Happy Fall, Wanderluster!
This month, I’m off to trek Bhutan (left) and visit Burma to research a tour there (likely next fall). In addition to Burma, I’ve got details coming for 2 Papua New Guinea tours that will coincide with the Mt. Hagen show in August and the Goroka show in September. We’re accepting deposits now! (Note that 2011 sold out, so register early for your chance to visit PNG in 2012!) In case you missed them last month, here are my PNG photos that might help you get excited about this fantastic destination.
YAY! The WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest is now under way! 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
Yup – it’s that time of year again! The WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest just launched. 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!
Last year we had more than 400 entries! Will you be amongst the talented writers this year?
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***Tours***
Bhutan, India, Papua New Guinea, 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.
NORTH INDIA CULTURAL TOUR (women-only) October 25 – November 9, 2011 WANT TO SHARE A ROOM? WE’VE GOT SOMEONE WAITING FOR YOU!
This 16-day women-only tour focuses on North India’s highlights including the Taj Mahal, the erotic temples of Khajuraho, the ghats of Varanasi, fantastic Diwali celebrations and a tour of the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar (during their historic animal fair)! You’ll take a cooking class, enjoy a private music and dance performance with internationally-renowned artists and have your fill of exquisite Indian food. See the full itinerary.
SOUTH INDIA TOUR INCLUDING PASSPORTS VILLAGE!
(women-only) January 25 – February 11, 2012
This 18-day women-only tour focuses on South India’s highlights including spectacular temples, tea and spice plantations, pristine beaches, the waterways of Kerala AND a trip to the Passports with Purpose Village! 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 8 – 24, 2012
Back by popular demand is the Vietnam and Cambodia cultural tour with a few new stops! The 2012 tour includes a visit to Phnom Penh, a ride down the Mekong River from Cambodia to Vietnam, a visit to the Sapa 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 the very 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.
We’ll have 2 tours to Papua New Guinea in 2012 (August for the Mt. Hagen Show and September for Goroka). Details are coming soon! In the meantime, please email us if you would like details as soon as they are available. 2011 sold out – don’t delay if you want in on one of these trips! [email protected]
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Wander Recommendations
(Purchase directly through this Newsletter and you help support Wanderlust and Lipstick!)
On the Bookshelf
Wanderlust by Elisabeth Eaves
I’m of a mixed mind about this book. It’s supposed to be “a love affair with 5 continents.” It’s more like a love affair ON 5 continents. Or many love affairs on many continents. While I believe that Elisabeth enjoys travel, I have to wonder if she loves breaking hearts more and I was left thinking there was more Lust in her travels than Wander. All that said, she IS a good writer and I enjoyed the book but did feel like she gave us Wanderlusters a slightly bad name. Available on Amazon
In the iPod
Ruby by Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter with the Australian Art Orchestra
Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter are a couple of the best known singer/songwriters in Australia. (In another life, I had the pleasure of spending an evening with Ruby as a group of us sat drinking local beer at a friend’s kitchen table when I lived in Sydney.) This CD includes a remix of some of Archie’s best songs with Ruby accompanying him and the the orchestra backing them up. It’s a touching CD that chronicles their lives and the plight of so many Aborigines. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
Beyond Rangoon with Patricia Arquette
Heading to Burma later this month, I had to revisit this movie from director John Boorman. This is the story of a woman and her sister swept into the struggle for freedom during a trip to this Southeast Asian country. It’s visually beautiful and an interesting (yet disturbing) peek into the harsh regime that has ruled the country for far too long. The beauty of the country and gentleness of the people’s spirit offsets any concern that I have about traveling there myself. Available on Amazon
WanderGear Review
Money Pouches
I still haven’t found the perfect way to carry my money when I travel, but here’s a roundup of money pouches and money belts that gives you some idea of the pros and cons to some of the more popular options. Read more…
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WanderFood Find
Fall is a great time for warm veggies. This month, Carolyn shares a recipe from food blogger Emily Segal for spicy carrots with a sweet glaze. You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making it an easy side dish to cook up. Make a larger batch and share it this Thanksgiving! Try this and other recipes on Carolyn’s WanderFood blog.
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Profess Your Wanderlust-ness!
Got a blog or a website? Profess your Wanderlust Love by downloading 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 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 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
October 5Â 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 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â October 7
Travel Safety Tips for Women              PURE Travel Collaborative
REI – Seattle                                         Pan Pacific Hotel – Seattle
Sponsored by XShot
November 4
Collaborative Blogging
Blog World Expo – Los Angeles
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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
- Travel Market Report – Killer Blogs Take Passion, Persistence
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth