july 2016 - women traveling together 2016...july 2016 19 years how we roll • wtt ... cereola, dawn...

JULY 2016

19YEARShow we roll • wTT Travel Calendar

Southeast Asia

Florida’s Historic Coast

New Orleans’ Hotel Monteleone

july 2016

Solo Together The quarterly magazine

of Women Traveling Together®

Debra C. Asberry Publisher

Tina Judd Editor

Carol Denny Contributing Writer

Jennifer Johnson Layout & Design

Joanna Tillman Advertising & Ad Copy

2661 Riva Road, Suite 621 Annapolis, MD 21401

(800) 795-7135

© Copyright 2016 Women Traveling Together

contents

WomenTraveling.com

on the cover WTT travelers geared up and ready to float Alaska’s Kenai River.

8 Southeast Asia To see the amazing sights of Southeast Asia, you’ll need to cover a lot of ground.

11 This is How We Roll Sized for a smaller group and designed for maximum comfort, WTT coaches add luxury to road travel.

14 Sands of Time The Spanish claimed Florida first. More than three hundred years later, their legacy is on display.

17 Where the French Quarter Begins With the renowned Hotel Monteleone as a hub, WTT’s 20th anniversary celebration in New Orleans promises a sampling of everything that’s wonderful about The Big Easy.

19 Postcards from the Road WTT travelers on location

25 2017-2018 Travel Calendar

28 Parting Words Don’t wait; see it now!

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2 July 2016 • Solo TogeTher

from the founder

Some individuals subscribe to the notion that they have the ability to create their own reality. I’m one of them. I was a teenager when

I made the connection that my wants could shape my reality. I became convinced that I could choose the direction my life might take and the experiences I would have along the way. All I had to do was recognize the signs then follow the path leading to where I wanted to go.

I’ve read my horoscope almost every day of my adult life, always on the lookout for the predictions that reinforce and

encourage me to stay on my path. When I find a horoscope that speaks to me, I tear it out and save it. The rest—about

99.9% of them—I ignore. I do the same thing with fortune cookies, keeping only the fortunes that resonate with me.

Recently I gathered up all my saved horoscopes and fortune cookie slips. The horoscopes were taped around the house; the cookie fortunes were in a tiny plastic sleeve at the bottom of my purse. The collection spans almost 40 years and it represents the story of my life.

My journey has not always been a bed of roses. It’s had its share of missed signs, wrong turns and downright catastrophes, but in the end I got exactly what I aimed for.

What, pray tell, does this have to do with travel? Travel typically doesn’t just happen. Travel is a course most of us have to plot. It takes planning, time and money. It requires making choices and compromises, and assessing your comfort level in relation to today’s travel uncertainties.

Your signs may not come in the same way mine did, but they’re out there waiting to point you toward your dreams...be it travel or anything else you want. And while the destination is the aim, the journey along the way is plenty rewarding. Peace & Love,

Debra AsberryPresident & FounderWomen Traveling Together®

horoScopeS & forTune cookieS: create your own reality

womenTraveling.com 3

Travel never geTS oldHazel Cannon, long-time director of membership and travel, recently

returned from her trip of a lifetime. She was among the 16 travelers on

WTT’s March tour to Egypt and braved a camel ride and a lift in a hot-air balloon! Travel truly never gets

old to us here at WTT.

Spreading The word We know we’re preaching to the

choir here, but recently we’ve witnessed an ever-growing interest

from the mainstream media in women-only travel. Debra Asberry, founder and president of WTT, has recently been invited to speak live and on radio about the growth in

this sector of the industry.

mobile-friendly Work on a new and improved WTT website has begun. With a refreshed and updated look that will be mobile-friendly, the new site is slated to come online in 2017. Making space reservations and accessing your MY WTT from your smartphone or tablet will become so much easier. We can’t wait to show you.

new Tour leaderS This is the year of many new faces in the Tour Leader ranks. After an intensive training process in 2015, WTT’s crop of new Tour Leaders are leading their first domestic tours and doing a bang-up job. We’re excited to officially welcome: Kellie Cereola, Dawn Dempsey, Karen Gardner, Lisa McWhorter, Cyndi Murray, Christine

Pavan, Elizabeth Scott, Judy Ubben and Carole Van Dyke.

The “voice”Joanna Tillman, traveler liaison, recently celebrated one year with WTT. Joanna is often the “voice” of WTT. If you’ve

called the office, emailed a question or comment or taken a trip, you’ve likely interacted with Joanna. She strives to ensure that every woman who

expresses interest in WTT or one of our tours gets the information she needs to make an informed decision. Thanks for

all your hard work!

2017 Tour Schedule: one for The record bookS

Wow! We have had such a great response to our upcoming 2017 tours. The number of pre-reservations we’ve taken is greater

than we’ve ever seen. In fact, the upcoming Hawaiian Islands Cruise set a company

record with 269 pre-reservations and counting.

wtt news


travel digestcross-cultural in canada

The hottest ticket in Toronto this summer is Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, Luzia. It’s a colorful paean to the culture of Mexico, featuring original music and world-class acrobatic displays. Even its name evokes

a sense of mystery: a fusion of “luz” (light)

and “lluvia” (rain). See it at Le Chapiteau at

The Port Lands from July 28-October 2.

getting over parisThe $38-million renovation of the first level of the Eiffel Tower is now complete. Among the new features is a glass floorthat provides a dazzling (and dizzying) view 18 storiesdown. With the dollar about 15 percent strongerthan the euro comparedto a year ago, you caneven afford an extrasouvenir from theTower’s newshops.

The Sunny SouthWhen Europeans head to the beach, one of their favored destinations is Portugal’s Algarve region—with good reason. The scalloped southern coast gets more than 3,000 hours of sun a year, compared to 1,450 hours for London, 1,840 for Paris or 2,150 hours for New York. The city of Lagos, Portugal, tops the list for ray-seekers, with expansive beaches, varied dining options and a charming historic center.

health TripsForbes Magazine reports that medical tourism, a phrase coined to describe patients who travel from one country to another to receive medical treatment, generated US$60-$70 billion last year. With the rise of new technology and access to online information, more and more patients are crossing borders to access services like dental care, cosmetic procedures, elective surgery and fertility treatment—at a lower cost than at home.

© Lacobrigo, Wikpedia

cone headsWhat could be cooler than an ice cream festival? Austin, Texas serves up its tenth annual celebration of America’s favorite frozen concoction on August 13 at the Fiesta Gardens. For the brave, there’s a contest to determine who can down a gallon of vanilla fastest. For everyone else, there are tastings, popsicle stick building contests, and a competition for the best homemade ice cream.


travel digest

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a smash hit at Universal Studios Orlando, has gone Hollywood. The California clone, which opened earlier this year, wows fans of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series with a whimsical version of Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle, where the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride departs. Broomsticks and invisibility cloaks are optional.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Dollywood park amps up the action with Lightning Rod, the world’s first wooden launch coaster. The hot rod-themed ride features a 200-foot drop and 12 “airtime” hills to challenge passengers’ equilibrium. At 73 miles per hour, it claims to be the world’s fastest-ever wooden coaster.

In response to pressure from animal rights activists, Sea World has announced it will phase out its theatrical orca shows. It’s also ending its breeding program for the highly intelligent and sociable animals, who live in pods in the wild. Sea World has also pledged $50 million for marine mammal rescue efforts, including dolphins and sea lions.cruise

ChoicesThe brand-new Harmony of the Seas, the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, is making waves—tsunami-sized waves. Longer than three football fields and featuring 16 decks, 20 dining venues, 23 swimming pools and space for over 5,000 passengers, the new liner will offer seven-day sailings on the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Take coverOutdoor Gear Lab tested a lot of compact umbrellas to find the best combination of rain protection, durability and packability. The hands-down winner was REI’s Travel Umbrella, which editors praised for its 14-ounce weight, deep canopy and auto-opener. Best of all, this model has a vent that allows gusts to flow through without flipping the canopy inside out. Genius!

Answers: 1. d; 2. b; 3. b

he Smithsonian Institution unveils its 19th museum this September: the long-awaited National Museum of African American History and Culture. On the north side of the Mall near the Washington Monument, the 400,000-square-foot building will showcase exhibits

and artifacts telling the story of the long journey from slavery to civil rights. It promises to illuminate a neglected corner of American history.

oak ConnectionTravelers in the San Francisco Bay area can now access the high-speed BART transit system from both of its major air hubs. The new rail connection at Oakland Airport, similar to the elevated train at San Francisco International, whisks passengers to the closest BART station in under seven minutes to catch a speedy ride to Oakland, the East Bay, downtown SF or SFO.

kudos for the cupHere’s a worthy entry for the quirky museum list: the CupNoodles Museum in Yokohama, Japan, near Tokyo. The brick-and-mortar tribute to Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen, salutes hard work and ingenuity. It urges visitors to individualize their souvenir cups by adding their choice of flavorings and a custom-designed label.

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when it’s noon in nairobi...Time zones are tricky. The lines on the grid aren’t uniform, and variables like the International Date Line and Daylight Savings Time can skew the calculations. Got a second? Try your hand at this timely quiz.

If it’s 8am in London, it’s:a. 12:30pm in Dehli b. 9pm in Honolulu c. 7am in Reykjavikd. All of the above

If it’s 4pm in Buenos Aires, it’s:a. 6pm in La Pazb. 10pm in Moscowc. 1am in Hong Kongd. All of the above

If it’s noon in New York, it’s:a. 5pm in Dar es Salaamb. 4am in Aucklandc. 8am in Seould. All of the above

Answers: 1. d; 2. b; 3. b

whey StationsThe well-traveled wine trails of Napa and Sonoma counties now have a fine complement: the Cheese Trail of Sonoma and Marin. At more than two dozen farms and creameries from Sebastopol to Point Reyes, you can meet the cheesemongers, ooh and aah at sheep, goats, cows and water buffalo and sample award-winning artisan cheeses—all while enjoying the scenery and vintages of the northern California coast.

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A moving experience by air, land or water

victoria harbor, hong kong


ir travel is certainly the mode of choice for most 21st-century voyagers, who can hop from the Gulf of Thailand to the Gulf of Tonkin in the course of a few hours. While they’re on the ground, however, adventurers in Southeast Asia will reach their destinations via many other means of transport, from cruise ships and high-speed trains to tuk tuks, bicycles and rickshaws. These options offer far more interesting views than the standard jetliner experience. In Hanoi, bicycles and motor scooters are the preferred local transportation. Visitors, however, often opt for taxis or buses, as the busy streets of this teeming city can be daunting for Westerners. Vietnamese citizens navigate them with aplomb, and it’s not unusual to see an entire family, plus groceries and luggage, perched on a single scooter while weaving through rush-hour traffic. Pedestrian crossings seem to be the do-it-yourself variety, based on the presumption that drivers will stop (and they do, eventually) to avoid obstacles. For a quieter experience, explorers in Vietnam can head to scenic Halong Bay, 100 miles east, to cruise peacefully among soaring limestone outcroppings rising like sentinels from the water’s surface. Freighters, ferries and fishing boats ply

the waters in a serene contrast to Hanoi’s energetic pace. For those who don’t mind a little splashing, kayaks are popular, too. A quick flight south to nearby Cambodia shuttles travelers to Siem Riep and the World Heritage Site of Angkor, a vast and astonishing complex of more than 100 temples erected and then mostly abandoned by its Khmer builders. Marvelous in scope, the layout of Angkor extends over 400 square miles, giving testament to the wealth and sophistication of its rulers. Angkor Wat’s stone monuments feature beautifully carved bas-reliefs with scenes from historical events and myths, many of which are partially obscured by tenacious banyan trees reclaiming the hardscape and returning it slowly to the jungle. The central moat is not only a design feature, but part of an ingenious water supply system tied to the seasonal ebb and flow of nearby Tonle Sap lake. It’s a destination that thoroughly deserves its world-class reputation. In contemporary Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, visitors can explore revered Buddhist temples and colorful markets by foot. As a side trip, many also head for the lush hills outside the capital for an encounter with Asian elephants—smaller than their African cousins, but equally intelligent.

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Several elephant sanctuaries near the city offer the chance to interact with the animals; at some, guests can help with bathing or feeding and learn from the mahouts about the gentle giants in their care. Many of the elephants have been rescued from logging camps or circuses, and are handled with the greatest respect—exploiting them for visitors’ entertainment is, mercifully, a thing of the past. Perched above the South China Sea is Hong Kong, which reverted to China after Britain’s 156-year rule ended in 1997. This rocky island commands the visitor to look up—at its soaring skyscrapers as well as its forested mountain peaks, which fill most of the interior. The city skyline lights up each evening with the Symphony of Lights, a dazzling multimedia display that illuminates more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbor. For the best view, hop on the Star Ferry to or from Kowloon (a bargain at HK$2.50). Other attractions include the popular cable car ride to Victoria Peak, which overlooks the harbor and surrounding islands. Macao, a colonial Portuguese outpost on the Chinese mainland, is just an hour away by ferry and lures gamblers with its many casinos. In addition to English signage, gardens and pubs, the British left a legacy of rapid transit in Hong Kong. Light rail and subways are inexpensive, run on time, and carry passengers to every corner of the city. One of Hong Kong’s most spectacular urban trails, the Dragon’s Back, can be accessed just a few steps from a bus stop. With their non-stop pace and exotic atmosphere, the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia carry international visitors far outside their everyday reality. Whichever means of transport you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the ride.

halong bay

COMiNg SOON

China Exploration“East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” wrote Rudyard Kipling in 1889. Recent events, however, have proven the poet wrong. Today, only 50 years after Mao Zedong launched China’s Cultural Revolution, this country of 1.3 billion is embracing Western capitalism and culture so quickly that no one can predict what the future will hold. China may be in flux, but it’s eager to lure foreign travelers. In fact, it declared 2016 as China-US Tourism Year, an opportunity to showcase ancient landmarks and mushrooming mega-cities. WTT is planning a wide-ranging, two-week adventure to China in April 2017 that includes multi-day stops in four cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai. In addition to the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors—both must-sees—we’ll visit the Forbidden City and the Panda Breeding Research Center, plus try our hand at cooking classes, calligraphy and more. If you’ve ever wanted to encounter the Middle Kingdom, you couldn’t pick a more interesting time to go. Pre-registration is available now at WomenTraveling.com

Join us WTT will travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Hong Kong on our Highlights of Southeast Asia tour in March 2017. For more information, visit WomenTraveling.com


Whether you’re motoring along the New York State Thruway or exploring the back roads in a national park, you want the scenery to be your focus of your attention—not your sore back or your

cramped seat. Women Traveling Together understands and puts passenger comfort first. We are the only women’s travel organization in North America to make an investment in comfort and reliability with the

purchase of our two deluxe Mercedes Sprinter coaches.


ack in the early days of Women Traveling Together, WTT founder Debra Asberry rented 15-passenger Econovans for domestic trips, but

found them less than ideal. First, they could only comfortably seat 10 passengers (the rear-most seat was used to accommodate luggage). Second, the comfort level left much to be desired. “Climbing in and out of the van was difficult for a lot of women, and the bench seating allowed for very little personal space,” Asberry recalled. So in 2009, WTT decided to invest in its first Mercedes Sprinter coach, a 14-seater plus driver. A second Sprinter was added for the 2015 travel season. The upgrade gave passengers a center aisle for easy access and a separate luggage area, and everyone had her own seat. In its inaugural season, the first WTT coach hit the road with four runs to New England; by 2010, it was crossing the United States, concluding the season in San Francisco. “The only problem was that I had to fly out to California to drive the coach 3,000 miles back,” said Asberry. By 2011, with its expanded calendar of domestic trips, “we pretty much had the logistics of moving the coach down.” WTT Tour Leaders, who drive the coaches, say they’re not as intimidating to handle as one might think. Tour Leader Christina Smith says that the vehicles are easy to manage, “just like driving a car”—and there are only a few things to keep in mind. “The roof is high, so you’ve got to watch your clearance, especially when you’re pulling into a hotel,” Smith said. Smith began driving in 2011, and her routine includes photo ops, ice cream breaks, and rest stops in the day’s schedule. When she’s on the road, she makes a point of asking her WTT travelers to change their seats twice a day. “It’s just human nature—we tend to pick a seat and keep it,” she observes. “Moving around provides an opportunity to visit with new people and have a new view out the window.” Smith also designates a rotating “shotgun sister” to sit up front with her for the day, to help read the map, notice speed limit changes, and relay questions and answers back and forth from the group. It’s critical that every WTT traveler heed the guidelines about luggage size to ensure there is space for all. Directing the loading of luggage is part of the Tour Leader’s job, and Smith has devised a packing system that encourages participation. “On the first day, everyone lines her bag up according to size, and we stack them inside with the biggest bags on the bottom. Once we’ve loaded, we take a picture. We do


it the same way each time we load, and everyone knows right where her bag goes. It’s a shared responsibility that gives people a feeling of connection to the group.” With a giggle, Smith admits to only one tiny brush with the law. It happened in the Valley of the Fire State Park outside Las Vegas. “I was going five miles above the speed limit and was stopped by a police officer parked by the side of the road,” she relates. “I pulled over, rolled down the window, and whispered quietly, ‘Officer, is there a problem?’ ‘No,’ he replied. ‘It’s just that the road ahead is closed because a European company is filming a car commercial.’ So I asked him to board the coach and explain to the ladies what was happening. He walked on, took one long look at the group and then broke into a happy dance! It was just a hoot. Later, the women in my group made me a poster that read, ‘What happens in Nevada stays in Nevada.’” 2016 will be a full season for both of the WTT coaches. They hit the road in April and will both be in use throughout the travel season. Smith, who will be leading a tour of the Canadian Maritime Provinces, is ready to take her turn behind the wheel. “We often meet people who see Women Traveling Together on the side of the coach and ask about it. The ladies can’t wait to explain what it is and all the fun we have!”


On Florida’s Historic Coast, Exploration is a Tradition

castillo de San marcos, St. augustine

n the grand scheme of history, the United States is a newbie. We measure our past in centuries, not millennia, and tend to peg our beginnings to the colonization of Virginia and

New England in the 1600s. Amid the stories of Jamestown and Plymouth, however, the fact that the Spanish actually arrived in America almost 50 years before the British is often forgotten. Spanish ships reached Florida’s Atlantic coast in the mid-sixteenth century, claiming new territory for the crown at every landfall. When Florida’s first governor sailed north to Matanzas Bay in 1565, he quickly offloaded soldiers, equipment and supplies to build an outpost that he named San Agustin. Now known as St. Augustine, it’s the oldest continually occupied city in the continental US and a historic treasure.


The new settlement struggled from the first, defending itself against attacks by both Native Americans and the French. It was burned to the ground at least twice, the second time by the wily privateer Sir Francis Drake. The intrepid Spanish responded with construction of the Castillo de San Marcos in 1672 and devoted more than 25 years to its completion. The oldest fort in the United States, the bastion was constructed with local coquina rock and endures to this day. Though St. Augustine changed hands several times in the ensuing centuries—passing from the Spaniards to the French then the British and finally the US—it retained its Spanish identity. Its stucco buildings, tiled roofs and grand churches lent it an Iberian flavor, and in the nineteenth century, the city capitalized on this asset to establish itself as a retreat from winter climes. With the advent of railroads and extravagant hotels built in the 1890s, such as the Ponce de Leon and the Alcazar, St. Augustine began drawing well-heeled visitors. Today, with its

historic landmarks, miles of pristine beaches and charm to spare, the Old City is an excellent starting point for a tour of Florida’s Atlantic coast. One hundred thirty miles south of St. Augustine, another attraction honors explorers of a different era. The Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, site of 1969’s Apollo 11 moon launch and dozens of other expeditions, claims its own special place in American history. What’s celebrated here really is rocket science, and the chance to see where Sally Ride and John Glenn once walked, as well as the display of spacecraft, moon rocks and other memorabilia, make this destination a must. In Florida’s tropical latitudes, palm trees, vines and vivid flowers compete for the title of Best Dressed. Seeing them in profusion is one of the delights of a visit to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, a suburb of Miami. The garden’s plantings are lovely, but the scents alone are worth a visit: the perfume of a fragrant allspice tree or a tropical fruit pavilion

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Where the French Quarter Beginscreates its own memory. Visitors can walk through the Wings of the Tropics exhibit with its butterflies and hummingbirds, or hop on a tram for a narrated tour. The garden offers a beautifully manicured landscape—quite a contrast to the wild and wide-open expanses of Everglades National Park, only an hour away. The Everglades showcase Florida’s “River of Grass”—a group of interconnected ecosystems that’s home to alligators, crocodiles, a variety of birds and miniature Key deer. At 1.5 million acres, the park provides a spectacular habitat for these and many other species. From the seat of an air boat, the diversity of these pinelands, swamps and estuaries is even more dazzling. Diversity of a different sort is front and center in Miami, a sparkling city that sways to an irresistible Latin tempo. Cuban, Caribbean and South American influences mingle here, along with sun-seeking tourists from all over the world. As part of their distinctive historic legacy, locals point with pride to the oceanfront neighborhood of South Beach, an Art Deco district filled with 800 structures built from the 1920s to the 1940s. With their sleek curves, glass blocks and whimsical touches like portholes, these buildings beside the sea rock a retro glamour. The district is also home to a bevy of restaurants and nightspots, and the nonstop parade of residents and visitors makes for marvelous people-watching. What would the Spanish soldiers of the 1500s make of this scene? It’s hard to guess. But they’d certainly find someone who could speak their language.

Join us WTT will travel to Florida’s Historic Coast in 2017. For more information, visit WomenTraveling.com

Clockwise from top: Alligator swimming in the Everglades; shuttle liftoff, Kennedy Space Center; Miami Art Deco district. photos courtesy Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, MiamiandBeaches.com


hen it comes to celebrating a major milestone—namely, 20 years of helping women fulfill their travel dreams—the venue is all-

important. For our upcoming WTT reunion, we knew the location had to capture the joie de vivre that makes Women Traveling Together so special, and offer a banquet of lively options for sightseeing, strolling and dining, too. That’s why we’ve chosen one of America’s most entrancing cities, New Orleans, as the location for our birthday bash November 2-5, 2017. A perennial on the country’s list of must-see places, New Orleans has reigned as the Queen of the Mississippi for more than 300 years. The city’s spirit is contagious, and its resilience in the face of adversity

is inspiring. Couple that charm with an easy tropical vibe, a spectacular waterfront setting and a rich architectural heritage, and you’ve got all the elements of a great destination. For this gathering, no average accommodation will do, and so we selected Hotel Monteleone, located in the city’s historic French Quarter, as our WTT hub. The Monteleone, designated by the National Register of Historic Places as one of the Historic Hotels of America, has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1886. Elegant, spacious, and located

Where the French Quarter Begins

New Orleans’ Historic Hotel Monteleone to Host WTT’s 20th Birthday Party



within walking distance of many top attractions, it offers style to spare and amenities like 24-hour room service, a spa and a heated rooftop pool. The Monteleone has been a favored destination for the South’s literary greats, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Truman Capote. And, like many a historic hostelry, it even lays claim to tales of ghostly apparitions (some confirmed by the International Society of Paranormal Research). A favorite watering hole for locals and visitors is the hotel’s renowned Carousel Bar overlooking Royal Street. The bar actually revolves, completing a full circle every 15 minutes, and it’s a delightful spot to gather and take in the passing scene or enjoy live music with your Sazerac cocktail. The hotel’s in-house Criollo restaurant features New Orleans’ renowned Creole cuisine, a blending of French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and African influences. By using the Hotel Monteleone as a base, travelers can experience true Big Easy charm. It’s been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of Hotel Monteleone. Step outside and take in all the action of the Quarter, from Bourbon Street to St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, which reflect the city’s European roots. Along the nearby riverfront, you can see the busy port in action and feel the expanse of the mighty Mississippi. Hop aboard the city’s retro trolleys for a look at the Garden District. And if you like history, don’t miss one of most exciting museums in the country, the National World War II Museum. Best of all, the neighborhood surrounding Hotel Monteleone has an abundance of dining options. You’re well-positioned to sample the menus of New Orleans’ endless roster of restaurants: Chickory coffee and beignets at the legendary Cafe du Monde. Oyster po’ boys at the Acme Oyster Bar. Red beans and rice at Emeril’s. With food this delightful, you’ll be hard-pressed to make time for other pursuits. We love New Orleans and Hotel Monteleone, and we know you will, too. Make your pre-reservation now to join WTT for a party—and a city—you’ll never forget.

While in the Carousel Bar

& Lounge, Truman Capote

used to boast he was born in

the Monteleone. He wasn’t.

Though his mother lived at

the historic hotel during her

pregnancy, she made it to

the hospital in time for

Truman’s debut.

Join us Make a pre-registration for WTT’s Celebration in New Orleans November 5-7, 2017, and let the good times roll. For details, visit WomenTraveling.com

Photos & Capote history courtesy of Hotel Monteleone


Delaware You don’t usually associate covered bridges with springtime and Delaware. Originally built to protect the bridge’s structure, covered bridges also provided shelter for pedestrians and kept horses from shying away from the water. Only three authentic covered bridges still remain in Delaware and we were lucky enough to see two of them during our Mid-Atlantic Spring Gardens tour.


South Carolina Founded in 1842, The Citadel in Charleston

is one of six military colleges in the US. This 3,000 pound bronze sculpture that sits near the campus gateway

is a replica of graduates’ rings.

Twice a year, Chinese emperors would visit the Temple of Heaven complex accompanied by hundreds of attendants. In The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a building constructed completely without nails, the emperor prayed for—you guessed it— a good harvest. These travelers visited this magnificent 15th-century complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during the first stop of WTT’s Trans-Siberian Railway tour.

Beijing, China


Egypt The Sphinx, camel rides, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings—our trip to Egypt was a traveler’s dream. And after a day of amazing sightseeing, what could be better than soaking our weary feet in the rooftop pool of our Nile cruise ship?

South Carolina Founded in 1842, The Citadel in Charleston

is one of six military colleges in the US. This 3,000 pound bronze sculpture that sits near the campus gateway

is a replica of graduates’ rings.

Pennsylvania Selected as one of “America’s

Coolest Small Towns” by Budget Travel Magazine, Lititz is home to the Sturgis Pretzel

House—the country’s oldest commercial pretzel bakery. We learned a bit about the history

of pretzels and tried twisting a pretzel ourselves (it’s harder than

you’d think) during our recent tour of Philadelphia and Gettysburg.


New OrleaNs With its well-preserved collection of antebellum mansions, pristine gardens and wrought iron fences, New Orleans’ historic Garden District makes for a delightful stroll on

a spring day.

HawaiiThe shaka sign, meaning “hang loose” or “right on!” is a gesture often associated with Hawaii and surf culture. Our Hawaiian Island tour provided us with countless opportunities to shake the shaka.


GermanyThe East Side Gallery is an international memorial to freedom. It features more than 100 murals along a one-kilometer stretch of the Berlin Wall, the longest segment still standing.

Bandelier National Monument, known for 10,000-year-old cave dwellings, also features spectacular views of the Rio Grande as it winds its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Several travelers ascended a 140-foot ladder and were rewarded with this view.

New Mexico


New York City More than 12 million immigrants passed

through the halls of Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954 in search of a better

life. Today, the descendants of those immigrants account for almost half of all Americans. After falling into disrepair upon closure,

the former immigration station has been restored and is now home to

the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

belize Known as the Tree of Life, the ceiba is one of the largest trees in the American tropics and has played an important role in both the economic and spiritual life of the Mayan people. These massive and magnificent trees can grow over 230 feet tall and live for hundreds of years.

POSTCARDS


2017

MoroCCaN BeautY Exotic and ancient, this land of desert, mountains and cities will entrance you. March 9-18, 2017

• Australia& NewZealand A vast continent, two small islands. Explore the best of Down Under. Jan. 27-Feb. 11, 2017

• Vietnam,Cambodia&Thailand Discover ancient kingdoms, inspiring temples, lush landscapes and tantalizing tastes on this tour to three of Asia’s gems. March 3-17, 2017

• ChinaExploration Explore imperial Beijing, walk along the greatest wall in the world, and pay your respects to the Terracotta warriors in Xi’an. The best of the Middle Kingdom awaits! April 8-22, 2017

• JourneytoBhutan The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is a modern-day Shangri-La. Interact with both rural and urban women to better understand their important role in Bhutanese society. Oct.1-8, 2017

• HighlightsofSpain1& 2 Experience the cultural diversity of this warm and inviting country as we visit several of the most interesting cities and explore the highlights. May 11-21, 2017 & Sept. 28-Oct. 8, 2017

• Portugal1& 2 This is an extension of our Spain tour. Stunning beauty, fascinating architecture, delightful cuisine and warm people make this a jewel of a destination. May 21-25, 2017 & Oct. 8-12, 2017

• London&Paris1&2 Two fabulous capital cities with long and rich histories combine for one unforgettable experience. May 5-13, 2017 & Sept. 7-15, 2017

• Prague,Vienna&Budapest1& 2 Three lovely cities close enough together to visit for one incredible trip; it’s the best of old Europe! May 16-26, 2017 & Sept. 6-16, 2017

• Ireland:TheEmeraldIsle1& 2 A castle stay, the Cliffs of Mohr, Dublin, Galway and more on this special tour. May 16-26, 2017 & July 11-21, 2017

• HighlightsofItaly1,2& 3 Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and Rome await your discovery. Sample the food, travel by train and see the best Italy has to offer. May 17-27, 2017, Sept. 6-16, 2017 & Sept. 13-23, 2017

• SwitzerlandbyRail Spectacular scenery from the carriages of the Swiss train network, with rides on the Golden Pass, the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and the Gornergrat open-air cogwheel trains. May 24-June 2, 2017

• Italy-TuscanyImmersion Experience the culture and history of this region as we spend time exploring the Tuscan way of life more in depth. May 28-June 3, 2017

• Iceland:ActiveSightseeing1& 2 One of our favorite outdoor destinations, Iceland is stunningly beautiful and waiting to be discovered by you. June 22-28, 2017 & June 29-July 5, 2017

• NorwayInDepth Journey through Norway where Mother Nature created vistas of epic proportions. June 26-July 6, 2017

• HighlightsofFrance Travel from Paris to the French Riviera experiencing the unforgettable beauty of medieval towns with cobblestone streets, preserved walls, palaces and gardens. July 5-15, 2017

• Poland:ACulinaryTour Experience the legendary hospitality and culinary traditions of Poland and explore the cultural treasures of this often overlooked destination—truly fascinating and delicious! Aug. 2-13, 2017

• TheBaltics &Russia Medieval beauty makes the Baltics a fascinating off-the-beaten-path destination. From the grandeur of St. Petersburg to the imposing Russian capital of Moscow, you’re in for a real treat. Aug. 23-Sept. 3, 2017

• HighlightsofGreece&Islands Discover Greek history, marvel at classic architecture, explore quaint villages, witness a Mediterranean sunset and soak in Cretan culture. Sept. 3-17, 2017

• HighlightsofScotland If images of bagpipes, castles, tartans and Nessie come to mind, you’ll want to join us for this special trip. Sept. 13-22, 2017

• ParisImmersion Live like a local in the City of Light. Immerse yourself in fabulous Parisian culture and experience the joie de vivre of one of the world’s greatest cities. Sept. 17-23, 2017

travel calendarFor full itineraries & current status of space availability, visit www.womentraveling.com

• CostaRica Your chance to visit one of the world’s most bio-diverse countries, play on the beach, hike a volcano, zip line and so much more. March 2-11, 2017

• Peru&MachuPicchu Discover the rich history of Cusco and uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu, the long-lost city of the Incas nestled high above the Andean clouds. April 22-29, 2017

ASiA & PACiFiC ASiA & PACiFiC

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• YellowstoneinWinter Yellowstone National Park is one of this

country’s most beloved parks and in winter it becomes a truly magical place. Jan. 14-20, 2017

• HawaiianIslandsCruise Let the water be your highway as you cruise from island to island on NCL’s Pride of America, enjoying the view from your balcony cabin. Jan. 28- Feb., 6 2017

• Charleston&Savannah Visit these belles of the South on one lovely trip. March 24-29, 2017

• Florida’sHistoricCoast Explore America’s oldest city and other highlights on this great coastal road trip. March 30-April 5, 2017

• Florida’sKeyWest If you’ve never been to this part of Florida you’re in for a treat: it’s wild, it’s beautiful, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. April 7-13, 2017

• CharlestonHome&Gardens A rare opportunity to step inside the private homes and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences. April 15-20, 2017

• Asheville,NC&Nashville,TN Two great Southern cities with distinctive personalities book-end a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. April 22-28, 2017

• NashvilletoNewOrleans From Nashville to New Orleans, come experience the sounds of country, blues, jazz and rock n’ roll. April 29-May 5, 2017

• Asheville,NC See the Biltmore Estate plus the pristine waterfalls and beautiful mountain vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains and more. April 30-May 5, 2017

• NewOrleanstoSanAntonio Explore New Orleans before road-tripping through the heart of Texas. This is an all-American experience! May 6-15, 2017

• NorthCarolinaOuterBanks North Carolina’s Outer Banks: Migratory birds, playful dolphins and wild Spanish mustangs. May 7-13, 2017

• SantaFe&Taos,NM New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment.” Stunning scenery, delicious cuisine and history galore. May 15-20, 2017

• HeartoftheAmericanSouthwest Visit American Southwest sights that lie outside the national parks. You’re in for an amazing journey! May 23-31, 2017

• HavasuCanyonHiking&Sedona Hike into the amazingly gorgeous Havasu Canyon on this active adventure, then relax in Sedona. June 1-7, 2017

• GrandCanyonNationalPark An awe-inspiring spectacle along with Sedona’s red rock country make this a feast for the senses. June 3-9, 2017

• NationalParksGrandCircleTourThe Grand Circle is a beautiful, vast region that contains America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. June 10-19, 2017

• HikingKingsCanyon&SequoiaNationalParks Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees! June 24-29, 2017

• ChannelIslands&PacificCoastHwy The “American Galapagos,” California’s Channel Islands, plus the Pacific Coast Highway and San Francisco. June 30-July 7, 2017

• SanFrancisco&NapaValley Pair wine country with time in San Francisco for one truly wonderful experience. July 8-13, 2017

• Alaska:OverlandAdventure Alaska has it all: national parks, glaciers, wildlife viewing plus scenery like no other! July 11-20, 2017

• Oregon’sBestIn&AroundPortland The best of Portland and the natural beauty that is within easy reach of this jewel of the Pacific Northwest. July 15-21, 2017

• Seattle&OlympicNationalPark Olympic National Park is renowned for the diversity of its ecosystems as well as its breathtaking vistas and scenery. July 22-28, 2017

• Vancouver,BC:Mountains&theSea From western Canada’s waterfront cities to the snow-capped mountains, this tour has a bit of everything! Aug. 4-10, 2017

• CanadianRockiesbyTrain National Geographic and others have named the Rocky Mountaineer as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips”. Aug. 12-19, 2017

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• GlacierNationalPark Immerse yourself in pristine and dramatic beauty and discover why Glacier National Park is nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent.” Aug. 20-26, 2017

• MackinacIsland&Michigan Discover the best of Michigan—the state and the lake—on this circular tour of the peninsula. One highlight is a visit to Mackinac Island, a place suspended in a simpler era. Aug. 22-28, 2017

• NiagaraFalls&theCanadianSide Our time at Niagara Falls will take in the sights from above, below and behind the falls, including a boat ride. Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2017

• BritishColumbiaYachtCruise Explore waters inaccessible to larger ships, mingle with locals (both the human and wild-and-woolly kind) and create lifelong memories! Sept. 1-9, 2017

• Greenland&Newfoundland ExpeditionCruise Southwest Greenland and Labrador’s wild coast remains gloriously unspoiled. Icebergs, whales, and polar bears, oh my! Sept. 23-October 7, 2017

• YellowstoneNationalPark Our first national park is stunning and full of surprises no matter how many times you visit. Sept. 4-10, 2017

• Montreal&Quebec Visit two cities of French Canada: one metropolitan, one old world, both charmingly European. Sept. 15-21, 2017

• NewEnglandFallSampler1&2 Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine offer scenery, culture and food. Add fall foliage and it’s a spectacle of color. Sept. 22-28, 2017 & Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2017

• AlbuquerqueBalloonFiesta Each day a mass ascension at dawn fills the skies over Albuquerque with hundreds of balloons of all shapes and sizes. Oct. 6-10, 2017

• BigBendNationalPark Travel to one of America’s most remote national parks. Big Bend in southwest Texas is one of the last remaining wild corners of the US. Oct. 16-22, 2017

• PersonalRetreat:ConsciousCreation Retreat from the chaos of life and gain powerful insight and tools that will allow you to focus on the things in life that truly inspire you. You owe yourself this! Oct. 22-26, 2017

• PolarBearsViewing:Canada The polar bear migration has made Churchill famous as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Oct. 23-27, 2017

• SanAntonio An old Spanish flavor, multi-cultural heritage and numerous parks and plazas make it one of America’s most picturesque cities. Oct. 24-29, 2017

• NewOrleansReunion WTT turns 20! Come celebrate with us in one of our favorite US cities. Nov. 2-5, 2017

• NewYorkCity:HolidayMagic Marvel at elaborately decorated store windows, see The Rockettes and explore the neighborhoods of the Big Apple. Dec. 3-7, 2017

• TournamentofRosesParade

Participate in float preparations and watch the parade on New Year’s Day for a special experience. Dec. 28, 2017- Jan. 2, 2018

• WesternCaribbeanCruise Our spacious balcony cabins are perfect for viewing the islands or just watching the ocean. Jan. 27-Feb. 4, 2018

• Quebec’sWinterWonderland When we think of winter, visions of chilly temperatures and blustery snow drifts come to mind. Wintertime in Quebec City will change your mind. Feb. 15-19, 2018

• Cuba:ACulturalExploration Be among the first US citizens to journey to Cuba, rich in history, culture and religion. Feb. 15-25, 2018

• NorwayNorthernLightsCruise See nature’s light show as we cruise the fjords of Norway, revel in its wintry glory and experience the warmth of the Norwegian people. Feb. 23-March 4, 2018

• Hawaii:3IslandTour Explore the islands of Oahu (home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach), Hawaii (the “Big Island,” home to Volcanoes National Park), and Maui (locals say “Maui is the best”). March 1-9, 2018

• RiotoBuenosAires Revel in Rio de Janeiro’s energy, feel the force of water cascading over Iguazu Falls and then relax in refined Buenos Aires on this unforgettable journey. March 14-23, 2018

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• Boston,CapeCod&Newport Our most popular East Coast trip, the tour name only hints at all the places you’ll visit. Sept. 7-13, 2017

• KayakingtheGreenRiver The Green River flows through one of the most scenic canyons on earth where white, yellow, brown and red-hued walls play off the surreal green water, accented by towering buttes. Sept. 11-17, 2017

• MountRushmore&CrazyHorse Beautiful sculpture on a gigantic scale, bison, Badlands National Park—so much to see and do. Sept. 11-17, 2017


partingwords

by WTT Tour Leader Becky Clinton

ave you ever visited a place and wished you’d seen it before it became “commercialized”? Perhaps you’ve stood in the center of a beautiful piazza or ancient Greek ruin and wondered what it would be like without the

throngs of people. In Belize recently, we had the chance to walk where few have gone and had the place primarily to ourselves. The location? Caracol, the most significant Mayan archaeological site in Belize. The drive was long and the roads were rough. As we bumped and bounced along, we thought only about the journey, not the destination. That quickly changed once we beheld the beautiful stone structures nestled amid towering trees and nary a soul in sight. Caracol reached its zenith in the mid-first century when it was home to almost 200,000 people. Once abandoned, the jungle reclaimed the structures, until farmers stumbled upon the ruins in 1937. Archaeologists believe there are 35,000 buildings at the site, only a few of which have been excavated. This remoteness may explain how the sprawling settlement remained hidden for so long. Even today, the tallest man-made structure in Belize is the pyramid of Caana in Caracol. Our small group spent several hours climbing the pyramid, learning the history and “discovering” flora and fauna new to us. We had time to rest and reflect. Coincidentally in that morning’s news, the government announced it would soon pave the road to Caracol, allowing easier access. Progress is a good thing—a paved road will surely be a boon to the Belizean economy—but I’m glad we visited this extraordinary ruin before the masses arrive and experienced having the place almost to ourselves. Remote experiences are undeniably alluring and it’s easier than ever to visit them. But the fact is, if we want to see the world, we are tourists. Just because a place is already popular doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put it on our bucket list. Versailles is not to be missed, for example, just because it’s crowded. But we can choose to visit early or late, when we might share the Hall of Mirrors with just a handful of others. And jam-packed or not, when we find ourselves in an amazing destination, we can thank our lucky stars we have the time and resources to see it. So don’t wait! There will never be a better time to venture out and stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone. Places change and so do we. Find your own oasis or join the crowd—but whichever you choose, choose to see it now.

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