G’Day, Wanderluster!
This is the last call for you to join the North India Tour in late October/November! The good news is that if you’re interested, I have one share opportunity available so you can avoid the single supplement and you’ll get to see the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, the erotic temples of Khajuraho and be steeped in traditions dating back to the time of the Mughals in Rajasthan. Are you in?
OK, now let me tell you, no show you, how fabulous Papua New Guinea was through my photos. Take a peek right now, I’ll wait. It’s not because I want to show off my photography, but because I want to show off this amazing country. It’s the last frontier. It’s the Wild West. It’s the Stone Age. And it’s filled with the most magnificently friendly people. Don’t miss the chance to come to Papua New Guinea with me next year (email me if you’re interested – full details coming soon).
And, I’m thrilled to announce that the WanderWomen Write Travel Writing Contest launches next month! You could win a trip to Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa in Mexico! More info to come on October 1.
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***Tours***
Bhutan, India, Papua New Guinea, Santa Fe and Vietnam & Cambodia!
Read Testimonials from previous participants. See tour videos and Beth’s NEW photo galleries of Bhutan, India, Vietnam & Cambodia, Santa Fe and Papua New Guinea.
BHUTAN LAYA TREK (co-ed) October 11 – 22, 2011
STILL TIME TO BOOK! Experience hiking through Bhutan’s Laya region (where the hospitable Layap people live) on this 12-day tour. This trek takes you over high mountain passes (16,100′) and into the wilderness above the tree line – a world of snow peaks, glacial lakes, herds of blue sheep and alpine blossoms. The group will enjoy the pristine mountain air, the therapeutic hot springs of Gasa and visits to temples including Tiger’s Nest. See the full itinerary.
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.
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Wander Recommendations
(Purchase directly through this Newsletter and you help support Wanderlust and Lipstick!)
On the Bookshelf
Kook by Peter Heller
It’s a rare talent for an author to write about a topic that you’re only marginally interested in but still has you rushing to finish the book. Kook is that good. It’s about surfing, but you definitely don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this read – it’s fun and meatier than being all about waves and sunscreen – dude. Having tried the sport myself (just once), it’s got me seriously considering hitting the water next time I’m near a beach with beginner waves! Available on Amazon
In the iPod
The Reminder by Feist
I don’t know how some really talented artists get past my musical radar sometimes but Canadian singer Leslie Feist falls in to that category. Where has she been? Apparently in all the right places: Saturday Night Live, the Grammys, the Muppets. I guess the question is where I have been? Anyway, 2007’s The Reminder was nominated for 4 Grammys and is a great starting point if you aren’t already familiar with Feist. It’s likely that, like me, you’ll be hooked and want to hear more from her. Available on Amazon
In the DVD Player
Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman
I reluctantly watched this 1962 film when Jon recommended it. He knows that martial arts movies are not my thing, however, he thought I’d dig this. And he was right – I was pleasantly surprised by this oldie but goodie. It’s a hero’s story – a blind swordsman comes to town and does good for all. It’s kinda a Western for Asia – using swords rather than guns. There are hokey moments with lots of fake blood, but it makes the experience that much more endearing. Available on Amazon
WanderGear Review
Magellan’s StowAway Case
My stack of electronics does not seem to be growing any smaller, despite my mental protests. Instead, I find myself increasingly trying to figure out how to best carry my power cords and such. The Magellan’s StowAway Case is great because it’s got dividers to help sort items and prevent them from knocking against each other and getting scratched. Read more…
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August Contest Winner!
Congratulations to Micaela P. from Minneapolis, MN for being the winner of our August contest! Micaela is a new newsletter subscriber, and will receive a Naturopathica Starter Kit for the Traveler valued at $32! Yay for Micaela!
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New WanderBlogger!
Lanee at Wanderlush Diary
Lanee Lee is a freelance writer who lives for luxury and adventure travel – whether riding elephants in Kerala, zooming through the Canadian Rockies on a zip line or sipping artisanal limoncello on the Amalfi coast. As a tippling traveler, she believes immersion into local culture begins with the taste buds and a toast – from matcha to moonshine. When she’s not gallivanting the globe, she explores the Los Angeles restaurant/cocktail scene with her French boyfriend while emulating Grace Kelly elegance. Follow her Wanderlush Diary!
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WanderFood Find
Every traveler needs a bit of healthy nourishment on the road. Why not some granola bar snacks with fresh blueberries! It’s better than buying a manufactured bar – don’tcha think? Carolyn’s got this recipe for Blueberry Granola Bars that’s not so difficult to make and will be perfect that next long plane flight. Try this and other recipes on her 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
September 8Â 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 September 11
Essential Tips for Travelers              The Travel Blogger Show
REI – Santa Rosa, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Las Vegas, NV
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 October 7
Travel Safety Tips for Women          PURE Travel Collaborative
REI – Seattle                                    Pan Pacific Hotel – Seattle
Sponsored by XShot
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Wanderlust in the News
In case you missed these mentions, interviews and reviews:
- National Geographic Intelligent Travel – Making Cheap International Calls
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Till next month…
Travel Well!
Beth
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