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The
world is filled with people of all races, religions, colors, shapes and sizes.
Today it’s almost impossible to find a country that doesn’t have several
different groups of people within its populace. As geopolitical consolidation
progresses, and formally autonomous regions band together, whether voluntarily
or not, each society does its best to keep the traditions and values of its
ancestors alive.
The
articles in this issue offer a glimpse into a variety of societies and allow the
reader to explore the differences that create the wonderful fabric of humanity.
How boring the world would be it we were all alike. There’d be no reason to
explore or discover, and (God forbid) all food would be as predictable as
McDonalds’.
Luckily
the tour hosts highlighted below know about places that can save us from that
depressing prospect. By introducing the culturally sensitive traveler to a
kaleidoscope of societies, and the subtle differences within each, we learn
about our fellow inhabitants on this rapidly spinning rock in space. And while
we discover that we have some differences and similarities, fundamentally most
of us want a peaceful and happy coexistence with one another.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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DreamWeaver Travel
Pick of
the Month |
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Location: West Africa and South America |
| Specialty: Cultural and adventure travel |
| Why
We Like Them: Dedicated to offering culturally and ecologically
sensitive travel. Trips are planned to maximize the exposure of the travelers
with the local people and aim to benefit both parties by the interchange. Groups
are kept small to limit the negative impact of the visitors. More than a dozen
various scheduled departures and custom arrangements are available. |
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Article: Niger: Land of Desert and Dreams
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East Wind Adventures |
|
Location: China and beyond |
| Specialty: Family and soft adventure trips |
| Why
We Like Them: Small group journeys and trips such as “China:
Land of the Giants!” (a teen
discovery tour), “Exploring Southwest China's Botanical Treasure
House,” “Motorcycle Tour in Yunan” and “Xi'an Weekend Getaway” make a
for a great selection of tours to satisfy all China adventurers. Independent
arrangements can also be made to suit. |
|
Article:
Indigenous China |
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Canyon Calling Adventures for
Women |
|
Location: New Zealand |
| Specialty: All-inclusive women's adventure tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Travel
with a small group of like-minded women who enjoy outdoor adventure during the
day and nights in comfy accommodations. Experience fantastic scenery and
challenging yet obtainable adventures. With 80% of the travelers going it alone,
you are sure to meet new friends, without ever paying a single supplement! Canyon
Calling Adventures
for
2005 promises more than 10 trips to different corners of the world, a number of
which are in the national parks of the U.S West. |
|
Article: A Maori Welcome |
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Culture Xplorers |
|
Location: Mexico, Peru and
Brazil |
| Specialty:
Exploring traditions, festivals and people |
| Why
We Like Them: Its all about the
people is the company’s philosophy, which it brings to life
by creating a genuine interaction between travelers and locals. Using
local trip leaders and specialized day guides insures the most comprehensive
knowledge of the festivals and daily life of the cultures that Culture Xplorers
visits. The small groups stay in local accommodations that provide lots of charm
and flavor. Lots of walking allows travelers to get a personal perspective of
the communities they visit. |
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Article:
Tenejapa Homecoming |
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Atelier de la Rose |
|
Location: SW France |
| Specialty: Custom designed travel |
| Why
We Like Them: Host Sally Gosheron offers bed and breakfast
accommodations as well as personal trip planning in the Lot region of France.
Culture Quest has independently designed programs for half and full-day trips
that lead travelers to discover the unique charms of an area, whether it’s a
principal site or forgotten corner. For the truly independent traveler the
company provides local road books, a series of specially created itineraries.
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Article:
Shamanism, Caves and France |
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The Textile Museum |
|
Location: Worldwide |
| Specialty: Educational travel tours to areas with vital textile traditions |
| Why
We Like Them: Providing a fantastic educational and fun way to learn
about textiles while visiting the countries that inspired the designs. By
focusing on this specific aspect of a culture, the traveler gets an in-depth
looking into the values and character of the destination from a point not
normally explored. From “Ottoman Textiles in Istanbul” to “Textile Arts of
Eastern & Central Bhutan” (as well as Mexico City and the Valley of
Oaxaca), the trips are sure to inspire anyone who loves traditional crafts. |
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