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Travel Experiences for Women Across the Globe

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Ahabu Phillip
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Himba Girl

Introducing Travel Experiences For Women Across The Globe Ahead Of International Women’s Day & The 100th Anniversary Of The Women’s Vote Act In The UK
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually throughout the world; recognizing female achievements, commemorating the women’s suffrage movement and highlighting the plight of women facing inequality across the globe.

Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day on 8th March, and in this centennial year of British women gaining the right to vote, Hills Balfour has therefore rounded up the influence of Girl Power in the travel sector.

From Mexican dining in Toronto at a restaurant run entirely by women, to learning the traditions of the Himba tribeswomen of Namibia, to cheering on the women’s elite ice canoe teams in Québec, to a tour operator supporting charities to improve the lives of young girls, here we put a spotlight on women leaders and innovators in travel as well as unique holidays for female travellers to discover…

1. QUEENSLAND: GIRLS GOT GRIT

2. ONE TRAVELLER: PROJECT LADLI, SUPPORTING YOUNG WOMEN IN JAIPUR

3. ONTARIO: EAT OUT IN AN ENTIRELY FEMALE-RUN RESTAURANT

4. NAMIBIA: MEET THE WOMEN OF THE HIMBA PEOPLE DEDICATED TO PRESERVING THEIR LONGSTANDING TRADITIONS  

5. ABU DHABI: INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN, DR MARGIT GABRIELE MULLER, LEADS THE ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL

6. MAYFLOWER 400: MEET THE WOMAN RAISING AWARENESS OF THE WOMEN OF THE MAYFLOWER AHEAD OF THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VOYAGE IN 2020

7. QUEBEC: MEET THE FEMALE ICE CANOE RACERS MAKING WAVES IN THE SPORT

8. RIVIERA TRAVEL FOR INDEPENDENT WOMEN: NEW DANUBE RIVER CRUISE EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Queensland: Girls Got Grit

From stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to rain forests growing out of the sand, Fraser Island, and celebrates its 25th anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage Listing this year. Australian Off-road Academy offers a ‘Girl’s Got Grit’ course which teaches women 4×4 track skills ready for off-roading adventures across the world’s largest sand island.

The programme includes a number of activities and sightseeing adventures including a trip to Lake McKenzie, tubing down Eli Creek and time to explore the famous Maheno Shipwreck, as well as accommodation at Kingfisher Bay Resort – a luxury eco resort.

One Traveller: Project Ladli, Supporting Young Girls In Jaipur

One Traveller, the solo holiday tour operator for mature single travellers, supports charities around the world.

One of the charities the tour operator is supporting in 2018 is Project Ladli, based in Jaipur, India. The charity is a centre which houses and helps around 60 girls, by teaching them various life skills, as well as offering informal classes in Hindi, English and dance.

One Traveller is a strong advocate in the work of Project Ladli and offers its guests on the India – Delhi, Royal Rajasthan and Bombay holiday a chance to meet the girls and see for themselves the first-hand practical support One Traveller offers.

Ontario: Eat Out In An Entirely Female-Run Restaurant

Visitors to Toronto now have a unique opportunity to dine in a restaurant entirely run by women.

Opened by chef Elia Herrera, Los Colibris is an upscale Mexican restaurant in the city’s buzzing downtown area. Foodies will love the hand-pressed tortillas, slow-cooked duck carnitas and dozens of different salsas, each with a unique Mexican twist.

Diners can also enjoy a range of delectable cocktails from the bar.

The restaurant is entirely run by women, from the chefs and wait staff to the marketing and events teams.

Namibia: Meet The Women Of The Himba People Dedicated To Preserving Their Longstanding Traditions 

The Himba people migrated to the Kunene Region of Northern Namibia in the 16th century from Botswana and the today the number of tribespeople stands at 16,000.

The striking Namibian natural environment has greatly transformed many beauty rituals and traditional ways of life for the Himba tribeswomen. Himba women apply butter, ash and red-hued ochre to their skin and hair each day to protect from the African sun with the colour red as a highly desirable expression of beauty.

The spectacular red hint is reserved solely for the women of the tribe who are continually seen as the most beautiful in Africa, with the tradition being passed down through generations. Women who reach puberty wear the Himba crown, the Erembe, made of cow or goat leather to signify maturity and beauty.

The women of the Himba wear elaborate, metal studded jewellery and weave their hair in complicated, intricate and mesmerising tresses that distinguish themselves from other tribes.www.namibiatourism.com.na.

Those looking to experience Himba culture and meet the tribeswomen first-hand can book a responsible tour. Visiting the Himba should be undertaken with sensitivity and respect for their traditions and lifestyle. Audley Travel offers a 12-day Skeleton Safari from £9,443pp to meet the Himba people, travel by light aircraft over the Skeleton Coast and view the wildlife.

Abu Dhabi: Inspirational Woman, Dr Margit Gabriele Muller, Leads The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, directed by German veterinary surgeon Dr Margit Gabriele Müller, continues to lead the way with its falcon welfare institution, taking the ‘World’s Responsible Tourism Award’ for the second consecutive year at the 2017 World Travel Awards.

The hospital has become one of the largest avian hospitals and research centres in the world, with 12,000 falcons entering its doors each year, visiting for annual check-ups, feather implants or minor operations. Dr Margit Gabriele Müller took over as director in 2001 and has since introduced a pet care centre for cats and dogs, whilst securing countless awards recognising the hospital’s work.

And it’s not just popular with birds, as the hospital has become a favourite tourist attraction, allowing visitors to see the operating room and even watch a falcon get a pedicure!

Mayflower: Meet The Woman Raising Awareness Of The Women Of The Mayflower Ahead Of The 400th Anniversary Of The Voyage In 2020

As the UK and the US prepare to mark the 400th anniversary of one of the most influential journeys in global history, Sue Allan, a Historian, Tour Guide and Author of The Mayflower Maid is raising awareness of the vital role the women of the Mayflower played in the survival of the colony.

History books often refer to the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ ‎who sailed on the Mayflower as it was the male passengers who signed the ‘Mayflower Compact’ agreement on arrival in the New World, and so the women of the Mayflower are often overlooked.

There were 18 adult women as well as 30 children on board the ship, and of those women on board, three were in the final trimester of pregnancy. Elizabeth (Fisher) Hopkins gave birth to a son, Oceanus, during the voyage and on arrival in the new world, Susannah White gave birth to a son aboard the Mayflower who was named ‘Peregrine’, derived from the Latin for ‘pilgrim’.

Sue Allan from Lincolnshire always held an interest in the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims, many of whom came from the villages of South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

When she went on to marry an American her interest in the story and its role in UK and US history deepened. Sue continues to research and study the lives of the Pilgrims and recently uncovered the birth places of three of the Pilgrims that for the last 400 years had been unknown.

Sue has written 14 books including her first novel, Mayflower Maid, which was the first in a New World Trilogy, is set in 1623 and tells a tragic tale of love and loss amidst the strife and religious bigotry of 17th century England.

It was published in 2005 as Sue, who wrote the book whilst caring full time for ‎her disabled son, turned 50 and in December of the same year, was voted one of the ‘Best Reads of 2005’ by listeners of BBC Radio 4’s Open Book programme. The success of this book led Sue to start researching the Pilgrims and to become a historian.

For the past decade, Sue has been running immersive guided tours for UK and American visitors and Mayflower descendants across the Pilgrim Roots region of northern England taking them to visit the churches and manor houses of Scrooby, Babworth and Austerfield that hold centuries of history and were the homes of the women of the Mayflower who went on to make that historic voyage.

Quebec: Meet The Female Ice Canoe Racers Making Waves In The Sport

Ice canoeing was invented in Québec and dates back to the early 1800s when it was developed as a means of transport to cross the frozen St Lawrence river.

The advent of steamboats put an end to this means of transportation and in 1894 ice canoeing became a competitive sport, with the first race taking place during the first Winter Carnival in Québec City.

The gruelling sport is unique to Québec and is considered one of the toughest in the world. A race involves crews of five alternately pushing their canoe across the ice and rowing against strong currents, all whilst battling the elements in sub-zero temperatures!

The Winter Carnival ice canoe race is the most important competition in the race calendar and originally only men could compete. ‎The first women’s team competed in 1966 as part of the men’s race but today there is a dedicated elite women’s class which draws in the crowds each year, and women also compete in mixed teams in the amateur sport class.

Originally considered too tough a sport for women, it’s now believed the female teams’ lighter combined weight enables them to traverse the frozen waters with more speed. Visitors to Québec can also try their hand at ice canoeing on an Ice Canoe Excursion with Québec Ice Canoeing.

Riviera Travel For Independent Women: Take Riviera Travel’s New Danube River Cruise Exclusively For Solo Travellers

Female solo travellers can venture on a cultural break to Austria this year with Riviera Travel’s new 8-day full-board Blue Danube River Cruise designed exclusively for Solo Travellers.

The cruise includes a range of cultural experiences and activities such as a guided tour of Vienna, live classical quartet recital on board, a tour of baroque Bratislava, a cruise through Austria’s scenic Wachau region, a visit to Melk Abbey central Europe’s most spectacular baroque monastery and a tour of Budapest.

Riviera Travel’s price promise also ensures everyone who books a cruise or escorted tour pays the same price with no tiered costs, no hidden extras, and no unexpected surcharges or single supplements along the way. The cruise costs £1,899pp for departures on 1st November 2018 and includes return flights from selected airports and transfers.

Escaping to Amy’s Organic Farm

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A rare rainstorm sprinkled much needed droplets on our heads as Chris and I walked across a small farm located in our neighborhood in Ontario, CA. Randy, the farm’s owner, walked just in front of us describing the process of organic gardening.

“We use compost and goat and chicken droppings for fertilizer and volunteers help us pull unwanted weeds.” A goat yelled after Randy as if to prove a point. Looking at the expanse of fresh greens and root vegetables thriving on Amy’s Farm, Chris and I couldn’t believe we had found such a haven in the middle of the Inland Empire.

Amy’s Farm grows a wide variety of seasonal produce and offers a CSA program for families and individuals interested in eating food that is rich in nutrients and lacking in chemicals. Two walk-in refrigerators and a spacious room are often filled with pumpkins, salad greens, eggplants, carrots, pomegranates, peppers, turnips, kale, lemons, blood oranges, and many other seasonal goodies.

These rooms are open for visitors at all hours of the day and CSA members are free to take their weekly share at any time. The farm also encourages community members to volunteer. “We only have two rules for volunteers,” said Randy in the middle of our tour. “First, they need to sign-in. Second, they need to take a little produce with them when they leave.”

The garden at Amy’s Farm supports 14 families and three restaurants, with food often left over. Any fruits or vegetables that aren’t bought are donated to local missions. Schools are also invited to visit Amy’s, where children can get their hands dirty and learn how food is grown. But Amy’s isn’t just about the produce. Sheep, goats, chickens, horses, ponies, cattle, and 10-pound kunekune pigs (a heritage breed that hales from New Zealand) also call the farm home.

Spacious stalls are kept clean and the animals never seem to be uncomfortable, especially with all the love and attention they receive from visitors. Families can join a meat share program and purchase a steer, lamb, kunekune, or turkey (during Thanksgiving) from the farm.

Before Amy’s Farm opened its red metal gate in 1998, it was a family-operated cattle ranch; one of the oldest in the area. Eventually, Randy and his wife, Anna, realized that the community was in need of local organic produce and a place to escape from the rush of daily life. So, they decided to shift their focus from beef to vegetables and named their new farm after their daughter, Amy.

We are sure glad they did. Otherwise, our weekly shopping trip wouldn’t include dropping off much needed compost, scratching the necks of purring cats, making friendly new acquaintances, or taking home a bag full of fruits and vegetables that were planted with love and pulled with care.

Change Your Life: Go on African Safari with National Geographic

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Ahabu Phillip
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African Safari

If you want an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime – that compares to no other had by friends or family – you want an African Safari from the leader in global travel adventure, National Geographic. The best African safaris for travelers who desire to connect with the local culture and wildlife in an authentic, engaging, and meaningful way are by National Geographic Expeditions. The real difference is the National Geographic experts’ touch. They’re involved in developing your itinerary and provide knowledge along the way. And because the National Geographic name opens many doors worldwide, you’ll gain access to special events, archaeological finds, private homes, and even Society-sponsored research sites—where you can meet the people whose discoveries you’ve read about in the pages of the magazine.

Here are the exclusive safaris that capture the essence of Africa. Each will leave a lasting impression on travelers who want a life-changing experience.

Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari

Feel the thunder of the massive wildebeest migration in this once in a lifetime event. On the 11-day Tanzania Migration safari, you’ll experience Maasai culture, paleontological history, and the majesty of a million animals in movement. East Africa’s wildlife is in magnificent abundance, with elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, cheetahs, leopards, lions, and even rare black rhinos.

Experience Highlights:

  • See, hear, and feel the majesty and the might of the great wildebeest migration with up to 5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 200,000 gazelles.
  • Dine with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao, co-director of the Olduvai Landscape Paleoarchaeology Project, and discuss the groundbreaking paleontological finds of the region.
  • Take a private tour of the Olduvai Gorge where, on a National Geographic–sponsored expedition in 1960, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo habilis, one of the earliest members of the human genus.
  • Spot and photograph spectacular wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique habitat sheltering almost 25,000 animals.
  • Join a Maasai chief on a visit to his village, witness a traditional ceremony, and learn firsthand about Maasai culture, far from the tourist circuit.

To read more details on Tanzania’s Great Migration experience visit the web page.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari

The Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari is a thrilling African safari challenge. Follow the less-traveled Lemosho Route up the western slope, hiking eight days through the spectacular landscapes of five temperate zones. Then continue the adventure on safari in some of East Africa’s most famous landscapes. Visit with Maasai villagers, and witness the extraordinary wildlife of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Experience Highlights:

  • Climb the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, and sleep on its crater floor.
  • Hike 2 to 12 hours per day (2 to 12 miles) on moderate to steep grades and at elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to a max of 19,340 feet.
  • Ascend to Uhuru Peak, the world’s highest non-technical climb at 19,340 ft., and be among 30,000 who attempt it every year, with less than a third completing it.
  • Tackle the Western Breach, one of the most challenging parts of the trek, and camp on the crater floor where you can view the magnificent glacier.
  • Explore rain forests, heath, lava formations, and glaciers, and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain from local naturalists.
  • Spend four days on safari with regional experts, spotting vast herds of zebra and wildebeest, lions and leopards, and much more.

To learn more about this exhilarating expedition, go to the National Geographic Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari web page.

Private Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is host to the highest density of big game on the continent. This nine-day private expedition, designed for independent travelers, combines guided excursions, fascinating insights into culture and wildlife, and award-winning accommodations. Venture out on safari in three awe-inspiring landscapes, from Tarangire National Park to the vast Ngorongoro Crater, to the banks of the Serengeti’s Mara River. Explore these fascinating places—and stay in top lodges—on a guided trip for just you, your family, and friends.

Experience Highlights:

  • Watch elephant families in Tarangire National Park.
  • Encounter the highest density of big game in Africa, including zebras and lions, on the floor of the vast Ngorongoro Crater on morning and evening game drives.
  • Visit Noloholo Environmental Center, the brainchild of National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld, and learn about the center’s conservation projects, run in partnership with the local Maasai.
  • Picnic on the floor of the massive Ngorongoro Crater, grazing alongside some of the caldera’s 25,000 animal inhabitants.
  • Watch for birds in Tarangire National Park, home to some 550 species, and take an optional hot air balloon ride above the Serengeti Plain.
  • Stay at the elegant Sayari Camp, one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, and gaze at wildlife from your private veranda.

With Private Expeditions, you choose your desired departure date, and National Geographic makes all the arrangements.
Go to the National Geographic Private Expedition – Tanzania Safari web page to learn more.

Southern African Safari by Private Air

On this unique Southern African Safari, a 12-day journey by private air includes game drives in some of South Africa’s best private game reserves and a canoe safari through Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Fly along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers into Zambia to witness the might and power of Victoria Falls.

Experience Highlights:

  • Enjoy exclusive wildlife viewing away from the crowds on safari in private game reserves.
  • Visit the Motloutse Ruins, a significant archaeological site, in the company of South African archaeologist Grant Hall.
  • Examine ancient rock art with an archaeologist and see pottery shards and trading beads that date back thousands of years.
  • Set out on a wildlife cruise in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and watch elephants “snorkeling” in the river.
  • Learn about the wildlife and ecosystems of southern Africa from a National Geographic expert who will accompany each departure to share insights and a rare behind-the-scenes perspective.
  • Sip sundowners on the classic steam train Royal Livingstone Express as it travels through Mosi-o-Tunya National Park.

Learn more about this expedition, go to National Geographic Southern Africa by Private Air Safari web page.

Nothing compares to an African safari for adventure and extraordinary memories. But an African safari with National Geographic Expeditions gives you a unique, insider view that makes your getaway a life-changing experience.

Four Exclusive Beach and Rain Forest Getaways

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Ahabu Phillip
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A leader in global travel experiences, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World has found the best winter getaways in Costa Rica and the Caribbean for travelers who seek high-end adventure in pristine settings, with a minimal impact on the natural environment. Compared to other beach getaways, National Geographic Lodges are among the most extraordinary luxury resorts in the world. Staying in one of them is a once in a lifetime experience. National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World is an exclusive collection of hotels that embody the values of National Geographic and its travellers. These distinctive destinations, including Rosalie Bay Resort in Dominica and Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica, are pioneers in sustainable travel with a commitment to preserving the integrity of their surroundings while treating guests to a variety of meaningful experiences. This growing collection of lodges sets the standard for authentic and responsible travel. Each lodge offers a rare kind of experience where protecting the local culture and environment goes hand-in-hand with top-notch service and accommodations. If you want a life-changing travel experience and preserving the planet is important to you, this is your answer. National Geographic Unique Lodges has done all the work for you. All you have to do is decide when and where you want to go. An unmatched benefit of the collection is the National Geographic Exclusive – an experience available only to National Geographic guests.

Nat Geo Exclusives

Each lodge has created special complimentary experiences offered exclusively to guests who book through National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. These opportunities span the spectrum, from a research outing with a resident scientist to intimate meals in memorable places. No matter what the experience, all National Geographic Exclusives are designed to enrich your stay by helping you connect more deeply to the unique place you’re visiting.

Three Ways to Travel

Through the National Geographic Unique Lodges website, you can independently browse the entire collection and reserve your space in several ways: 1) request a reservation at the lodge of your choice directly from the website, 2) book a private expedition for you and your traveling companions that includes one or more of the lodges, or 3) join a National Geographic expert-led group expedition that features one of the award-winning lodges. Below you will find National Geographic Unique Lodges’ picks for the best warm weather getaways for this winter. You’ll experience extraordinary accommodations and exclusive benefits only available to guests of National Geographic. Read on to find the experience that fits your interests.

Petit St. Vincent Private Island Resort
PETIT ST. VINCENT, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

A private island in the Windward Islands, Petit St. Vincent is an elegant, secluded Caribbean paradise for those who love sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, or just reading on an empty beach. Join master divers to explore a kaleidoscope of marine life and dancing corals—on a dive designed by the legendary Cousteau family

Experience Highlights:

  • Head barefoot to the beach restaurant for a barbecue accompanied by steel pan music.
  • Take to the waters and pick from the fleet of the Sunfish, kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and windsurfing boards for guest use.
  • Set sail on Beauty—a traditional sloop—island hopping, snorkeling the reefs, or simply enjoying the open sea.
  • Dive into an unrivalled scuba and snorkelling adventure, only available to National Geographic Unique Lodges guests, with master instructors from the island’s five-star PADI –Dive centre established by Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary explorer, Jacques Cousteau.
  • Learn to windsurf or sail a Sunfish with the help of the island boatmen, or charter a yacht for a full-day cruise.

To read more details on the Petit St. Vincent experience or to book a stay, go to the web page for this Unique Lodge of the World. The spacious villas and cottages are discreetly tucked into the hillside or along the shore of this exclusive, private island getaway.

Rosalie Bay Resort
MORNE TROIS PITONS, DOMINICA

Rosalie Bay Resort comprises an intimate collection of Caribbean-style cottages built with heart, by hand, to share the incredible natural beauty of the island. Watch baby turtle hatchlings race across the black volcanic sands to the sea.

Experience Highlights:

  • Join a guide for an excursion that’s exclusive to National Geographic Unique Lodges guests. Your tour will take you to the friendly village of Grand Fond for a glimpse of every day life as you meet residents and farmers along the way.  Learn about the local flora and fauna from the your knowledgeable guide, and stop for a refreshing dip in a Rosalie River swimming hole on your return to the resort.
  • Dine on excellent cuisine sourced from the resort’s organic garden and local fishermen and farmers, or enjoy a drink at the thatched outdoor bar.
  • Cool off in the saltwater, onyx-lined pool, enjoy a complimentary yoga session in tranquil meditation areas or work up a sweat in the well-equipped gym.
  • Walk on the beach with a turtle expert to learn about the three species that nest here and their distinctive behavior.

To read more details on the Rosalie Bay Resort experience or to book a stay, go to the web page for this Unique Lodge of the World. Rosalie Bay’s collection of hand-made Caribbean-style cottages offers many amenities, including natural spa toiletries, robe and slippers, beach towels, TV, mini-refrigerator, and more.

PRIVATE EXPEDITION: COSTA RICA

Private Expeditions are specially crafted itineraries designed for independent travelers. They combine guided excursions, fascinating insights into culture and wildlife, and top accommodations. Simply decide with whom you’d like to travel and when you want to go. National Geographic Private Expeditions will take care of the rest. The National Geographic Costa Rica Private Expedition takes adventure to the next level for the group of family and friends you choose to travel with. On this nine-day rain forest adventure, you’ll raft, hike, and zip-line through the lush jungles that teem with diverse wildlife. Enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent Arenal Volcano from your lodge’s private geothermal hot springs. Join a naturalist in spotting monkeys, scarlet macaws, jaguars, and other jungle dwellers. Along the way, you’ll stay at Lapa Rios Eco Lodge and Pacuare Lodge—prime examples of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World—tucked within two of Costa Rica’s most pristine rain forests.

Pacuare Lodge
LIMÓN PROVINCE, COSTA RICA

Pacuare Lodge is nestled deep within 25,000 acres of pristine, protected Costa Rican rain forest on the banks of the Pacuare River—and best accessed by white-water raft. Pacuare Lodge blends into the romantic rain forest canopy of Costa Rica.

Experience Highlights:

  • Arrive in adventuring style, by white-water raft, spotting wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and sloths, as you glide through gorgeous jungle scenery.
  • Sip Costa Rican coffee or tea while taking in the rain forest view from your private deck.
  • Sit down to a delightful candlelit dinner at a table set high in the rain forest canopy or on the riverbank.
  • Set out on a spontaneous jungle hike to a nearby swimming hole, bathe under a waterfall, or spend the afternoon zip-lining and canyoneering.
  • Indulge in the restorative powers of the rain forest at the spa, which uses local, natural elements in all its treatments.
  • Meet with the son of a Cabécar shaman, exclusive to National Geographic Unique Lodges guests, to gain personal insights about this indigenous culture and the daily lives of its people.

Pacuare Lodge offers an exceptional blend of eco-tourism and adventure in the Costa Rica rain forest.

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA

Set within the tropical rain forests of its own private nature reserve and edged by sandy shores, Lapa Rios Eco Lodge is an intimate jungle retreat. Enhance your understanding of the rain forest ecosystems and ongoing efforts to preserve them during your stay at the Lapa Rios Eco Lodge.

Experience Highlights:

  • Wake up to the call of exotic birds and drink morning coffee on your private terrace overlooking the ocean.
  • Savor delicious meals and incredible views of the Pacific at the open-air restaurant.
  • As a National Geographic Unique Lodges guest you’ll be treated to a private lunch in the rain forest with a waterfall as your backdrop.
  • Step into the guide hut to satisfy your curiosity about local wildlife, and enjoy a happy hour slideshow by the lodge naturalists.
  • Soak in the salt-based pool with fantastic views and occasionally a close-up encounter with wildlife drawn to the water.
  • Whiz through forests at a height of 2,000 feet on a zip-line, catch the waves on a surfing lesson, or go horseback riding along the Osa Peninsula.
  • Tour the Lapa Rios Reserve and learn about native wildcats as you set up a camera trap in the rain forest with an experienced biologist.

When you reserve your space through National Geographic Unique Lodges, you’ll be treated to a private lunch in the rain forest with a waterfall as your backdrop. Join a guide for the walk into the forest, learning about the flora and fauna you spot along the way. Then soak up the jungle ambiance over delectable food and a chilled bottle of wine, served by dedicated wait staff, and top off the experience with a swim in the waterfall’s natural pool. Travelers on the Costa Rica Private Expedition enjoy the world-class accommodations and amazing experiences of two members of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection, Pacuare Lodge and Lapa Rios Eco Lodge. Learn more about this exotic rain forest experience on the expedition’s web page. Disconnect from the world in a luxurious thatched bungalow with magnificent views of the sea, but without the disruption of Internet, phones, or television. A stay at any of these National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World will provide you with inspiring travel moments and the perfect eco-friendly winter vacation getaway.

O’Neills Victorian Pub and Townhouse – Dublin, Ireland

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Oneils

O’Neill’s is a charming traditional Irish pub with guest rooms in the heart of Dublin. You will feel right at home in one of the eight guest rooms.

The property has been operated by the same family since 1885. Its cozy ambiance is perfect for any season. O’Neill’s history includes being used as a safe house by Michael Collins and others during the 1918-1922 War of Independence.

The pub has been rated one of the top ten Foodie Pubs with accommodations in Ireland.

The warm and friendly atmosphere offers food choices such as chicken wings, fried calamari, seafood chowder, ribs and corn beef. They also serve burgers, sandwiches and even Guinness pie. You will be sure to make new friends, enjoy good music and experience Dublin at its finest. And if your lucky you may even run into a famous artist, writer or politician.

O’Neill’s is located just a 7 minute walk from Trinity College, The Book of Kells, O’Connell Street, Custom House and O’Connell bridge.

Things to do in Dublin

Museums

Hit the Museums – The are several museums in Dublin that are completely FREE to visit.

The National Gallery has works by Monet, Vermeer, and Picasso. The museum also has an impressive amount of genealogy records that can help you trace your family history.

The Chester Beatty Library, located within the grounds of Dublin Castle. At the library you will see everything from rare manuscripts to Egyptian papyrus texts to contemporary exhibitions. Don’t forget to check out the roof garden as well.

Other free museums include The Hugh Lane Gallery, The Natural History Museum and The National Library of Ireland.

Food

Enjoy the Food – Dublin’s food scene is one of the most underrated attractions. The city is filled with really great food. For a great burger check out Bunsen’s or for the best Sushi in town, try Yamamori Izakaya’s.

Experience Guinness

The Guinness Store House – This is not just a store but an experience. There are two bars including The Gravity Bar which sits high above the city with 360 degree views. There are four restaurants that offer a variety of food choices. You can even attend the Guinness Academy where you will learn the six steps to properly pouring a glass of Guinness. Which takes 119.5 seconds to complete. After completing the class you will be awarded an Guinness certification.

Iceland: On the Hunt for Iceland’s Hidden People

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Experience Iceland

Legend and superstition play an essential role in everyday life in Iceland, a country where the fury of the elements is never far from the mind. By Andy Jarosz

To the uninitiated, it may look like an unremarkable rock, bulging out from a residential garden and covered in a generous coat of sodden grass. Yet this is no ordinary rock: it is a dwarf stone, as our guide Sibba explains. She tells us that it was here in the 1920s that a man wanted to build a house and needed to clear the rock from the middle of his land. However hard he tried, he couldn’t move or break it. Eventually an old man from the village saw what he was doing and told him, “A dwarf lives here and he doesn’t want to move.” The man immediately altered his building plans, leaving the rock unmoved, and the inhabitants of the house have lived peacefully since.

Sibba is wearing a bright red felt hat and looks more than a little elf-like as she leads us through the residential streets of Hafnarfjördur on this most unusual of tours, a guided walk in search of the Huldufólk, or the ‘hidden people’ of Iceland – elves, trolls and fairies. This small fishing town close to Reykjavik is considered by those in the know to be Iceland’s elf capital – and as I discover, Icelandic people are deeply superstitious when it comes to the inhabitants of a parallel world. Hidden people stories are an integral part of Icelandic culture and whatever you believe, they certainly reinforce a strong bond between people and their natural surroundings.

angering the elves

As Sibba stops at various places in the town she reveals more stories of elf encounters. She describes how on Elf Hill Road in nearby Kopavogur, the authorities wanted to make the road wider. Engineers tried to move a giant rock with their diggers but had little success. The drills in the diggers kept breaking and when they replaced them, the machinery itself would stop working. Older men on the construction site became nervous and stopped reporting in for work – they didn’t want to be associated with the project, fearing that the elves were angry. The rock was left unbroken and is now a National Monument with the road diverted around it, although many people believe the elves have long moved out due to the noise and the bright streetlights.

We move on to Hellisgerdi Park and the base of the Hamarinn lava cliff, where, Sibba tells us, the Royal Family of elves lives and where people have seen ladies with flowing robes. She recalls a 10-year old girl from Kentucky on a previous tour who stood in the park and exclaimed, “There are so many elves – they are everywhere!” Her mother later explained to Sibba that her daughter “sees many things that we don’t see”.

Even in the church in Hafnafjordur there is another dwarf stone that has been left untouched. As Sibba explains to us, many Icelanders are comfortable practising their Christian faith while tolerating and respecting the country’s traditional beliefs.

If the prospect of seeing elves at first-hand is enough for people to book the next flight to Iceland, Sibba does provide a word of warning. So many people have joined her tour in the hope of an encounter that she now announces at the beginning that “Elf sightings are not included.”

viking origins

Back in Reykjavik, I walk along the shore road for a dose of reality and wander briefly into Harpa, the futuristic glass-covered concert hall that opened in 2011. From here it’s a short stroll to the modest Parliament House and Tjornin Lake, a favourite spot for the city’s residents to exercise and for families to feed the ducks. Reykjavik may be a capital city, but it feels a lot more like a small town.

I head underground into Reykjavik 871, one of the city’s newest museums, to better understand Iceland’s Viking roots. The museum sits on the site of a 10th century longhouse that was uncovered during construction work and state-of-the-art multi-media gadgetry has been cleverly employed to offer visitors an intriguing glimpse of life in the city’s early years.

Back above ground, I wonder along Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. It doesn’t take me more than an hour’s gentle stroll to explore the limited range of souvenir shops and expensive boutiques before I stop at Te & Kaffi for a mug of coffee and a spot of people-watching. I talk to a woman next to me and mention the elves and hidden people. When I ask if she believes, she laughs dismissively. Then after a short pause, she adds quietly, “But my mother used to see them all the time.”

WAY TO GO

Discover the World offers holidays all over Iceland, from short breaks to self-drive tours, family holidays, whale-watching and Northern Lights trips. There’s even a hiking tour in the eastern fjords around Borgarfjordur Eystri, In the Footsteps of Elves, on which a local guide explains some of Iceland’s myths and legends. Tel. 01737 214 291 / www.discover-the-world.co.uk.

Reykjavik Excursions offers a huge range of day trips in Iceland, from popular sights like the Golden Circle tour and the Blue Lagoon thermal pool to horse riding, ice climbing, Northern Lights spotting and in winter, the extraordinary experience of snorkelling in a fissure in Thingvellir National Park, with 100m of visibility and astonishing underwater landscapes. Book online at www.re.is.

At the more bespoke of the market, Luxury Adventures offers an endless list of activities, whether it be skiing down an active volcano, diving between Europe and America’s tectonic.

Going Ape Tracking in Asia

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Going Ape in Asia

Amy Watkins encounters tempestuous storms, tropical forests and finally, the elusive ‘man of the jungle’ on an expedition voyage along the coast of Sabah

Seafood supper under the stars had been cancelled, but thanks to Borneo’s torrential tropical rain we could barely hear the announcement. Soggy barbecues were not our priority at that point, as we could hardly see our expedition ship as we bobbed in the dinghy while lightning ripped across the heavens. Crackles and rumbles from the angry sky sent a shiver through us as we waited to return to on board after an excursion into the Klias Wetlands. We’d signed up for an adventurous nine-day expedition cruise around Sabah, with Australian-owned Orion Expeditions, but storm-chasing was a new addition to the itinerary.

You have to expect the unexpected when you’re travelling to remote areas and it’s essential to pack an adventurous spirit along with your sunglasses and camera. Borneo is divided into the northern Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, where our ship sailed from the city of Kota Kinabalu; the independent sultan state of Brunei; and the southern Indonesian part of the island. Borneo is most famous for its gentle, endemic orangutans, but it’s also home to a diverse range of wildlife from comical-looking proboscis monkeys, to the colourful hornbill birds and gigantic monitor lizards.
When we arrived, the air was ripe with the tang of sun-drying fish and at the local market, elderly men furiously clacked away on vintage Singer sewing machines with a cigarette clamped between their lips.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Our first encounter with the local animals was on our first excursion to the Klias Wetlands. Orion’s inflatable zodiacs ferried us to a jetty, where a bumpy bus ride took us deep into the mangrove rainforest to catch a small speedboat into the heart of the wetlands for some primate-spotting. Proboscis monkeys are not as famous as orangutans, but they are as endangered and after spotting the males – with their big bellies and droopy red noses – as they gathered their harem of females, it was hard not to fall in love with them.

It was heartening to see so many monkeys along the mangrove-entwined banks of the river, calling to each other and hurling themselves through the mango and hibiscus trees. Closer to the river’s edge, we saw huge monitor lizards sunning themselves on branches and high above, red-beaked hornbills glided over our heads. All these sightings made the subsequent storm-chase back to the ship more than worthwhile – especially when, dripping wet, we were welcomed back on board with a vodka cocktail to calm our nerves.

There was no need for nail-biting zodiac rides at our next port when we docked at Labuan Island, a federal territory that takes its name from the Malay word for anchorage. Most of Orion’s passengers are Australian, so they were more familiar than us with the WW2 history of this island off the coast of Sabah. Labuan was ceded to Britain in 1846 from Brunei, before being occupied by the Japanese during the war and then liberated by the Australians on September 9, 1945. It was a poignant tour for many of the Australians as we visited the Commonwealth war graves and wandered amongst the bird of paradise flowers in the Japanese peace park.

Borneo’s history is a fascinating one and back on the main island of Borneo we travelled from the town of Kudat to meet the indigenous Rungus people. They live in communal ‘longhouses’ in northern Borneo and we saw a reconstructed one made of palm leaves and bamboo stalks at Bavanggazo and in contrast, visited a modern one in Tinagol made of MDF and iron.

Local people were also on hand to welcome us at the idyllic tropical island of Pulau Mantanani. Traditional dancing, which involved jumping over moving bamboo stalks and blowing darts, took place in a small sandy clearing near the white beach. Children took us along a pebbly path to their village, where Orion provides supplies to the school, and villagers watched over smoking barbecues laden with squirrel fish as we met students from the school. The heat and humidity were intense, so a snorkel safari out to a nearby lagoon to spot purple anemone was a welcome relief – as was the barbecue and beach bar. We were treated to another island stop later on in the voyage at the tiny jungle-covered Pulau Lankayan, where the ‘house reef’ that surrounds it is home to rainbow-coloured parrot fish, blue starfish and even a baby black-tipped shark.

It was time to return to spotting our land-dwelling wildlife and the city of Sandakan, site of a famous POW camp during WW2, was our base for several days as we headed out into the heart of the jungle. Near Sandakan is Labuk Bay, a proboscis monkey reserve on a huge palm plantation. It’s a sad fact that much of Borneo’s rainforest has been cleared to make way for these plantations, which create palm oi for use in Western food and cosmetics. At Labuk Bay we saw our old friends the proboscis monkeys, double-beaked hornbills and macaques who were trying to steal food from the feeding platforms.

One of the highlights for many passengers was a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre to observe the orangutans at the feeding stations. Set up in 1964, the largest orangutan rehab centre in the world works with orphaned orangutans (the name comes from the Malay, ‘man of the forest’) to teach them how to feed, climb and play before releasing them into the wild. It was a privilege to watch them as they ate their lunch and the visit heightened our anticipation for an overnight adventure down the Kinabatangan River.

SOUNDS OF THE JUNGLE

A speedboat took us several hours inland up the cocoa-coloured river, where jungle-clad banks were home to white egrets and plenty of proboscis monkeys straddling the branches. We refueled at a riverside restaurant, with a lunch prepared by local villagers, and sped on to our overnight lodge.

Before bed an evening cruise rewarded us with more monkeys and monitor lizards, as well as a saltwater crocodile the length of our little boat, majestic crested serpent eagles and electric blue kingfishers. We went to sleep with the sounds of the jungle drifting in through the slatted shutters; hoots, calls and the gentle patter of rain.

In exchange for an early start the following day we were rewarded with fantastic wildlife spotting. First a gibbon attracted our attention, then a big group of hornbills added a splash of colour to the trees, while datar birds and brahminy kites flew over lakes clogged with purple water hyacinths. But we were all holding our breath for an orangutan sighting.

We’d seen some orangutan nests the night before, but no movement, so when our guide pointed out a distinctive orange arm hanging from a tree we were all ecstatic and two more sightings of the gentle giants filled our hearts, and our memory cards, with joy. There had been plenty of exciting adventures along the way, but this is what we’d all really wanted to see here. Borneo’s wildlife, alive and kicking, in the heart of the jungle.

Travel Insurance for UK

By
Ahabu Phillip
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For those that are traveling with the UK or for those that are planning a trip to the UK, one aspect that they are going to want to consider investing in is travel health insurance. The purpose of this type of insurance is to make sure that you are able to get healthcare on your trip should you become ill. This insurance is going to ensure that the person is able to get healthcare where they require health insurance, while also reducing the out of pocket costs that the person is going to have to pay in order to get care.

One of the best things about this travel insurance is the fact that the person can get it for a few months at a time or even weeks. Most companies are not going to let the person have this travel insurance for longer than year at a time, unless they can prove that they are going to be on holiday for longer than a year. The person that has this type of insurance is going to find that is accepted worldwide, which means that for those that may be traveling to the UK and then onto other countries, they are going to still be able to receive care based on the insurance that they have. This is going to be a great peace of mind since they know that they have care if they need it.

The person is more than likely not going to have to pay a deductible, rather than pay for the policy for the number of days, weeks or months that they need and go from there. It is rather simple to get this type of insurance and most providers are not going to take into consideration the health or the age of the person. Anyone that travels should make sure that they are getting the travel insurance that fits their needs since they do not want to find themselves in a strange country and not being able to get healthcare for their ailments. This is not a situation that people are going to want to find themselves in since it could ruin their vacation all together.

Hotels for Every Budget in the UK

By
Ahabu Phillip
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Coming to stay in the UK is something that thousands of people worldwide do every year, and because of this popularity there is a range of hotels and accommodations available for visitors, with something available for those simply looking for luxury, or for those aiming for something a little more basic. The great range of accommodation is one of the strengths of the country, and really can provide something that will meet the criteria of the vast majority of visitors.

For those who are traveling on a budget, there are plenty of hotels, B&Bs and hostels that are available, and that offer simply a bed in a shared dorm or a room with a comfortable bed and a meal. Most owners of accommodation in the country will have learned to be fairly flexible in what they provide, and for those who wish to cook for themselves there will be cooking gear, and for those looking for a hot meal, many places will provide food for a small additional fee.

However, other people may want to look for a little more from their destination, and the UK has hotels going up the luxury scale, and for those who are looking for a hotel that has excellent service and comfortable accommodation, there are plenty of options in every city and town. The prices will usually rise along with the levels of furnishing that is included, and for many people the extra cost will be worthwhile when it comes to getting the best place to stay.

Finding hotels in the UK is a fairly straightforward process, as there are plenty of websites which offer a price comparison service, and to check availability and even for immediate booking of a room. These sites will usually have a wide range of rooms that are available, and can be a great help for those who aren’t sure about where they want to stay, or are unfamiliar with the town or city they’re visiting.

There are some wonderful places to stay in the UK, and by looking about online and especially browsing the review websites such as Trip Advisor, it will usually be possible to find a great place to stay that will really deliver and meet the expectations of any visitor.

Options To Get The Cheapest Possible Travel Insurance

By
Ahabu Phillip
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0

One of the major expenses for many people who are booking a holiday is the cost of securing a good travel insurance policy which will cover any problems that may arise, but there are ways in order to help reduce this bill, giving more money to spend on the holiday itself. Going to a policy that isn’t good enough shouldn’t really be considered, but the different ways of reducing the premium is certainly a good thing for most people.

Probably the first thing to do when trying to reduce the expense that comes with travel insurance costs is to review the policy that is in place, and to see how much coverage is provided under the policy, and whether that is excessive compared to the holidays that are taken. For some people reducing the coverage for the items that are taken on holiday can be good for those who tend to travel light and leave gadgets at home, while removing coverage for any dangerous sports can help reduce the costs for those who prefer a more sedate holiday.

Another area that can be exploited in order to reduce travel insurance costs is to look at the option that travelers have in place, whether it is a policy booked for individual holidays, or an annual travel policy. Using price comparison websites and comparing the other travel insurance alternatives can help people to see whether or not the option they have is the right one for them, and whether it is possible to save money by adjusting the way that they arrange their travel insurance. Comparing like for like policies can also help to save money on the existing policies that are in place.

Being smart about shopping for travel insurance is something that can benefit many people, especially those who are currently using insurance options that aren’t really suitable for their needs. For example, those who travel regularly, but book insurance for every trip could save money by buying an annual policy and vice versa. Travel insurance isn’t something that has to break the bank, and by reviewing what is taken on holiday and the levels of cover that is required, then this too can help reduce the costs by switching to a policy with a more suitable level of cover.

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Journeys Magazine is a travel publication with In-depth features on best destinations to visit, things to see. tips and advice to help you travel around the world.
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