Happy Holidays, Wanderluster!
The single most exciting thing I’m working on right now is Passports with Purpose, the travel bloggers fundraiser, now in its 4th year! As a founding member, I’m very proud of the fact that we’ve grown so rapidly – this is due to our community of participating travel bloggers and our readers. Readers just like you!
In short, PwP is a way for people to donate to a charitable organization in small amounts and make a big difference. This year we’re building libraries in Zambia through Room to Read.
So how do you participate?Â
-   Go the Passports with Purpose donate page.Â
-Â Â Â Choose one or more prizes from the incredible list and note how many times you want to “bid” on that item. Â
-Â Â Â Donate in $10 increments for your chance to win those prizes.Â
-Â Â Â Winners are randomly chosen in the days following the end of the fundraiser, December 16.
Check out the prizes (there are about 90 of them!). Prizes include 5 nights on the Big Island of Hawaii, an Xbox, a Kindle Fire, travel bags and a week at Rancho la Puerta Spa! Your donation goes directly to Room to Read and will help build 2 libraries in Zambia. Reading. It’s a good thing!
Also happening at Wanderlust headquarters…we’re down to our final few weeks of theWanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest. This is our busiest time – when everyone realizes the deadline is approaching and the onslaught begins. So bring it on. Grand Prize is a 7-day luxury stay for 2 to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa in Mexico (value $3,800)! Category winners will receive a Briggs & Riley 22″ Explore Upright bag (value $290).
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WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest
Just a few weeks left to enter the WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest is now accepting submissions. Now in its 4th year, the Grand Prize is a luxury stay for 2 to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa in Mexico. 4 category winners will receive a Briggs & Riley 22″ Explore Upright bag!
Enter early and please help us spread the word!
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***Tours***
Bhutan, India, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam & Cambodia!
Read Testimonials from previous participants. See tour videos and Beth’s NEW photo galleries of Bhutan, India, Vietnam & Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.
VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR (women-only) March 8 – 24, 2012 FILLING FAST!
Back by popular demand is the Vietnam and Cambodia cultural tour with afew new stops! The 2012 tour includes a visit to Phnom Penh, a ride down the Mekong River from Cambodia to Vietnam, a visit to theSapa region of North Vietnam AND an overnight on a houseboat in Ha Long Bay. You’re gonna love this tour! See the full itinerary.
BHUTAN BUDDHISM TOUR (women-only) March 27 – April 7, 2012
Whether you’re a practicing Buddhist or you simple want to know more about how the Bhutanese practice, this tour will be a wonderful way to tap into thevery spiritual and mystical side of the Kingdom. Meditate with a monk, take a yoga class and hear a lecture given by a Buddhist scholar. You can’t help but feel the power of Buddhism in this Himalayan country and this tour will help you understand the basis for their beliefs! See the full itinerary.
SANTA FE CULINARY TOUR (women-only) June 20 – 24, 2012 JUST ANNOUNCED!
Yes! We’re bringing back the culinary extravaganza to Santa Fe. We’ve expanded this mini-tour by one day and added more culinary-focused experiences including a wine-tasting, a 4-stop chocolate trail and a farm visit. Scheduled for the summer for those who can’t break away other times of the year. See the full itinerary.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA MT. HAGEN SHOW CULTURAL TOUR (co-ed) August 4 – 17, 2012 Back by popular demand, 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! See the full itinerary.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA GOROKA SHOW CULTURAL TOUR (co-ed) September 9 – 21, 2012 The Goroka Show Cultural Tour features 2 days at this famed singsing in the Highlands that attracts nearly 75 tribes from around the country. In addition to this magical festival, you’ll have a chance tofloat along the Sepik River in the north and enjoy the natural beauty and birdlife of the mountains in the Mt. Hagen region. See the full itinerary.
NOTE: The 2011 Papua New Guinea tour sold out – don’t delay in sending a deposit to secure your spot!
MYANMAR (BURMA) CULTURE AND PAGODA TOUR (women-only)
October 29 – November 9, 2012 ALREADY HALF FULL!
Burma seems to be all the rage these days. Get in on this trip 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 pagodoas of Bagan, the magic and artistry of Mandalay and the peaceful and tribal-filled region of Inle Lake. Four spots filled within an hour of this trip being announced. It will sell out – don’t miss your chance. See the full itinerary.
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Wander Recommendations
(Purchase directly through this Newsletter and you help support Wanderlust and Lipstick!)
On the Bookshelf
Travels to the Edge: A Photo Odyssey by Art Wolfe
You might know Art from his nature photography. But he’s also a talented travel photographer and shows off the best of his work in this coffee table book. 100 of Art’s favorite images fill this book and cover, among other destinations, Bolivia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Patagonia, Peru and South Georgia Island. It’s hard to condense 40 years of experience and photos into one book, but this one does a pretty good job of it. Perfect as a gift for your favorite traveler. Available on Amazon
In the iPod
Putumayo Presents Christmas Around the World
I couldn’t resist tossing in a Christmas selection this month. After all, everybody needs some holiday music playing while trimming the tree and baking those cookies. This CD from Putumayo includes musicians from the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S. You’ll recognize all the tunes, whether they are sung in English or another tongue. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
Little Buddha
Of all the casts to toss together, this is an odd one: Bridget Fonda, Chris Isaak and Keanu Reeves. Little Buddha is very loosely based on the true story of the search for a reincarnated lama in Seattle. It’s an interesting mix of cultures as a family tries to understand the potential responsibility that’s on them when they discover their son could be this chosen one. You’ll learn a little about Buddhism and might pick up a thing or two about Seattle, too 🙂Available on Amazon
WanderGear Review
Stocking Stuffers for Women Travelers
For some last minute holiday shopping, check out my best of 2011 stocking stuffer ideas. Items include XShot, my favorite Clif Bar flavors, small gadgets and some skincare products. Read more…
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WanderFood Find
This month’s recipe is for Alberta Pork Spare Ribs in Sweet Vinegar Sauce. I’m told that this dish is wonderful with a nice blend of sweet and tangy flavors. If you eat meat, it’s probably amazing. But I’m going to let you test it out and then let me know what you think 🙂
Try this and other recipes from Carolyn on her WanderFood blog.
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Profess Your Wanderlust-ness!
Got a blog or a website? Profess your Wanderlust Love bydownloading a Wanderlust and Lipstick badge, placing it on your site and linking back to WaL! Let your readers know you’re proud to be part of a growing community of Wanderlusters!
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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 withanecdotes, 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 Michelle Duffy (WanderMom) and Leslie Forsberg, 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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Upcoming Wanderlust and Lipstick Events
January 26, 2012
Young Professionals International Network
Seattle
March 2 – 4, 2012Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 2012
NY Times Travel Show                            Travel Bloggers Unite
New York City                                           Umbria, Italy
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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
- Seattle Met -Â Passports with Purpose Offers Prizes and Good Karma
- Girls Getaway -Â Best Tour Companies for Women
- The Star -Â Surf Over to These Travel Sites
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Connect with Beth
Let’s stay connected!
Subscribe to my RSS feed
Email me – beth at WanderlustAndLipstick dot com
Friend me on Stumbleupon
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter @Wanderluster
Connect with me on LinkedIn
See my photos on the WanderGallery
Comment on my blogs
Contact me through my website
Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
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