Wanderlust & Lipstick newsletter – October 2009
Hello, Wanderluster!
So much to do… so little time! I’m off to India this month with a group of gals for a 15-day tour of the north. 
We’ll be experiencing Diwali and the Pushkar Camel Fair and visiting the Taj Mahal! I’m then heading on to Bhutan with a co-ed group where we’ll have an audience with a reincarnated lama, trek to Tiger’s Nest and enjoy the pristine Himalayas.
If you couldn’t make one of these trips, consider joining me in 2010 for Vietnam & Cambodia or Bhutan. Register before December 1 and save $150!
In other news…
The 2nd annual travel writing contest, WanderWomen Write, is in full swing!
The Grand Prize is a 12-day Health and Harmony tour in Vietnam with Buffalo Tours! 12 Days. Culture. Spa. Vietnam. Get busy writing – you don’t want to miss this! 5 category winners will receive bags from Overland Equipment and a travel pillow and blanket from Cocoon.
I’ve got a small quantity of the 1st edition of The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo left. Consider one for yourself or a friend for just $8 (plus half price shipping).
Stock up for the holidays! Buy for your friends! Only $8 each!
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***Tours***
Vietnam & Cambodia and Bhutan including trekking Eastern Bhutan!!
Register now for a spring tour before Dec. 1st – save $150!
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 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.
JUST ANNOUNCED!
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.
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.
For more on Bhutan, visit my WanderGallery and read my blog posts.
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September Newsletter Winner!
Congratulations Candice from San Jose, CA – you’re the lucky September winner randomly chosen to win Her and His Alpental Hoodies from ExOfficio! You win for being a new subscriber!
Welcome to all new subscribers!
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**New Subscribers** Win a daybag from PacSafe!
All new subscribers during the month of October will be entered in a drawing to win a VentureSafe 20L daybag from PacSafe!
Tell all your travel loving buddies and family members to subscribe and they’ll be in the running for the PacSafe 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
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
by Christopher McDougall
I first became aware of the Tarahumara Indians when I was motorcycling through Mexico’s Copper Canyon region. I was struck by the remarkable stories of these people wearing shoes made of old tires and of their ability to run long distances in them. This book reveals secrets of this tribe’s ability to run hundreds of miles without exhaustion and to live relatively illness-free. As a person with a deep respect for indigenous cultures, I am pleased that this book sheds some light on a people that could easily be misinterpreted as backward if they just weren’t so advanced! Available on Amazon
In the iPod
Putumayo Presents: India
For the last month, I haven’t been able to to stop listening to my collection of Indian music given that I’ll be spending most of October there! Most recently, I’ve added this Putumayo CD to my collection. For anyone with a budding interest in Indian music, this is a great starter. It includes neither hardcore Bollywood nor long sitar ragas, but rather a wonderful mix of acoustic-lounge, Bollywood-lite and short sitar tunes with beautiful vocals. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
In Bruges with Colin Farrell and Brendon Fraser
I love to watch a movie where I know nothing about it in advance. Such was the case with In Bruges. I was completely and pleasantly surprised by this story about bumbling would-be Irish rip-off artists who find themselves stuck in Belgium together – and none-to-happy about it. Available on Amazon
Terrasoles Olympus Shoes
With me, practical rules when it comes to shoes. I want something that’s comfortable and if it’s easy to slip on and off – then that’s major bonus points. Initially I wouldn’t have put these in the travel category, but I’m convinced that for weekend getaways, when I might spend hours in a car, or for long plane flights – only socks could possibly be more comfortable than these. Read more…
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World Eats
This recipe for Chicken Kelaguen draws upon interesting flavors to give it a spicy kick influenced from the island of Guam. It includes coconut, hot peppers and lemon powder. Myscha includes an alternate recipe using beef. I’m wondering how tofu might work!
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, 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
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
• Matador – 10 Publications (for travel writing)
• Digital City - Are More Women Traveling Solo?
• My Charmed Life – Kids book review
And stay tuned as Wanderlust and Lipstick will soon be featured in Every Day with Rachel Ray and Real Simple this fall!
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Featured WanderGear from CafePress
Enjoy a cuppa joe this fall 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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Connect with Beth
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
