3 January 2008
10 Fresh Start Getaways for 2008
Posted by Debo Hobo under: International-Destinations; Travel-General; US-Destinations; Vacations .
Academic excursions
Southeast Asia Stanford University’s Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Suitcase Seminar, led by a former Stanford art history professor, includes tours of the Forbidden City in Hue and Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang. The 20-day trip is immersive, featuring traditional welcoming ceremonies, water-puppet performances, and visits to monasteries and the Phnom Penh university. Dec. 28-Jan. 16 and Feb. 15-Mar. 5; from $7,765, which includes visas and airfare from San Francisco or L.A.; stanfordalumni.org
The Nile: Smithsonian Journeys’ Splendors of the Nile is a 12-day excursion that includes a stunning visit to the Pyramids of Giza. A Smithsonian Egyptologist brings to life the region’s religion, art, and recent archaeological discoveries. Four nights are spent in hotels in Cairo and Luxor, four on the Mirage II ship cruising the Nile, and the last at Aswan’s Elephantine Island Resort. Various departures Jan.-Apr. and Sept.-Nov.; from $1,849, based on double occupancy; smithsonianjourneys.org-Image credit: Schutz School
Mountain highs
Ecuador: Mountain Travel Sobek’s Volcanoes of Ecuador is an 11-day trip for adventurers who want a tough but stunningly beautiful above-the-clouds challenge. After an altitude-adjusting first day in Quito, the group climbs three snow-capped volcanoes (including Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world), with ample recovery time between ascents. Highlights along the way include soaking in hot springs and marveling at glaciers. Travelers stay in charming haciendas, lodges, and mountain refuges. Jan. 4-14; $3,295; mtsobek.com
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: G.A.P. Adventures’ Kilimanjaro Trek follows the Marangu Route to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. The physically challenging trip lasts seven days, with a gradual ascent assisted by local guides. The payoff, after trekking through thick rain forest and alpine zones, is a view of the world from 19,340 feet. Accommodations are in comfortable and scenic mountain huts, most of which have running water. $1,120; gapadventures.com-Image credit: Common Dreams
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These trips sound amazing. I have been to all the countries listed except Ecuador, so I better get on my hiking boots (don’t I wish!)
Maryam-I wish too, there are so many exotic destinations I want to visit. Thanks for stopping by again and Happy Travels
Mt. Kili looks so much like Mt. Fuji! That Mt. looks like a good water source for Africans since the snow that melts at the top becomes water.
That is one sweet pic of Mt. Kilimanjaro! Taken on one clear day…