By Kim Bercaw

They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But before you take that step, there’s nothing like a good travel memoir to jumpstart your spirit of adventure. Since there are countless tomes to choose from, I’ve decided to save you some work and list some good options here. And by continent, to boot! Whether you’ve already booked your trip, or are just dreaming of doing so, perusing any of the volumes below constitutes quiet time well spent. With the hope of including something exciting for a broad range of tastes, I’ve included everything from light, refreshing reads to prose-y, literary masterpieces. You’ll find lots of classics, as well as a few lesser-known surprises.

AFRICA

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad— Considered by many to be Conrad’s finest work, this dark allegory chronicles the author’s travels up the Congo River in an effort to encounter (and commune with) the region’s lawless inhabitants.

Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles— A deep tale of survival and spiritual growth in North Africa’s Sahara desert, enhanced by vivid place descriptions and an exploration of the limits of humanity.

Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux— This book chronicles an amusing journey from Cairo to Cape Town and all the places in between. It’s another exceptional read from one of the planet’s most beloved travel writers.

ANTARCTICA

The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition by Caroline Alexander-– The granddaddy of adventure novels, this book recounts an historic attempt to cross the Antarctic on foot. This is one of history’s most dramatic survival stories.

Skating to Antarctica by Jenny Diski– After spending some time in a mental hospital, the Antarctica-obsessed author decides to fulfill a lifelong goal of visiting the continent of her dreams. A humorous account of obsessions and realizations of which we can all relate.

ASIA

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie— A touching tale of two young boys who were taken from their homes and sent to the mountains for “re-education” during China’s Cultural Revolution. It paints a clear picture of some of the key cultural clashes between China and the West, then and now.

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie— When 1,001 children are born at 12:00 a.m. on August 15, 1947 in India, they are known as “midnight’s children,” and they are forever linked to one another and their country. Though technically a work of fiction, the novel really shines as a travel narrative, where readers are culturally enlightened by Rushdie’s brilliant descriptiveness.

Sandstorms: Days and Nights in Arabia by Peter Theroux–   As it turns out, Paul’s brother also possesses the travel writing gene. This book is a thoughtful study of Saudi culture that begins with a riveting search for a vanished Lebanese imam.

AUSTRALIA

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson— The Land Down Under harbors more lethal wildlife than any other place on earth. But that doesn’t deter seasoned travel writer Bill Bryson from plunging headfirst into the culture. The result is an infectiously humorous and engaging tale.

The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin– Centered around a walkabout in the Outback, this artfully conceived narrative draws comparisons between human cultural evolution and traditional Aboriginal songlines.

EUROPE

Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway— Perhaps the most celebrated book about bullfighting ever written, this story presents Spain’s national institution as a mixture of art, athleticism, technical skill and intense grace under pressure. Intriguing to friends and foes of bullfighting alike.

Heidi’s Alp: One Family’s Search for Storybook Europe by Christina Hardyment– The author and her four daughters set out on an epic, 4,000 mile road trip in search of the landscapes of their favorite fairy tales.

Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History by Robert D. Kaplan— A gripping travelogue that sheds light on the Balkans, both past and present, along with the ethnic clashes and political volatility that has shaped these nations.

NORTH AMERICA

Chasing Monarchs: Migrating with the Butterflies of Passage by Robert Michael Pyle— Trailing these faithful flyers from their breeding ground in British Columbia to the Mexican border and beyond, the author embarks on an adventurous, highly informative journey that renews his passion for life.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac— Perhaps the quintessential American road trip tale, it’s a must-read for anyone with a desire to experience one of the most significant, brilliantly crafted artifacts of contemporary literature.

Into the Wild by John Krakauer– A well-to-do young man gives away all his worldly possessions, hitchhikes to Alaska and walks into the wilderness in an effort to invent a more deliberate existence for himself. Krakauer expertly weaves together the details of the man’s life, death and the mysterious events that led up to it.

SOUTH AMERICA

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin— Who would have known a sloth skin of his grandmother’s would inspire a life-changing journey through Chile to the “uttermost part of the earth”? A colorfully written, oddly delightful masterpiece.

In Trouble Again by Redmond O’Hanlon 1988— Deep in the Amazon, down uncharted rivers in a dugout canoe, the author tries and succeeds to locate one of the most violent tribes of natives on the continent in an effort to “party” with them. Strangely fascinating.

Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa—A photographic pilgrimage along the entire length of the Andes with an acclaimed Ecuadorian photographer providing the visuals.

Hopefully these stories will keep you busy for a while. And while you’re reading, why not ask a Travel Beyond consultant to plan your next trip? I’m sure he or she will be happy to help.

Looking for more general information on Victoria Falls? Read more about Victoria Falls or learn about planning a visit to Victoria Falls.

When planning the logistical sequence of your trip, when to visit The Falls is a critical decision. Many brochure tours (often large group tours) that people find on the Internet start or end at The Falls and include extensions from there. While this is one option to consider (and there are instances when this makes the most sense), a custom-designed trip or private safari will afford you the opportunity to plan a travel sequence that makes sense for you when considering a variety of factors.

During our 38 years in business we have sent thousands of guests on safari. Historically, the vast majority of our guests spend 6 to 12 days at safari lodges (12-24 morning and evening game drives or safari activities). Based on years of customer feedback and personal experience, the vast majority of our customers find that 6-12 days on safari is ideal. Your consultant at Travel Beyond will happily help you decide. The number of days on safari can often be increased and enjoyed if the safari days are broken up by time spent enjoying non-safari activities, such as a visit to Victoria Falls. Timing a visit to The Falls in the middle of your itinerary would allow for a safari experience that combines multiple countries such as Botswana and Zimbabwe, Kruger Area (South Africa) and Botswana or Botswana and Zambia because Victoria Falls is geographically located where convenient commercial flights or light aircraft flights connect these countries.

One reason we may suggest visiting The Falls at the beginning of your trip is if you are traveling during the peak season (July, August or December during the holidays) Why? Because flights can be problematic due to the high number of travelers and resulting delays that tend to occur during these peak times. Visiting The Falls at the beginning of your trip allows up to two days of buffering should you experience airline delays. When planes are full during the peak seasons, a hurricane on the East Coast, a blizzard in London, or some other unforeseen event could cause you to arrive late. By having two days upfront at The Falls you minimize the chance of missing vital safari days.

Going to Victoria Falls at the end of your trip is often suggested by Travel Beyond if you are not traveling during peak season or if you are on safari in Zimbabwe, Zambia, or Botswana and flying back to the United States at the end of the trip. It can make for a very long and tiring commute (more than 30 hours) to wake up in Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia on Safari at 5:30 AM, participate in a morning game drive, transfer by light aircraft to a commercial airport, fly on a commercial flight to Johannesburg and then fly back to the United States that evening! Our clients often find it is more restful to wake up at a luxury hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia on their last day where they can shower, eat a nice breakfast, pack, relax and transfer to the airport before their flight home.

Accessing Victoria Falls from within Africa

Because of their geographic proximity, Victoria Falls makes a very natural beginning or ending to a safari in Zambia, Zimbabwe or Botswana. When it comes to logistics, Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe is the closest international airport to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Hwange National Park is a Travel Beyond favorite. With the exception of the Kasane, International Airport (BBK) in Botswana, VFA is also the closest international airport to Chobe National Park, Botswana. The Livingstone International Airport (LVI) in Zambia is also two hours from the Chobe and is relatively convenient if you are on safari in Lower Zambezi National Park or Kafue National Park (both in Zambia). For any other safari destination such as South Africa or Kenya, the Falls is a relatively costly side-trip.

From Johannesburg, South Africa:

• Twice daily flights from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe
• Twice daily flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia on South African Airways and British Airways.
• South African Airways Airlink flight from JNB to Kasane (BBK) (Kasane is in Botswana 60 miles from Victoria Falls).

From Nelspruit, South Africa (Kruger National Park):

• South African Airways Airlink flight from Nelspruit International Airport (MQP) to LVI (several flight times available per week). The major drawback of this flight is you must abbreviate or skip your entire morning game drive in South Africa on the day you leave for Livingstone, Zambia. If going in the opposite direction from Victoria Falls to the Kruger National Park area you will likely miss your afternoon game drive on the day of arrival.

From East Africa:

• Kenya Airways flight to Victoria Falls. Due to the distance and the logistics involved, very few guests choose to visit Victoria Falls as a stand-alone side trip from an East Africa safari. However, it could make sense to visit The Falls if you are combining East Africa and Southern Africa on an epic journey or linking East Africa with Cape Town. In this case, a trip to Victoria Falls fits.

International Access to The Falls

There are many options for getting directly to The Falls from the United States. The most common options we recommend to our clients are summarized here and often depend on our customer’s airline allegiance/frequent flyer program.

Sky Team Alliance (Delta, KLM, Air France):

• Overnight flight USA-Amsterdam (AMS) on Delta/KLM.
• Day flight from AMS-JNB or AMS-Lusaka, Zambia LUN on KLM.
• Overnight in JNB or LUN on arrival.
• Morning flight JNB-LVI/VFA on South African Airways (SAA) or British Airways (BA)
• OR Morning flight LUN-LVI on Proflight.

*Flights work the same in the opposite direction but with no overnight required.

One World Alliance (British Airways, American Airlines):

• Overnight flight from USA-London (LHR) on American Airlines (AA) or BA
• Overnight flight LHR-JNB or LHR-LUN on BA.
• Morning flight JNB-LVI/VFA on BA
• OR Morning flight LUN-LVI on ProFlight.

*Flights work the same in the opposite direction but with no overnight required.

Star Alliance (option 1) (United, US Air, South African Airways):

• Overnight from New York (JFK)–JNB–LVI/VFA. Flight leaves JFK late in the morning.

*Flights work the same in the opposite direction but with no overnight required.

Star Alliance (option 2):

• Overnight flight Washington DC Dulles (IAD)–JNB.
• Overnight in JNB on arrival.
• JNB-LVI/VFA on South African Airways.

*Flights work the same in the opposite direction but with no overnight required.

There are many other options that we can present to you on the phone or in person during your consultation. Travel Beyond has a full service air department and prefers to book your entire trip door-to-door from your home for convenience and also to control all the factors of your trip, which allows us to provide the best service. Many of our clients live in Western Europe, Russia or Australia. We can easily help you choose and book the best flights for your particular trip.

We always say the small things make a world of difference when planning a safari. Our consultants will happily guide you in choosing if a visit to Victoria Falls should be included with your safari. Thanks for considering Travel Beyond!

Looking for more general information on Victoria Falls? Read more about Victoria Falls or learn about planning a visit to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls (often simply called The Falls) is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and the tallest waterfall in Africa. Of all the non-safari activities in Africa that typical first-time visitors will inquire about, a trip to The Falls is on top of the list. Along with the Nile River, Sahara Desert, the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls is one of the best-known geographic features in Africa.

Forming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Zambezi River’s 108-meter waterfall is a popular destination for travelers to Southern Africa. Explore the majestic falls on a footbridge close enough to be drenched by the warm mist or from an aerial viewpoint on a helicopter tour. The breathtaking waterfall, considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world, is certainly worth a visit if it fits into your safari plans.

Decisions about the Falls

Once you decide to go to Victoria Falls your next decisions are (1) which side (Zimbabwe or Zambia), (2) how long to stay, and (3) where to stay.

Which Side

First, it is important to note that no matter which side you choose, it is easy to visit the other because it is a short (less than one hour) walk between them.

If you are on safari in Zimbabwe or Zambia, we suggest you choose the same country for your visit to The Falls. By choosing the same country you can save money on visa fees and logistics. You will likely save transfer time as well. If your safari plans include a visit to Botswana, the “which side” decision may come down to your travel goals when considering logistics, cost and entry requirements for Zambia or Zimbabwe. Your Travel Beyond consultant will discuss these considerations with you during a trip consultation.

Zimbabwe

It is not uncommon for our clients to express some fear when we suggest visiting the Zimbabwe side of The Falls. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe does get more than its fair share of negative press coverage. In reality, the destinations we send our clients are far removed from any of the political centers where unrest has occurred. Advising someone to not visit Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe would be the equivalent of telling someone to not visit Yellowstone because of violence in Los Angeles.

Zimbabwe is one of Travel Beyond’s favorite safari destinations and one of the most surprising places we send our clients. They simply love it! If you follow our owner Craig Beal on Trip Advisor or other forums he has often described Zimbabwe as the best value for money in all of Africa. For the past three years, Craig has been the only person on Travel + Leisure’s annual A-List of the World’s best Travel Agents specifically listed as an expert on Zimbabwe.

The town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is best described as a resort town. It is safe to walk around and enjoy modern restaurants, four- and five-star hotels, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and plenty of activities. The Zimbabwean people are also very warm and friendly, albeit a bit eager to sell their wares at times.

Zambia

Another factor that may influence the “which side” decision is the time of year. The Falls can often be completely dry on the Zambia side from late August until December based on historical weather patterns. Even if the Falls are dry on the Zambia side you can still see water flowing on the Zimbabwe side from the Zambia side, however, the experience is different. Your Travel Beyond consultant will advise you on the pros and cons of each side give the time of year of your visit.

There is one unique experience which can only be had when visiting the Zambia side during the dry season: a visit to Devils Pool. Devil’s Pool is one of the most unique natural attractions The Falls has to offer. If you dare to swim in Devil’s Pool, a guide can hold your legs while you hang over the edge of The Falls!

The final consideration in determining on which side of The Falls to stay is wildlife viewing. Many of our clients are trying to complete a Big Five Safari (elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion) in Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia during their trip. While on safari in these countries, it can be difficult to see rhino. It is possible (although not guaranteed) to see rhino in Livingstone, Zambia, making a visit to the Zambia side ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. There are several rhino in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which is 10 miles upstream from The Falls in Zambia. The rhino here are in the wild but they are closely monitored by anti-poaching paramilitary forces.

Game drives to see these rhino are included in the rates at some of our favorite properties on the Zambia side. Game drives can also be purchased as an activity from the concierge desk when staying at most other properties in the area.

As a general rule, you won’t see rhino in the wild anywhere else in Zambia; however, there is a small chance you will see them in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. In Botswana, there is also a small possibility to see rhino during a stay at Mombo Camp and a much smaller chance to see them anywhere else in Northern Botswana. If it is the Big Five you are after, a stay in Livingstone, Zambia instead of Zimbabwe may be the best option!

How long to stay

Deciding how many nights to stay depends on your interests, budget, and overall travel plans. If your lifetime travel bucket list includes visiting Victoria Falls and you are simply “checking it off the list,” then one night may be enough. Otherwise, there are plenty of activities available to warrant a 2-3 night visit, including a sunset cruise, helicopter ride, zip lining and bungee jumping.

More commonly, our clients stay for two nights and visit The Falls in the middle of their full day. Tours of The Falls can be scheduled with a private guide, group or you can visit on your own. If you choose to book a guide, you can do so ahead of time with Travel Beyond or on arrival at the concierge desk at your hotel or resort.

Where to stay

Our consultants hold salaried positions and do not earn commission on sales. We contract directly or through local consolidators with every accommodation option rated four-star and above on both sides of The Falls. Therefore, our recommendations are biased only by our consultant’s personal experiences and the information they learn about you during your consultation(s). It is important to share as much as you can about your previous travels, likes, dislikes, budget and travel style with your consultant so he or she can help you decide. There are too many accommodation options to discuss in this post. One reason to consider an option away from The Falls is because of the tourist helicopter noise. This can often be heard mid-day when staying at the hotels that are in close proximity to The Falls.

Read more about visiting Victoria Falls or learn about the logistics of adding a trip to Victoria Falls to your safari.

By Kim Bercaw

Jet lag and I made our first acquaintance when I traveled to Australia for a Journalism study abroad internship back in 1994. Since I had earned my very first passport stamp on the trip over, I took a seemingly logical approach to time zone adjustment: I made like a wombat for the first week, sleeping my days away and waking only to forage for nourishment at nightfall. (Read: Battered cod and Tim Tams® washed down with sips of Victoria Bitter®.) Eventually my curiosity overcame my need for slumber and I began exploring my new environs by day. I was proud to have completely adapted to the flip-flopped clock by the time I ran out of clean clothing. Most travellers, however, don’t have the luxury of a multi-day grace period when it comes to adjusting to a new time zone. Hence this blog post.

While there’s no amount of preparation that can alleviate jet lag completely, enlisting a few of the ideas below can help minimize your chances of, say, drooling in your yak milk next time you speed off to Nepal for a long weekend.

Rest up before departure: Travel itself can be a huge energy zapper, so get a jump on the inevitable by getting plenty of extra shut-eye before you leave. A good rule is to allow yourself at least two solid, uninterrupted nights of sleep before you fly. If it’s realistic, you can also try to go to bed an hour earlier than usual or sleep in an extra hour in the morning, depending on which direction you’ll be traveling. (Example: Go to bed early when traveling east, wake up late when traveling west.) Travel prep can make life hectic, so stand firm when it comes to avoiding unnecessary obligations prior to departure. As a side benefit, departing fully charged can also help your body’s immune system stave off travel-related illnesses.

Bring along a few in-flight comforts: Sleeping en route can be challenging for most people, but this type of sleep can be crucial for jet lag recovery, especially if you’re on a long haul flight. It helps to bring along a few familiar items to help you rest. A pillow is especially handy if you’re willing to tote it. Slippers or loose fitting, comfortable shoes can also help you feel at home in the sky. I always bring along a 30 X 80-inch cashmere wrap when I travel, which does triple duty as a pillow, a jacket and a cozy blanket. (Cashmere is compact and lightweight, yet warm and durable.) And if you normally read or have a cup of tea before bed, doing the same in flight can sometimes trick your body into settling down. (Be sure the tea is decaffeinated. Chamomile tea is a good choice since it is said to have calming properties.)

Don’t overlook the possibility of meds: Though I harbor a general aversion to anything stronger than baby aspirin, my own online research suggests that Ambien (by prescription only) and melatonin (widely available over the counter in the U.S., illegal in some parts of Europe) are currently very popular with many a weary globetrotter. When used properly, Ambien can make the transition to a new time zone much more bearable by giving your body a little extra nudge to sleep soundly. It’s commonly used en route and/or for the first few nights at your destination. Melatonin is an herbal remedy that seems to accomplish the same goal. Note: If you decide to try a sleep aid for the first time, I highly recommend a test run prior to your travels.

When you get there, stay awake: This is arguably the most important bit of advice a person can follow. Staying up until 8 or 9 p.m. local time can sometimes be downright painful, but if you can manage it, and THEN get a good night’s sleep, you’ll awaken the next morning with a huge advantage in the energy department.

Go for a run and salute the sun: Our circadian rhythms respond to light, so what better way to break the time zone news to your body than by spending some time in the sun? For best results, do this while walking or running. (Studies show exercise helps equalize cortisol levels, which can spike up when you travel and exacerbate sleep disturbances.)

It also helps to remember that even the most stubborn case of jet lag has little chance against the incredible sights and sounds of an exciting new destination. Please consider contacting one of our Travel Beyond consultants to help you choose a spot where you can test this theory.

Two of my specialties at Travel Beyond are Italy and France. I recently had the oh-so-awful task of spending a month exploring some areas in each country. Tough job, right? I wanted to share with you a bit about my travels:

My first stop was Venice, Italy. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightfully so. Venice is comprised of 118 islands connected by a maze of canals, and people get around on foot or by water. (Side story: If on foot, I suggest you get a really, really good map. I pride myself on my directional skills, however I got so lost one morning while on a run that I almost cried. Almost. Especially when I almost got hit by a car, which is interesting because there are not cars on Venice Island, so where I was exactly, I’ll never know… It didn’t help that when I finally got up the guts to ask for help, the nice lady didn’t speak English! Cue the tears…) I had just two days in Venice to explore, which is a perfect amount. I arranged for a private guide to really help me make the most of my time there. Now I am not a museum-goer or all that interested in churches, but I absolutely loved St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace. Learning how and why the church was built and the history of the Venetian Government fascinated me. I recommend dedicating some time to each attraction, both of which sit right off of the Piazza San Marco. I spent the remainder of my time wandering the twisting streets, popping in and out of shops and seeing a few of the other sights Venice has to offer before I departed.

To be honest, I didn’t love Venice, I thought it was too touristy. I get why people want to go there, I really do, however it wasn’t my favorite stop in Italy. Florence was. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world (according to Forbes) and the capital of the famous Tuscany region. Anyone travelling through Italy should make a two or three night stop in this city. Florence has so much history that it’s hard to sum it up into one little paragraph! It was the center for medieval European trade and one of the richest cities at the time, something that you can still see to this day. Florence houses so much art that it can be overwhelming. I recommend breaking it up into two days with one museum each morning and afternoons spent wandering the cobbled streets. My guide took me on a craftsman type tour where we visited the old–but still very much in use–workshops of tradesmen. We saw clock makers, watch fixers, cobblers, fabric makers, etc. It was really a fascinating tour and something that I find so atypical to normal city tours. These men and women have been taught these trades passed down from generation to generation and really rely on their neighborhood residents to utilize them. It is a dying art as most of the current tradesmen’s children go to college these days and work in finance and marketing and computers and don’t want to learn the family skill. It’s quite sad that all of this is fading out, however this tour was just so neat as it really gave a glimpse into the real lives of local residents and sort of took you back in time. I think a tour like this is a great addition to the standard tours of the typical sights. Also, my guide taught me how to spot real and authentic gelato which proved to be quite a problem for me for the rest of my trip. I had to stop at every authentic shop I passed to taste test! I now have a list of the best!

On to Rome! Rome is a city that blows me away every time I visit. The place is just SO OLD! Everything is thousands and thousands of years old, and I have the hardest time wrapping my head around it! We stayed at a great little hotel near the Plaza Barberini. Having a private guide really allows you to learn more about the aspects that are of interests to you and make the most of your time in Rome. I met my private guide early in the morning and we set off on foot to cover a few of the sights; the Colosseum, the Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, etc. etc. etc! While I love to walk and prefer walking tours to driving tours, Rome can be tough to cover on foot in a day, in fact nearly impossible. I recommend two days of tours to really make use of your time in Rome because there is so much to see. Also, a private guide is a must. There is an endless amount of history and so many stories and details that you really can’t get from a book; only native guides really hold these anecdotes. I spent my late afternoons and evenings wandering aimlessly, without a map, popping in and out of shops and cafes, trying to get a feel for local life. Another must do!

From Italy I popped over to France, a country with which I am obsessed. (Note to the boss man- if you ever need an office on the ground over there, I volunteer.) My first stop was Paris. I have spent a lot of time in Paris and have never been bored for a second. One of the first things I did this time was a bike tour with a small group. I had reservations about it because I don’t like to tour with other people very often, but the group was 15 passengers max and traveling in this group made me feel a whole lot safer as we cruised the streets in a pack. The guide was adorable and spoke perfect English. We rode at a leisurely pace for about 4 hours, stopping along the way at monuments, government buildings, and other historical sites. It was a great way to stretch my legs and get some exercise while traveling. (Something has to combat all that gelato!) The following day I did a really neat walking tour with a private guide for about 3 hours in the Montmartre neighborhood. I learned all about the artists who called this area home and what life was like for them in the early 1900s. Along the way, we took little breaks at three different cafes for a wine tasting and snacks. It was one of my favorite tours that I have been on anywhere in the world. And not just because French wine tasting pours are a full glass…

On to Megeve! Megeve is a popular little ski town near Mt. Blanc. The scenery is amazing, and I hear the skiing is as well. I personally can’t wait to visit in the summer months to do some hiking. If you go to, stay at the Ferme de Mairie, one of the best properties in the area. The atmosphere is amazing with little nooks all over, full of comfy chairs, games, books and fireplaces. The town itself is charming with lots of shops and restaurants. You can walk right into town from the Ferme and take a sleigh ride home!

Lyon is located a few hours southwest of Megeve. Lyon is the gastronomical center of France, so if you are a foodie, even just a little, you need to go to Lyon and eat! Lyon is the second largest city in France so it’s big and offers a lot! The Rhône and Saône rivers converge to the south of the historic city center, forming a peninsula or “Presqu’île”. There are two large hills, one to the west and one to the north of the city centre, as well as a large plain which sprawls eastward. West of the Presqu’île, the original medieval city (Vieux Lyon) was built on the west bank of the Saône river at the foot of the Fourvière hill. This area, along with portions of the Presqu’île and much of the Croix-Rousse is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both Vieux Lyon and the slopes of Croix-Rousse are known for their narrow passageways (named traboules) that pass through buildings and link streets on either side. The first examples of traboules are thought to have been built in Lyon in the 4th century. The traboules allowed the inhabitants to get from their homes to the Saône River quickly and allowed the silk workers on the Croix-Rousse hill to get quickly from their workshops to the textile merchants at the foot of the hill. There is a wonderful walking tour of Lyon that showcases these traboules as well as the some of the more historical sites. Lyon is a great base for exploring the Burgundy and Rhone wine regions.

The second-to-last stop on my trip was Provence. This is an area made famous in part by the iconic lavender fields and amazing wines, not to mention charming little villages and beautiful scenery. I based myself in Avignon for three nights and explored the area from there. Avignon itself is such a cool city. It has a walled-in old village with winding cobbled streets and small squares surrounded by cafes. The famous Pont Saint-Bénezet (“on the bridge of Avignon…”) and the Palais du Papes (one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. One time fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century) are two of the most well-known attractions in Avignon. The next day, I took a private village and wine tasting tour. A comfortable little minivan picked me up at my hotel at 9:30 am, and we were off! We visited Roussillon, famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs and unusual natural landscape and Orange, where one of Europe’s best preserved Roman theatres sits built into the side of hill. (Side note: I found this as neat, if not neater than the Roman Colosseum. We stopped in many other little towns along the way, and it made for a delightful day! One of my favorite days in my month-long travels.)

The next day was quite an adventure for me. I made my own way to Nice-just me and my trusty rental car (a large diesel powered minivan with a French speaking GPS). Hilarity ensued. At least it would have had I not been by myself… By major highway, the trip is about 2 hours. My version was about 6. I took all back roads through the Verdon National Park. It was beautiful. I could see the small Alps in the distance as I made my way through village after village, all of which were situated within the confines of the park. At one point I was on the edge of the Grand Canyon du Verdon (Google it. it’s awesome). I know France is beautiful, but I had no idea this existed. One of the highlights of the drive was a cute little town called Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, or simply Moustiers. It lies on the western edge of the Gorges du Verdon. The village has long been a center of the pottery trade. Moustiers clings a hundred or so metres up the side of a limestone cliff. A spring flows out of the cliff, creating a waterfall that runs through the center of town. It was a great place to stop for a quick lunch before I continued on.

I arrived in Nice at about 5:00 pm. I dropped of my rental car and switched to my running shoes. The Promenade des Anglais is an amazing, extremely wide sidewalk that runs for several miles along the Mediterranean Coast. I was shocked by the number of people out and about on this promenade on a Sunday night in December. It made for some excellent people watching! Nice is a great city with a lot to do other than lie on the beach. It is a great base for exploring other cities along the Cote D ’Azure such as Cannes, Monte Carlo and Juan Les Pins. The area is full of great shopping, dining and fabulous hotels and is a great destination year-round.

After about a month of traveling in Italy and France I was excited to head home but also very sad to leave (France especially.) These countries have so much to offer every sort of person with every sort of interest from food to fashion, history to wine, art to active adventures; the options are endless. Both countries are must-see destinations!

You call it Africa – I call it home & home is always where the heart remains!

Written by Travel Beyond consultant Marguerite Smit about her trip to South Africa and Botswana

After a long flight from the US nothing could be more inviting than a relaxing oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle known as Sandton – the shopping mecca of Johannesburg. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel is conveniently situated in the suburb of Morningside manor with easy access to the luxurious Gautrain – a quick 10 min. ride from the airport.

The property boasts a total of 40 uniquely decorated luxury suites, a conference center, a fully equipped gym and a mesmerizing Balinese Spa! An a la carte restaurant is available to ensure a tantalizing full range 5* menu and the owners, John and Anna Thacker live on the beautiful estate originally bought from the Little Benthurst Trust of Oppenheimer fame, keeping that personal attention in tact while you visit. John and Anna invited me for a delightful breakfast every morning –indulging me with a traditional South African hot porridge known as “pap” after waking up to the wonderful sound of birds serenading the sunrise. I could not think of a more delightful property in a tranquil setting with easy access to anything your heart desires while staying in Johannesburg. The suites are spacious, private and set in what feels like a forest preserve with huge trees and prolific bird-life. I highly recommend Fairlawns boutique hotel!

After a quick 10 min. ride on the Gautrain, I checked in for my flight to Polokwane airport. Upon arrival I was met by Copper Sun Tours and Transfers for my scheduled 2-hour road transfer to Mashatu Main Camp in Botswana. Family owned, this transfer company stands out from the rest -  Father and Son transferred me on separate occasions, both being so informative about South African history, regions, routings and generally delightful to travel with! Copper Sun assisted me with border formalities and I was on my way to Mashatu via cable car across the Limpopo river… Soon to loose my heart on the other side

Upon arrival at Mashatu Main Camp, my host Bobson warmly welcomed me. My guide Bashi and trekker Goms would take very good care of me during my stay at camp, impressing me with their knowledge, insightfulness and respect for wildlife daily! Bashi is by far the most respectful driver/guide I have ever met in all my years of safari travel – the vehicle really is an extension of Bashi, a true asset to the company! I had the pleasure of spending some time with the mountain biking expert on staff as well as enjoying a morning in the Elephant hide with Mike, the resident photographer. Mike will assist you with getting to know the ins and outs of your camera if you are a novice and engaging you in brilliant angles if you are a professional. Mashatu has so much to offer for the active traveler, Ballamy is a great walking guide if you are interested in walking options, mountain biking excursions and riding along with the research team are all on the menu at Mashatu. Botswana has always held a very special place in my heart – Mashatu has definitely contributed in solidifying that bond!

I had the pleasure of visiting Mashatu Tented Camp where the Children in the Wilderness program was hosting local children from Botswana. It’s a wonderful program we contribute to annually – staff teach local children from villages around Botswana the importance of wildlife conservation. On this particular day, Elephant education was the hit of the day, keeping children mesmerized with the creative way of getting the message across, a true blessing to experience.

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is located in the Tuli block and offer fantastic horseback safaris in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve. They offer various Big 5 safaris from 4 nights to 7 nights! Please note that this is not a safari for the inexperience rider – your skills will be tested! Guests must ride regularly (at least once or twice a week) and be very comfortable with a canter & gallop as well as being able to do small jumps. Their safety regulations are very strict testing riders skill level before allowing you on safari – Western riders, you will need to prove your skills in the saddle! Their horses are English schooled; Western riders are strongly advised to have at least one lesson in English style prior to arrival.  They do have a max weight limit of 95kg or 210 lbs. I was very impressed with the rider tests they have in place and pleased to say that if you are not on par with their skill set, they will offer an alternative game drive option, walking or cycling – always making sure your safety is their nr.1 priority. They have a stable of 35 well cared for horses of various breeds. Two experienced professional guides conduct all rides; the lead guide is armed with a riffle and a bullwhip. All management staff and guides do regular first aid training with a specialized Doctor for remote areas. The lead guide has a local phone and a satellite phone & radio for use in emergencies. If you are an experienced rider – this option is fantastic!

My next stop, Rattrays on MalaMala. A true glimpse into elegant days gone by with it’s 8 luxury khaya’s and beautifully appointed library, this property reminds me of the colonial safari-style when day-dreaming about Africa. For photographers this option is ideal – only 4 guests per vehicle allowing for wonderful camera angles and unparalleled game viewing. MalaMala has the luxury of having the largest parcel of land adjacent to the Kruger National Park where 32 kilometers of open boundary provides unimpeded access to animals from this world famous sanctuary. Each of the 3 camps at MalaMala is specifically located on the banks of the Sand River with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding bush. MalaMala has indeed established itself as one of the premier photographic safari destination in Southern Africa with daily sightings of the Big 5 and these camps are phenomenal for cats!

I had the privilege of making my way to Singita Boulders next for a repeat visit – a portfolio of camps that truly sets the standard for luxury travel. Let me add that Singita is one of the most expensive safari lodges in Southern Africa but you truly do get what you pay for – I cannot say enough good things about every experience I have ever had at any of the Singita properties, if you want to splurge on luxury – this would be the place to do so! Marc Alkema was my guide for the duration of my stay and George my Shangaan trekker, both men exude passion for wildlife and conservation making every game-drive delightful and exciting. Marc and George shared knowledge and insightfulness, relaying information in a very unique and welcoming fashion.

Vivian took care of my every need, presenting me with a specially personalized “Marguerite’s vegan dinner/lunch menu” daily. The food was magnificent at every stop – presented in unique settings, with dinner served by the light of oil lamps on the moonlit deck.  Kobus and the rest of the management team made sure my every need was met with excitement and enthusiasm.  The property is located 500meter from the Sand River allowing for wonderful sightings right from your suite. Boulders is set at the base of a dolerite rise and has nine double suites of glass and baluwood. Each suite has a lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, outdoor shower and private outdoor deck with flow pool. Activities include game drives and walks, archery and mountain biking – I LOVE this place!

Next stop, Savanna Game Lodge –  Kelly did a great job of welcoming me and introducing me to the lodge. Paddy was my guide for the duration of my stay – he has just published a beautiful book on his many years of guiding experiences. Kosher clients, this lodge has a fully equipped Kosher Kitchen in their Savanna Suite, a wonderful 2 bedroomed suite with an inter-connected lounge.  A great option for families – the lounge offers all your modern day amenities (TV & DVD center) while you have your own butler for dinner services as well as a vehicle with guide & trekker.  Savannah Safari Lodge boasts a close-knit team that lends to the “home-away-from-home” feel of the property. The lodge has 9 suites, of which 7 have tented roofs blending elegance with the old-style colonial feel. 3 large executive suites and 4 large luxury suites comprise of the 7 tented roofs while the Savannah Suite is self-contained. The lodge is great with children; offering an array of children’s activities ranging from spoor identification, plant use education, bird watching, traditional hair braiding all the way through to face panting and arts and crafts! Savanna is located in the Western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve within the Southern quarter of the greater Kruger National conservation area.

My last stop in the Sabi Sands – Lion Sands Game reserve. The lodge is set alongside the Sable riverbed with a deck that overlooks the dry riverbed lending for amazing sightings right at lunch! The portfolio of properties offer something unique for each traveller – River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga and 1933 Lodge, each uniquely decorated with a variety of 8 to 4 people per vehicle at various properties. My ranger Mike and trekker Joe would accompany me on all my game drives. My Butler Paul catered for my culinary and beverage needs while at the lodge.

From here I headed to the Eastern Cape, flying into Port Elizabeth airport and picking up a rental vehicle.  A quick 2.5-hour drive through Ecca Pass to Kwandwe Game Reserve where on arrival I had the privilege of seeing my very first Aardwolf! I have to admit, Kwandwe took me by surprise – a Karoo like setting, the vast land size and super efficient staff with well-trained guides lends to a very unique safari experience with game you wouldn’t usually see in the Sabi Sands.  Graeme the GM introduced me to the portfolio – I stayed at Great Fish River Lodge where Juan took very good care of my every need, but also visited Ecca Lodge, the Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor. This portfolio really is a hidden gem, catering to every aspect of travel; groups, families, sole use (Uplands Homestead) and single travelers alike – here they have the answer for every scenario! For the perfect family get-away – Ecca Lodge offers wonderful children’s activities including an interactive kitchen! They also have a wonderful play center for children – one of the best set-ups I’ve seen for all ages! Each lodge is uniquely different from the next offering not only malaria-free big five game but unique safari activities including Rhino darting, big game walks and water-based game viewing. They have their own airstrip so you can opt to fly in or self-drive – Kwandwe has it all! My guide Ben and trekker Ernie did a phenomenal job; I really enjoyed my stay at Kwandwe!

Kariega Game Reserve is located approximately 1 hour from Kwandwe with River lodge located right on the river.  Kariega offers a portfolio of 4 properties; Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge and the homestead. Children are welcome at all lodges, River lodge does have an age limit of 12 years and older. The property is family owned and managed offering the most beautiful landscape and topography in the Eastern Cape! The property has 2 major rivers incorporated into the reserve; the Bushmans River and Kariega River – adding stunning cruises, canoeing and fishing to the experience. You can actually boat down to Kenton-on-see, the close proximity to the beach from River Lodge lends to a very unique addition for families and travellers looking for a mix of scenery. The reserve does not include much land that was previously spoilt by farming so you really have that unique Garden Route bushiness with vast open plains setting this region apart from the other Eastern Cape properties. The property is considered a Big 5 region, however seeing Leopard here is very rare. Much like Kwandwe you will see wonderful plains game that you wouldn’t usually see in the Sabi Sands; Cape Grysbok, Blesbuck, Blue Wildebeest (white tailed), Red Hartebeest, Eland, Lynx, Cape Clawless Otters & Blue Duiker just to name a few. Kariega is also home to Thandi, the only Rhino to survive an horrific poaching attack. Thandi is a legend in South Africa and I had the privilege of seeing this remarkable survivor in person – poachers hacked of her horn destroying her entire nose plate, sadly she will never grow a horn again but has recovered remarkably well. A moving experience to say the least!

Samara Game Reserve would be my last stop in the Eastern Cape, the reserve consists of 70 000 acres of indigenous vegetation, offering 3 lodges – Karoo Lodge, Manor House and Mountain Retreat. The Plains of Camdeboo once set the stage for one of the biggest migrations ever to occur on earth and this region remains one of the most breathtaking areas I have visited! The area still offers the Burchell’s plains Zebra and Cape Mountain Zebra (rare), Rhino, Springbuck, Klipspringer, Steenbuck, Kudu, Eland, Oryx, Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Rhebok, bushpig, Giraffee, Waterbuck, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, Nyala and a variety of carnivores of which Cheetah would be the largest. Leopard is rarely seen here but the smaller things like Aardwolf, Caracal, Genet, Wild Cat, Brown Hyena, Giraffe and Mongoose are around if you are lucky enough to spot them! We had amazing Cheetah sightings on foot with Test, Samara’s Zimbabwean guide – one of the most informative, knowledgeable and entertaining guides I have ever had the privilege of game viewing with. Test is a true asset to the Reserve! Samara is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy what the region has to offer, keeping in mind that this is not a Big 5 destination but phenomenal for Cheetah sightings. The staff are friendly, well trained and the cuisine 5*+ they really have a winning recipe here. The various lodges offer something unique and different with emphasis on relaxation. A wonderful way to end a Cape Town, Garden Route itinerary – Samara is highly recommended for the reasons listed above.

Birkenhead House in Hermanus is a whale-watching paradise, this super luxurious boutique hotel is perfect for those seeking a uniquely different seaside experience with magnificent views. Shane Brummer, the GM is delightful and all the staff eager to assist with any aspect of your stay. Long walks on the beach, relaxing at the pool, sipping cocktails or partaking in the magnificent cuisine are the order of the day here. The portfolio also offers unique accommodations in Franschhoek at La Residence as well as a safari option at Royal Malewane, situated in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger Area. The Royal Portfolio forms a unique Southern African 5* circuit with an emphasis on luxury travel.

Grootbos Nature Reserve was my last stop on this trip and remains one of the most memorable of all my stays in Africa.  Grootbos is an exquisite 5-star portfolio offering 2 lodges and a villa outside the idyllic Gansbaai approximately a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. The lodges are set within the rare fynbos and milkwood forests on a mountain slope overlooking the whale-watching mecca of Walker Bay and Hermanus.

If you are planning a trip to Africa to see the Big 5, you MUST incorporate the marine Big 5 and Groobos offers it all! Whale watching (from a boat or air), cage diving with Great White Sharks (or viewing them from the boat), seals, penguins and dolphins. Grootbos also has wine tours on offer as well as flower tours, Klilpgat caves, horse riding, birding tours and community projects. Grootbos welcomes children and families offering treasure hunts, a kids kitchen, the playground with the horse stables, fluffy bunnies, ducks and the infamous domestic pig Emma. Kids are entertained with treasure hunts, swimming, beach activities – the list goes on and on. The property offers a 5-course dinner menu to die for and for breakfast they have an amazing array of cold and hot treats, with the best honey (harvested from their own bee-hives) amongst the other delicious breakfast options on the menu. Grootbos offers a unique look into the local community and the empowerment project they have on the property is wonderful, speaking volumes about how they give back to the community! The staff are wonderful, knowledgeable and continuously studying to further their skill-set – something I find very refreshing. A true reflection of the magnitude of empowering your staff, is the testament and enthusiasm with which each staff member relays their love for the jobs they are involved in at Grootbos. I highly recommend this property as a MUST DO if you are traveling to Cape Town. I would suggest doing 2 nights in the city to get Table Mountain and Robben Island out of the way –  Grootbos covers the rest with flying colors!

Immaculate Tomb: Exploring Actun Tunichil Muknal

ATM Cave Video

Extreme souvenir options for the traveler who has everything

By Kim Bercaw

If you were to peek into my living room window at the precise moment I arrive home from a trip, you would witness me excitedly opening my suitcases and unearthing my latest stash of “treasures” before I even pause to remove my coat. This behavior is always accompanied by gleeful whoops and other noises of delight, juxtaposed with a large, Howdy Doody-style grin. (Despite my earlier statement, please don’t actually show up at my house to view this spectacle. That would be creepy. I mean, we hardly know each other.)

Unfortunately, after thirty-five or so odd years of souvenir gathering, my home is starting to look like an overcrowded curiosity shop. There are carvings and keepsakes in every corner, and I have enough baggies full of sand and seashells to open a public beach in my basement. Which is why, despite my flair for acquiring and importing, I’ve decided to consider an entirely new category of keepsake I like to call the “body souvenir.” This category begins with temporary tattoos and quickly enters the realm of the bizarre and disturbing. What’s not to love?

Key advantages: The typical body souvenir won’t take up ANY space in your luggage, you won’t have to worry about losing or damaging it on the trip home and it’s an entirely authentic remembrance, unique to the part of the world in which it was received.

Key disadvantages: People who like their bodies just the way they are, and/or dislike pain will have difficulties in most cases.

Without further ado, let’s explore some popular options:

Henna tattoos: Mehndi, or body painting with pigments derived from the henna plant, is a centuries-old tradition in India. Enlisted for wedding ceremonies, rites of passage and in times of celebration, choosing henna as a means of commemorating your travels sounds like a joyful no-brainer. Though various types of henna can be had locally, there’s nothing like the real deal, acquired in India where this art form has been refined and perfected. Results last from several days up to a few weeks.

Japanese body tattoos: If you’re a fan of the distinctly beautiful artistry of the Far East, you might be a candidate for a Japanese body tattoo. Classic designs include chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, carp and lions. Tattoos were actually banned in the country until after WWII. Before that time they were popular with only the brave and the discreet since, if a person’s tattoos were discovered, that individual would face public rejection and ridicule. Thankfully this is no longer the case, and talented tattoo artists abound in this part of the world.

Scarification: Moving right along the body souvenir continuum, this next option involves creating permanent scars on the skin using small blades or heat. Popular in some West African cultures, scarification is used to mark milestones in a person’s life, or to signify religious roles, social status or tribal affiliation, among other things. Results may vary, so traveler beware. Bonus: The act of scarification itself is said to evoke a euphoric state within the person receiving it.

Maori face tattoos: Perhaps requiring the greatest commitment from its recipient, these extremely permanent and prominent tattoos originated within the New Zealand tribe of the same name. Literally carved into the skin, these embellishments ultimately leave the bearer with a textured, blackened epidermis. Every design is entirely unique and the more intricate, the higher the social status of the individual who possesses it. If you’re thinking of treating yourself to one of these tattoos, use discretion: They are considered sacred, and outsiders who dare to get them are scorned by the Maori. (Just ask Mike Tyson, who recently caught flack when he began sporting a Maori-inspired design above his left eye.)

“Bagel head” injections: Also affectionately called “forehead donuts,” these temporary saline injections are all the rage in Asia. Named for the definitive shape they create due north of one’s brow line, this bulbous accoutrement lasts about a day and is considered beautiful by some. There’s definitely no better way to get your Klingon on. Bagel head needs to be seen to be fully appreciated so, if you’re not squeamish, watch this video:

I could tempt you with tales of lip plates, neck stretching and Apatani nose plug piercings, but all of these would require you to extend your plane ticket by several weeks so I’ll refrain. And if the above options seem a bit extreme, you can always go for some hair braids. Though I’ve only touched on a few of the options out there, hopefully I’ve offered some interesting alternatives to the souvenir status quo. And whether you’re a gatherer or simply an explorer, your Travel Beyond consultant has all the tools and experience to make your next trip a memorable one.

“When should we book flights to get the best deal?”

It’s a question we often get from clients looking to make the most of their travel budget, and in all honesty, it’s a question we at Travel Beyond even ask ourselves. With variables like destination, airport, time of year, economic forecasts, price of oil and so much more, deciding the right time to book is an ever-changing art.

Luckily, there’s now data to back-up recommendations. The following USA Today article by Jayne Clark explores current flight research based on a study by CheapAir.com.

How far ahead should you book to get low airfares? (USA Today)

The self-proclaimed “airfare geeks” at CheapAir.com have analyzed 560,611,868 domestic airfare searches from 2012 and have some interesting, if qualified, conclusions.

Their findings seek to answer every traveler’s No. 1 question regarding airfares: How far in advance should I book to get the cheapest fare? And they do. Sort of.

The short answer: Seven weeks before takeoff. On average, fares bottomed out 49 days before the flight, then increased slightly, but remained steady until about a month out. After that, prices climbed as the travel date approached.

But too much advance planning isn’t good for the bottom line, either. Though, not surprisingly, the highest fares, came with bookings made 11 or fewer days in advance, the next worst timing was 208, 209, and 210 days out, according to the analysis.

“For practical purposes, it’s best to take this information as a guideline and not a rule,” says CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee, noting that “a million caveats apply … For any given flight, the actual best time to buy might vary, depending on the market, the time of year, the day of week, and other factors.”

Another interesting take away from the analysis: Purchasing a ticket on a particular day of the week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays, according to conventional wisdom) doesn’t necessarily mean getting a lower fare. Yes, many airlines announce sales on those days, notes Klee, but there are enough unpublished sales on other days to offset any pattern.

For international flights, the lowest prices came 81 days out — or 11 to 12 weeks in advance.

As for peak travel periods like Thanksgiving, the analysis found the best time to buy was 96 days — almost 14 weeks — in advance.”

Read the article on USAToday.com.