Wanderlust & Lipstick Newsletter – January 2010

January, 2010

Happy New Year, Wanderluster!

Next month I’m off to Vietnam & Cambodia and then Bhutan. I’ll be leading women-only tours in both cases. Spots are filing and time is tight so let me know ASAP you’re interested in joining either tour! And watch these new Wanderlust videos if you need a little inspiration for 2010!

A huge “thank you” for participating in Passports with Purpose! With your help and support, we raised more than $27,500 to build a school in rural Cambodia and provide a nurse, build a garden and supply a water filter for the children in this poor region. The PwP gals are planning a trip to Cambodia for the ribbon cutting ceremony later this year – if you’re interested in joining us, please let me know!

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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 on January 15th.

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***Tours***

Vietnam & Cambodia and Bhutan including trekking Eastern Bhutan!!
Spots are filling on the spring tours – don’t delay!
Read Testimonials from previous tours.
See videos of Bhutan.

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.

November, 2010 – India Tour details to be announced soon!

For more on Bhutan, visit my WanderGallery and read my blog posts.

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December Subscriber Winner

Congratulations to Katrina from Phoenix for being the winner of the December subscriber contest. Katrina is a new newsletter subscriber and wins an XShot Pocket and iPhone case for the XShot.

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**New January Subscribers**
Win Clothes from SmartWool!

All new subscribers during the month of January to this newsletter and/or Beth’s RSS blog feed will be entered in a drawing to win a Roundabout V-neck Sweater and 3 pairs of SmartWool socks (value: $145)! 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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New WanderBlog – Heart of India!

As a writer and keen observer of human life, Dianne Sharma uses India has her precious muse. She moves with the seasons and across the Heartland of Mother India, exploring places and faces, food and culture.

Dianne measures her journeys in friends, not miles and has been welcomed into the homes of many people she’s met along the way. Join her as she shares her love of India, and the stories of these friends, in her new blog Heart of India.

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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Signspotting III: Lost and Loster in Translation
Compiled by Doug Lansky
I laughed my ass off when I flipped through this book. Seriously I hadn’t laughed so hard since I saw Jerry Seinfeld live in Seattle. Along with the photos of ridiculous signs from around the world, the one-line commentaries below each photo makes each sign that much funnier. This little book is the perfect way to get your year started! Available on Amazon

In the iPod
Yatra
by Kailash Kher
One of the hottest singers in India right now, Kailiash Kher made it big when one of his songs was featured in a Bollywood flick. His music combines traditional Indian folk with Bollywood-style shoulder-shimmying beats and Sufi-like spin master music. He’s often compared to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and has a unique and, you might say, high-pitched voice. But that voice is smooth and strong. He tours internationally so keep an eye open for him in your ‘hood. Available on Amazon

In the DVD Player
Mind the Gap
with Mina Badie, Stan Berger and Jill Sobule
I’m a sucker for a happy tale that skips the violence. Mind the Gap is just that – a sweet and quirky story that follows the lives of 5 people until they intersect. Though it’s been criticized for being too cutesy and predictable – you really don’t know what thread is holding everyone together until the end. Unfortunately, these sorts of movies don’t come along often enough. And, Jill Sobule rocks as a… singer. 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 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:

• World Hum – Names Travel Bloggers Travelers of the Year
• Breathe Dream Go – Advice for Women Traveling to India
• Perceptive Travel – Traveling with Kids
• Backpack to Buggy – Making Travel with Kids Easier

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Connect with Beth

I want to hear from you!

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Till next month…

Travel Well!

Beth