| Welcome to our online newsletter. May it provide you with ideas & inspiration! | |
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Make 2009 a memorable year; take a trip of a lifetime!
Now is the time to take advantage of special offers from camps & lodges and increased availability at key properties, benefit from a stronger US dollar and enjoy fewer crowds.
Get away and do something you'll be talking about for years.
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TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT
 Kenya:
Africa's most well-known and most visited safari destination. For some, its popularity is an immediate deterrent-- but there are reasons why
it is so popular that make it worthy of a visit (or two or three!).
 
The
fabled Masai Mara is a truly spectacular place to encounter wildlife-- albeit,
you won't be the only jeep in sight like the private concessions of Botswana. On a recent scouting trip we were reminded of why this national park stands out
as a premier wildlife destination: the beauty of the open plains, the
quantity and variety of wildlife and the encounters with the Masai people.
We are able to expertly plan your trip, working with you to address the: how, where and when one visits the park so that it's
popularity doesn't detract from your experience. For
those seeking more off the beaten path adventures, Kenya now holds many options for
you. A number of intimate lodges/camps set among stunning landscapes in
private concession areas have been created in recent years. Nature walks,
bush dinners, visiting local communities in a responsible manner, camel
trekking and game drives are just some of the offerings available.
Whether
it is your first time to Africa or a returning
trip, the stunning and varied landscape, the warm and friendly people, the mix
of modern and traditional cultures make this a destination well worth visiting. |
SOJOURNERS' TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
AFRICA HAS THE MAGIC TOUCH WHEN IT COMES TO FAMILY TRAVEL
Captivated by the land, sky and living creatures- families are able to appreciate the amazing moments of an African sojourn together.
 Global Sojourns organized a dream trip for traveler Judy Kerri and her family in celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary. Africa has a special place in her heart and she wanted to share it with her family. Judy, her husband Ken, their two children and spouses and two grandchildren celebrated by visiting Victoria Falls, Ant's Nest, South Africa and Mashatu, Botswana. Her trip stands out as an ideal inspiration for those looking to travel intergenerationally.
Q: Your grandkids (ages 10 and 13) had
little travel experience before this trip. How did you prepare
them and how was it planned around them?
A:
First of all, the idea of going to Africa was so inherently exciting
for them. We showed them past videos of our safaris and immediately
their interest zeroed-in on the animals. That is why we enjoyed Ant's Nest in
South Africa so much; it is especially designed for kids to have an up close look at animals while still being enjoyable for adults. Our grandkids loved knowing that we chose it specially for them. After this introduction, they were good sports for the rest of the trip- for the game drives and the long days that started at 5am
and ended at 10pm.
Q: What is a memory that particularly stands out that your family shared?
A:
The first night stands out-- we were having sundowners at Ant's Nest and it
was just one of those WOW moments where we were all captivated by the sunset. The sky
was just so different in color and atmosphere, so much bigger than
anywhere else- and there we were, right in the middle of it. Perhaps by
sharing that moment together, we all feel a little more connected. It was one of those things where you have to be there to know
the overwhelming feeling.
Q: You returned very pleased from your trip. Can you impart wisdom from your experience for those thinking about a similar trip?
A: Traveling with seven other family members for over two weeks in Africa means you have to be FLEXIBLE. We were all in this experience together, including the inevitable hiccups and unplanned twists (lost luggage). It also helped that we came to an understanding beforehand that everyone was free to do or not do certain activities, rest if they needed and that there would be realistic expectations.
At
first I was worried that most camps in southern Africa had an age
minimum of 12-- but after connecting up with Global Sojourns, they were
able to plan a great trip around our needs using their reliable
ground-operators.
Trips like Judy's is what Global Sojourns specializes in. We have organized many successful family sojourns after getting to know the family and their travel goals-- helping create special memories for a lifetime. If you are thinking about intergenerational family travel, contact us for more info.
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South African Airways just announced a 2 for 1 flight deal if you book by January 31st! What better incentive can you imagine? Now's the time to say yes to Africa!
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SEND IT IN!
Send in your best travel tips for a chance to win an Eagle Creek Flight Companion Bag!
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RESPONSIBLE SOJOURNER
Global Sojourns stands out as a leader and innovator in Traveler's Philanthropy
The Traveler's Philanthropy Conference, held in Arusha, Tanzania in December attracted leaders in the industry from around the world and featured Wangar i Maathi (Nobelaureate) as the keynote speaker. Global Sojourns helped lead a course on how to set up a Traveler's Philanthropy program and also shared our Global Sojourns' Giving Circle model and lessons learned in a workshop.
Our experience, commitment and responsible approach to "giving back" and our unique model of the Global Sojourns' Giving Circle make us stand out as a leader. Not only does GSGC effectively utilize donations from travelers who want to make a difference, but also, it integrates a unique educational component absent from most travel philanthropy.
Thank you to all GSGC members! You're making a difference in the lives of many!
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MISC.
 30 Songs that Capture the Spirit of Travel
The website Brave New Traveler has compiled a list of songs perfect to upload onto your MP3 before traveling, whether real or imaginary.
photo by celinet Check out the list. |
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TRIPS IN THE WORKS
| Where
in the World Would You Like to Go?
While our specialty is
customizing itineraries for our clients, we do offer a few group trips each
year because they are always such great fun.
 Group Trips 2009
Ecuador Adventure: Exploring
the Galapagos Islands and the Andes, February 8th - 20th, 2009:
This trip sold out before it got formally
announced! The good news is that it's a terrific itinerary for family and/or friends. We can set it to your dates and tweak it to your liking. You get to explore
the Galapagos Islands in an active manner and stay in wonderful haciendas in
the Andes that offer beautiful settings and a
variety of activities. You'll also visit the traditional
and scenic city of Cuenca,
see colorful local markets and take in an incredible train ride.
Just
remember that the Galapagos Islands are in
high demand so you want to plan ahead! View the itinerary.
 Giving Circle Trip to Southern Africa, August 2nd - 14th, 2009:
A special opportunity to connect with local people, learn about issues facing
the region and visit projects that the Giving Circle supports. You'll get unique cultural experiences and of course, you'll also get out on safari at one of the best times of year for game viewing. View the itinerary.
Stay Tuned for Trekking in Nepal, Oct 2009!
Customized Trips- A Few Ideas
- Hike the Garden Route in South Africa, meander in the winelands then take in the beauty and vibrancy of Cape Town
- Go riding and hiking in the Andes then explore and kick back in the Amazon
- Get off the beaten path in Kenya with game drives and camel rides then head to the beautiful Virunga mountains in Rwanda and go gorilla trekking
Check out globalsojourns.com for more info.
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JUST FOR FUN
 Did You Know?
(There are no permanent settlements/cities in Antarctica-- so that doesn't count)
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We hope you've enjoyed our newsletter, Off The Beaten Path and that you will share it with friends. May it provide you with travel ideas, stories and tips that inform and inspire.
Priscilla Macy
Global Sojourns
Global Sojourns customizes itineraries for individuals and small groups to Africa and around the globe. Through a commitment to responsible tourism and relationships with local experts, we provide you with trips that balance outdoor adventures with cultural insights and authentic interactions with local people. We are passionate about our work and providing you with fun, meaningful and memorable travel experiences.
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