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Warm Winter Getaways

By Sheri Leigh

With winter’s wet, muddy and frozen claws gripping the U.S., it is time for travelers to look south for warm places to escape the season’s harsh realities. 

Of course, while places close to home, like Mexico and the Caribbean, or in the Western Hemisphere, like Latin America, come easily to mind, there are lands further afield that also inspire the winter sun seeker. Surprisingly, a few of these locations, covered both in the Host Review and this month’s articles, would most likely be overlooked because they are in Southeast Asia, parts of which were devastated by the great Dec. 26 tsunami.  

While the devastation has been substantial, the best help travelers can provide to assist with the region’s long-term recovery is to visit there. Some places will take longer than others to be fully operational, but avoiding an entire region due to fear and lack of information will create a far worse future for the people affected by the tsunami than Nature’s fury. 

Review, research and think about ways your travels dollars can do double duty: helping rebuild areas effected by this disaster by visiting a South Asian country’s non-damaged areas, and the increased buying power you enjoy because of the drop-off in travelers due to the disaster. And don’t forget the emotional support you’ll give just by showing up.

Name: Adventure Lanka Tours Pick of the Month
Location: Sri Lanka
Specialty: Independently organized cultural, beach, spa, wildlife and mixed adventure holidays
Why We Like Them: Utilizing the best in locally owned properties and restaurants, Adventure Lanka Tours provides great value and high quality in all of their individualized tours. Suggested itineraries are just the starting point for creating an independent customized holiday. Great for small groups or individuals, the company’s focus is showing the visitors the best Sri Lanka has to offer. Personal attention, responsible tourism and a dedication to showing and preserving the authentic Sri Lanka, as well as resiliency and confidence in the wake of disaster, make Adventure Lanka Tours my choice for Pick of the Month.
Article: Rising from the Ashes – We will Rebuild

Name: Eco Voyager
Location: South and Central America
Specialty: Independent travel programs
Why We Like Them: Focusing on the cultural, ecological and archaeological treasures of Latin America, Eco Voyager offers four types of journeys to suit the needs of most every traveler. Its “Distinctive and Romantic Voyager collections” include soft activities, while its “Active Voyager Collection” offers a bit more challenging adventures. The company’s “Single Voyager” trips are especially geared for the solo traveler. Whichever journey you choose, Eco Voyager can help you a plan a trip of a lifetime.
Article: Bahia, Brazil: The Land of Happiness

Name: Southwind Adventures
Location: South America
Specialty: Andes, Amazon and Galapagos
Why We Like Them: Offering first-class scheduled small-group departures, Southwind Adventures has been active throughout the region since 1990. Choose from over 40 tours designed for travelers looking for culture, nature or soft adventure. The small group size allows travelers to experience the region in-depth without harming the environment or overrunning the natives. Whatever your choice of journeys, Southwind Adventures will make the trip a special experience.
Article: Darwinism’s Incubator: Galapagos Islands

Name: Maldives Travel Network
Location: Maldives
Specialty: Customized vacation planning
Why We Like Them: Maldives Travel Network offers reservations for a number of resorts and live-aboards throughout the islands. Specializing in custom tour planning, including diving, surfing and underwater safaris, as well as group and incentive packages, the company has exclusive arrangements with a number of local providers. Little known in the U.S., the hundreds of private islands of the Maldives are indeed a destination worth visiting.  
Article: Blue Lagoons are the Maldives Islands’ Heart 

Name: A Tent with a View Safaris
Location: Tanzania
Specialty: Beach holidays and traditional safaris
Why We Like Them: A new twist on the African game safari, “A Tent With a View” offers beachside accommodations within the newly formed Saadani National Park, Tanzania’s only costal wildlife reserve. Walking safaris, boat safaris and the traditional game drive enhance the wildlife viewing experience. Nearby is Saadani Village, a major cultural site that many people believe to be the ancient trading site of Rhapta, dating back to Ptolemy's Geography and a major trading post with Zanzibar. You’ll enjoy beachfront views, cultural explorations and wildlife. all in one fabulous setting – a delightful way to experience Africa.
Article: Saadani National Park

Name: Wild Side Destinations
Location: Central American and Caribbean
Specialty: Romantic, cultural and adventure getaway planner.
Why We Like Them: Travel planner P. J. Ott has been creating special dreams for her clients for over 16 years. Specializing in Caribbean and island holidays, as well as romantic getaways, PJ will beat any deal you’d find for packages on sites like Expedia with better service and quality. She has personally inspected most of the resorts she sells. There’s nothing like a personal touch!

Name: Premier Vacations
Location: Australia and New Zealand
Specialty: Small group coach tours
Why We Like Them: With a fabulous staff that knows its destinations and is ready to answer all questions, the company offers general interest trips for travelers looking for an overview of Australia or New Zealand. Because it provides the perfect balance of included meals and attractions, along with free time to explore on your own, anyone looking for a grand escorted journey should defiinitely call Premier Vacations first.

Name: Adventure Indonesia
Location: Indonesia
Specialty: Custom designed and small group departures
Why We Like Them: Featuring fabulous cultural tours, from the Stone Age cultures of Irian Jaya   and Papua New Guinea, to the outer most islands of Indonesia and in depth wildlife tours, including the Orangutan’s of Borneo, komodo dragons, as well as bird watching and fishing, Adventure Indonesia’ trips unveil the magical history of this ancient land. Definitely not for the closed minded, these trips explore using local craft and offer a chance to truly experience the islands and their varied inhabitants in their native settings.

Name: Floatels India Pvt Ltd
Location: Southwest India
Specialty: Secluded island resort and Ayurveda health center
Why We Like Them: Located on the beach and surrounded by floating cottages, this resort is a fabulous way to indulge the senses. A wide selection of Ayurveda treatments complete the luxury and ensure body, mind and soul are all tuned up and ready to face the world again. Choice of accommodations only or with treatments, this secluded area is perfect to relax and revitalize.