I’ve been itching for an excuse to visit India. I’m also a gluttonous bookworm. So when travel professional Marta Rabins told me about this January trip centered around the Jaipur Literary Festival, I was instantly tempted.
There’s space still available. Should we go? Read on for details…
Diggi Palace, Jaipur, India.
When?
January 11 - 26, 2014.
Why go?
While the annual Jaipur Literary Festival attracts world renowned speakers like author Gary Shteyngart and the Dalai Lama, it’s still a virtually unknown to U.S. travelers. The largest literary festival in the Asia-Pacific region, it’s held in the beautiful heritage Diggi Palace in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, one of the most colorful states in India. The festival draws authors, journalists, scholars and visitors from all over the world. While there, you can meet interesting people devoted to literature. You can also find fantastic new authors to follow, like Kota Neelima and Ashok Ferrey, a fabulous opportunity for anyone who enjoys discovering the world through books.
About the trip.
This journey with Ponte Travels begins in New Delhi, the nation’s thriving capital and a microcosm for the rest of India, and then takes you to Rajasthan to attend the annual Jaipur Literary Festival. Once the festival concludes, you’ll be off to Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur, exploring and meeting village artisans along the way.
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".
Depending on your temperament, trip planning is a process nearly as much fun as the vacation itself, or it’s a daunting task better left to professionals. If you’re like me, it involves a bit of both.
But no matter where you stand on the topic, here’s the truth: modern trip planning = technology.
From booking flights and finding the best places to eat and drink, to staying informed with mobile alerts for flight changes or delays, technology is changing the way we travel.
And with new apps and digital travel tools being released daily.
How can travelers keep up with it all?
Discover my recommendations for 10 Travel Technology Tools for Easier Trip Planning now online at TheWayfarers.com.
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".
Winter escapes don’t have to involve tropical beaches and sunshine or swishing down ski slopes. Check out this new for 2014 Iceland Winter Adventure from REI Adventures.
Why go:
The people of Iceland make the most of all seasons, and winter is no exception. REI Adventures’ new Iceland Winter Adventure explores stunning countryside while the country is embraced by winter’s icy—and beautiful—grip. Hike the rugged coast, snowshoe across ice-covered lava fields, and walk on crystal-blue glaciers. Along the way be mesmerized by frozen waterfalls, burbling hot springs, and ethereal Northern Lights before retiring to a cozy hotel each night.
A multicolored display of Iceland’s Northern Lights. Photo courtesy of REI Adventures.
What to expect:
When Icelanders hear “winter is coming,” hibernation is the furthest thing from their minds. The inhabitants of this dramatically-beautiful North Atlantic island have learned how to fill all seasons with outdoor activity. This tour makes the most of a wintertime getaway with a week of unexpectedly abundant activities fit for the season.
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".
THIS JUST IN: Aurora Expeditions Becomes First Operator to Offer Snorkeling in Antarctica.
Expedition cruise and adventure company Aurora Expeditions has just announced that they will be offering passengers the chance to snorkel in Antarctica, becoming the first tour operator to offer guests the opportunity to explore the icy waters alongside penguins, seals and whales.
Why go:
In addition to serious bragging rights, you’ll be among the first to witness Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife and underwater world from a truly unique angle. Passengers who select this option will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need including expert polar diving guides, specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel.
How it works:
Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependant) in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing. Polar Snorkeling Cost: US$975pp
Dates and rates:
Aurora Expeditions have a selection of voyages that include Polar Snorkeling in February 2014 and 2015
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".
Are you looking for an alternative to the classic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage? Check out this expertly guided Camino by Horseback trip by specialist tour operator, Follow the Camino.
Why go:
It is said the first ever pilgrim to complete the Camino de Santiago was King Alphonse II, the Chaste, who rode his horse from Oviedo in Asturias to pay respect to the Apostle Saint James the Great during the 9th century. Follow his track, but on the French Way, from the magnificent mountains of O’Cebreiro to the Holy city of Santiago de Compostela. Travelling on horseback allows you to cover a lot of ground, around 30km per day, and provides you with an elevated viewpoint from which you can admire the French Way scenery.
Trip details:
Priced at 1,995 euros (currently $2,661 USD/via Xe.com), the fully inclusive tour includes 7 days/6 nights, rustic charm B&B accommodation, lunches and dinners, transfers, guides, van support, and more.
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".
Become An Honorary River Guide On No-Cost Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
To enter participants must sign up via a custom app on the O.A.R.S. Facebook Page.
The dream job:
“The winner just has to show up ready to pitch in and help and be awed by what the Canyon has to offer,” said Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. spokesperson. The 14- to 18-day trip will take the winner 280 miles through one of the Seven Wonders of the World, running legendary rapids and exploring hidden side canyons on one of the most popular adventure travel experiences on the planet. The winner will also receive a guide gear package that includes a personal flotation device, apparel and footwear provided by NRS and Teva.
Enter to win:
In addition to the grand prize, one contestant per day will be selected at random to win a copy of the book, The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Though the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko, and a weekly winner will be selected to receive a free pair of Teva Original sandals.
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".