Do improved relations between Cuba and the U.S. have you eager to visit the island before broader tourism changes it forever? Here are 5 Cuba adventures for 2015 with government-approved permits that legally allow Americans to go now.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The world’s only earthquake-themed festival, fireworks, horseraces, dances, parades, parties, Machu Picchu and more, are among the highlights of six new active adventures into the cultural heart of Peru with tour company Culture Xplorers. Focused on the culture, heritage and living traditions of Peru, each small group departure takes in a range of activities and coincides with a vibrant local festival.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Day of the Dead is one of the most important and impressive festivals in Mexico. Yet many of the most authentic ceremonies remain inaccessible to outsiders.
Travel beyond the guidebooks with small-group, cultural tour company, Traditions Mexico, and experience unparalleled access to Day of the Dead ceremonies deep in the Oaxaca Outback and among the Maya of Chiapas with the following two 3-day tours.
1. The Return of the Souls. Day of the Dead in Outback Oaxaca. October 31 - November 2, 2011.
Oaxaca © Eric Mindling
Beautiful, moving and fascinating and in the midst of the most lovely time of year, Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is not to be missed. This unique trip takes the celebration even one step further, transporting travelers far beyond the crowds and carnival atmosphere that have become the festival norm around Oaxaca city and into a remote village seemingly lost in time in outback Oaxaca.
Slow down, walk the earthen streets, smell the river scented air, and meet bakers, wood cutters and tamale makers, and truly immerse yourself in a small town’s preparations for the return of the souls of their loved ones. Join them in the candle-lit pre-dawn quiet of the cemetery for this one of a kind ceremony.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Nine Day Cacao and Culture Tour of Ecuador Follows Path of Gourmet Channel Documentary ‘El Cacao’ Released in May 2011
Gourmet adventure along the ‘cacao route’ is reason enough for anyone with a sweet tooth and penchant for offbeat travel to book a trip by this name through Equatortrekking to explore chocolate production in Ecuador.
by JackJelly for iStockPhoto.com“This is a must for foodies who can sample chocolate, learn how it‚s used in indigenous dishes, scrutinize its harvest and the supply chain,” says Mateo Ponce, founder of Equatortrekking. “Our travelers are always pleasantly surprised by the quality of Ecuadorian chocolate. This response inspired us to combine Ecuador’s rich chocolate history with the country’s people, landscape and culture to create this distinctively flavored tour.”
The per person rate for Gourmet Adventure in the Cacao Route is $2,430 (exclusive of air into Ecuador) for the nearly all inclusive, nine day-eight night tour. 2011 departures are June 20, July 15 and 30, Aug. 15 and 30, and Sept. 15.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
”It began with a commitment to preserve whatever we found, wherever we went.” Thus begins the introduction to a new Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy web site, which showcases opportunities for travellers to become involved with 50 pioneering projects worldwide.
“As travel increasingly becomes about the things money cannot buy – shared experiences and treasured memories – more and more of our guests want to make a personal connection and a positive contribution to the places they visit,” says Abercrombie & Kent Vice Chairman Jorie Butler Kent, who guides Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. “We hope to use this new web site to multiply the impact of what our guests have started.”
Working through A&K’s offices around the world, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy identifies and supports proven grassroots organizations. Guests who want to give something back can contribute to one of these local projects with a tax-deductible donation which can be made directly through the secure AKP web site. 100% of all donations go directly to the chosen project. Guests travelling on many of A&K’s small group escorted journeys, private Signature itineraries or Tailor Made programs can visit projects in person, learning more about their destination through the work of its most dedicated people. Examples include:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Austin-Lehman Adventures Suggests Two Gifting ‘Wows’ This Holiday Season
A staple of a comprehensive, active and culturally authentic vacation with Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is the wow factor that its guests experience. When combined with insiders access to the end of year festivals of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico, ALA guests stand to give and receive more than the usual holiday gifts.
“What better time than the Christmas and New Year holidays to break with old traditions and create a new set of stories to be told and cherished for years to come,” says Dan Austin, director and co-founder of Austin-Lehman Adventures.
While Austin points out it might spoil the surprise if all were revealed in advance, two of the many ‘wows’ guests can expect on ALA’s Oaxaca itinerary include a rare glimpse of secret recipes and techniques during an exclusive cooking class at Oaxaca’s Instituto de Cultura y Cocinar and a visit to the village of San Martin Tilcajete where master carver Jacobo Mendoza treats guests to a private demonstration and showing.
On the Chiapas itinerary, the ‘wows’ include shopping for one-of-a-kind indigenous handmade treasures along the cobblestone streets of San Cristobal de Las Casas and a private visit to the home of a traditional back-strap weaver in the Maya highland town of SanLorenzo Zinacantan.
While limited to just 12 guests, ALA reports that space is still available on their two upcoming holiday trips:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".