FEBRUARY 2007

GEAR & EQUIPMENT

Regardless of who you're traveling with our Resources and Clothing & Equipment webpages have lots of valuable info whenever you need it!

http://www.exploretravel.com/upperlevel/clothing.html
http://www.exploretravel.com/clothes/resources.html

Sierra Trading Post

Save 35-70% on brand name clothing, footwear, outdoor gear, and more at 

SierraTradingPost.com

The Sierra Club is always a good organization to support!

MICRO FINANCING FOR WOMEN

Micro finance is the extension of small loans to entrepreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans. It is a proven, effective and popular measure in the ongoing struggle against poverty, enabling those without access to lending institutions to borrow at bank rates, and start a small business. In 2006 the Nobel Peace prize was awarded to Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economics professor who started the Micro Credit loan movement years ago with a loan of 25 cents! There’s a documentary called “Small Fortunes” if you’re interested in learning more about micro credit.

A friend has gotten involved with a group called Yehu Microfiance (which is featured in the film). They are based in Kenya. The average loan they make is $70. That money can change a life and the chances are that it will be a woman receiving the loan. Any donation is welcome. If you would like to talk to someone who is involved with the project and is here in the States, you can email - Honey Loring. Honey is very excited about this form of social change.

You can also visit Yehu online at http://www.yehu.org

ANIMAL RESCUERS CONTINUE THE WORK

http://www.network.bestfriends.org/louisiana/news/10615.html

SAVE YOUR BOARDING PASSES

Remember to save all ticket receipts and boarding passes that indicate seat assignments for your flights until your mileage credit is reflected in your account.

BUT I LIKE IT WITH MILK!

Here we go again! I’m feeling all good and cocky cause I drink several cups of tea a day, and now I find out that adding milk to tea minimizes the antioxidant properties of the brew. And here I was thinking I was going to live forever since I eschew espresso! So if you care either continue enjoying your tea with milk and don’t worry about it, or switch to straight up. I figured that the real problem wasn’t the milk I added to the tea, but the cookies I ate with the tea. Who knew?

Oh and just wait 'til you start reading about soy beans!

INSURING YOUR TRIP

Traveling can be expensive and the best way to protect your investment is to take out trip cancellation and medical insurance. The reality is that it also becomes more expensive to purchase insurance as we age. Some companies will only insure travelers up to age 69. We provide our travelers with information from Access America which covers folks 80plus. Medicare will not cover any expenses incurred outside the U.S. To compare your insurance options check out these sites:

http://www.insuremytrip.com
http://www.1travelinsurance.com
http://www.quotewright.com

RAISE YOUR MUG TO OUR LAST WILD PLACES!

If you're one of the untold millions around the world who love coffee, be sure to fill your mug with a brew that is certified organic, fair trade and shade grown, such as BioGems Blends from California-based Beantrees. By choosing BioGems Blends, you'll be helping to support our efforts to protect Latin America's rainforests and other endangered wildlands -- $1.00 from the sale of each bag goes to NRDC!

http://www.beantrees.com/biogems.html

SLIDE SHOWS

See the complete list of our slide shows at:

http://www.exploretravel.com/upperlevel/slides.html

FILMS TO NOTICE

It’s a challenge these days to find films that are appropriate for kids as well as adults to watch and enjoy. Here are some choices that appeal across generational lines.

Walking With Dinosaurs-Grab a kid, preferably one currently gaga about dinosaurs and watch this computer generated film about the beasts that is reminiscent of a “Wild Kingdom” episode. It’s not a Disney type flick so there’s a bit of gore (hey even dinosaurs had to eat) but not over done and the mating scenes are blessedly brief. There are several episodes.

First Descent- For the teenagers in your life this film profiles a cross section of snow boarding’s pioneers. It includes Vermont’s own Hannah Teter who won a gold medal in the Olympics. Surprisingly (and thankfully) the latest batch of ‘boarders’ seem more grounded and down to earth than the earlier ‘trail breakers’. The skill of these folks is remarkable and their willingness to take physical risks had me both shaking my head in amazement and concern.

Need more info about Explorations in Travel?

Email us!

UPCOMING ADVENTURES

Only 3 spaces left on our adventure in Shenandoah National Park in May. We’ll be staying inside the park and going for daily hikes. It’s a perfect combo of comfy beds at night and feeling like you deserve to eat dessert!

http://www.exploretravel.com/trips/shenandoah.html

Keep in touch and stay hydrated!

Debbie Jacobs
President
Explorations in Travel
http://www.exploretravel.com
Outdoor & Cultural Adventures for Women over 40
TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE LINES!