Happy Holidays, Wanderluster!
To kick off this season of giving, I’m so proud to announce the 5th annualPassports with Purpose fundraiser (of which I’m a co-founder). Our goal this year is $100,000 to build 5 water wells in rural Haiti. Participating bloggers have lined up some amazing prizes you can win by donating just $10. Yup – you can make a difference with a small donation AND get a chance to win a prize such as a week in Provence, a 26-day Silk Road tour, $650 in designer travel clothes or a Tumi pet carrier (wide range – eh?).Fundraiser ends December 11, so please donate now!
A gift idea for that Wanderluster in your life is a Wanderlust and
FINAL REMINDER – Our 5th annual WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest runs through the end of December. 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 $4,539)! Four Category winners will each receive a $300 voucher to be used on Expedia.com.
DON’T FORGET! In an effort to provide you with more relevant information, please take a moment to give us some feedback on this newsletter. There are only 7 questions and you might even win a $50 gift card from Amazon 🙂
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***WanderTours***
See our new videos: WanderTours and the Santa Fe Culinary Tour
SOUTH INDIA CULTURE AND TEMPLE TOUR (women-only) January 27 – February 10, 2013 LAST CALL ON THIS NAMASTE TOUR!
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 WE HAVE A SOLO TRAVELER LOOKING FOR A ROOMMATE!
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 2/3 FULL WITH LIMITED FLIGHT AVAILABILITY!
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 1/2 FULL 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 WITH 1 SPOT LEFT, WE’RE CONSIDERING ADDING A SECOND TOUR. EMAIL BETH FOR DETAILS!
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.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA MT. HAGEN SHOW CULTURAL TOUR (co-ed)
August 10 – 22, 2013 LIMITED AVAILABILITY ~ THIS TOUR WILL SELL OUT!
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.
BHUTAN CULTURE AND FESTIVAL TOUR (women only)
October 15 – 26, 2013 JUST ANNOUNCED!
Experience the best of Bhutan’s cultural highlightswith visits to the country’s most impress monasteries and a hike to iconic Tiger’s Nest in this 12-day women only tour. The trip coincides with the Jambay Lhakhang tsechu, a festival that features the sacred midnight naked dance. This is where men in traditional masks dance in the courtyard of an ancient monastery. See the full itinerary.
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WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest
LAST CALL! 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 inPunta 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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NEW WanderBlogger!
Angie Hilbert is a reader, writer and wanderer. She is always getting swept away in her books. Sometimes she follows the pages to new and unexpected places. When that happens, she often finds her own stories to tell. Angie believes that just as travel photography documents what you see, the travel journal documents how it changes you. Whether you are an armchair traveler or an on-the-road reader, the next chapter is waiting for you. Follow the story in Angie’s blog – WanderLit!
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Wander Recommendations
On the Bookshelf
Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision
by David du Chemin
This would make a really lovely gift for a traveler with even the smallest interest in photography. David specializes in travel and humanitarian photography and the images are from a wide variety of destinations – Ethiopia to India. In addition to the photographic examples, the book includes tips on researching your location, how to approach people and creating depth in your images. Whether you’re shooting with an SLR or small digital (heck, even an iPhone), you’ll find some worthwhile tips here.
In the iPod
Il Volo
I wish I could say that I love opera because it seems like such a sophisticated thing to be into. But the truth is, going to the opera is an expensive nap for me. I do, however, enjoy opera for the masses. You know, like Andrea Bocelli. These kids, yes KIDS (barely out of their teens), from Italy won the country’s version of American Idol a few years ago and the rest is history. This is just the kind of music I like around the holidays – seems to relax me far more than jingles and barking dogs.
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Based on Jared Diamond’s book of the same name, this documentary espouses that civilizations don’t survive because they are superior in some way – it could simply be geographical coincidence. It might not be more than a region’s access to guns, germs and steel. Fascinating watch for anyone interested in other cultures. I love this video because it features Papua New Guinea but it also includes South America, Africa and other destinations.
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Holiday Gift Guide for Women
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Upcoming Wanderlust and Lipstick Events
February 5, 2013                                February 12, 2013
Beth on Women’s Travel Safety Tips    Beth on Women’s Travel Safety Tips
REI, Alderwood Mall, WA                       REI, Redmond, 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 Hannah Arendt… “Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time.”
Until next month,
Travel Well!
Beth
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