet from Utah! Congratulations to all!
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**New Subscribers** Win a Swag Bag of Travel Goodies!
All new subscribers during the month of August will have the opportunity to win a Swag Bag of Travel Goodies including a copy of Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo and a copy of the Penny 
Pincher’s Passport to Luxury Travel.
Tell all of your travel loving buddies and family members to subscribe and they’ll be in the running for that Swag Bag. (Pssst… I never spam or share email information.)
Not only will sharing the WanderLove give your friends a chance to win but you’ll be doing them a favor by letting them in on the hot topics, ethnic recipes and Wanderlust event updates in each newsletter!
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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Where the Hell is Matt? Dancing Badly Around the World
You’ve all seen his videos (you HAVE haven’t you? If not, please go here immediately). Now Matt Harding has an accompanying book to go with all those jigs he danced around the world. It’s a coffee table book that all travelers should have. It’s a conversation starter, an easy read (it includes stories about all the places he visited on his journeys) and it’s fun to see all the still photos of Matt, his dancing companions and his travels in general. Available on Amazon
In the iPod
Motorcycle Diaries Soundtrack
As a student of classical guitar myself, I have a special affinity for this CD that features two time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla. But you don’t have to be a guitarist to truly appreciate the intricacies and precise playing on this soundtrack. It’s simply spine tingling. And in case you’re not in-the-know, this movie chronicles the 8,000 mile motorcycle journey of Che Guevara and his friend. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
Chak De! India with Shah Rukh Khan
This Bollywood flick is an inspirational story centered around the Indian women’s national field hockey team. SRK’s character returns to the field as coach of this haphazard group of gals after he had a humiliating experience on his own team years earlier. Of course, it’s a happy ending but there’s enough drama to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat to find out how all of the relationships play out. Available on Amazon
WanderGear Review
Mara Shoes from Aravon
Though I like to consider myself more of a trailblazer wearing sport sandals, I do occasionally find myself in museums and cafes in a European city where a little dressier shoe is more appropriate. The Mara closed clogs from Aravon are a great alternative for my usual open-toed sandal-wearing feet. They are super comfy, slightly feminine (with stitched flowers on the uppers) and perfect for wearing over a long period of time. Read more…
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World Eats
Things are finally cooling off here in Seattle, which means I can start thinking about cooking warm meals again. That’s why when I saw this Quick Quesadilla recipe from Myscha, I locked right in on it. She’s got a link to some yummy salsas and a reminder that these south of the border treats are great for tight budgets.
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 guide 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, 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 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
Check out this recent Wanderlust and Lipstick book review!
• Lorraine at Keeps Me Smiling
And stay tuned as Wanderlust and Lipstick will soon be featured in Every Day with Rachel Ray, Real Simple and More Magazine!
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WanderGear from CafePress
You don’t have to be a biker to get what this WanderGal is feeling.
This month, buy a t-shirt, travel mug or other item from the Wanderlust and Lipstick shop at Café Press.
Illustrations are by Elizabeth Haidle, and this, as well as many other designs, are available on 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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Connect with Beth
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
