Jumat, 25 Februari 2011


Hello from Journeywoman:

THERE ARE NOW OVER 200 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN OUR JW NETWORK -- Each and every member reading this travel tip newsletter is part of a very special community of travelling women that stretches right around the world. A recent analysis of our newsletter statistics tells us that we have Journeywoman representation in over 200 countries. From Melbourne to Malawi and from Montreal to Malaysia we are all connecting via a computer and we are over 73,000 strong. Want to know more about the countries with the largest number of North American readers? The European country with the largest membership? The smallest? All these stats are fun to read. Click here to enjoy.

WIN $200 TOWARDS A STAY FOR TWO IN A HOSTEL OF YOUR CHOICE -- To celebrate International Women's Day in March, Journeywoman.com has partnered with Hostelbookers.com to create this juicy female-centered travel competition. Read the article, 10 Hostels Worldwide That Cater to Women, check out the contest rules, create a dream itinerary and the prize could be yours. Click here.

ATTENTION GUYS ON OUR SUBSCRIBER LIST: We are an equal opportunity website. You can enter, too. But, (shhhh ... ) have your partner make the submission in her name. If the two of you win, no problem. Just choose a co-ed hostel from the Hostelbookers.com website and you're good to go.

DON'T BE A SKIMMER BE A CLICKER -- Sure you can skim through this newsletter in five minutes. However, if you really want to reap the benefits of our Journeywoman Network's combined knowledge you'll set some quiet time aside, read through to the end, and click on all the links that interest you. You'll be amazed at where they might lead. Who knows? It could be the beginning of an exceptional journey. P.S. We left the best tips for last. Look down. Way down.

TWO WINNERS OF JOURNEYWOMAN BRACELETS CRAFTED IN GUATEMALA -- In our last newsletter we asked you to visit and leave your comments at our new blog site, 'Where is Journeywoman?' Anybody who did that became eligible for a random draw for two turquoise and pink cotton bracelets made in Central America. And, the two winners chosen at random are (1) Kirsten Alana (2) Tilly S. Ladies, please email your addresses to: editor@journeywoman.com and your prize will be on its way.

WHICH FAMOUS WOMAN WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH? -- There were over 100 entries for this fun January contest and your answers were really such a delight to read. From Oprah to Amelia Earhart to Christiane Amanpour to Michelle Obama, you chose so many fine heroines and so many good reasons to travel with them. The winner (picked at random) of a $50 check for travel spending money is: Lara Ibrahim. Congratulations, Lara; please be in touch with us at: editor@journeywoman.com.

P.S. We couldn't post everybody's excellent submissions but we did include over 45 responses. You're all invited to click here to read the compilation, 'Which Famous Woman Would You Travel With?'

CHECK OUT THE FABULOUS FEMALE FRIENDLINESS OF THESE LISTINGS -- This month members of our JW Network of classified advertisers have submitted selections that are deliciously tempting. Click, browse, ask tour operators and product managers questions. They enjoy answering and it ensures that you find the woman-friendly holiday and products that are perfect for you. This is Step #1 to making your travel dreams a sweet reality. Ah-h-h-h-h...

WILD WOMEN EXPEDITIONS -- is Canada's wilderness adventure company for women. Explore Canada's gorgeous East and West coasts, the Rockies, Vancouver Island, Quebec City, Newfoundland, Northern Ontario and PEI. Premiere canoe trips, kayaking, hiking, surfing, cycling, mountain biking, yoga, nature and arts retreats. Everyone friendly. Really fun and laid back... eh? Tel: 1-888-WWE-1222. Visit: http://www.wildwomenexp.com or Email: jennifer@wildwomenexp.com

COME ON A SPECIAL JOURNEY TO IRELAND -- Explore Ireland’s beautiful western regions from the megalithic tombs of the burren to quaint Westport and through scenic Connemara as we trace of the life of “pirate queen” Grace O’Malley. Small group, leisurely, charming inns, walking, and laughs! With guests author Anne Chambers and local archaeologist. Reserve by St Paddy’s & save. Details: www.wanderwoman.com

HER LUXURY BODY, MIND & SPIRIT RETREAT -- An extraordinary and awe-inspiring sanctuary located north of Toronto with a focus on healthy living where one can renew a commitment to their life and to wellbeing. Rediscover the essential harmony between mind, body and spirit while being personally guided by our caring staff. Comprehensive wellness programs (2 to 21 nights) include full days of yoga, Pilates, hiking, educational talks, healthy eating and cooking classes, massage, meditation, detox body cleanses and so much more. Visit: grailsprings.com Inquiries: reservations@grailsprings.com or call: 877-553-5772

VENUS ADVENTURES -- Global Trips for Women who Love to Travel! Join us on one of our variety-filled, small-group trips to Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Vietnam and more. We mix with the locals, we partake in great little adventures and we have a lot of fun! See our website for all the details: www.VenusAdventures.travel, or contact us on info@venusadventures.travel. "Life is uncertain - eat cake!"

DON’T BE A TOURIST, BE OUR GUEST -- Experience France and other European countries with eight women and a female native guide. Count on uncommon views of Provence, Tuscany, ... where you meet locals, discover unique sites unlisted in travel books, savor delicious food, and relax in charming luxury hotels. We’ll not show you A country, but rather OUR country. www.frenchescapade.com, 1-888 483 5713

DIANE KROE DESIGNER -- After unloading 75% of her backpack at her Aunt's apartment in Sweden, Diane was determined to travel like the Scandinavian women. She was amazed by how these women would take one t-shirt and wear it dancing at a nightclub in Greece, strolling the beach in Spain or touring a Mosque in Istanbul and looking well put together every time. Returning home she created the One 4 All Top which has proven so successful! Website: www.dianekroe.com

SIGHTS AND SOUL TRAVELS -- Spaces are still available on the 2011 SIGHTS AND SOUL TRAVELS’ Italy tours: choose from the Magic of Venice, Classic Tuscany, Insider’s Rome, the Amalfi Coast, or combine tours for an extended Italian vacation. Enjoy well planned, small group travel through light-filled landscapes, history, fine art and fine dining, dreamy boutique hotels, exceptional guides and experiences, and the company of like-minded travel friends. Other destinations available at: http://sightsandsoul.com or call 866-737-9602

WHITE SAILS, TURQUOISE WATERS, ANCIENT RUINS AND VIBRANT CULTURE -- Explore the coast of Turkey and the Greek Isles with Women Traveling Together® during this first class Mediterranean sailing experience. Luxury and adventure meet as you visit hidden harbors and secluded coves. Five-star dining onboard and pre and post stays in Istanbul & Athens included. HURRY! Reservations close March 10th. Click here for more information.

WELL ARRANGED TRAVEL -- Join one of our upscale group tours to Italy and enjoy breathtaking cityscapes and countryside in pursuit of fine art, ancient ruins and authentic cuisine. We’ll visit famous cities like Pompeii, Rome & Florence, filled with historic and artistic treasures, and get off the beaten track to explore family vineyards and hilltop villages in the Cinque Terre. Trips offered in 2011 include Tuscany & Umbria; Rome & the Amalfi Coast; and Bella Italia, featuring Rome, Florence & Venice.

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR DIVACUP! -- Women worldwide, of all ages, have discovered this modern and revolutionary alternative to tampons or pads. No need to buy or carry menstrual products in endless absorbencies, styles and shapes. Up to 12 hours of reliable protection at a time, even when sleeping! Clean, comfortable and easy-to-use. Reusable, eco-friendly and economical. Perfect for travel, all sports, swimming, yoga, etc. Visit www.divacup.com for more information, store locator and testimonials.

EXPERIENCE ISRAEL WITH ALL OF YOUR 5 SENSES -- Join this “Multi-Denominational” group of women as we travel through Israel and experience the passion behind the country. You will meet the people, experience the sites treasured by the 3 major religions, see and hear the arts and culture of the country, sail on the Sea of Galilee, float in the Dead Sea … that’s only the beginning! For Information, please see our website: http://womentourisrael.com small Groups and native guide, Oct. 17-28, 2011

KNIT SILK PAJAMAS GREAT FOR TRAVELLING! -- Kim Allan Silk 70% knit silk / 30% cotton Lounge pyjamas are the perfect traveling companion. Easy-care ultra comfortable long pants and matching camisole or sleep shirt, this is one outfit you can wear to bed or sneak out for coffee and look great. Available in a range of colours, sizes, and styles. Please put Journeywoman in the comment box to receive special pricing of $49 for pants, regular cost is $90. Order at www.kimallansilk.com

HIGH SEASON DATES AT HIGH VALUE RATES! -- Away For Women offers imaginative itineraries at great prices when it’s the BEST time to travel. Upcoming tours include Montreal & Quebec, the Baltics, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Napa, NYC, India, and Turkey. All tours are escorted. The Baltics and India include discounted group air. Visit awayforwomen.com or call 973-998-7061 or 877-845-1331 toll-free USA.

BROAD HORIZONS -- Ladies this time it’s YOUR turn! Make 2011 a year to remember! NEW YORK CITY, SCOTLAND, SOUTHERN FRANCE, AFRICA and more…Broaden your Horizons with our female friendly tours. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a dear friend, Broad Horizons is your first choice for female-friendly travel. Visit us today at www.broadhorizonsnetwork.com and sign up for your free subscription of “Fe-mail”. Or contact us at womenrock@broadhorizonsnetwork.com or by phone 1-877-844-5444.

ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH ACTIVE JOURNEYS -- We now offer a selection of specialty tours along with our standard hiking, biking and kayaking adventures. We’ve expanded both our women-only Girlfriend Getaway destinations, and our unique brand of Floating Adventures. Our Premium Program has been launched for those seeking extra comfort on the road, and our fully escorted Featured Departures have grown to six exotic international destinations. Contact: 1-800-597-5594 Email: info@activejourneys.com Website: www.activejourneys.com

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MAJOR JW ADVERTISERS -- Our Journeywoman site is made possible because of the wonderful and consistent support we receive from all our many major advertisers. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for supporting the concept of 'women and travel' and helping us to get our message out to thousands of women around the world. Take a look at who these companies are and support them when you can. That will make us happy, indeed.

HURRAY! JW EDITOR EVELYN HANNON IS A FINALIST IN THE SHORTY AWARDS --
Thanks to everybody who voted for our editor in the online competition that has been called, 'The Oscars of Twitter,' Evelyn was named one of six contestants to go on to the finals. Judges will announce the winners in New York City in a special ceremony on March 28, 2011. Cross your fingers ladies. It would be great to bring the award home for our Journeywoman Network.

P.S. Any JourneyWomen living in NYC? Let us know. Maybe we can arrange to meet at a pre-arranged time prior to the awards night. Write to: editor@journeywoman.com and put NYC in subject line.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT THE JOURNEYWOMAN FACEBOOK PAGE -- Each and every day there's lively conversation going on about travel from a woman's point of view right here. Editor Evelyn Hannon offers her links to news and stories. She posts travel photos and she answers your questions. Please join the conversation and don't forget to click on the 'like' button at the top of that page.

THINK VENICE THINK LOVE -- This issue we're featuring two practical and informative articles to help you enjoy Venice to its fullest (1) 10 Hints to Make You Fall in Love With Venice written by Portland based Journeywoman, Jessica Spiegel. (2) 7 Restaurants You Will Love in Venice written by Monica Cesarato, a Journeywoman living right outside Venice.

READY FOR THIS MONTH'S TOP JOURNEYWOMAN TRAVEL TIPS? -- As usual, your many female-friendly bits of advice from all over the world continue to inform, inspire and amuse. This time, from wonderful travelling women across the U.S. and Canada to those in London (UK), Delhi (India), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Sydney (Australia) and Bern (Switzerland) what follows are this issue's top twelve travelling tips. Enjoy, everybody.

PLEASE REMEMBER -- We are only as good as the travel secrets YOU share with us. In this case YOU = every single person in our JW Network. Whether you are in Shanghai, St. Louis or New South Wales, if you have a juicy tip to contribute please send it to: editor@journeywoman.com. Put the words 'My 2011 contribution' in the subject line. We'll love you for it!

I RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT IN VENICE -- writes Monica in Riviera del Brenta, just outside Venice -- My girlfriends and I enjoy Da Rioba, a cute, informal but very well maintained place. It's located in the district of Canareggio, Fondamenta de la Misericordia, overlooking the canal. It's a really nice area, even for a walk in the evening and much quieter than the usual overcrowded calli (streets). Here you must try the polenta con schie (typical small fried prawns) or the home made spaghetti alla busara, or even better the baccala mantecato, you will just love it. Prices are as usual around 35 Euros per person. Address: Fondamenta della Miseriacordia, Cannaregio Tel: 041 52 44 379

LUXURIOUS BED AND BREAKFAST IN TE ANAU, NEW ZEALAND --
writes Eileen in Vancouver, Canada -- We have just come back from a wonderful trip to New Zealand. For the most part we stayed with relatives and friends but in Te Anau we treated ourselves to a luxurious lake-facing bed and breakfast. Dunluce B&B is on the outskirts of Te Anau and a great relaxing place to stay. If you are booking any tours of Milford Sound, the tour bus will come right to the door for pick up and drop off. The breakfasts that were prepared for us were delicious and on the day that we had a very early pick up Wendy, our host made sure that there were coffee and muffins available for us to have for breakfast and there was fresh fruit to take with us. Being from the south, Wendy and her husband are also very knowledgeable about the area and can offer some great advice. Most people who stay there have rental cars so their insight and directions were invaluable. Website: www.dunluce-fiordland.co.nz

WHAT TO WEAR IN VIETNAM -- writes Tanya in Ho Chi Minh City -- I live in Ho Chi Minh City and depending on where you travel it will totally change what you should pack. The Northern part of Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa) is very chilly in the winter months and you will need a coat, scarf, sweaters, jeans and boots to stay warm. Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern parts stay hot all the time and you will want lightweight linen pants, cotton dresses and skirts. Layering shirts is a good idea as you WILL sweat. A lot. As for dressing like the locals, you will feel sloppy if you dress down in Vietnam. The local women all wear skirts, blouses and heels and are immaculate in their grooming. They have actually told me I look much better in dresses than pants! During the day a simple cotton dress and dressy sandals or flats work and for a night out in the city I would suggest nice pants and blouse or a nice dress with heels or flats. P.S. I suggest bringing your own lotion and night cream as it can be difficult to find anything here that doesn't have 'whitening' solutions in them as the locals prize light skin. P.P.S. Bug spray in the south is also another must as the mosquitoes are quite fierce here.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Want to know how to cross the street in Vietnam? Click here.

PACK SOME SHEETS OF ALUMINUM FOIL -- writes Marilyn in Toronto, Canada -- I just found out about two uses that will come in handy especially for families on the road. 1) Doing laundry at the laundromat and you didn't pack fabric softener? Simply ball a few sheets of foil, put them in the dryer with your clothes and voila ... no static cling. 2) Pick up a loaf of bread, some sliced cheese and make grilled cheese sandwiches in your hotel room by wrapping the sandwich in foil and heating it with the iron that every hotel room should have.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Strong cheddar topped with slices of green apple are a great combo for an 'ironed' sandwich. YUM!

WINE BAR IN PARIS, FRANCE -- writes Kirti in Delhi, India -- On my last trip to Paris I found this wine bar that I would love to recommend to other Journeywoman readers. WinebyOne offers a complete wine experience including a wine bar, wine store and wine club. This is a completely new concept. There are 100 wines from all over the world available and they are dispensed (yes! dispensed!) from machines that will pour you different amounts depending on what you key into the dispenser. Payment is via their prepaid credit card. WinebyOne is licensed to sell nibbles with your wine as well as lunch. They are located at 9 rue des Capucines, 75001 just off Place Vendome. Find out much more at their website: www.winebyone.com

EXCELLENT BRUNCH SPOT IN TORONTO -- writes Shirley in Toronto, Canada -- Here's my submission for 2011. I've found that DT Bistro is a lovely brunch spot, perfect for dinners with a gal pal or just for desserts (prix-fixe for 3-course dinner is $25 or $35). I find DT Bistro very female-friendly and I'm sure the JW visitors that test my tip will appreciate the soothing 'spa' colors that add to the ambience. The restaurant is located on the NE corner of Harbord Street and Brunswick Avenue. The westbound Harbord Bus stops right in front of the door. Tel: 416.916.8155. Have fun, ladies!

I REALLY LIKE THIS INDIAN RESTAURANT IN LONDON, UK -- writes Barbara in Bern, Switzerland -- If you love Indian food and are willing to spend the extra British Pound, The Bombay Brasserie is the place to go. It is fine dining at its best. The tastes are divine and the preparation like art. I love sitting in the conservatory or having a pre-dinner drink in the bar where you can watch people come and go. The Bombay Brasserie’s clientele is mostly Indian, which I think is a very good sign. It’s located on Courtfield Road just behind Gloucester Road tube station on the Piccadilly line. Website: http://www.bombaybrasserielondon.com/

WARM WEATHER DRESSING -- writes Grace in Sydney, Australia -- If you own silk shirts that are wearing out under the arms or a sleeve has been torn or the collar isn't to your liking anymore, then do what I did. Pop into a dressmaker and ask them to cut the collar and the sleeves off and hem the garment accordingly. Presto! You'll be left with a cool top that is so light to wear, dries easily, and weighs next to nothing. A great recycling trick.

EXCELLENT GUIDE IN VIETNAM -- writes Bodil in Black Creek, Canada -- My friend and I (both older adults) found this guide who went out of his way to make our vacation in Vietnam wonderful. His name is Le Quang Bao Tung and his Da Nang company name is Yellow Field Tours. We heartily endorse him. His integrity is the best. When we were in Luang Prabang in Laos he surprised us by phoning our guide there just to hear how we were. Later I found out that he was emailing my husband just to let him know where we were and that we were fine. His specialties are Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. He is also very reasonable and can give you itineraries and ideas within 24 hours. Email: tungyft@gmail.com.

HISTORICAL HOTEL IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY -- writes Sandra in Victoria, Canada -- My friend and I stayed at Hotel Yesil Ev in Istanbul's Old Town. Yesil Ev is charming, clean, comfortable, and a pleasant breakfast is included in their reasonable room rate. Service was excellent at all times. We could see the Blue Mosque from our window and we were within walking distance of Topkapi Palace and Aya Sophia. We were also within walking distance to the Grand Bazaar for shopping. The ambience both inside and out was absolutely wonderful. It was so enjoyable to sit outside in their sunny garden where it was fun to watch the antics of the birds bathing in a huge pink marble fountain. I will certainly recommend it to all my travel clients in the future. Website: http://www.yesilev.com.tr

BEST CAPPUCCINO IN LONDON --
writes Rajul in London, England -- Bar Italia on Firth Street is a well-established independent spot boasting a real Italian café atmosphere and wonderful authentic cakes (but be aware... its location and reputation dictate that you pay a premium for just about everything). I’ve taken Italian friends there who confirm that Bar Italia probably serves the best Italian coffee in London, along with sweet treats you would usually only find in Italy. No one tops their cappuccino. It’s well worth a visit. If you see a seat free at Bar Italia then grab it fast.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'd pay attention to this tip. Rajul is the savvy person behind londonhotelsinsight.com.

AN EXPERIMENT IN GREEN -- Picked Up in Passing -- The Crowne Plaza in Copenhagen is pioneering a pedal-power electricity generation scheme it hopes will catch on in other countries. Guests will get a free meal voucher if they can produce electricity for the hotel on an exercise bike attached to a generator. Guests will be able to race against the 366-room hotel's solar panel system in a bid to produce the most electricity. "Anyone producing 10 watt hours of electricity, or more, for the hotel will be given a locally produced complimentary meal encouraging guests to not only get fit but also reduce their carbon footprint and save electricity and money," the hotel said in a statement. Guests will likely have to pedal about 15 minutes to crank up that amount of watts to get the meal voucher worth the equivalent of about $44.00

WE SAVED THE BEST TIPS FOR LAST -- Check out the article that everybody waits for at this time of the year. It's the 37 Best Newsletter Tips Journeywoman published in the prior year. Don't miss the latest, 2010. Simply click here and have fun.

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW -- Each day Editor Evelyn Hannon sends out juicy woman-centered travel tips and advice on Twitter. Want to join her group of 10,800 'followers'? Simply sign up at twitter.com (it's free and very easy to do). You can follow Evelyn at twitter.com/Journeywoman and then you can retweet her tips and any of her Journeywoman articles to friends around the world.

WE OWE IT ALL TO YOU! -- Please send us just one tip over the next year --that's all we need from each one of you. Tell us about a sweet B&B, an elegant hotel, a fabulous bookstore, a book, a brunch spot, a museum cafe/gift shop, culturally correct clothing or anything else you think other travelling females will appreciate knowing. Put the words, 'Here's my 2011 Tip' in the subject line and send it to editor@journeywoman.com. As one great international collective of women travellers we can keep producing fabulous women-centered travel tip newsletters forever!

UNTIL OUR NEXT ISSUE -- I wish you fun reading, lots of laughter and safe, wonderful, exciting journeys. You definitely deserve it!

---
Evelyn Hannon, Editor
Website: http://www.journeywoman.com
E-mail: editor@journeywoman.com
Tel: 416.929.7654