Issue #58 August 2023
Travel Friends Near & Far 40+
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Greetings to all readers of the August edition of the Wise Women Travel Friends newsletter!
This month, we are delving into the fascinating world of Asia. Join us as we explore the wonders of Bangkok's Teak Houses, and the enchantment of Hanoi's Old Quarter. To me, there is nothing more colorful and interesting than the varied countries in Asia. Nowhere is more vibrant and picturesque in Hanoi than the famous Old Quarter, rich with history, culture, and unique buildings. A visit to Hanoi’s old quarter is an overload to the senses. Everywhere you look, there is something happening. The streets are a constant source of entertainment. Local restaurants fill the air with enticing aromas, coffee shops have a constant stream of customers, and bars project music from all decades. Winding your way through the 36 main streets in the Old Quarter, the combination of markets, narrow alleyways, and sensational architecture is a feast for the eyes.
And then, there are Bangkok’s teak houses. For any visitor with a keen interest in Thai history, exploring Bangkok’s ancient teak houses is an absolute must. By embarking on this exploration, visitors can delve into Thailand’s past, appreciate its cultural treasures, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s captivating history. Among the top destinations, the renowned Jim Thompson House stands out. In fact, it consists of not just one but six traditional Thai-style wooden buildings that were established in 1959. The story of this iconic attraction began 12 years prior when Jim Thompson discovered a community of traditional Thai weavers in Bangkok. This discovery led to his realization of the immense potential of hand-woven silks, eventually propelling him to success in New York. Stepping inside the Jim Thompson House, visitors are greeted by an extensive collection of Asian art and antiques. Sculptures, paintings, porcelain, and other remarkable pieces fill the space, all of which were carefully accumulated by Jim Thompson over the years.
This January, we are visiting 8 of these wonderful Asian countries, from Singapore to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Korea to Japan. I love longer cruises, being pampered for weeks at a time. Please just make my bed daily and feed me, and I am happy! This cruise is 28 days long, but if this is too much time for you, we have this in two week segments too.
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Canadian Rockies
Last year, I visited the Canadian Rockies by motorcoach. The scenery was stunning. In 2024, we are exploring the area by train. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of ice fields, rushing waterfalls, glacial peaks, and towering snow-capped summits. These are just a few of the wonders awaiting you in the Canadian Rockies Visit the incomparable Jasper and Moraine Lake. Get ready for an adventure that brings together the expanse of the prairies, the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, Experience a day on a ranch in the Alberta plains, complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo and a BBQ lunch in the great outdoors.
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England
June 4-14, 2024
You’ve been asking for this one for years, and I have found a small group tour (limited to 18 guests) next June that I know you will love! It starts in London, winds its way through the quaint scenic Cotswolds (think charming stone cottages with charming English gardens, to Wales, the Lake District and up into Scotland. If 10 days is not enough time in this bucolic wonderland, you can add a day or two in London’s theater district or add a stay in Edinburgh or the highlands.
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Traveling to Europe next year?
Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form. These are the European countries requiring am It’s not a visa, but more of a form to speed your entry into these countries:
• AUSTRIA • BELGIUM • BULGARIA • CROATIA • CYPRUS • CZECH REPUBLIC • DENMARK • ESTONIA • FINLAND • FRANCE • GERMANY • GREECE • HUNGARY • ICELAND • ITALY • LATVIA • LIECHTENSTEIN • LITHUANIA • LUXEMBOURG • MALTA • NETHERLANDS • NORWAY • POLAND • PORTUGAL • ROMANIA • SLOVAKIA • SLOVENIA • SPAIN • SWEDEN • SWITZERLAND And, of course, you still need a passport. Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure
How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)? The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.
Please email me at wisewomentravelellen@gmail.com
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Have another destination that you would like me to include? Let me know email: wisewomentravelellen@gmail.com
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All we ask is that you are 40+ and share a love of travel and adventure. If a trip is of interest to you, please rsvp "yes". It just means that you'd like more information It is not an obligation to go. You are not confirmed on a trip until we receive payment.
You can reach me at:
(516) 248-3496 cell
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