Bali & Beyond Tours | Voyage Aventure Bali

Bali Facts:

Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.

Bali is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.

With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the super-rich.

Check out the new teaser video for Beach Travellers Bali & Beyond trips.

Extreme Travel

I am all about adventure travelling. I'll take a good rush of adrenaline any day.

Victoria Brewood over at BootsnAll has put together a great list of heart pumping activities sure to spur on your travel plans.

And I am proud to say that I have conquered one of the listed activities! This past summer I took on the white water rapids of the mighty Zambezi and man, what a rush that was! And it was my first time rafting. Nothing like jumping in with both feet.

Read on and get your blood pumping:

14 Extreme Travel Activities To Get Your Heart Pumping | BootsnAll Travel Articles

Travel Resources

Wholly heaven I have found the mother load!

I am, as most of you know, a travel geek. I love reading and reporting on travel news, events, gadgets and all travel related stuffs. Oh yes, and ACTUALLY TRAVELLING ;)

Today while I was scanning over itineraries for my next BT tour group, I started reviewing minimum connection times. If you are not aware of what these are, well its as straight forward as the name itself. MCTs are times set by airlines and airports that provide for the minimum time required for passengers to make their connections, taking into consideration the time it takes to de-plane, clear security, deal with baggage issues (if applicable) and get to you gate.

I was looking for the MCT for a KE flight connecting in Incheon and after a few clicks and finding my answer I found THIS:

Collection of Internet Bookmarked Travel-Related Websites - FlyerTalk Forums

O.M.G. I am in travel research information heaven ....

Man, am I a dork!

WestJet and Emirates in Talks

This could be a very interesting move for both parties.

Westjet wants to expand their "global reach" and Emirates is embroiled in a battle with the Canadian Government to allow them to offer more flights to and from Canadian cities.

West Jet already has a code share agreement with Cathay Pacific and initiated a partnership with AA this year as well. WestJet also has exsisting interline agreements with Air France-KLM and China Airlines, and an understanding with BA

Read more: WestJet, Emirates in talks over possible alliance

As it stands now Canadians have very limited options for well priced national travel. I know from experience how insanely frustrating it is to try to book flights from YVR to YYZ only to see that the availability is there but the cost makes it out of reach.

With 70 carries eager to work with WestJet it should be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Emirates has already clashed with Air Canada over its desire to fly more routes into YYZ, as well as YYC and YVR.


WestJet, Emirates in talks over possible alliance

Brazil Yacht Trip | Adventure Travel Tours | BTTV Season 2 | Episode 7

BT Brazilian Boat Cruise ... it don't get much better!

Duct Tape: Don't Leave Home Without It

It's true.
It's a saviour in times of need
It's decorative and functional.
It's a necessity if you are backpacking.
It's mutli-purposefulness is unsurpassed, even by the trusty zip-tie.

Need more convincing? Then read this:

Why Travelers Should Never Leave Home Without Duct Tape | BootsnAll Travel Articles

Ravi Handa, Brazil Guiding Master

Meet BT Brazil guide Ravi Handa, Brazil Guiding Master and one of the funniest people you'll ever meet. I'm booking my trip just to hang out with him ...

ACTA Quiz Raises Questions

A recent quiz taken by ACTA members goes a long way to show just how confusing air travel taxes really can be.

While I was in school, industry accounting was by far my most challenging course and clearly I am not alone in thinking, that along with most tax related issues, this is a total dogs breakfast of rules.

Now, add in the HST that is now applicable in Ontario and British Columbia and all the rules are changing once again ...

Tax quiz raises questions - Association of Canadian Travel Agencies

Time to crack open the books again and get updating!

Tropical Paradise Anyone?

Damn you Lonely Planet!

I have been trying for 7 weeks now to get back into the groove of being home and to stop day dreaming about sandy beaches and hot sun (which is already incredibly hard given that I work for an adventure travel company), and then you send me this! 

Let the day dreaming commence ....

10 incredible tropical paradises - travel tips and articles - Lonely Planet

Psssss: There is a destination on this list that Beach Travellers visits and it is now stupid hard to concentrate on work knowing this ...

Ya, I'm a tease ....

Check out the brand-spankin' new Beach Travellers Costa Rica teaser. It's only a minute long, and it'll give you a head-rush.. Just imagine what 2 weeks there would be like.

Beach Travellers is going to BANFF!

This year Beach Travellers has decided to team up with Campus Vacations and is brining you something a little different.

We are embracing the winter and hitting up the slopes of Banff, Alberta for the epic weekend that is Snow Jam 2011

BT presents Snow Jam 2011 | Banff, Alberta

January 14 - 16 - BOOK IT NOW! This is not to be missed!!

Beach Travellers Jeffrey "Heffe" Harrop Guide Profile

Who are these Beach Travellers, who ply the globe in search of big waves, soft beaches and party vibes? Well, Jeff is one of them:

Beach Travellers | BTTV Season 2 Episode 4 | Brazilian Favela

FAVELA: A tree commonly found on the side of hills in sub-tropical regions OR a Brazilian shanty town. Check out the video below and see how Beach Travellers drives you into the REAL Brazil ...

Asian man boards Vancouver-bound flight disguised as elderly Caucasian

I travelled through HKG 4 times this summer. I have NO idea how something like this would ever happen.

Like all airports, there are various security checks, scans and to get anywhere close to the gates you need a boarding pass, which they check with your passport.

Asian man boards Vancouver-bound flight disguised as elderly Caucasian

Learn to Surf with Beach Travellers

AKAW!!

Ready to take on the pounding surf, rip a barrel and warm waters of Costa Rica?

Then what are you waiting for?!

Beach Travellers gives you 13 days of sun and surf along with:

Exclusive accommodations
Private transportation
Daily surf lessons with experienced coaches
Various lesson styles (theory, in-water, and free sessions)
Surfboard rentals
Introductory Spanish lessons
Membership to the Surfrider Foundation
3 different surf beaches along Costa Rica's pristine northwest Coast.

Beach Travellers Presents: Argentina & The Biggest Waterfall on Earth

Horrific Hollywood Inspired Travel

Things about me:

I am a horror movie fanatic. I watch them all, the good, the bad and the ugly. The scarier and creeper the better. Blood and guts, tension and screams, I love it all.

I am a travel buff and love to explore the usual and the unusual.

So when I read this little gem is seemed to talk to both parts of my brain and it got me thinking ... maybe next summer a spooky road trip is in order.

Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, the Appalachian Mountains ... they never seems scary, TILL NOW!

READ MORE: 13 Travel-Inspired Horror Movies

BTTV Brazil | Taylor Aikins | Guide Profile

Get the know BT's Brazil Guides:

BTTV Brazil Vol 2 | Episode 1 | Hang Gliding Over Rio

Hang gliding over Rio = UNREAL. Check out the latest BTTV Brazil episode

Nut Free Zone

After spending countless hours in the air this past summer (over 38,000 km or just under 100 hours to be exact), I wondered when this kind of thing would happen.

I honestly don't see how a few rows of "nut free zone" is really going to work, and IMHO it appears that airlines are already doing a lot to accommodate those with allergies and special needs.

CBC News - Health - Air Canada must create nut-free zones

I could go on a tangent about how I feel that those needs of a few do not outweigh those of the other HUNDREDS of people on any given aircraft, but I will not.

That being said: If you do not like the policies of an airline or have serious medical or other physical issues that make flying difficult, then sorry to say, you will have to take other methods of transportation.

Flying is NOT a right. It is nothing if not a privilege

Spotlight BRAZIL

Looks like Brazil's been getting tons of global attention lately: World cup of soccer in 2014, summer Olympics in 2016, and Carnival every year. No big deal. Over the coming years, Brazil will have a chance to show its beauty, talent and joy of life for the entire world. And guess who will be there running wild amongst all the festivities? Yup.. BT.

Read the full post HERE

Introducing Gonzo - PT 2

GONZO is BT's newest employee. Get to know him a li' better, find out where he hangs and how you can get your hands on him ...

Beach Travellers | BT Brazil | 2011 Teaser

Feast your eyes on this - Beach Travellers officially launches our 2010 Brazil Campaign!!! More videos to come in the following weeks~

Who is Gonzo Part 1?

BT recently sponsored Gonzo to join our team without knowing what he's capable of. Poor Ben is stuck driving him around from city to city this fall promoting BT. We hooked them up with gear, a truck, and a disgusting amount of giveaways.

All you have to do is locate Gonzo to win...

Introducing Gonzo the BT Gorilla

Introducing Gonzo the BT Gorilla coming to a campus near you. Please visit our website to find out where Gonzo is and the daily prizes. http:beachtravellers.com

Massage and the Art of Relaxation in Thailand

There is no escaping the massage in Thailand.  And really, why would you want to? From Bangkok to Krabi, from Phi Phi to Chiang Rai, on the beach and in spas and even on the side of the road, this traveler has tried them all.

There are ample differnt types of massage avaliable in The Land of Smiles and over the last few months I have made it a personal mission to try them all. And because around the country there is a considerable variation from region to region and therefore no single routine, this experiment was all the more fun.

Thai Massage - A traditional massage technique used all over Thailand combining deep massage and stretching. 

 

Ones first experience with a Thai Massage may not be what they think. Us Westerners have a concept of massage that does not exactly mesh with what one will experience in a Thai massage. However, after some twisting, pounding, slapping, stretching, light punching and pulling and a few yoga-like positions one will have been converted and the addiction will  have begun. Most Thai Massages will cost between 150-400B and run between 1-2hrs.

Oil Massage - After a long hot day on the beach and maybe a few too many rays from the shining sun, a long soft Oil Massage is just the treat your body needs. 

Similar to a Thai Massage there is the standard rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body; however the addition of sencent essential oils to the mix makes this massage pure heaven. Perfect for those who maybe more of a pinkish hue and not so much the golden brown they had hoped  for.  Oil massages will run between 200-400B for an hour.

Herbal Massage -  Again a variation of the traditional Thai massage with a less aggressive approach and the use of heated herbal ball compresses this massage gives an all over sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Herbal Massages cost between 200-500B per hour

Foot Massage - A classic. Who feet don't ache after walking for days in flip flops, carrying heavy packs into and out of buses, boats, trains, over rocks and beaches and maybe, even through jungles (it happens). The theory is simple but the practice is far more complex as a result of each part of the foot being linked to another, often distant, part of the body, including not just muscles but also to the vital organs.  A good foot massage will erase that stomach ache, head ache, and even the dreaded hangover. Foot Massages will cost about 150-250B per hour. Usually they end with the short BONUS leg, shoulder and arm massage.

Head, Back and Shoulder Massage - Its just what it says. An hour of sheer relaxation focused on the upper body. Starting with a short foot and leg massage you will soon have all the tension relieved from your upper body and you can ask your masseuse to target trouble spots (those backpack straps & hard hostel pillows can cause wicked kinks sometimes). Then the party really gets going when you flip over and have the most amazing head massage you will ever know. Who would have thought that tugging on your hair and smacking your forehead would feel so fantastic. HBS Massages will cost about 150-300B per hour.

Face Massage - If I must suggest just one massage to try (but I do suggest you try them all!) this is it. A hour of hot cloths, herbs, cold cucumber strips and temple pressure takes any pain, stress, thought or worry floating away. With soft but firm fingers all tension is erased and your face will be aglow when all said and done. A Face Massages will cost between 200-500B for between 50 - 60 minutes.

Travel Reads

Over the last four months I have had ample time (on buses, planes, trains, boats, beaches, in hammocks, bungalows and bamboo huts) to kick back and enjoy and become engrossed in the pages of a good book. I took with me two to being with but over the days, weeks and months that two has turned into the following:

• Generation A - Douglas Coupland
• On The Road - Jack Kerouac
• Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrand
• Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson
• Girl Who Played With Fire - Stieg Larsson
• Catcher in the Rye - JD Salanger
• Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran Foer
• Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. Pirsig
• The Triple Gem: An Introduction to Buddhism - Gerald Rosco

Some were interesting, some not so much. Some have been inspiring, others have been eye opening. Some of them were funny, some made me cry.

All in all, they are all now on my recommeded reading list.

UPDATE!

Well hello there! Its been AGES since I was able to log on and type up a few words. Time and desire and access to the interweb have kept me away from the blog. Its been fantastic being "off the grid" unaware of what is going on at home and just following where the road takes me.

These last 3 months have been unreal and I cant want to share all my crazy adventures once I am back in Vancouver all settled back in at home.

Since I left Africa on July 12 loads has happened:

• I have made my way through Southern Thailand, rawked it out at the Full Moon Party, sunned myself on numerous beaches and made some incredible new friends.
• I have seen the Temples of Angkor and the Killing Fields of Cambodia.
• I have crossed the street successfully in the busteling city of Saigon.
• I have biked through the rain storms of the Mekong Delta.
• I have night bussed it from the sleepy town of Mui Ne to the beach community of Nha Trang - And made it here alive.
• I have well over 10Gigs of photos to sort through and edit, post and share.
• I have pages and pages of journalying to pour over and re-write.

I still have a month to go, lots more to see and do and I cannot wait to see where the next adveture lurkes.

Until then ... CAIO!

 

 

 

Zambia and Beyond

Well, after an amazing 5 days in Zambia we have finished our GAP tour, said sad goodbyes to our new amazing friends and took off to South Africa. While in Zambia we did some amazing things.

• We rafted the Zambezi and had the most amazingly fun day EVER! It was scary just getting to the river as we had to descent down a massive gorge with all our gear. I was terrified and fully questioning my sanity but as soon as we hot the first rapid and the adrenaline started flowing it was fantastic.
• We took a soccer ball and some school supplies into a very small village outside of Livingstone where they don't have running water or electricity and spent the afternoon playing football and games with all the kids. It was a moving and touching experience. And it was just something we made happen. it was not a planned tour or group. just 7 of us from the GAP trip wanting to get out and see the real people of Zambia. It was something I will not soon forget.
• We went out for an authentic Zambian dinner and had the most amazing food. I had pap (which is like grits and a very typical staple food in Africa) and a spinach and nut past mixture that was out of this world. Plus we were in the bar as the Ghana game was on and the nice and excitement was insane.
• We shopped at the local market and bartered and traded clothes and pens for trinkets and souvenirs.
• We walked across the bridge dividing Zambia and Zimbabwe and attempted to check out the Falls from the Zimbabwe side but when we were told it was a $75USD Visa fee for us to cross over just for the day we turned around and walked back. Watched the crazy people bunji jump off the bridge and had a nice lunch.

And now we have arrived in South Africa, more specifically Pretoria and are now staying with P's family. They fetched us from the airport yesterday and took us out for a lovely VEGAN! Indian dinner. They are soooo thoughtful!.

Today we had a sleep in (very much needed) and have had a lazy morning. We're off to get some money and things to ready ourselves for the BIG MATCH tomorrow - Argentina vs. Mexico. It going to be an interesting day. We have to drive from Pretoria to Joburg, park at the Park n Ride and then hop a trolly to the stadium. P is very nervous about driving here. Its on the wrong side of the road and its South Africa. But we have been told that so long as we are diligent, keep the doors locked and have no valuables visible then we will be fine. TIA! Not sure who I should be cheering for though ... Mexico? Argentina? Still hoping England can pull is out against the Germans!!!!

Security here is just what you would think it would be. Last night as we went to bed we had to lock the massive iron gates across all the doors, turn on the infrared beams in the garden and then set the alarm. We couldn't even get up to use the washroom for fear of setting off the motion sensors. Now that being said, there vibe here is not of fear and panic

 

Today the whole family is coming over a braai and to celebrate Grannies Birthday. It will be neat to meet everyone.

I have loads of photos to upload but the USB here is not working :(

Its really cold here too! I keep forgetting its winter here in Africa and even though the sun is shining its CHILLY! Yet, I still have managed to get a good tan on my face and red little nose :)

We are leaving for Kimberly on tomorrow and then down to Cape Town on the 1st. I'll keep you posted as best I can on the way.

White Water and Smiling Faces

Yesterday we whitewater rafted down the Zambezi and it was UNREAL! we got smashed around in the water and tossed out a few times but it was worth it. They were Class 3, 4 and 5 rapids - BIG ONES! Mid way down we stopped for a break on this amazing white sand beach in between the canyon of Zambia and Zimbabwe. I cant describe it. The photos say it all. I have a load that we bought from our Guide and will upload them ASAP!

On the way back from rafting we went through this small town and something about it spoke to me. so when we got back to camp me and 5 others arranged for a taxi out there today and we are meeting with the village chief, donating my sleeping bag and a blanked, bought pens, work books and pencils for the school kids and got a soccer ball so we can play a short game with the kids and then donate the ball. I have a feeling today is going to be really special.

We leave our GAP group today and it really sux because we have made some really great friends. but such is travelling. off to the next adventure!

We will be staying in Livingston for the next few days as we changed our plans a bit and will not be heading to Lusaka after all, and will be getting the bus to Pretoria from here instead. Its gonna save us hours of travel time, which is really more important than anything.

Internet here is unreliable so I will run for now and talk again soon!

keeping safe and having the time of our lives!

Bots to Zam

Safe and sound and OMG what a crazy trip it has been so far!

Today we crossed over the Zambezi from Botswana to Zambia at 6am and arrived at our camp around 1230pm, after stopping in town to get money changed and water. So far Livingstone is the most "African" city I have been in, in the sense that its chaotic craziness, horns honking, people everywhere and smiling faces at every turn.

I don't have a lot of time to write today, but once were are in SA, Pretoria specifically I will be able to get online more often.

So far we have seen HIPPOS!!! (loads of them on our sunset boat cruise last night in Chobe Park in Bots), Giraffe, a million elephants, zebra, loads of various antelope, water buffalo, wildebeest, loads of stunning birds and much more. its all in my journal and will be blogged. We got some amazing shots yesterday of elephant families grazing along the waters edge in Bots and I got some stunning video.

Hello - Welcome to Africa

We have made it safe and sound to Africa and so far it has been beyond words.

Our flights were perfect and not a single complication between Vancouver and Windhoek.

WE were picked up by Michau, a family friend (and fantastic guy) and taken to their farm in North East Namibia for the first few days. This was after our detour to the Police station ... they had a minor car accident in the parking lot that got a little out of hand and we all ended up at the police station filing a report. WELCOME TO AFRICA!

The farm was an amazing and unreal experience. 55,000 hectares of land full of game and livestock. Cows, ducks, chickens, goats were everywhere. WE went on a few game drives and walks, saw oryx, kudu, springbok, ostrich, camels and zebras. The weather is HOT during the day and FREEZING at night.

We met up with our tour group on Monday and have been on the road since. Great, dynamic group of people ranging from 20 - 60. A hand full of Brits, a handful of other Canucks, a few Aussies and Americans and a single girl from Japan. Lots of fun!

We crossed over into Bots yesterday around noon. We camped in Ghanzi and went on a bush walk with the San Bushman and then partook in a traditional dance around the fire. I was proposed to by one of the head Bushman at the dance - quite the honor apparently. It was amazing. we all sat around the fire with the women and babies, clapping along as they sang and the men dance. it was stunning.

Last night I thought I would lose a toe to frostbite as it was so cold and I was ill prepared, so today, as its our last night before heading out to the Oakavango Delta for a few nights we stocked up on a few blankets and a new set of fleece. I am still wearing now what wore and slept in last night :) 2 pairs of socks, long undies, pants, thermal top, tshirt, fleece top, scarf. I thought it was hot in Africa - lol.

We are at a pit stop now in Maun, Botswana to gather supplies for our camping trip and then off to the camp site via moroko canoes.

Africa is having an effect on me. It is changing me, opening my eyes and making me feel things I didn't expect. This really is the trip of a lifetime.

I hope I can post photos soon, but I think it will be more likely once we are in Pretoria next week. Hope to get some blog posts up too with lots of details.

BEACH TRAVELLERS ON CBC RADIO 1

Reposted from the BT Website:

As life in Bangkok has finally begun to return back to normal, so have our phonelines, email accounts and day to day activities here in Canada. While our travellers have been running wild around the globe in all our feature countries this May, the two remaining gentlemen sacrificed some time on the road this season to stay behind and manage the day to day duties & responsibilities @ our BT office

Adam got a call last week from the CBC asking me to come down to the studio for a live interview on CBC Radio 1 with Stephen Quinn. In the midst of all the chaos and breaking news about Thailand, CBC wanted to hear from Beach Travellers about what was really going on over there. TJ is currently in Thailand and I speak with him every second day about the current situation there and we handled this live interview @ CBC studios with confidence.

Listen to the interview @ the link below. (Scroll down to Thursday, May 20)

http://www.cbc.ca/onthecoast/

Our travellers (and at times like these their worried parents as well) are always our #1 priority..Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns at all.

- Graeme

National Day of the Girl: Sign our ePetition

Did you know that in the poorest regions of the world, millions of girls face barriers to survival and development simply because they’re girls.

It’s time to take action! Girls’ rights are human rights. And here’s the really interesting thing. It’s proven that Investing in girls is the key to reducing global poverty. When we support the rights of girls, we create a better world for everyone.

Stand up for girls today! Sign our petition and tell the Canadian government to declare September 22 as the National Day of the Girl. If our own government takes leadership, we’ll be one step closer to lobbying the United Nations to declare September 22 as the International Day of the Girl.

An international Day of the Girl will focus the world’s attention on the importance of girls’ rights. It will create a foundation for advocacy to ensure that girls get the investment and recognition they deserve as citizens and as powerful agents of change within their own families, communities and nations.

Lend your voice to a global movement for change advocating for the rights of girls, and a better world for all of us. Help us get the Canadian government on board!

We the undersigned call on the Canadian Government to show their commitment to the promotion of the rights of girls by proclaiming September 22 as National Day of the Girl.

SIGN HERE

Because I am a Girl Documentary from Plan Canada on Vimeo.

The Man in the Arena

Inspiring doesn't do this passage justice.

Nelson Mandela gave a copy of this speech to François Pienaar, captain of the South African rugby team, before the start of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, in which the South African side eventually defeated the heavily favoured All Blacks.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat

http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trsorbonnespeech.html

FREE THAILAND VISA!

I was hoping that this would happen, given the last few months of political turmoil. And it has! SWEET!

They had originally offered an exemption from May 2009 - May 2010, so I was bummed that I would be just missing the cut off. But no more! Now my double entry visa is FREE and I dont have to fork over the $80. Thats equals out to 3 days of travel in Asia for me.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an exemption for tourist visa fees for all foreigners that apply for a Tourist Visa, for the period of 11 May 2010 to 31 March 2011. The tourist visa fee exemption includes Visa on Arrival application fees.

Due to the Tourist Visa exemption, those wishing to apply for a Tourist Visa with multiple entries into Thailand must provide documentation, such as copies of airline tickets or a travel itinerary, clearly indicating the number of times the tourist will enter Thailand. If no such documentation is provided with the Tourist Visa application, then the application will be considered for a single entry Tourist Visa.

Please note that the visa fee exemption is for Tourist Visas only, and does not include Non-Immigrant Visa and Transit Visa fees.

Beach Travellers | BTTV Episode 14 | BRAZIL Sandboarding.mov

Sand Boarding in Brazil, Beach Travellers style:

Beach Travellers | BTTV Episode 13 | BRAZIL Foz do Iguaçu.mov

Beach Travellers taking you on another adventure in Brazil to the border of Brazil & Argentina. We venture into Argentina to visit the falls from the other side to get wet. This trip is included in our 21 & 28 day Brazil trips.

On the Road ... and other reads

Today was my last day at work and what a glorious feeling that was!

Ahhh, realizing as I locked the door for the last time that I would never have to step inside the cupcake shop again was a sweet, sweet feeling (no pun intended).

So here I am, unemployed with a RTW ticket in hand and my backpack ready. All that stands between me and my globetrotting dreams are 10 days of last minute errands and some laundry.

I have been a reading MACHINE over the last month, having finished 6 books in as many weeks. All the free and BORING time at work allowed me to accomplish this.

Recent Reads are:

Three Cups of Tea

A Continent for the Taking: The Tragedy and Hope of Africa

A Rainbow In The Night: The Tumultuous Birth Of South Africa

Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?: A Swashbuckling Tale of High Adventures, Questionable Ethics, and Professional Hedonism

Playing with Fire
Loose Girl: A Memoir of Promiscuity

Long Way Down

All of them have been excellent reads and I recommend picking one if not all of them up. Some were intense and emotional, others were fun and engaging.

I've grabbed a few new books to read while away (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), as well as some classics (On the Road, Catcher in the Rye and Heart of Darkness) that lend themselves perfectly to my travel ahead. (Something tells me that reading Heart of Darkness while traveling down the Mekong would be rather fitting no?)

I'm hoping that I will get through all the pages that I am bringing with me and maybe even some more over the next 4 months. Hammocks, trains, planes, buses and lazy beach days lend themselves nicely to burying ones head in the pages of a well written book.

Now, off to finish my tome: Generation A

Valedictorian .. who? ME!

Well I did it!

Last night was my formal convocation. It was an amazing evening, full of pride and electric energy. Everyone was so excited to have made it to this moment and proud of all their hard work culminating at this event.

I made it trough my speech and when it was time to walk across the stage, I was more than ready to accept my Travel & Tourism Business Management Diploma.

I was lucky enough to have my Mom come in from Ontario to attend the event and my WONDERFUL man P was there to show his support and love.



For your reading enjoyment, below is my Valedictorian speech:

When Lori asked me to say a few words tonight I was flattered. And then I was speechless, which as some of you know not at all in my character.

I wasn’t sure what to talk about or where to start so I figured I should start at the beginning.

My beginning was when I decided to walk away from a comfortable 10 year career in real estate and pursue my dreams of working in the travel industry.

That was a scary day, almost as scary as walking into the first day of class to a sea of unfamiliar faces, truly unsure if I had made the right decision.

But as I looked around, something told me I was not alone with my feelings of uncertainty mixed with excitement and anticipation.

All our fears were quickly cast aside by the warmth and welcome our amazing teacher Lori and all the staff at CTC:

Gwen who always has time to listen to anyone who steps into her office.
Lisa who keeps all us on track and organized
Krista the smiling patient face of CTC
And let’s not forget Ryan, before he was scooped up by WestJet

Strangers quickly became friends.

Over the last eight months we spent days and hours studying & reading & learning every aspect of the business imaginable (GDS and train schedules make anyone else a little crazy? And I know PAT and I have developed a long standing love/hate relationship).

Over the last eight months we also bonded, forming strong and meaningful relationships, while growing and defining ourselves as individuals. Every day our passions were engaged and dreams bloomed. We were inspired and encouraged and our desires to excel and learn became more pronounced than ever before.

And here we are today. We now stand tall with confidence, armed with knowledge ready to follow our dreams maps, routes, trails and flight paths.

So what’s next?

Well, our futures will depend on timetables, rules, regulations and tariffs. Our actions, our decisions, will determine out success.

While we may be somewhat scared about leaving the comforts of the classroom and nervous about what our futures may hold for us, I know we are all eager and well prepared to jump in with both feet and see where the ride takes us.

I wish all of you good luck on every path that you choose, with every voyage you embark on. I know that we have the strength and knowledge to tackle and be successful at anything we take on.

I thank you for being the wonderful people that you are and not only for having, but for giving me the strength to chase my dreams

We have come full circle.

It is time to turn the page and start the next chapter

In the words of Jack Kerouac:

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”

Family and Long Weekends

Well the May Long is now over and what a weekend it was.

Really it was a extended long WEEK of fun as my amazing Mother had been out to visit for the week and sadly I saw her off this afternoon at the airport.

We strolled along 4th Ave in Kits and shopped till we dropped, we explored Steveston Village and the Richmond Night Market and had some great laughs and we had a true adventure taking the ferry to Gibson’s Landing, staying at a lovely B&B and walking the beaches of Sechelt.

And all of that in just 5 days! It was a whirlwind and so much fun!

It was an amazing time and I am so sad that my Mom had to leave, but that’s the reality of living on opposite sides of the country.

If only I could win the lottery and move my family out here …

Iceland Ash Still a Problem

Volcanic ash from Iceland is still causing massive travel complication throughout Europe and North Africa, with airports in Morocco, Spain, Turkey and halting flights.

And while most of these closures and delays are over, BBC reports:

Most of the ash cloud is above the Atlantic now, meaning transatlantic
flights are longer and there are many delays as pilots fly around the
hazard.

Bangkok: Back to Business

As reported by CNN and other media outlets, the anti-Government protesters known as the Thai Red Shirts have come to an agreement with the Thai Government which includes new elections to be called for in November.

Bangkok has been inundated with aggressive protests and demonstrations for the last few months, with Britain and the US issuing travel advisories to the region.

Now it would seem that the city is moving back to a sense of normalcy and tourism is back on track.

Read the full CNN article here: Thai Red Shirts 'reach deal to end protests'

BBC report here: Thai PM promises 'road-map' to solve mass protests

2010 World Cup: Spotlight on South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

“Sport has the power to change the world,” Nelson Mandela once said, “the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can.”

That is the lead line for a recent article in the Toronto Star, entitled 2010 World Cup Preview: High-stakes game for South Africa.

Touching on the historical and current political and racial tensions, as well as the expected effects of the massive influx of tourism and exposure South Africa will be facing over the next month, the writer highlights the countries diversity, from its people to its geography.

Tourism is a vital element of the South African economy and this summer will be its true test. What happens during and to a more important extent after the 2010 World Cup will be the true indicator of the events success.

32 Day to Go

That's all the left till Part I of the The Adventure begins!

Part I - Southern Africa

The Sanctuary Thailand

Bliss ... this will be my home for a while while I'm in Thailand ...

We are a small beach resort, spa, and detox center on Koh Phangan, Thailand. Feast on healthy mouth watering vegetarian and seafood specialties. Stay in unique island style accommodations and experience our wonderful yoga and meditation offerings. Discover life at The Sanctuary

Life offers a range of holistic classes within The Sanctuary, from one-hour meditations to week-long trainings and workshops. Some of the classes are specifically designed to compliment the existing fasting and yoga programs, such as raw food preparation, nutrition and yoga theory. Other workshops and trainings will be on offer for self-transformation and holistic studies. Life is unique in the wide range of options available, from beginners introductory classes to intensive trainings and retreats. Covering a wide array of areas in mind, body and spirit, we offer a comprehensive selection of possibilities, to assist you in finding the tools that work for you. From a one-hour class to a six-month membership, you can choose your own level of commitment. You can dip your toes in, or dive deep!

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour

Here is another addition to the South Africa list of adventures to be had. And this one is totally up my ally for engaging in outdoor adventure activites that are ECO FRIENDLY!

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is located in South Africa's Tsitsikama Coastal National Park, about an hour and a half from Port Elizabeth in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. Tsitsikamma NP stretches from a rocky stretch of the Indian Ocean coastline to 90-foot high pines in temperate forests

The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest.

The first of its kind in Africa, the canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor.

Construction of the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour has been done in accordance with strict civil engineering standards. The system was designed and created by an adventurous civil engineer who constructed a similar canopy tour in Costa Rica. The safety standards have been significantly enhanced and the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour uses state of the art equipment and has been rated as the most sophisticated of it's kind in the world. Concept to completion took fourteen and a half months.

Table Mountain Abseil

OK, this got my juices flowing ... add it to the list of MUST DO's while in SA

Table Mountain Abseil - Step off the top, at 1000 metres above sea level, and rappel into pure vertical space. This is the world's original highest commercial abseil. You are surrounded by awesome views and the deep blue Atlantic at your feet

BTTV - Brazil

Todays BRAZIL BTTV Episode showcases the experiences of RIO DE JANEIRO. Our Brazil guide Ravi will take you on an adventure hang gliding over Rio and later visiting the Christo monument and a little peek at a Rio nightclub:

Beach Travellers - Brazil

After lots of exploring in Brazil and scouting its jungles, mountains, and coastlines, we have added a new gem to our 21 Day Brazil Adventure. Located on Brazil's southeast coast, this area's winding shoreline has almost one hundred beaches, and the peaks of the mountainous rainforest provide a dramatic, dark green backdrop to the rich coastline. The natural beauty of this place is just ridiculous

The activities here are endless. If you like to lounge on the beach all day, there are plenty of deserted white-sand beaches to be found. The diving, snorkelling, and surfing here are world-class, as is the trekking through the pristine jungles of one of the state's largest conservation areas. This place is also home to Brazil's most important sea turtle conservation project, so if you go snorkelling around here you are guaranteed to see some a few of them swimming around

The islands and coves around this stretch of coastline offer both calm waters for swimming and snorkelling, as well as plenty of good waves on the beaches that face the open sea.

A few spots remain for this summer's 21 day experiences (June and July). Call 1-800-949-1865 or email info@beachtravellers.com for details

Beach Travellers - Scouting Northern Thailand

Ben Trompetter has camped around Australia, hitchhiked through New Zealand, surfed in Hawaii, and had more than a few cervesas in Mexico. But it wasn’t until he found himself on the sandy white beaches and dense jungles of Thailand did he have "the best time of his life".

And while buying his plane ticket to paradise was spur of the moment decision, it's not one that he in any way regrets.

The scenery, the relaxed lifestyle, amazing food all make Thailand a slice of heaven on earth. But it's real charm is the people. It's their kind ways, friendly attitude and open hearts that continue draw him to the "Land of Smiles".

As one of Beach Travellers Thailand Guides, Ben has been recently sent out on a scouting mission to northern regions of Thailand. He is determined to seek out & discover how Beach Travellers can bring the same experiences of our famous southern Thailand to the North and offer our travellers a full country experience.

Here’s how it’s going so far:

Day 1 of research and my rear end is pretty sore after spending all day ripping around on a scooter exploring everything there is to see in the beautiful Northern parts of the country.

Temples perched on mountain tops, endless rice fields, windy roads to explore on scooters, and a bungee crane are only a few of the highlights. There's definitely more than enough adventures up here to keep anyone entertained.

I personally cannot wait to try out rock climbing, a scenic hike through the northern jungle, and abseiling to the floor of cave across it's 200 meter vertical face to a prehistoric jungle floor. Of course that will have to wait until I do my 3 day, 2 night jungle trek, which includes 2 amazing waterfalls, spending 2 nights in a hill tribe villages, white water rafting, and bamboo rafting.

Everyone will be able to do all these activities and more when the new Beach Travellers Northern Thailand experience arrives...coming soon.

by Ben Trompetter

http://www.beachtravellers.com/

Beach Travellers - Bali & Beyond

After years of travelling throughout Indonesia, not only on the island of Bali, but also exploring Bali's neighbouring islands, which are home to some unbelievable places and people, Beach Travellers has used what we have learned during our own explorations and have modified our Bali trip and re-named it "Bali & Beyond".

During this 21 day Indonesian adventure we now go beyond Bali and spend a week visiting its surrounding islands. But that`s all the info we can give away for now.

A variety of different locations with a plethora of activities to choose from. The following has been included in your overall experience. The rest can be arranged based upon your desires as we travel to each new destination.

Activities included:

•Volcano trek

•Sunrise dolphin trip

•Waterfall trip

•White water rafting

•Glass bottom boat trip,

•Snorkelling

•Orphanage experience

•Surf lessons

•Traditional temple visits

•Monkey forest excursion.

Other available activities:

Scuba diving, spa, massage, yoga... the list goes on.

Beach Travellers - Costa Rica

Beach Travellers is a unique travel company that specializes in adventure travel to the world's most exotic locations. We provide exclusive adventure backpacking trips that stray off the beaten path by continuing to drive further and further down the road less travelled.

Our groups are small and interpersonal by limiting the size to a maximum of 12 - 14 people per trip and we are solely focused on creating intricate travelling lifestyles in the most amazing countries in the world. Our trip design is far beyond any basic backpacker route or tour by including and exposing a wide variety of activities & culture to everyone on our trips, from the time they step off the plane. We travel to each country's finest locations and leave the opportunities in each place up to the traveller. We have introduced the idea of an enlightening travelling experience at it's best, while removing any of the stresses that come along with it. Our trip concept and style gives each of our travellers the opportunity to see and explore the freedom of living in the true paradises we have uncovered.

Everyone that works with us is experienced and driven solely on the love of travelling and the joy of expanding people's horizons to new exciting places. We have been operating for eight years now and people from across Canada are starting to realize that this is not a tour company; it's a new era of travel.

Beach Travellers - Thailand

Beach Travellers is a unique travel company that specializes in adventure travel to the world's most exotic locations. We provide exclusive adventure backpacking trips that stray off the beaten path by continuing to drive further and further down the road less travelled.

Our groups are small and interpersonal by limiting the size to a maximum of 12 - 14 people per trip and we are solely focused on creating intricate travelling lifestyles in the most amazing countries in the world. Our trip design is far beyond any basic backpacker route or tour by including and exposing a wide variety of activities & culture to everyone on our trips, from the time they step off the plane. We travel to each country's finest locations and leave the opportunities in each place up to the traveller. We have introduced the idea of an enlightening travelling experience at it's best, while removing any of the stresses that come along with it. Our trip concept and style gives each of our travellers the opportunity to see and explore the freedom of living in the true paradises we have uncovered.

Everyone that works with us is experienced and driven solely on the love of travelling and the joy of expanding people's horizons to new exciting places. We have been operating for eight years now and people from across Canada are starting to realize that this is not a tour company; it's a new era of travel.

Rocks & Rivers

I believe I qualify as the adventurous type. I like to take risks and push myself and over the years have taken up a variety of "extreme" sports such as downhill skiing and mountain biking.

And with my recent discovery and newly budding addiction to slack-lining, I am contemplating moving on to rock climbing. Its seems silly not to really, since I do live in the land of mountains and rock and over the next few months I while will have ample opportunity to take on the walls of Thailand.

After reading this blog I am more than inspired and eager:
http://www.travelmag.co.uk/printer_1719.shtml

But that's not all I'm planning. Oh no, why stop there?

The other adventure that I had been podering is river rafting. Believe it or not, it's something I have yet to take on which is odd for a few reasons, but namely that I am no loss for options here in British Columbia.

Sure, I have a stupid fear of water/sharks that sometimes stops me from doing things like scuba diving, but this is different. I'm talking being in a fast moving, roller coaster like boat. Water is the least of my fears here. And from what I know, there ain't no sharks in rivers ... Not to mention the one I'm planning on taking on.

The Mighty Zambizi

Aerial views of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi,, Africa's fourth largest River system, after the Nile, Zaire and Niger Rivers

Why start small eh? Go big or go home!

Class 5 Rapids BABY!

Ever since I booked my trip to Vic Falls I have had the plan in the back of my mind, but again I was inspired to follow through with the plan after reading anothers account of their experience:

http://www.travelmag.co.uk/printer_1715.shtml

Good thing I got the deluxe insurance ;)

Hiking Mount Seymour

An excellent way to spend a drizzly Spring Saturday with friends ...

Lots of spring run off makes for beautiful waterfalls

The views are always worth it

Internet Finds

Here is another amazing site on solo female traveling.

GO GIRL POWER!

Women-On-The-Road

Solo Gal

Many of my friends and family have expressed concern over me traveling alone.

For me its thrilling and I cant wait to get out there, but I can also see and understand their concern.

This article really sums up my desires and thoughts on taking about the world on by myself and hopefully after reading this article they too will understand my choice a bit more and be a little more reassured on my decision:

Should Women Ever Travel Solo? Tips for solo female travelers!

The Itinerary

As much as I have stated that I am aiming to not over plan this trip, there is a basic bone structure to it and when I looked over it the other day I was struck by just how amazing it really is.

117 days of travel and this is how it looks:

June 10: Depart Vancouver for Hong Kong
June 11: Depart Hong Kong for Johannesburg, South Africa
June 12: Depart Johannesburg for Windhoek, Namia (Phew! that was over 36 hrs of flying!)
June 13: Day in Windhoek
June 14: Meet up with GAP Tour in Windhoek

June 15: Safari starts with a 580 km overland drive from Windhoek, through the eastern part of Namibia and into Botswana, traveling into the heart of the Kalahari. First night of camping in Ghanzi, Botawana

June 16: 280 km drive from Ghanzi to Maun where we will pick up supplies and prepare for our 2 night/3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta

June 17 & 18: After a 2 hrs drive into the Delta, we will hop into a mokoro, a traditional dug:out canoe, and travel deep into the delta. After a couple hours we will arrive to our basic bush camp

June 19: We travel back Maun, pick up our bags and proceed on to Gweta to set up camp under ancient Baobab trees

June 20: Today we travel to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa

June 21 & 22: Today we cross the Zambezi River by ferry to enter into Zambia and continue to Livingstone. We will spend the last two days of our tour here, taking in the immense Victoria Falls and rafting the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi

June 23: With the GAP adventure behind us now, we depart Livingston and head to Lusaka, Zambia for a night before heading back to South Africa
June 24: Depart Lusaka for Johannesburg, South Africa, via Harare, Zimbabwe
June 25: Arrive in Jo'burg and head to Pretoria to stay with P’s family
June 26: Day in/around Pretoria
June 27: WORLD CUP GAME in Jo'burg!!
June 28: Day in/around Pretoria
June 29: Depart Jo'burg for Kimberley, South Africa
June 30: Depart Kimberley for Cape Town via overnight train
July 1: Arrive in Cape Town
July 2, 3, 4 & 5: Cape Town
July 6: Depart Cape Town for Mossel Bay, South Africa, via BazBuz
July 7: Day in Mossel Bay
July 8: Depart Mossel Bay for Port Elizabeth, South Africa
July 9: Day in Port Elizabeth
July 10: WORLD CUP GAME in Port Elizabeth!!
July 11: Day in Port Elizabeth

July 12: Depart Port Elizabeth for Jo’burg
July 13: Depart Jo’burg for Hong Kong
July 14: Arrive Hong Kong/ P departs Hong Kong for Vancouver & I head off to Thailand
July 14: Arrive in Thailand and meet up with Beach Travellers in Bangkok
July 15 to Aug 18: Travel throughout Southern Thailand with Beach Travellers and back to Bangkok
Aug 19: Depart Bangkok for Ayutthaya, Thailand
Aug 20: Ayutthaya
August 21: Depart Ayutthaya for Sukothai, Thailand
August 22: Sukothai
August 23: Depart Sukothai for Chiang Mai
August 24, 25 & 26: Chiang Mai
August 27: Depart Chiang Mai for Chiang Khong
August 28: Depart Chiang Khong for Houay Xai, Laos and embark on slow boat ride down the Mekong, arriving in Pakbeng, Laos for the night
August 29: Depart Pakbeng for Louang Phabang, Laos
August 30, 31, September 1 & 2: Louang Phabang
September 3: Depart Louang Phabang for Vang Vieng, Laos
September 4: Depart Vang Vieng for Vientiane, Laos
September 5 & 6: Vientiane
September 7: Depart Vientiane for Savannakhet, Laos
September 8: Depart Savannakhet for Hue, Vietnam
September 9: Hue
September 10: Depart Hue for Hoi An, Vietnam
September 11 & 12: Hoi An
September 13: Depart Hoi An for Nha Trang, via Da Nag
September 14, 15 & 16: Nha Trang
September 17: Depart Nha Trang for HCMC
September 18 & 19: HCMC
September 20: Depart HCMC for Phnom Phenh
September 21 & 22: Phnom Phenh
September 23: Depart Phnom Phenh for Siem Reap
September 24, 25 & 26: Siem Reap
September 27: Depart Siem Reap for Bangkok
September 28 & 29: Bangkok
September 30: Depart Bangkok for Hong Kong
October 1, 2, & 3: Hong Kong
October 4: Depart Hong Kong for Vancouver
October 4: Arrive HOME!!!

**NOTE** The Above map is not my complete routing, as it was taken from the Gap Adventures Indochina Encompassed tour, but it gives you a good idea of my plans.