A Lifetime of Trips

There are a few enduring phrases that have become permanently etched in our collective consciousness when we talk about or plan travel to places remote and often exotic. And the one phrase that must surely be at top of anyone’s list is just five words. But oh my, the power of those words: once-in-a-lifetime-trip. I must confess I have always had a big problem with that phrase. And frankly, I hope you do, too. Why? Because it implies one trip, a singular one-time experience. Now maybe it’s just me being too literal, but I think we should all bid adieu to the word “once”. And change the whole thing to read: one-of-my-lifetime-trips. Ahhh…doesn’t that feel so much better? It’s still just five words. But the ‘s’ tacked onto the word trip is huge. It takes the pressure off; it’s not like you and I have to make the perfect choice and that if we don’t we’ll end up regretting it for the rest of our lives. And even if you somehow... Read More →

Of Guides, Artists & Linchpins

“Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient.” - Seth Godin I just finished reading Seth’s latest book, Linchpin – Are you Indispensable? It’s a challenging and  inspiring call-to-arms for each and every one of us to become a linchpin…”the people that invent, lead, connect others, make things happen, create order from chaos, figure out to do when there’s no rule book, and delight their customers and peers. Linchpins love their work, pour their best selves into it and turn each day into a kind of art.” It was when I read the word last word line paragraph above—art—that I thought of guides…the trip leaders who I’ve traveled with that made my journey one that exceeded my expectations, surprised me, delighted me, changed me. Their joy, passion and enthusiasm were immense…and genuine. The best guides are ones who routinely and seemingly without effort are able to elevate their work into an art form. And it made me realize that given an identical itinerary,... Read More →

One World is Enough

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” - Henry Miller I suspect for some of you the words live large probably conjures up McMansions, $800 shoes, lavish yachts and all sorts of other self-indulgent toys and behavior that continue to be celebrated in wretched excess by mainstream media. I think we’re long overdue for a new travel-centric definition of what it means to live large. A definition that embraces sustainability, responsibility and stewardship of our planet. To me, living large (and treading lightly!) means getting out of my comfort zone to deeply appreciate myself and my fellow human beings, and to preserve the richly vibrant flora and fauna that make up our wondrous and fragile planet. It is precisely this belief—along with my love of connecting and inspiring enlightened travelers with the companies and destinations that offer adventure & experiential travel both close to home and to the far corners of the globe—that inspired... Read More →

Kingo’s Ultimate Survival is Pinned on Sustainable Tourism

By Leslie Nevison, Director, Mama Tembo Tours Kingo - photo by Trish Peck Kingo, a 300 pound (140 kilogram) Western lowland gorilla silverback, and his six wives and children, live in the protected rainforest of Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in the northern Republic of Congo near its border with the Central African Republic. Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) began habituating Kingo fifteen years ago. At the time, gorilla research had been restricted to Rwanda’s and Uganda’s mountain gorillas, and very little was known about lowland gorilla behavior in the wild. Compared to their mountain kin, lowland gorillas occupy remote and swampy forests and are hard to find. Wary by nature, they disappear in an instant at the first hint of danger. As unhindered observation is crucial to any wildlife study, habituation is a necessary scientific tool. With Kingo, habituation took ten years. Yet, creating this bond of trust with Kingo leaves him vulnerable to a human... Read More →

Dengue Fever: Fastest Growing Vector Borne Disease?

The map shows worldwide distribution of Dengue Fever. Blue: Areas infested with Aedes aegypti. Red: Areas with Aedes aegypti and recent epidemic dengue fever. WorldNomads.com‘s roving medical expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD discusses Dengue Fever, its symptoms and the preventative measures travelers can take when visiting at risk areas. What is Dengue Fever? A recent article on Medical News Today discussed Dengue Fever as the fastest growing vector borne disease in the world.  Dengue is a viral illness that is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.  This illness, once confined to SE Asia has now become more common in Latin America, Asia, Africa, North America and even Australia.  Dengue, nicknamed “breakbone fever” due to the wracking muscle cramping it causes, has no specific treatment and carries a case fatality rate of 40-50% if left untreated and progresses to the dreaded Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). Dengue fever is a flavavirus that is classified into 4 different... Read More →

Travel Scams 2.0: The Evolution of Deceit

You’ve most likely been warned about pickpockets, drink spiking, and conniving tuk-tuk drivers. However, new and increasingly more creative scams seem to keep popping up on the backpacker trails everywhere. We’ve highlighted some of the latest scammer tricks and trends, and how to handle them safely while they are happening. The Bogus Doctor Scam Relatives of overseas travellers are being contacted by bogus doctors and hospital staff claiming their family member has been injured and asking for money to be sent for medical treatment. In this new scam, relatives are contacted by phone, email or SMS text messages and given contact details of where to send the money that will pay for the treatment of their supposedly injured loved one. In reality, no one is in hospital, the details are their personal accounts – and if you panic and act on their request, you will be out a large sum of money. How to avoid this scam – You should share your insurance policy details with friends... Read More →

If Travelers Are Where Disaster Strikes: Survival Tips from WorldNomads.com

Immediately following the tragedy in Haiti, WorldNomads.com, the travel services company that’s helping travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road, posted information on their Travel Safety Hub on how travelers can safeguard their own health and safety in an earthquake / disaster affected area. If you have access to a working phone or the internet: - Make contact with family, friends & your local embassy and let them know that you’re safe. If you are injured or become ill - Contact your travel insurance 24-hour medical assistance service as soon as possible, they’ll guide you through what to do next. Follow their advice to the letter. - If you’re not covered under a travel insurance policy, seek attention at the nearest medical clinic or ask for directions to your nearest embassy. Beware of the environment: - Avoid downed power lines and disaster-caused hazards. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches. Following a disaster... Read More →

Haiti earthquakes: advice for travelers

CNN.com has reported that officials are fearing more than 100,000 people have died as a result of Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti. The 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday 12th January, centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. It could be felt strongly in eastern Cuba, more than 200 miles away. Safety tips if you are in an affected area If you are injured or Sick? If you are injured or become ill please seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service.  The traveller should recognize that any functioning hospitals and clinics will be busy caring for people who have been injured and/or who are sick. If you are in a region with no operating medical facilities please contact your Medical Assistance Service Immediately. WorldNomads policy holders can find these details on their Certificates of Insurance or see phone numbers at the bottom of this article. Injuries The risk of injury... Read More →

8 Savvy Safety Tips for Less Stressful Holiday Travel

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Survival School Search

Whether you sail, hike or ski, you’ll enjoy nature more by being prepared. When selecting a wilderness-skills course, consider these factors. By Laurel Kallenbach for Experience Life Length and level of training. One- or two-day courses offer an outdoor-preparedness overview, whereas longer courses (four days to three weeks) delve deeper so you can hone real skills. Physical challenge. At minimum, you must be able to hike a few miles a day with a light pack. For rigorous or high-altitude trips, train in advance for several months. Courses that simulate emergency hardships (hunger, thirst, extreme temperatures) require physical and mental prep. Terrain and conditions. Most courses teach skills that focus on deserts, mountains, woodlands or extreme weather conditions. Consider a course that supports your favorite activities (winter safety for skiers, summer survival for backpackers). Cost. Outfitters charge $100 to $200 per day. Budget for extras such as a knife, compass or... Read More →

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