Hola, Wanderluster!
I just returned from Spain where I was invited to speak at TBEX (the travel bloggers conference) in Girona. It was a marvelous trip with some vacation time spent sightseeing in Barcelona (that’s Jon and I in front of a Gaudi building) and relaxing on the Costa Brava. Boy, this is a beautiful region that I’d visit again in a heartbeat.
We’ll be announcing winners of the Hawaii-themed travel writing contest sponsored by the Big Island Visitors Bureau next week. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 5-night stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and 3 category winners will receive a pair of KEEN sandals to wear on their very own beach getaway.
For those who missed the contest, don’t fret, as our 5th annual WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest is now underway. Sponsored by Expedia, the contest gives you the opportunity to show off your writing prowess for a chance to win a fantastic getaway to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (value $4539)! Four Category winners will each receive a $300 voucher to be used on Expedia.com.
In tour news… our Burma trip is sold out but we are now accepting names for the 2013 tour (details coming in November). Just shoot me a note if you’re interested.
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***WanderTours***
See our new videos: WanderTours and the Santa Fe Culinary Tour
BHUTAN CULTURE AND FESTIVAL TOUR (women-only)
October 25 – November 5, 2012 LAST CALL!
Experience the best of Bhutan’s cultural highlights with light hiking in the pristine Himalayas, a cooking class and a hike to iconic Tiger’s Nest in this 12-day women only tour. The trip is highlighted by the Jambay Lhakhang tsechu (festival) in Bumthang where a midnight dance takes place in the courtyard of an ancient monastery. See the full itinerary.
NORTH INDIA CULTURAL TOUR (women-only)
November 4 – 17, 2012 4 SPOTS LEFT!
Join us on this unique tour of Northern India – a destination we know well. Visit the Taj Mahal, be immersed in a Bollywood-like cultural extravaganza in Delhi, get to know the cuisine through an intimate cooking demonstration and enjoy spectacular Diwali festivities with a local family. This tour covers the best of the North including Delhi, Agra, Chambal and Rajasthan (with a Varanasi option). See the full itinerary.
SOUTH INDIA CULTURE AND TEMPLE TOUR (women-only) January 27 – February 10, 2013 REGISTER EARLY FOR BEST AIRFARE!
Journey through South India’s spectacular temples, tea and spice plantations, pristine beaches and the waterways of Kerala. Take a yoga class, overnight on a houseboat, learn the secrets of South Indian cuisine in a cooking demonstration and experience the music, culture, and food for which South India is famous. See the full itinerary.
VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR (women-only)
March 13 – 30, 2013 REGISTER NOW TO SECURE A SHARED ROOM
Experience the unique culture, cuisine, history, scenery and people of these fascinating Southeast Asian countries. Pay a visit to awe-inspiring Angkor Wat along with other remarkable temples near Siem Reap, learn about Cambodian culture and history in Phnom Penh, take a relaxing boat trip down the Mekong, feel the vibe of Saigon, hike through Sapa tribal communities, take part in a cooking class, overnight on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay. See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR (women-only)
March 17 – 28, 2013 1/3 HALF FULL AND FLIGHTS ARE FILLING FAST!
Discover the unique cultural aspects of this Buddhist Kingdom. Visit impressive dzongs (temples), learn about their philosophy of Gross National Happiness and meander through ancient villages. Finish the trip with a hike to Tiger’s Nest! The tour coincides with the Paro Festival which features the unfurling of the country’s largest thongdrel (banner). It is a spiritual event not to be missed! See the full itinerary.
SANTA FE CULINARY TOUR (women-only)
June 5 – 9, 2013 SEE THE VIDEO
A culinary extravaganza suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike! Experience a hands-on tamale-making class, tour the farmer’s market with a local foodie expert, take a guided downtown tour, meander through gallery openings and learn about the area’s Native American history, culture and cuisine. Each day includes chocolate-tasting at local specialty chocolate shops  Scheduled for the summer for those who can’t break away other times of the year. See the full itinerary.
SEATTLE CULINARY TOUR (women-only)
June 27 – 30, 2013 ALREADY HALF FULL ~ DON’T MISS THIS NEW TOUR!
Join Beth on this 4-day culinary adventure to her hometown of Seattle. During this tour, you’ll experience some of Seattle’s best (and most iconic) restaurants, sample wines from the region’s nearby wine country, take a private food tour the Pike Place Market and learn how to prepare a special breakfast using local ingredients. You’ll also visit some of the city’s best sweet shops including specialty chocolates, popcorn and cupcakes. Suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. See the full itinerary.
August 10 – 22, 2013 JUST ANNOUNCED!
This incredibly unique journey to Papua New Guinea features the Mt. Hagen singsing, a tribal celebration like none other. The tour also includes a journey through the waterways of the fantastic Sepik River AND a trip to the Tari region, home to the famed Huli Wigman! Truly a once in a lifetime experience. See the full itinerary.
SNOWMAN TREK IN BHUTAN (co-ed)
September 15 – October 16, 2013 THE HARDEST TREK IN THE WORLD
Known as the hardest trek in the world, this legendary adventure is only for the experienced and determined trekkers. The route essentially combines the Jomolhari and Laya treks, passes through the Lunana region and ends at Bumthang. The trek includes breathtaking landscapes and ultimately reaches an altitude of about 18,480 feet. See the full itinerary.
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We’re Hiring a Client Liaison
Would you like to join the Wanderlust Team?
We’re currently on the lookout for that positive and adventurous someone to take care of WanderTours clients’ needs. See more information.
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WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest
Now in its 5th year, we’ve just launched the WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest. This is an opportunity for you gals to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and share your most wonderful travel experiences. This year our categories include: Adventure, Passion, Food & Drink and Spiritual. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the Hard Rock in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for two (including airfare vouchers)! Total value is: $4,539. The four category winners will receive $300 vouchers for Expedia.com. |
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Hawaii-themed
Travel Writing Contest
Submit your Hawaii-themed travel story for a chance to win a 5-night stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii Island!
Sponsored by the Big Island Visitors Bureau, there will be one Grand Prize winner who will receive the Marriott prize package (with lots of extras) for their stay on the island. There will also be 3 Category winners who will receive sandals from KEEN Footwear!
See all the details here. You have until September 14, 2012 to enter.
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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
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WanderGear Review
Briggs & Riley Excursion Backpack The Excursion backpack is a step or 2 up from what you might think of as a backpacker’s backpack. It’s rugged enough that it feels indestructible but it’s also classy (not that there aren’t classy backpackers!) enough that a professional can carry it around. Easily holds a laptop and many pockets for lots of extras. Read more… |
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Upcoming Wanderlust and Lipstick Events
October 17, 2012 – 7 pm                     December 1, 2012 – 10 am
Joslin on Vietnam                           Joslin on Vietnam
Wide World Books, Seattle                    Savvy Traveler, Edmonds, WA
See Beth’s calendar for details.
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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,
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.
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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.
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Parting Words
From Storm Jameson… “I am never happier than when I am alone in a foreign city; it is as if I had become invisible.”
Until next month,
Travel Well!
Beth
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