Greetings, Wanderluster!
First, I’m bursting to show you this video of our Santa Fe Culinary Tour from this spring. Take a peek. There’s something we’re not doing right if you aren’t moved to register for the 2013 tour right now 🙂
I can’t believe it’s mid-summer already. Time is flying and so am I! I’m off with my group to Papua New Guinea for the Mt. Hagen SingSing! Lots of photos will be coming upon my return.
In other news… we just wrapped up theĂ‚Â Wanderlust and Lipstick & Expedia Find Yours Pinterest Contest! The lucky winner ofĂ‚Â 4 Nights at the All-inclusive Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa is Silvia Ledon with her board, Peaceful Pleasures. Really nice work, Silvia!
If your craft is words rather than photos, you’ll want to know that we launched the Hawaii-themed travel writing contest sponsored by the Big Island Visitors Bureau. Grand Prize is a 5-night stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Aloha, Hawaii Island!
Thinking of travel? We have someone who’d like to share a roomĂ‚Â on the South India Culture and Temple Tour in January. Do contact me as soon as possible if you are interested – it’s on a first come basis.
And if you do register for the South India tour by August 15, you can take advantage ofĂ‚Â this month’s WanderTours Deal and receive a free copy of theĂ‚Â beautiful coffee table book, India: In Word and Image ($60 value)!
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***WanderTours***
ROGUE RIVER RAFTING TRIP (women-only)
September 9 – 12, 2012 DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK NOW Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rafter, the generally moderate whitewater of the beautiful Rogue River in Oregon is ideal and might just be the perfect rafting trip. Expect sightings of abundant wildlife on the way and be serenaded by boisterous crickets and the rush of the passing river while you camp along the sandy beaches at night. See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN CULTURE AND FESTIVAL TOUR (women-only)
October 25 – November 5, 2012
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.Ă‚Â See the full itinerary.
MYANMAR (BURMA) CULTURE AND PAGODA TOUR (women-only)
October 29 – November 9, 2012 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Visit Burma just as the country is opening up to the outside world and slowly but surely changing its reputation. This 12-day adventure includes Burma’s highlights – the pagodas of Bagan, the magic and artistry of Mandalay and the peaceful and tribal-filled region of Inle Lake. This tour is close to selling out – don’t miss your chance to experience Burma with a group of Wanderlusters. 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 BY AUGUST 15 FOR A FREE COFFEE TABLE BOOK, INDIA IN WORD AND IMAGE ($60 VALUE)
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 YOU WON’T FIND ANOTHER TOUR TO THE REGION AS GOOD AS THIS ONE 🙂
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.
March 17 – 28, 2013 1/3 FULL
Discover theĂ‚Â unique cultural aspects of this Buddhist Kingdom. VisitĂ‚Â impressive dzongs (temples), learn about their philosophy of Gross National Happiness and meander through ancient villages. Finish the trip with aĂ‚Â hike to Tiger’s Nest! The tourĂ‚Â coincides with the Paro Festival which features theĂ‚Â 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 aĂ‚Â hands-on tamale-making class,Ă‚Â tour the farmer’s market with a local foodie expert, take aĂ‚Â guided downtown tour, meander throughĂ‚Â gallery openings and learn about the area’sĂ‚Â Native American history, cultureĂ‚Â andĂ‚Â cuisine.Ă‚Â Each day includes chocolate-tasting at local specialty chocolate shopsĂ‚Â Ă‚Â Scheduled for the summer for those who can’t break away other times of the year.Ă‚Â 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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Hawaii-themed
Travel Writing Contest
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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Join Us on Facebook!
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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Sold by Patricia McCormick
This is a heartbreaking story about a young Nepali girl who gets sold into a brothel in India. Though it is fictional, it might as well be true as this happens all over the world (but it does happen at an alarming rate in India/Nepal/Bangladesh). The book is written in short vignettes which keeps the story moving along as if you are following Lakshmi’s struggles in real time. You’ll likely be moved to action after this read.Ă‚Â
In the iPod
Cafe Cody
Though it may sound strange, this month I’m recommending a streaming radioĂ‚Â station because it’s now what I listen to nearly all day while I’m working. It’s a mix of light background music coming out of Mallorca, Spain. But think chillout NOT elevator music. Many of the songs’ lyrics are in English while others in Spanish and French.
In the DVD Player
Birds of the Gods
David Attenborough hosts this documentary that examines what’s happening to Papua New Guinea’s revered Bird of Paradise. He follows a group of PNG scientists deep into the forest. These determined folks are studying the bird’s population and documenting their survival. The video includes old footage of David’s travels to the country 50 years earlier when the tribespeople dressed the same as they do today! Fascinating to watch.
WanderGear Review
of my favorite travel games. Bringing these along with you on your journey can serve several purposes – it forces you to put away your technology and focus on fun and it’s a great way to bring people together, especially in places where there are no evening activities.
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Upcoming Wanderlust and Lipstick Events
December 1, 2012 – 10 am
Joslin speaks on Vietnam
Savvy Traveler, Edmonds, WA
See Beth’s calendar for details.
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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
* Paper Blog -Ă‚Â Book Review
* Dishing with Kathy Case -Ă‚Â Nice mention
* Healthy Travel Blog -Ă‚Â Book Review
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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.
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 Buffy Sainte-Marie… “Travel light and travel simple, in your mind and through your world.”
Until next month,
Travel Well!
Beth
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