Danakil Depression in Ethiopia: Not for Everyone

Well, my husband is not up to visiting Ethiopia so I'm very glad Jill from Jack & Jill went and gave such in dept reviews of the most amazing natural site in Ethiopia, The Danakil Depression.

Check out Jill awesome report here: http://jackandjilltravel.com/danakil-depression-the-hottest-place-on-earth-in...

At 1st glance, Danakil Depression in Ethiopia – Eritrea border seems like an arid desert. So hot and inhospitable that nothing should live here.

But on driving through we found patches of oasis inhabited by Afar people – known for their independence and ability to live in areas where nobody wants to – and geological formations so varied, so strange, and so beautiful.

First and foremost, Danakil Depression is where Erta Ale volcano and its sloshing lava pool is located. Then there’s Dallol. Our group can’t make up their mind which between Dallol and Erta Ale was the highlight of the trip. Erta Ale gave me a glimpse of a nightmarish vision of hell. Of glowing red against pitch black.

While Dallol is where colors seem to burst forth from the ground, where you get to walk on earth the color of rust among chimneys spouting out acrid fumes of sulfur. Without the scorching heat and the rotten egg smell of sulfur, I can easily believe I was walking in a fairy-tale land where the munchkins live.

Protect Your Money While Traveling

from: http://southamericatourist.com/how-to-protect-your-money-while-traveling-2/?u...

Travelers to South America should take a significant amount of time considering how to protect their possessions and valuables before leaving. Even more important than protecting property, however, is protecting the money you take with you on your trip. A little planning beforehand can save you headaches later on.

In terms of protecting the money you have on you, look into wearing a money belt to keep your money close to you and away from the hands of pick pockets. It is also very important to remember that protecting your money involves more than protecting just the travel money you take with you.

Before you travel, look into recommendations from experts as to where debit and credit cards can be used, and what fees your bank may charge. In the event that you lose one of your cards, make sure you have the cancellation department phone numbers and information written down and stored in a different place than your cards.

Along with the above phone numbers, you should also have your insurance information readily available. Once you’ve researched travel insurance quotes and found a provider that is right for you, talk to them about any valuables that you plan to bring with you on the trip.

One of the most important things you can do to protect your information and money is to avoid logging on to important sites over unsecured connections. Banking information is the most important to be careful with, but it is also important to think about every site you visit and the fact that others may be able to see your passwords at wireless hotspots.

Make sure you have different passwords for all of your important accounts so that someone who gains access to one will not be able to log onto others. Look into options to make your internet use safer while traveling.

If you are staying in a hotel room, make sure not to store passwords on public computers in the lobby or leave any information up after you leave the computer. If you need internet on the go, consider purchasing a portable wireless access card. This can be safe in terms of protecting your personal data.

Following these tips will help you stay safe no matter where you travel to.

Photos by epsos.de

How to Achieve Your Travel Goals

from: http://www.vagabondish.com/simple-steps-travel-goals/?utm_source=feedburner&u...

by AMANDA KENDLE

Turn your vacation daydreaming into travel reality with these 8 steps If you’re half as travel-mad as me, you might already have in mind lots of goals you’d like to achieve in regard to your travels. It’s easy to have lots of dreams of trips you’d like to take and things you’d like to see, but it’s not so easy to do it and keep up with all the other parts of life. You’ll increase your chances of achieving these dreams if you sit down and write some travel-related goals. Here’s how I do it.

#1: BIG DREAM GOALS

Start out by thinking up a list of a handful of “big dream goals”. I’m not a bucket list kind of gal, but I do have some big dreams, some “one day” adventures – seeing penguins in Antarctica being one of them.

This is the place (in a notebook or on computer) where you can imagine you’ve won the lottery and you can do anything you want – a proper “there’s no wrong answer” brainstorming session. I don’t expect I’ll be able to achieve all of these big dreams in my lifetime but I certainly never will if I haven’t even thought about them.

#2: COUNTRY LIST

Next step is somewhere between dreams and reality – I have a list of countries I would like to visit. You don’t have to have a reason (my reasons are often obscure!) but if something about a country draws you in, put it on the list.

For example, my list includes Colombia because I have some very dear Colombian friends, Mongolia because the idea of staying in a ger fascinates me, and Namibia because I almost went there once and became so interested in the place by researching it.

#3: TRAVEL TIMETABLE

Make a timetable for the possible time slots you have for traveling over the next five years (or longer if need be – perhaps if you are restricted by children in school, your own education, or other factors). A five year plan is ideal, I think. Consider when you’ll be able to take leave from work or other restrictions and map out your free time slots.

#4: PENCIL IN DESTINATIONS

For each possible time slot on your travel timetable, pencil in a possible destination. Here’s where you can start to get practical and consider the appropriate lengths of trips, the distances involved, the costs, the seasons, and so on. But do try to include at least one of your big dreams – if it’s in your plan you’ll have a good shot at making it happen!

#5: SAVINGS & PREPARATION

For the next two years or so, set appropriate goals for the amount of money you need to save (you might need to do a little research to get a realistic estimate – but that kind of research is a whole lot of fun!) and for when you need to prepare which parts of the trip (booking flights, for example). Be specific both in the nature and the timing of these goals and make sure they are concrete actions.

#6: MONTHLY SAVINGS

For many of us, saving the money for a trip can be the trickiest part, especially if it is a little way into the future. Create some very specific savings goals to start putting the money away towards your trips. I recommend monthly savings goals and a separate account if you can’t trust yourself not to touch the extra money!

This might also be a good time to consider what kind of things you can change to start making saving that money even easier. For example, not buying your lunch or dining out a little less often – these can be very small sacrifices to make compared to taking off on some fantastic travels.

#7: TRIP PREPARATION

I adore getting ready for a trip – looking for great deals on flights, hunting down some accommodation (or just getting ideas for spontaneous stays once I get there), daydreaming about some of the places I might see and things I might do.

Yes, I really think the preparation is almost as good as actually going on the trip! That makes it a great thing to do gradually as part of your travel goals so you are always working towards a bigger goal.

Create a timetable with some reminders in your calendar or whatever kind of system you use so that you can keep working on your trip and are also organized when the time arrives.

Even if your next trip is five years away, there is plenty of interesting preparation (reading, researching, and so on) that you can do far ahead of time, and then as the countdown goes on you can add activities like booking transport and accommodation to the list.

#8: KEEP YOUR GOALS IN MIND

Apart from having a bunch of goals and plans written down somewhere, I highly recommend having something related to your travel goals on display in a prominent place (on your pin-up board, for example). This way, you are regularly reminded that you have these goals and you will get to travel somewhere exciting soon.

For example, I’ve had some glossy brochures about Tasmania, my next destination, hanging in my living room for the last few months so I can delve into them and start daydreaming about some of the gorgeous landscapes I’ll experience once I get there.

Seeing something concrete about your travel goals (especially if it looks beautiful!) will also make it easier to do the harder parts like saving and sacrificing.

So, don’t listen if others think you’re crazy to sit down and make a set of travel goals. All this will make it much more likely you’ll achieve them and during the periods when you can’t hit the road, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep dreaming about it.

About the Author Amanda Kendle is an Australian travel addict who's visited more than thirty countries. She works as a travel blogger, blogging trainer and social media consultant and is trying to get a novel publishef. Notify me of followup c

South American Destinations to Beat the Winter Blues

from:http://southamericatourist.com/

Those of you in the northern hemisphere are freezing your buns off during the long winter. Poor road conditions, shoveling snow off your driveway, and endless teeth chattering are just some of the side effects you’ll have to endure until spring. Why not escape to South America?

In the southern hemisphere, the temperatures are warm and the beaches are inviting. Score some last minute holiday deals, pack your bathing suit, and check out these fun spots in South America.

Florianópolis, Brazil
What could be a better cure to the winter blues than some alone time with the over 40 white sand beaches found along Florianópolis? The endless coastline isn’t the only eye candy to admire – this is where the hottest Brazilians can be found.

Even if you’re not into partying all night with models at Miami-style clubs, there are spots for laid-back hippies, like Lagoa da Conceição. The best part? All of the jealous comments you’ll be getting on your new Facebook album.

Montanita , Ecuador Moñtanita is one of those little beach towns where you come to a month later and wonder what happened?
Even though Moñtanita is about 5 blocks by 5 blocks big, here you’ll find first-class dining options and clubs worthy of any major party city. The waves are huge here, and December to February is a fun time to come and party with all other South Americans on holiday. If you’re going for broke, there are campsites around and $3 lunches to be had if you look hard enough.

Bariloche, Argentina
While not exactly warm, this breathtaking town in the middle of Patagonia makes an excellent destination during the southern hemisphere’s summer. The mountains rising up on all sides make for a picturesque scene.

Bariloche also makes a great base for hiking in Patagonia. While you’re in Argentina, spend some time in the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires. From there, you can skip over to Punte del Este in Uruguay or Mar del Plata along the coast for some beach time.

American Attitudes About Traveling

from: http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/south-florida-travel/2011/12/09/who-in-the-worl...

Courtesy of The Westin Resort, Cancun in Mexico

Americans treat vacation as a guilty pleasure, rather than a right. That helps explain why the average American worker this year will take just 12 days of their 14 vacation days, leaving two vacation days unused, according to a 2011 study for travel Web site Expedia.com.

The study looked at attitudes toward vacations in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Harris Interactive surveyed 7,803 employed adults online in September and October 2011.

Some results: Europeans lead the world in vacationing, and Brazilians rank high too. European workers generally receive more vacation time — and take more – than peers elsewhere.

The average European employee earns 25-30 vacation days in a year and tends to use them all. Brazilians treat vacation as Europeans do – as part of being employed, not a luxury.
Brazilian workers receive 30 vacation days and usually enjoy every one of them.

Americans treat vacation as a luxury rather than a fact of life. Americans receive roughly half the Europeans’ allotment of vacation time. In 2011, Americans employees earned 14 vacation days and took 12, down from 15 days given and 12 taken in 2010.

American vacation habits are more like Asians’ than Europeans’. Asia represents the most vacation-deprived region in the 2011 study. Japanese workers took just five vacation days out of 11 available, while South Korean respondents took seven of a possible 10 days of vacation.

Money and planning are the most commonly-cited reasons for not taking vacation. Overall, 22 percent of respondents said they believed they could not afford a vacation, and 20 percent cited “lack of planning” for leaving days unused.

The United States leads the world in money worries: one of three Americans say that they can’t afford vacation. However, almost half of US workers describe their financial situation as “solid” or “good,” reinforcing the notion that Americans view vacation as a luxury.

Brazilian respondents were least likely to see money as an impediment, just 6 percent. Brazilians instead chose “lack of planning” as their top reason for not taking a vacation, the study found.

For more on the 2011 Vacation Deprivation study, visit www.expedia.com/p/info-other/vacation_deprivation.htm.

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Gay Travel Expanding

from: http://www.etbmice.com/article.asp?articleid=6859

The gay travel market is becoming more exciting and vibrant as I discovered at World Travel Market 2011 held in London UK this month. With more nations legalising homosexuality and equality of marriage destinations across Europe, Americas and Asia
are beginning to realise their gay travel potential.

Within Europe Israel, Switzerland and Sweden are emerging as the new must-visit destinations leaving the traditional Lesbos, Gran Canaria and Sitges behind.

Tel Aviv has been breaking down negative preconceived perceptions to make it the hottest gay city of the Mediterranean. With daily flights now from Heathrow, Luton, Manchester, its annual Gay Pride in June and the new September annual gay art exhibition - gay travellers will be basking in the Tel Aviv sun and hitting the clubs before discovering the hidden gems off the beaten track in Israel.

Switzerland’s Arosa Gay Ski Week has risen in acclaim in recent years and now a fixed date in the winter calendar, running between 8 - 15 January 2011 - more gay travellers are taking on the Swiss slopes every year. Antwerp in Flanders, Belgium - the only Belgian city outside Brussels to stage gay pride, Antwerp actually did it first, with the annual “Pink Saturday” in the 1980s - but with new links by EuroStar and flight routes the historic city is more connected to the rest of Europe than ever before.

The SAS Love is in the Air campaign to find two couples to marry mid-flight drew international attention. Sweden is also home to the first openly gay premiership football player, a tolerant and inclusive nation. Stockholm launched its gay guide blog three years ago and has since ran its Leading Ladies of Stockholm campaign making it a premier lesbian destination.

Heading East, and both Turkey and India have begun engaging with the gay traveller; Further Afield, a database of handpicked gay-welcoming hotels and vacation properties, is soon to add a group of places in India.

Across to North America, and Fort Laurderdale was the host of the IGLTA Convention -this growth spot has become one of the most popular winter spots for North American travellers seeking the sun. It’s also now one of the best value destinations for international tourists during the summer.

In Latin America, while Brazil has been popular with gay and lesbian travellers for sometime with the infamous annual Rio De Janeiro carnival and the largest pride event in the world held in San Paulo, expecting over 4.5million visitors in 2012. The country has only recently recognised equal civil unions and marriage making Brazil the top LGBT destination in South America.

South America also plays home to emerging destinations Mexico, Venezuela and Chili as gay and lesbian travellers seek new experiences off the beaten track.

While over 80 countries continue to refuse to recognise homosexuality the world is getting bigger for the gay and lesbian traveller as equality becomes part of every day life.

Tips For Surviving as a Vegetarian in Bolivia

from: http://southamericatourist.com/a-vegetarian-in-bolivia-the-ultimate-survival-...

In a country in which, in the highlands at least, it is common to see roasted guinea pig, diced llama and shredded alpaca on the menu, being vegetarian can be somewhat difficult.

The Bolivian diet consists of a lot of meat, poultry and fish and it is so ingrained in the culture that you often won’t be understood if you try to explain that you don’t eat meat or fish of any sort.

Saying that you’re vegetarian is usually either met with blank stares, laughter or by the assumption that you may not eat red meat but you of course eat poultry and fish! Eggs and fries are always a good option but hardly nutritionally viable or pleasurable every day.

Here are our tips for staying sane as a vegetarian in a carnivorous country. All that’s left for you to do now is book your flights, your international travel insurance and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Identifying native vegetarian cuisine

There isn’t much but it helps to know what traditional meat-free dishes the Bolivians have so that you can identify them on any menu.

One filling, tasty and very cheap dish is papas rellenas, which consists of a ball of mashed potato stuffed with cheese and/or egg, fried in batter and topped with a spicy sauce.

Humintas are similar to Mexican tamales, only they are steamed or baked in a corn husk and are always vegetarian, made with mashed corn and cheese.

When you are in need comfort food, cheesy, creamy sonso from tropical Santa Cruz is perfect – made from yuca mashed with butter, milk and cheese, it is baked like a casserole or served on a stick and roasted over coals.

Bolivian dried snacks can be lifesavers On long journeys, tours that include a meal which you can’t guarantee will be meat-free, and as a ‘just in case’, it is essential to carry with you a hoard of dried snacks that are easily found in any town. Rather than unhealthy and sometimes expensive imported biscuits and sweets, pick up little cellophane-wrapped packages of nuts, fava beans, peanut bars and dried fruits such as papaya, figs and raisins.

Fill up on fruit
You may struggle to find 100% vegetarian dishes but tropical fruit is plentiful, cheap and delicious. Street vendors and market stalls sell freshly squeezed juices for a couple of Bs and will chop up custard apples, prickly pears, passionfruit, papaya, pineapple, watermelons and mangoes in front of you.

Know your Spanish
This may sound obvious but the easiest way to get by if you’re vegetarian is to speak the language so you can explain your dietary requirements and read the menu proficiently to limit the chances of unwanted surprises.

Even if you just learn a few key phrases it will help. ‘Soy vegetariano/a’ is simply ‘I’m a vegetarian’ but in a country where so many still don’t really understand the concept, it pays to be more specific. ‘No como carne, ni pollo, ni jamón, ni pescado’, or ‘I don’t eat meat, nor chicken, nor ham, nor fish’ should help.

Photo by sliceofchic on Flickr

See the Earth On Water

Since I am such a water lover I found this article very inspiring. I found it here on CNN Travel. Hope you enjoy it too:)
from :http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/23/travel/world-on-water-cnngo/index.html?hpt=tr_c2

(CNNGo) -- Three quarters of the world's surface is water, but nearly all of our vacations are based on land. It stands to reason that we must be missing out. Luckily there are some fantastic ways to see the wet face of the planet.

1. Explore the pristine coves of Tierra del Fuego
This journey around the foot of Patagonia is one of the most unusual experiences on earth. The expedition ships of Cruceros Australis bring passengers close to soaring condors, penguin colonies and glaciers.

Expert on-board briefings segue into party nights around the free bar -- that includes the whiskey waiting to welcome expeditioners back to their dinghy after an icy trek. From US$899 for three nights, US$1,199 for four nights; www.australis.com

2. Navigate the Yangtze
There's much more to this great river than the spectacular Three Gorges dam. Victoria Cruises' American ships go all the way from Chongqing to Shanghai, stopping to explore cities like Nanjing and Wuhan.

They also offer shore excursions to scenic highlights like mist-shrouded White Emperor City and the Yellow Mountains of Huangshan -- allowing glimpses of a whole swathe of rural and urban China within a week. From US$1,610 plus US$240 for excursions, www.victoriacruises.com Read more on CNNGo: 10 adventures for chocoholics

3. Break ice in the Antarctic In its inaugural season, Compagnie du Ponant's new super yacht L'Austral is operating six voyages to Antarctica from the foot of Argentina. Naturalist guides will brief explorers on excursions to see extraordinary wildlife at close range against a backdrop of majestic glaciers and icebergs.

For the truly adventurous, Responsible Travel is organizing diving expeditions in the frosty ocean. Ten-day voyage from US$5,164+US$540pp port taxes; www.ponant.com. 11-day diving expedition from US$6,685; www.responsibletravel.com

4. Ride Norway's coastal steamer to the Arctic Circle
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is a trip is on a working steamer, not a cruise liner. The ship travels up and down Norway's magnificent west coast from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the North calling at 34 ports along the way, most never visited by larger ships.
There's no dressing up for dinner and no fighting for the Captain's table -- just gruff locals to rub shoulders with. From US$1,680 for the six-day voyage; www.hurtigruten.co.uk

5. Cruise the Mekong delta
The Wat Phou rice barge takes passengers down the Laos section of the Mekong, showcasing some of the finest sights on the river. The hidden forest temple of Oum Mong, the largest falls in Southeast Asia at Khone Pha Pheng and a visit to the 4,000 Islands region are highlights. A long-tail boat excursion to Khone Island followed by lunch on the mainland against a backdrop of colorful French-colonial houses is also included in the three-day tour. From US$640; www.responsibletravel.com Read more on CNNGo: 8 spectacular driving adventures

6. Motor up the Amazon
The motor-yacht Tucano is the only vessel to penetrate the Central Amazon Ecological Corridor. Navigating her way from Manaus up the Rio Negro against lush trees and blooms, with the call of toucans and howler monkeys reverberating in the trees, she stops daily to allow for sightings of wild pigs, jaguar and armadillo. Up to 18 passengers can also look forward to pink dolphins and dining on provisions fresh from the rainforest. From US$1,699 full board; www.gapadventures.com

7. Sail through the Alaskan wilderness
The Island Odyssey nudges deep into the narrow passages of southeast Alaska that giant cruise liners are too big to navigate. Sights include bears tucking into salmon on the river banks, native totem poles and icebergs and glaciers at the end of mountain fjords.
Shore excursions between Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Petersburg get passengers up into alpine meadows and bring them to the feet of magnificent waterfalls. From US$4,383; www.responsibletravel.com

8. Confront giant tortoises in the Galapagos
The Coral II is a spacious yacht offering the chance to get up close and personal with the endemic wildlife of the Galapagos. Eight-day itineraries include sailing on a dinghy through the mangroves and checking out the islands' famous giant tortoises. There are also sea lions, marine turtles and white-tipped reef sharks, plus a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Centre. From US$3,040; www.ewaterways.co.uk Read more on CNNGo: 15 trips for animal lovers

9. Ride the rapids in Nepal
Participants in this epic 15-day trip start in Kathmandu, and after acclimatizing to the dizzying altitude, trek for four days through scenic mountain passes from Pokhara to their river drop-off. Then you brave high-grade whitewater accompanied by a world-class expert, and camp each night on virgin river banks before reaching the splendor of Chitwan National Park. From US$17,199; www.epictomato.com

10. Watch whales off the coast of Mexico Wintering in Baja California, where the desert meets the sea, can bring you really close to gray whales migrating south to rear their young. National Geographic's Sea Bird cruises the breeding grounds of Bahia Magdalena and offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands as well as snorkeling and kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. From US$5,240; www.expeditions.com

11. Float through the backwaters of Kerala Nearly 1,000 kilometers of the lagoons, canals, estuaries and rivers draining into the Arabian Sea are navigable here, and one of the most relaxing experiences on earth is to float slowly past the villages along the banks on a beautifully kitted-out houseboat. Most offer comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and fabulous vegetarian food cooked on-board, but you may have to bring your own beer and alcohol. Full directory of options at www.houseboatskerala.co.in Read more on CNNGo: 3 Mumbai adventure sports for the cowardly

12. Follow the trail of the pharaohs down the Nile
So many tourist boats ply the riverbank ruins of ancient Egypt, many decidedly rickety, it's worth researching a really good one to be sure of home comforts. Ewaterways uses only five-star floating hotels with a maximum of 130 cabins. They sail from Luxor to Aswan via Karnak, the Avenue of the Sphinxes, Valley of the Kings and Queens and one stupendous temple after another. From US$465; www.ewaterways.co.uk

13. Raft the Zambezi's white water
The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company offers the thrill of pitting your wits against the top-graded rushing water below the Victoria Falls. Trips lasting up to five days through a gorge cut into Africa over 300 million years are possible. However, the one-day trip at low water between July and February is considered the best white-water experience. From US$135 per day; www.zambezi.com

14. Kayak from sunset to moonlight in the Florida Keys
The tranquil waters of Hemingway's playground are gentle enough to be navigated by moonlight. But those who don't want to miss out on the scenery can get the best of both worlds by taking to their paddles before the sun dips below the horizon. Sunset tours start from Big Pine Key and meander through the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Big Pine Kayak Adventure US$50 per person; www.keyskayaktours.com Read more on CNNGo: 15 unusual places to spend a night

15. Follow a rare canoe trail through Botswana
After a 30-year dry spell, the Selinda Spillway linking the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti and Kwando water systems is now flowing again. Given the rate of climate change, there may only be a short window to explore this stretch of northern Botswana, with a meander into the magnificent 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, by canoe. Expect to see elephant, buffalo, wild dogs and a vast array of birds. From US$1,760 for four days; www.greatplainsconservation.com

© 2011 Cable News Network Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Birdwatchers Paradise: Guyana

from: http://ncnguyana.com/ncngy/index.php/travel/travel-news1749623790/getaways124...

Bird lovers gathered at the band stand of the Botanical Gardens for the launching of a bird circulation sanctuary heard that bird watching is one of the fastest growing niche markets in the world and it is the fastest growing tourism activity in Guyana.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad said Guyana has now become an amazing bird watching paradise in South America with over 860 migrant and resident bird species and over 48 Guiana Shield endemics such as; blood coloured woodpecker, red-shouldered macaw, red-billed toucan, toco toucan, golden-spangled piculet, white-bellied piculet and yellow-throated flycatcher.

Minister Prashad at the launching ceremony said that bird watching is one of the fastest growing niche markets in the world and it is the fastest growing outdoor activity in the USA where over 51 million people have reported to have gone on bird-watching trips.

“Guyana with over 870 species and counting is a bird hotspot and paradise and has been described as the top new neo-tropical birding destination and one of the best birding spots in the world…

Bird watching tours to Guyana have been increasing and our popularity as a top birding destination is also soaring like an eagle,” Minister Prashad said. He also pointed out that from 2004 to 2011 Guyana has seen a number of birding hotspots available to tourists and bird lovers, which is the result of market driven strategies which focus on bird watching as a niche and collaboration with partners such as USAID/GTIS, and Wilderness Explorers amongst others. Further, several birding FAM trips have been conducted which brought some of the top bird watching operators, magazines and ornithologists to Guyana, which now sees over 30 major international companies selling bird watching tours to Guyana, the Minister said.

“Guyana is now being mentioned and ranked with Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rice…we are competing well in the international scene... Even South Africa is interested in copying our bird watching model and strategy,” Minister Prashad said.

At the end of the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled by Minister Prashad in honour of the momentous occasion. Georgetown, thanks to its location at the convergence of the Demerara River and Atlantic Ocean, is filled with unique birding habitats.

The Guyana Amazon Tropical Birding Society (GATBS), headquartered in Georgetown, has recorded more than 200 species from 39 families in the city. The Botanical Gardens is an Important Birding Area (IBA) in Guyana that has a land mass of 185 acres and over 189 bird species from 41 families.

The Botanical Gardens is known as a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists, but more recently, the Gardens has become a hot spot for birders who scour the flora with their binoculars, scopes and cameras in search of some highly sought-after bird species.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority in partnership with the National Parks Commission and the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society have committed themselves to working together to guarantee a safe haven for the birds of the Botanical Gardens.

Ecuador & Its Stunning Diversity

from: http://m.iol.co.za/article/view/e/1.1171466
By Kate Turkington

The jungle is thick, impenetrable. Huge trees rear up desperately towards the distant sunlight above the canopy.

Strange bird calls echo around us. Insects thrum, buzz and whine. I’m wading through mud, water and layers and layers of leaves underfoot. Huge orange roots the thickness of a thigh, coil over and under the path.

There are so many different species of plants and trees that even my local guide can’t identify them. His machete slashes a branch out of the way and bright red sap oozes out. “Don’t know name, but we call it chicken blood,” he says. Some trees have “prop” roots, others “buttress” roots, still others, like the mangroves, have “stilt” roots.

Robbie Delgado, top National Guide from Quito, catches a little frog the size of my fingernail. Our small group of friends all peer closely to look at its red and black back and bright blue tummy. “One drop of this frog’s sweat can kill 40 people,” he tells us. “The jungle people use it to poison their blowgun darts.” We back off hurriedly.

Next stop is a space the size of a living room floor covered with muddy bumps. A continuous stream of leafcutter ants – all carrying pieces of cut leaves like flags – marches relentlessly in and out of this huge underground nest. The leaves are used to farm 80 different kinds of mushrooms to feed the colony.

Soldiers with huge mandibles guard the nest, sterile female workers constantly cleaned by tiny parasite-eating siblings do all the work. Down in the depths sits one queen. Her job? To lay 4 000 eggs every day.

This myriad of jungle creatures, birds and insects keeps this living forest in constant change. Robbie explains the soil of the rain forest is not fertile. The nutrients that supply the rich, complexity of this ecosystem are the result of constant interaction between the dying and living organisms on the forest floor.

Another day as we paddle in our dugout along a narrow creek miles inside the Amazon basin, past indigenous villages, watchful monkeys, a sleeping two-toed sloth, and scores of Equador’s 1 600 species of birds, Robbie calls out: “Otters!” The six of us in our canoe now share a precious moment.

Three huge heads rise above the blackwater, peer at us and go under. Seconds later the heads reappear nearer the canoe. Down again and then the big whiskery heads reappear close to the canoe as three of the most critically endangered animals in the world check us out.

We are privileged to see the famed giant otters, of which there are only 300 left in the world. My friends and I are staying at Napo Wildlife Centre in the middle of Equador’s Amazon jungle in the Yasuni National Park. Winner of numerous international awards, owned and managed by the local Añangu community, it’s recognised as the finest example of community tourism in Ecuador.

There’s so much to tell you about the Amazon, but I can’t leave it without telling you about the birds. No other country has as many bird species in such a small area. And the names – evocative, colourful, exotic, memorable.

Use your imagination now: the Amazonian Violaceous trogon; the Golden-tailed Sapphire hummingbird (there are 120 different kinds of humming birds); the Spectacled owl; the Orange-cheeked parrot; the Scarlet-shouldered parrotlet and the crazy-looking Hoatzin. Plus my personal favourite – the diminutive (10cm) Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant.

Before we delve deep into the Amazon rainforest we follow in Darwin’s footsteps. Exactly 176 years to the month that the author of the Origin of the Species set foot on the strangest islands on earth, we set foot on the Galapagos islands, 1 000km off the west coast of Ecuador.

Stepping ashore on Santa Cruz from the panga (rubber dinghy) that carries us from our luxury yacht, La Pinta, we enter another world. This is Jurassic Park country. Black lava rocks, white sands, fleshy green plants underfoot, weirdly shaped cacti – and then our first dragon.

Not exactly a dragon but the marine iguana, the only Saurian marine mammal in the world. It’s dozing in the hot sun and ignores us when we take photographs.

You are allowed to come within 2m of the creatures on the islands, but they wouldn’t care if you came closer, so unafraid of humans are they. As we walk along an island path we meet Dragon No2 – the land iguana. Green, gold, and with a Mona Lisa smile, it slumbers in reptilian repose.

We meet the famous finches – the birds that first clued Darwin to the idea of evolution. There are 13 different kinds – each island has its own – with special beak adaptations to suit its habitat.

There are many strange and endemic birds that you’ll find nowhere else on earth – the four Galapagos mockingbirds (specific to certain islands), the Flightless cormorant, the Galapagos hawk, the Galapagos doves and martins, and the funny little Galapagos penguin, the most northernmost penguin in the world.

Another day we go snorkelling in what is widely regarded as the best snorkelling destination in the world. This is September, so the water is cold and quite choppy. Clad in short wetsuits and armed with disposable underwater cameras we marvel at angel, damsel and parrot fish, rays and once a white-tipped shark. But it’s not the thousands of fish which are the only delight.

Sea lions bump us, swirling between our legs, begging “Come and play”. Giant turtles brush past us giving us a cold eye. As Liz, one of my friends, puts it: “This is like the African bush underwater. It’s teeming with life…”

The comical Blue-footed boobies cruise the sea looking for shoals. When they spot one, as one single bird or organism they jet dive into the sea – it’s an amazing spectacle. But whereas the boobies whoosh as one bird into the waves, the Brown pelican goes splosh. Hanging about, looking to raid other birds of their fishy catch.

The Galapagos islands are truly another world, a world where time has stood still. But the whole narrow country of Ecuador is another world. One of the smallest in South America, its diversity of ecosystems is among the top seven in the world. Bisected by the Andes, with jungle to the west and the coast to the east, its capital, Quito, is surrounded by volcanoes, some still active. The Cayambe volcano is the only snow-capped volcano on the equator.

Quito, plumb on the equator, was the first city in the world to be proclaimed a Unesco World Heritage site because of its rich colonial history. You’d expect the equator to be hot and humid, but at 2 800m in Quito it’s spring all year round.

There are no seasons at all. We drive to the Equatorial Monument Mitad de Mundo 25km north of Quito which marks the exact middle of the world, and have our photographs taken with a foot in each hemisphere. Here’s something to ponder. The Frenchman Charles-Marie de la Condamine made measurements here in 1736 showing that this was the true centre of the world, the true equatorial line. Today’s GPS measurements show that he was only 240m off the mark.

Perhaps even more interesting is that there was a sacred indigenous site on the same spot over 1 000 years ago. Little is known of that culture except for its superb equatorial and solar calculations. There’s more about Ecuador – the lakes and mountains, the volcanoes, the Spanish colonial treasures of beautiful old churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings, the 220-year-old haciendas, the indigenous markets bursting with handicrafts, the Amazon villages and people. - Sunday Tribune l Pannell’s Tours, Knysna, put together Kate’s trip. Louise and James Pannell specialise in trips to Ecuador. Www.panells.com
www.pannells.com

Inspiration For A Long Kayak Trip

from: http://westernfrontonline.net/features/15-features/13921-adventures-of-a-padd...

As he maneuvers his kayak through a section of class 5 whitewater rapids, some of the most difficult in the world, Western Washington University junior Fred Norquist remains calm and collected. Up ahead looms a 40-foot waterfall, cascading down a narrow chute of rock into the pool below.

Without second thought, Norquist paddles through the rapids and launches off the waterfall. As he lands, his kayak submerges and he finds himself surrounded by cold rushing water.

A second later, he breaks the surface and takes a deep breath with a big smile on his face. Norquist lives for moments like these. Since he started kayaking nine years ago, Norquist has picked up multiple sponsors and a job producing videos for Bomb Flow Magazine.

Working with the magazine gives him the opportunity to travel and paddle throughout North and South America. Norquist said his first time kayaking was when he was 13, but it wasn’t until his freshman year of high school when he moved to Carbondale, Colo., that he started to really get into it.

He paddled consistently throughout high school and started picking up sponsors by sending video and photos of him kayaking to different companies. Some of his sponsors include Liquidlogic Kayaks, Smith Optics, Disidual Clothing and Immersion Research.

His junior year of high school, Norquist spent a semester traveling in Canada and Mexico with World Class Kayak Academy. According to the school’s website, the program allows students to earn high school credit while traveling and kayaking. Norquist’s experiences with World Class Kayak Academy opened up a world of travel and kayaking for him.

After graduating high school, he took a year off and went to Chile and Argentina to paddle. “I think that’s one of my favorite parts about this sport,” he said. “You get to travel and experience all of these beautiful rivers and places people don’t normally get to see.”

After returning from his first trip to South America, Norquist moved to Washington and decided to attend Western because of its proximity to year-round kayaking spots such as the Nooksack River.

Read the rest of the story here: http://westernfrontonline.net/features/15-features/13921-adventures-of-a-padd...

Travel Trends For 2012

from: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/top-travel-trends-for-2012/story-fn6ci05x-...

What destinations will be popular in 2012?
Europe will be hugely popular because of the London Olympics. There will be an estimated 500,000 new visitors each day to London for the Games and many will take the opportunity to travel to close destinations like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Berlin. South-East Asia will continue to be popular because of the strong Aussie dollar and the affordability of travelling in the region.

What experiences will define travel in 2012?
Travellers want to live like locals. They're not just looking to check off the typical tourist spots but to experience a place and leave with stories to tell. Short-term or vacation rentals will prove to be popular, especially since the peer-to-peer accommodation concept is catching on with many travellers as an alternative to hotel rooms.

* What will be the best destinations to get off the beaten track in 2012?
Manila is a fast-growing metropolis and while people usually head straight to the beaches when they go to the Philippines, and skip the capital, it's a city with many hidden gems and even the malls have plenty of local boutiques and businesses rather than large chains. Sri Lanka is another great destination because it's still untouched by tourism and quite underrated with balmy weather, great local food, art and history, and it's still very affordable.

* What will be the unusual destinations everyone is talking about in 2012?
Ukraine and the cities of Kiev, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Lviv, because of the UEFA Euro 2012 football finals, and Odessa, which is a beautiful city on the Black Sea.

* If you could rent an apartment anywhere in the world, and stay there for a month, where would it be?
It would be Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam because it's historic, the cost of living is very affordable and it's possible to rent a fairly decent room for $10 a night, or a completely private apartment for $25 a night.

* If time and money were no object, where would you like to spend your next holiday?
We would love to travel to Brazil and take a boat down the Amazon there's so much to see there that you would need a lot of time.

- SARINA Bratton, founder and managing director of Orion Expedition Cruises (orionexpeditions.com), is constantly visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations to find new experiences for those who want to see the world while enjoying 5-star luxury.

* What destinations will be popular in 2012?
In Australia, the Kimberley region, especially now it has been national heritage listed. And Antarctica will continue to inspire the well-travelled and adventurers alike. Also, nowadays, more people are seeking unique and meaningful experiences, engaging with amazing cultures and wildlife found in areas such as the Amazon, Galapagos, the Russian Far East and Borneo.

What experiences will define travel in 2012?
For many, giving back to communities will be an important aspect. Immersion in the destination, rather than a tourist's view, is far more rewarding. It's about a traveller's view, experiences that are more intimate, with genuine connection to the places, people and cultures.

* What will be the best destinations to get off the beaten track in 2012?
Any of the Orion destinations in Australia you just cannot go past our Kimberley, or select from Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Antarctica, Inland Sea of Japan and a favourite of mine, the Russian Far East. *

What will be the unusual destinations everyone is talking about in 2012?
The destinations of Sarawak, Sabah, Sulawesi and Kalimantan in Borneo are standouts. This island, the third largest in the world, has been barely touched by tourism and, in many instances, Orion Expedition Cruises will be the first operator to take travellers to these remote outposts. This island offers good cultural experiences and amazing wildlife much of it endangered, such as orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants a diversity of cultures, important World War II sites and some of the world's best marine environments. Perfect for inquisitive travellers now we provide the comfortable hardware and backup to get there and back in luxury.

* If time and money were no object, where would you like to spend your next holiday?
Visiting the best game parks in Africa and staying in the many wonderful luxury safari lodges. -

Read the rest of the article here:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/top-travel-trends-for-2012/story-fn6ci05x-...

Top 7 Movies To Learn About South America

from: http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/planyourtrip/tp/South-America-Travel-Movie...

1) City Of God
If you want to learn about Brazil and the struggles in one of the most dangerous cities, Rio de Janeiro, this is a great film. While it is in Portugese with subtitles, reading isn't cumbersome as the action grabs you from the start.

A story of growing up with gangs in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brazil, City of God will keep you on your toes. This critically acclaimed movie gives you a realistic view of what it was like to grow up in the slums in the 1970s and 80s. It will tug at your heart and hopefully make you want to learn more.

2). Evita
The 1996 film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. This film starring Madonna captures the real life of Eva Duarte de Perón, who started as the illegitimate daughter of a poor farmer but rose to become the wife of a former Argentinian president.

As a musical the film is almost completely performed in song, but it beautifully recounts Eva's ambition and her rise to become one of the most powerful, beloved and hated figures in Argentina. If you are heading to Argentina, and the famous Recoleta Cemetery where she is buried, this is a must-see.

3. Alive
Based on a 1974 book by Piers Paul Reed, this book recounts the true story of a Uruguayan rugby team who resorted to desperate measures to stay alive after a plane crash in the Andes in the 1970s. Starring Ethan Hawke, if you are visiting the Andes, or flying over them you may not want to watch this film. However, this is a heart-wrenching story of the will to survive.

4. The Motorcycle Diaries
On almost every list for best travel movies, this film tells the story of Che Guevara's great journey with his best friend Alberto Granado before he became "Che." The two friends hopped on a repair-ridden motorcycle to discover South America and it is where he realized that while he was from a privileged family, there were many in South America who had nothing.

You will be wooed by the magnificence of the landscape and fueled by this is a trip of a lifetime that inspired the young man to take action in his life.

5. Che
The story of Ernesto Guevara once he became 'Che". If you're heading to South America it's a good idea to have a primer on Che, he isn't front and center other than on tourist t-shirts but certainly help shape the land.

This is a massive two-part biography featuring Benicio del Toro, with the first part focusing on the Cuban revolution and the second on his efforts to liberate Bolivia and his ultimate death.

6. 180 Degrees South
While this is a documentary, it is anything but boring. The adventurous Jeff Johnson decides to retrace the 1968 journey of his idols Doug Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard South to Patagonia.

Although the original journey is overland, Johnson takes on the task of sailing and all the difficulties it entails. It begins as a great traveling adventure but as Johnson becomes more aware of the environmental issues in Chile, the story takes a turn. While those traveling to Chile should see the film, it is a great story for anyone interested in adventure.

7. Moonraker
(c) MGM Perhaps one of the less obvious movies to watch, this James Bond film with Roger Moore starts off as story about the theft of a space shuttle only to turn into a fight against the and discovers a plot to destroy the world's popular and begin with one race.

Bond is on a chase around the world, including Brazil to stop the bad guys from their evil plot. Perhaps not the most accurate depiction of Brazil, but a very amusing story.

South America Travel: Is It Safe?

from: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/doc-holiday-advises-on-your-travel-dilemma...

I am going to Uruguay (Colonia del Sacramento) and Argentine (Buenos Aires only) next month for two weeks, and will be staying in each place for one week.

While my husband is attending a conference, I will have time to explore the places by myself. I am a bit worried as I hear lots of horror stories about South America and it doesn't sound like a very safe place. Could you please give me some suggestions about these places?

The Australia-based South America travel expert Ted Dziadkiewicz from Contours Travel (contourstravel.com.au) has been taking tours to the continent for nearly 40 years and says that in terms of security, staying safe in South America is as much about commonsense as is it in any other destination.

He recommends that you book your introduction tours in Australia and then get to know a local tour operator whom you can rely upon to book you other trips. There are daily return ferries from Colonia to Buenos Aires which take just an hour over the River Plate.

"In Buenos Aires I would recommend doing a full-day Estancia (farm) and San Antonio de Areco tour, which is Gaucho country and the homeland of Don Segundo Sombra, the immortal character of the novel written by Ricardo GadiRiraldes," says Dziadkiewicz.

"Definitely take a full or half-day tour to the Tigre Delta cruise (which takes you past a variety of islands with a lunch option). Other tours to book include the full-day Evita Tour, full-day Jewish tour of Malba (Latin American Museum, the National Gallery and the Collection Fortabat, which boasts works by Dali, Klimt, Brueghel, Chagall, Rodin and Warhol amongst others.

There is great shopping including local designers in Palermo, international brand in Palermo and Recoleta and you must do a cooking lesson and a tango lesson with a tango dinner and show." Dziadkiewicz also recommends a walking tour of BA's fashionable Palermo district as well as a visit to the San Telmo Flea Markets on a Sunday.

In Colonia, don't miss out on some of the great wineries such as Ariano Hermanos, Bodega Bouza and the Castillo Viejo. You can also take a full-day tour to the capital, Montevideo, which is 2½ hours from Colonia.

In Montevideo, visit the World War II German cruiser Graf Spee in the harbour, take a city tour and visit Estancia.
For more info, go here http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/doc-holiday-advises-on-your-travel-dilemma...

5 Cool Things To Do In La Paz, Bolivia

from: http://southamericatourist.com/

Situated 3,660 meters above sea level, La Paz in Bolivia is the highest national capital city in the world. The city was built in the Andean mountains on October 20, 1954 with the name La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz.

Its altitude ranges from 3,100 to 4058 meters in the higher to lower residential areas respectively. Spreading over various heights that feature breathtaking views and scenery, La Paz has been a brilliant, must-see destination for many backpacking South America.

If you plan to travel but on a tight budget, La Paz is the place for you. The food and services are relatively cheap and there are a lot of things you can do at a minimal fee or even for free. After all, Bolivia has one of the lowest standards of living across South America, so you can practically enjoy anything when you come here.

This is definitely a guilt-free way to relax and enjoy some of the best South America tourist attractions without hurting your pocket too much. So to better keep you guided, check out these five fun things to do in La Paz, Bolivia:

#1: Plaza Murillo
Experience Bolivian culture at this historical place in La Paz. It features the beautiful city cathedral and several government buildings. Perhaps the best sight here is the hordes of pigeons flocking around. In fact, there are so many that they outnumber the people in the Plaza. Another popular landmark nearby is the Valle de la Luna. A low entrance fee is charged, but the view is worth the cost.

#2: Witches’ Market
If you’re looking for some supernatural, eccentric, and ethereal bazaars, the witches’ market is for you. Also known as Mercado de Hechiceria, this place is one of the most bizarre Bolivia tourist attractions around. Stalls and “open tents” are overflowing with herbs, dried roots, ornaments, spices, and oils associated with the spiritual life of the Aymara people. You can also buy the authentic Bolivian instrument called charango. But what really makes this place famous is the sight of shrunken llama fetuses found in many booths. Fortune tellers also flock to the area, so you might as well try your luck!

#3: Museo de la Coca
Among the top picks of the Bolivia tourist, this museum documents the history and significance of the coca plant in the development of Bolivia, including the effects of the U.S. War on Drugs. According to the museum, crack cocaine has been the greatest epidemic since the Middle-Ages Plague. And yes, you can get buzzed with the free samples of coca leaf given to tourists!

#4: El Alto Mercado
Every Thursday and Sunday, El Alto holds a huge market perfect for tourists looking for cheap, quality shopping. Here, you can find great bargains on vintage and branded clothes, textiles, and antiques, all imported from North America. You can also find some Alpaca wool sweaters that will only cost you around $7 each. And if you’re lucky, you can spot many high-end clothing brands at a very cheap price, most of them rarely used.

#5: Presidential Palace
Locally known as Palacio Quemado that literally means “burnt palace”, this place seems inviting to many tourists due to its intriguing history of multiple fires. This palace, which serves as the official residence of the president, has undergone several restorations after it was burned many times long ago.

5 Travelling Drugs

I just loved this article. So well written and informative!
I found it on the Vagabondish website here: http://www.vagabondish.com/travel-medicine-5-essential-drugs/

The Traveller’s Medicine Cabinet: 5 Essential Drugs for the Road

by ROBERT EVANS

While out roving you aren’t always (or even often) anywhere near a hospital or pharmacy. But, if you pack these nutritional supplements and natural medications wherever you go, you’ll be able to cope just fine.

#1: KRATOM
The Situation You’re hiking the Appalachian trail in the dead of winter. It’s freezing cold, the terrain is rough, and you’ve got another four hours of trudging through the snow before you reach your destination for the night.

Suddenly the worst happens; your boot gets caught between two rocks, you lose your footing and tumble to the ground, wrenching your ankle in the process. After a loud yelp of pain and several creative obscenities, you manage to sort yourself out and rise back to your feet. You can still walk, but every step is agony. How on earth are you going to make it to town before nightfall?

What It Is A leafy green plant grown mainly in Southeast Asia.
Uses First and foremost, Kratom is a powerful painkiller similar to Morphine or Opium. In fact, recent research suggests that Kratom is so similar to opiates that it can replace them during withdrawal.

Kratom can also be used as an anti-depressant, analgesic, or a stimulant. It has immunostimulant properties and can also be used to treat diarrhoea. Side-Effects Kratom is mildly addictive, about on par with caffeine. You cannot overdose on it, and the only known negative effects from use are nausea and constipation (which is useful when you’re suffering from Montezuma’s revenge.)

Forms Kratom can be purchased in dried leafy form, as an extract, a resin, or in pill form. It can be brewed into tea, eaten raw, dropped on the tongue (for the resin), or even smoked. You can purchase it here. For ease of packing, I recommend buying it in capsule form. Legality Kratom is legal in most of the developed world. Only Thailand, Bhutan, Australia, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Malaysia, and Myanmar have laws against it.

#2: KAVA KAVA
The Situation Your wife, your doctor, and your common sense all warned you to take care of your toothache before you went on that three week Elk hunting trip in the mountains of New Zealand.

Now you’re miles away from civilization and your jaw feels like its been worked over by the steroid-crazed lovechild of Mike Tyson and Buzz Aldrin. You’d give anything just to numb this pain, but the Tylenol in your first aid kit does nothing to help you.
Kava Kava
What It Is A leafy green plant grown throughout the Pacific islands. Uses Kava can help to treat social anxiety or stress, and also works as a powerful relaxant. A glass of water spiked with Kava extract will knock you out faster than a bottle of whiskey and a copy of The Horse Whisperer.

Kava is also an extremely effective numbing agent. Just smear the powder around your mouth for a while, and you’ll feel its effects. Actually, you won’t feel much of anything at all. Side-Effects None to the drug itself. Some supplement manufacturers grind up Kava stems into their pills and powder, which can lead to liver toxicity. Chronic, heavy use can lead to a minor skin rash. Use Kava in moderation, and only buy it from trusted sources.

Forms Kava Kava can be purchased as a powder, pill, paste, or mixed into a variety of drinks and foods. The Kona Kava farm sells high quality Kava in a dizzying selection of forms. I recommend buying the powder in order to use it as a topical numbing agent. Legality Kava is legal everywhere.

#3: OIL OF OREGANO The Situation You’ve just been hit by the perfect storm of traveller’s ailments while backpacking in rural Slovenia. You have a nasty flu, a minor fever and an intestinal parasite twisting your bowels into its own personal playground. What on earth can help you now?

Oil of Oregano What It Is Oregano is primarily a culinary herb (of the mint family, if you care about that sort of thing). In addition to being a staple of Italian cuisine, dried Oregano is famous for looking a little like marijuana to people who have never actually seen marijuana.

Uses Oil of Oregano helps to fight influenza and colds. It is useful in bringing down mild fevers, kills fungal infections, and can help to combat intestinal parasites. If you’re a lady, oil of oregano can be used to relieve painful menstruation. It also makes a fantastic topical antiseptic.

Side-Effects None. Forms You can purchase oil of oregano as an actual oil, or in capsule form. Most health supplement websites carry it, as do stores like Whole Foods. Legality Oregano and its oil extract are legal everywhere.

#4: GINGER ROOT
The Situation You’ve just committed the #1 Traveller’s Gaffe: you drank the water. That’s extra bad news, considering your diarrhea just kicked in as your boat sailed away from harbor. Now you’re trapped on a barge bound for Costa Rica with diarrhea and seasickness making you their bitch. By the time morning rolls around, you’ll be lucky if your bowels are still on the inside.

Ginger Root
What It Is An edible tuber grown across Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Uses Ginger compounds are very effective in treating diarrhea, especially the Escherichia coli enterotoxin-induced diarrhea that’s such a common killer in the Third World.

Ginger can also be used to treat nausea brought on by seasickness, morning sickness, or chemotherapy.

Side-Effects
Ginger is recognized as safe by the FDA. That said, it can still cause heartburn and nausea if taken in excessive quantities. Remember: a little goes a long way. Forms You can buy ginger by the root, or as a powdered extract.

Biting into the root does a great job of clearing up a stuffy nose, at the minor cost of making your face burn like the fires of Hades. Ginger root can be bought at pretty much any grocery store. For pills, powders, teas, and supplements, try here. Legality Ginger is legal everywhere.

#5: KANNA
The Situation After four hellish (but wonderful, in that strange way travails often are) trips ’round the globe, you’re finally ready for your return flight home. This is the part of the trip you hate the most.

Dangerous animals, strange diseases, and hiking injuries you can deal with, but once you’re on that plane your life is officially out of your hands. It’s enough to make you want to panic. Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum) Capsules

What It Is Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, as it’s friend’s call it, is an herb found in South Africa. It is one of the oldest intoxicants in human history.

Uses
In high doses (100 mg+), Kanna is a euphoric. In normal doses (50 mg) it acts as a mood elevator and an anti-anxiety medication. It also works as an appetite suppressant, and can lead to tiredness and vivid dreaming. In other words, Kanna is the perfect pre-flight medication.

Side-Effects There are none listed, but it’s best not to take any mood elevator while already on SSRIs, MAOIs, or other psychiatric medications. Also, if you happen to be travelling to Amsterdam or Thailand, Kanna has strong synergistic effects with cannabis. Just sayin’.

Forms Kanna is most often found as a powder. You can eat it, smoke it, or use it the same way you would snuff. I recommend buying from Bouncing Bear Botanicals as they have an excellent selection of Kanna (as well as other legal intoxicants) and great customer service. Legality Kanna is legal everywhere.

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Peru: Other Cool Places To Visit Besides Machu Picchu

from: http://southamericatourist.com/top-10-tourist-attractions-in-peru/?utm_source...

#1 Amazon (Iquitos)
Situated in the middle of the Peruvian jungle and left of the river bank, Iquitos is well loved for its beauty and biodiversity. The virgin nature of the Amazon rainforest offers a unique ecosystem of flora and fauna, making it a top eco-tourism site. Here, you can find some of the most diverse species of birds and mammals on Earth, including a huge number of amphibians, insects and reptiles.

#2 Colca Canyon
Even if hiking is not your thing, never go home without taking a glance at the spectacular canyon of the Colca River. Did you think that the Grand Canyon found in the US was the deepest canyon? Think again. This Peruvian attraction is reputedly the deepest in the world with a depth of 9,842 feet. This place is also known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and as a home to the rare species and world’s largest living bird, the Andean Condor.

#3 Nazca Lines
The Nazca lines can be found in the Nazca Desert bordering the towns of Nazca and Palpa. These peculiar “lines” are a series of ancient figures written enormously in the desert sands. The forms are so huge that the only way to view them entirely is to fly a small plane (you can make arrangements for this). The Nazca Lines are believed to be created between 200 B.C. and 700 A.D. They consist of simple lines, geometric designs, several wildlife creatures, and human figures.

#4 Huacachina
This is a town located in the city of Ica, a few hours travel to the south of Lima. It is a small desert village built around an oasis, a small natural lake. The towering sand dunes surrounding the village are what make the place one of the best tourist attractions in Peru, especially for those looking for thrilling adventures such as sand-boarding and high-speed sand dune rides.

#5 Mancora
If surfing is your thing, this place is best for you. The coastal town of Mancora is a favorite to surfers. It features long stretches of white sandy beaches with great waves year round, as well as a mountain of partying and nightlife.

#6 Lake Titicaca (Uros Islands)
Ever imagined stepping into an island made entirely of dried reeds? It is possible with these artificial islands from the Uros, a tribe of pre-Incan people. These floating reed islands are located in Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

#7 The Sacred Valley
Stretching between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley offers a bit of history, culture, and traditions of the Incas. Not only does it feature fascinating ruins and archeological sites, but this ancient Incan empire is also famous for its incredible landscape, rich agriculture, and the beautiful Urubumba River flowing through the valley.

#8 City of Lima
As a general gateway to the country, Lima is a vibrant metropolis. Its historical center features stunning colonial structures, pre-Hispanic archeological sites, and some of the best museums in South America. The city also offers a great variety of cultural shows, rich Peruvian cuisines, luxurious nightlife, and the beautiful coast of Miraflores.

#9 Huaraz
This is a beautiful city in north-central Peru, 420 kilometers north of the capital city. It is the entry to the Cordillera Blanca, or the White Mountain Range, a wonderland of snow-capped summits, glaciers, turquoise-blue lagoons and the magnificent Andean mountain range. It is also here where you can find the highest mountain in Peru, the Huascaran. This region is perhaps one of the best trekking sites when backpacking South America.

#10 Paracas
One of the best South America tourist attractions, this ecological destination offers the best wildlife experience in Peru. It is here you’ll find the Ballestas Islands often dubbed as Peru’s “Galapagos Islands”. It is a home to many birds which include pelicans, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns. Also a favorite spot of penguins, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, and whales, lucky are you if you can spot them in action. Don’t forget to add a bit of fun with windsurfing, deep sea fishing, and scuba diving!

South America: The New Hotspot

from:http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/south-america-a-new-hotspot/story-e6frfq80-1226160837451

South Ameria has been thrust back into the limelight because of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Machu Pichu.

SOUTH America is emerging as one of the hottest destinations for next year, with tour operators struggling to keep up with strong demand from Australians looking for new destinations, adventure and value.

The spotlight has been on Peru following the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu this year and improved flight connections are also making it easier than ever to get there.

LAN Airlines now offers daily flights to Santiago in Chile from Sydney or Auckland, while Qantas will begin flying from Sydney to Chile three times a week in March. LAN is also improving connections from Santiago to Lima in Peru and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and plans to improve its links to Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Contiki, best known for offering holidays to Europe for 18 to 35-year-olds, begins tours to South America next month in response to feedback in post-tour surveys and on social networking sites such as Facebook.The tours have proven so popular Contiki has sold out until April and is being forced to add extra departures.

"We have been in Asia for three years now and and it's been a booming success that product model of small group touring and authentic local experiences using local transport is growing at the speed of light," consumer marketing and brand manager Deanna Marrocco said. "It's how people want to travel in these destinations."

Trafalgar is also launching its more relaxed At Leisure program, which has been a big success in Europe, in South America for the first time next year. It has also begun offering Be My Guest dining experiences, inviting guests into the homes of locals to experience authentic homemade cuisine.

APT is also reintroducing tours to South America next year after withdrawing in 2009 because of the global financial crisis. Its restructured program includes 16 itineraries and it was forced to add three extra departures a few months after launching its brochure in April because of the strong response.

Ted Dziadkiewicz of Contours Travel, which specialises in trips to South America, said "voluntourism" was also becoming increasingly popular. Its new Heritage Trails of Sacred Valley of the Incas tour includes a visit to Australian Jane Gavel's organisation Peru's Challenge, which helps build schools and sustainable communities in Peru, and guests can choose to stay longer and work on the projects.

The cruise market is also soaring, with a growing number of specialist cruise itineraries including the Amazon River and the Chilean fjords. Peregrine has introduced four new cruise itineraries in the Galapagos Islands to help reduce the environmental impact on the fragile ecosystem, and is offering a new 10-day Highlights of Argentina tour.

Foodies are also increasingly discovering South America, with World Expeditions offering a new one-off culinary trip to Peru led by Crave Sydney Food Festival director Joanna Savill in November.

Apps for South America

from: http://gosouthamerica.about.com/b/2011/09/29/south-americas-travel-apps.htm

If you have a smart phone you know there's an app for everything - especially travel. But the truth is that while there are some great apps specific to North America and Europe - the app craze hasn't trickled down to South America.

But the good news is that there some great apps that are great for South America travel so each month we're picking one to review. This month Porteño Spanish is up for review and if you're thinking of heading to Buenos Aires you will definitely want to read on.

http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/planyourtrip/fr/South-America-Travel-Apps-...

Keep Your Valuables Safe in South America

(from: http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=117323 )
September 27, 2011 -- Alex Ivory is the founder & inventor of Dovetail travel in peace and a world traveler.

She has lived, worked and traveled throughout Asia, India, Arabia, Africa, Europe and South America for the past 25 years. While traveling in Argentina late last year, Ivory had her 'moment of knowing' in terms of evolving the concept of Dovetail travel in peace into reality.

Since the beginning of time, people have had to find a way to protect their valuables. Ivory had used many of those 'secret ways' and thought 'I can do better than this'! 'Better than this', meant that something had to be created for women travelers, designed for a woman's body. It had to be right, it had to serve its' purpose and it had to be comfortable and effortless.

Ivory took the traditional money belt and 're imagined' it into a light, modern, minimal system of 'travel safe body bands', made exclusively for women travelers.

'It needed to be streamlined, ultralight and effortless', form following function, and disguised as inner wear,' says Ivory. She ventured out to design prototypes and developed two distinct options for women travelers; the 'travel band' and the 'travel wing'.

The 'travel safe body bands' concept arose and is offered as a set. As a former dancer and present walker, swimmer and yoga student, Ivory had 'an idea' of what worked on a body in movement and in this manner looked for ways in which travel essentials could be 'held' on the body with comfort and ease, eliminating the thick seams, straps, buckles, zippers, loops and toggles found on conventional money belts.

Most travelers seem to use the money belt around their waist, outside of their clothes which seems to defeat the purpose and actually, in fact, 'announces' to potential thieves 'exactly' where your valuables are! A simple jostling in a crowd and 'poof', your travel documents, bank cards and cash are gone.

'Travel with confidence, knowing that your essentials are secure, concealed on your body', says Ivory. The 'travel band' fits on your hips and goes over your usual underwear. The 'travel wing' wraps around the upper body and goes over your bra and has a small clasp at the front. You can choose which to wear and when, while out and about traveling.

The Dovetail 'travel safe body bands' are made of strong, stretch power net, and move with you, hidden under your clothes. Lighter and thinner than support weight lingerie but more substantial than everyday lingerie, Ivory found a perfect travel safe option with the power net.

'I look forward to experimenting with other colors, materials, production and finishing techniques', says Ivory. She envisions female travelers of all ages using the 'travel safe body bands' to protect both themselves and their valuables while traveling but also female study abroad students,

Humanitarian Aid & Peace Corps workers, reporters, photojournalists etc. 'Do some research, be conscientious and use common sense while exploring new geographies', says Ivory.

Enjoy your time traveling and experiencing being there, not fretting about your essentials. From Jakarta to Djibouti, Vancouver to Valparaiso, Berlin to Bhutan... For women of all ages with 'a girl scout spirit' who love to travel: Welcome to the launch of... Dovetail travel in peace. The Dovetail travel in peace set includes; the 'travel band', the 'travel wing', the portfolio and a small, light bag to carry it all in.

Available exclusively at http://www.dovetailtravelinpeace.com

Be Safe In Columbia

from: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/travel/article-23991112-safe-advice-to-guide-yo...

An ideal trip begins in the colonial city of Cartagena on the north coast (accessible via Miami on American Airlines). Explore the city and its beaches, then head along the Caribbean to the resort of Santa Marta, gateway to the sensational seascapes of Tayrona National Park.

Then fly to Bogotá for a brief visit, focusing on the colonial "village" of La Candelaria. Finish your trip at Cali, now blossoming as the salsa capital of the nation. You can return from here via the US, probably on American Airlines.

You are right to be alert to safety issues: consult the latest Foreign Office (fco.gov.uk) and US State Department (travel.state.gov) advice before you go. But with the help of a good guidebook (I tend to use Lonely Planet's) and advice from other travellers, you're very likely to stay safe.

. Cartagena is just the most beautiful city I have ever seen. I spent 3 weeks in Taganga (outside Santa Marta) in a private apatment without securtiy and had no security issues. I spent 5 months in Central and South America and found Columbia to be the safest and happiest country of all. The people are wonderful and the music is awesome! Plus, you can go out at night, unlike many of the neighbouring countries. Go enjoy yourself! - B.Wolf, Goa, India., 26/09/2011 17:33

Remember that the security situation here is getting worse quickly. Today a group of five on a beach resort in the carribean were killed by unknown gunmen. Just check the colombian press. - Sofia hernandez, Colombia, Cali., 26/09/2011 14:55

Manu Peru Highlights

By Birtan Collier

The Peruvian Amazon makes up about a third of the country’s land area and is as rich and untamed as the rest of the Amazon in neighboring Brazil and Ecuador.

The Peruvian government has been vigorous in its efforts to protect the nature and the native peoples of this region and as a result, the Amazonian Peru has some of the most pristine primary rainforests of the world.

Although logging, mining, ranching and agriculture compete with these preservation efforts, much of the biodiversity of this region’s nature is still protected and vibrant.

Our destination is the Manu National Park in the southern Amazon, which along with Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park forms a vast sanctuary enormously rich in wilderness. Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve is over four and a half million acres sustaining an entire ecosystem and hosting the most diverse flora and fauna in the world. Thanks to this rich nature,

Peru ranks near the top in world’s lists of mammals, amphibians, fresh-water fish, insects, butterflies and plant life. It has 1,800 species of birds, 1,000 of them in Manu. Thus the Manu sanctuary allows a person to experience a true Amazonian wilderness in its forest trails, forest canopy, tranquil lakes, rivers, clay licks, bamboo trails, clearings and gardens.

We start our journey in Lima and, after an evening arrival from Miami, rest overnight and catch a morning LAN flight to Cuzco and Puerto Maldonado. Puerto Maldonado is a city in southeastern Peru in the Amazon basin near the convergence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. It is the capital city of the Madre de Dios region, established in 1912.

With a population of 52,000, this quaint city has as its main economic activities logging, gold-mining, Brazil nut-growing, cattle-ranching and ecotourism. Since gasoline is very expensive, motorcycles and three-wheeled motorcars are very popular here. Because of its proximity to the Manu National Park, Puerto Maldonado is our launching point for Manu.

After several van rides and river crossings, we reach the dockside of the Madre de Dios River in the small village of Atalaya, where we board a long wooden motorized canoe fitted with comfortable seats for 12, a roof for protection against the strong sun, and enough space for our luggage. Since

Manu has no roads, motorboats are the primary means of transport and in fact our lodge, the Manu Wildlife Center, on the banks of the Madre de Dios, is only reachable by boat after a three-hour ride from Atalaya. Along the way, we see wood storks, yellow-billed terns, cocoi herons, ringed kingfishers, black caracaras, plumbeous kites, black skimmers and neotrophic cormorants. Flocks of scarlet macaws and parrots fly over our heads.

The Manu Wildlife Center (MWC) is privately owned by Manu Expeditions and the Peru Verde Conservation Group, a nonprofit organization involved in rainforest-conservation projects. MWC is a rainforest reserve that forms part of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and is in the Cultural Reserve Zone for the indigenous Amazonian tribes.

The infamous rubber baron Carlos Fitzcarrald opened Manu to the outside world in 1893 through his discovery of the watershed divide that carries his name. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. For five nights we stay at the MWC’s bungalows built with local wood, bamboo and palm fronds in the same style as the local Machiguenga communities. The bungalows are raised on stilts as the river floods every 3-4 years.

They are connected to each other and the main house of the lodge by gravel walkways. All rooms are screened and all beds are furnished with mosquito-netting and comfortable mattresses. All rooms also have bedside tables with windows facing the rainforest and garden. Although furnished with private toilets and showers and hot (gas) and cold water, the bungalows do not have electricity. So come 5:30 p.m., it is pitch dark and we put on our head lamps, pull out our flashlights and light up the candles the management supplied us.

The lodge is strategically located in an area of the forest with the highest diversity of habitats, which has more species of animals, birds, reptiles and insects than elsewhere in Manu. Our five-day stay at MWC, which includes many forest walks, catamaran and boat rides to clay licks, and climbing two-canopy towers, just to name a few of our activities, is a testament to this Amazonian Garden of Eden. In addition to being a refuge for animals and birds,

Manu is a refuge to many native tribes including Machiguenga, Piro, Mascho Piro and Yaminahua. Some of these natives are so elusive that no one knows how many of them there are. During the entire day, we are serenaded by the bubbly syllables and high-pitched squeal of the russet-backed oropendulas with their pendulum nests hanging from a tall seiba tree in the middle of our bungalows. Our first morning starts with a 4:45 a.m. wake-up and a 5 a.m. departure by boat to the

Blanquillo clay lick where we witness a most beautiful spectacle of brightly colored macaws and parrots. Perched on the vertical walls of the river bank to eat clay are flocks of red-and-green, scarlet, blue-and-yellow and chestnut-fronted Macaws, and hundreds of blue-headed, yellow-crowned and mealy parrots. It is believed that the birds eat enormous amounts of clay to help absorb and neutralize the toxins from the unripe fruits they feed on, especially in the dry season when food is not plentiful. We stay and watch this phenomenal display of color for several hours while having our breakfast before returning by boat to MWC for lunch.

Several afternoon walks in the forest trails of Manu treat us to common squirrel, brown capuchin, white-fronted capuchin, red howler and black spider monkeys and saddleback tamarins, always first heard by breaking branches and falling leaves as they acrobatically swing from tree to tree. Another ever-present resident of the forest trails is the screaming piha – a small bird the size of a starling, with a unique high scream, heard loud and clear throughout the forest.

Scanning the forest floor, we are rewarded with a group of 15 roaming pale-winged trumpeters searching for a meal of insects and reptiles. There are many 5 and 5:30 a.m. mornings at MWC, which are very rewarding. One such morning, we climb the 120 circular steps up a huge kapok tree to a canopy tower, where we hear the early chorus of birds and are surrounded by sweat bees. Collared, blue-crowned, black-tailed trogons, white-throated toucans, curl-crested aracari, yellow-tufted woodpecker, and golden-green, cream-colored and crimson-crested woodpeckers are but a few of the birds sighted by us, which make the up-and-down climb and the battle with sweat bees well worth our while.

Another highlight is a catamaran – which is a large plank of wood resting on two narrow hulls – to one of the oxbow lakes, Cocha Blanco. From the comfort of our fold-out chairs, we see horned screamers, wattled jacanas, red-capped cardinals, Cruvier’s toucans, Amazon kingfishers, black-capped donacobius and the strange-looking hoatzins with blue faces and punk-hair crests.

Another resident of the oxbow lakes are the giant otters living in family groups. Families of eight capybaras, the world’s largest rodent, were seen along the banks of the Madre
from: http://mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2011/09/23/main_line_times/life/doc4e7c...

Read more here: Continued..Comstory »

Highlights of South America: Don't Miss These

South America is home to dramatic landscapes, archaeological splendours from the past and a dizzying variety of wildlife – the largest collection of plant and animal species on earth, in fact.

For the sheer awe factor, it’s hard to top seeing Incan ruins through mist-covered cloud forest, spying monkeys and toucans in the Amazon or trekking past topaz-coloured alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks in the Andes.

Comprising 13 countries, and home to dozens of indigenous cultures, South America has all this and much more. Here’s a roundup of top places to see on a journey to South America.

1. The Andes The massive peaks – the world’s longest continental mountain range – stretch for nearly 8000km from Venezuela to southern Patagonia. There are fantastic trekking opportunities from gateway towns like Huaraz, Peru and Bariloche, Argentina. For those who want to explore indigenous villages among fantastic scenery, the options are near endless in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

2. Machu Picchu Prior to the Spanish arrival, the Andes were the home to some of the hemisphere’s most advanced civilizations, which reached their peak under the Incas. The mountain citadel of Machu Picchu – whose exact purpose still remains unknown – was first brought to the world’s attention in 1911 by American explorer (and later US senator) Hiram Bingham III. Visiting ‘the Lost City’, with its dramatic setting amid cloud forest and craggy peaks is spectacular, particularly if you’ve arrived on foot along the popular but challenging 4-day Inca Trail. Buying entrance and train tickets in advance is key. Visit www.machupicchutickets.com for info. For hiking the Inca Trail, check out www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/treks/incatrail4.html.

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3. Galápagos Islands The chain of volcanic islands lies roughly 1000km west of Ecuador and holds a strange and wondrous collection of wildlife, from gigantic tortoises and blue-footed boobies to marine iguanas and insatiably curious sea lions. These creatures proved inspiration to Charles Darwin (who visited in 1835) and his later, groundbreaking work on natural selection. Travel here is pricier than elsewhere in South America, since the only practical way of seeing the Galápagos is on a cruise vessel, visiting different islands on a 5- to 10-day circuit. But for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s well worth the investment.

4. The Amazon The largest rainforest on earth is home to a stunning array of plant and animal life. You can watch the green landscape glide slowly from the hammock-packed deck of a puttering riverboat (the buses of Brazilian Amazonia) or take a trek deep into the wilderness. Swimming with piranhas, gliding across flooded forests by dugout canoe and taking edifying walks with naturalist guides are all essential parts of the Amazon experience. Manaus in Brazil is the most popular gateway, with dozens of agencies offering private tours, while a bevy of nearby jungle lodges provide a base for exploring. Other good entry points to the Amazon include Cuyabeno Reserve, Ecuador; Leticia, Colombia; and Iquitos, Peru.

5. The Pantanal This vast wetland area, which spreads across parts of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, may be less famous than the Amazon, but the wildlife watching here is superb, with over 650 bird species and 80 mammal species, including capybara (the world’s largest rodent), giant otters and various monkeys. In fact, owing to the dense concentration of species, your chances of seeing animals here is generally better than in most parts of the Amazon. The key is to visit during the dry season (April to September). Visitors typically stay in lodges (from rustic to lavish) and take day trips on horseback, by boat or on foot in search of wildlife. Cuiaba and Campo Grande, both in Brazil are top places to enter the Pantanal.

6. Iguazu Falls Set deep in the rainforest, the massive and thundering falls are not one but many (some 275 in all), which straddle both Argentina and Brazil. Catwalks meander through biologically rich forest (keep an eye out for wildlife) and past the deafening waterfalls. While Brazil has the grand overview, Argentina gets the lion’s share of Iguazu – and from here you can take a (very wet) speedboat trip to just beneath the roaring falls. If you plan to visit the Brazilian side, you’ll need a visa (best arranged in advance). Go early in the morning to see abundant birdlife and to beat the crowds.