On my list of “travel experiences before I die,” a safari figures prominently.  It’s always seemed like one of those once-in-a-lifetime vacations.  Lately I’ve been committed to getting through a lot of experiences on my “bucket list” and the safari keeps moving up the list.

That’s part of the reason why I was so excited to read the 7th Edition of Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries, by Mark W. Nolting.  Of course, I LOVE to read travel books of all types, and I enjoy sharing them with all of you.  But this was more than just another travel book.  This was personal research!

First off, let’s answer the question that the title asks:  What are Africa’s top wildlife countries.  That would be:  Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.  Of lesser note:  Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Mauritius, and the Seychelles Islands.

Some of those were obvious choices to me.  I’d heard about safaris in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania, but in reading this book, I was going beyond the obvious, and discovering a lot more options that I had first imagined.

The guide opened with good, in depth, and practical information about Africa and planning a wildlife trip.  It explains a little bit about what to expect, does a little myth busting (you don’t have to stay in grass huts and sleep in the mud), talks about the environment and eco-tourism, and sets out some practical information about security, choosing accommodations, and selecting the best type of safari.  There’s even a helpful packing list.  This opening section provides a solid framework for what’s to follow, and it will help you narrow and shape what you want your wildlife experience to be.

With the basics under your belt, you’re ready to explore the continent.

The remainder of the book is organized by geographical sections of Africa,with the major wildlife sections first, then the lesser ones.  This geographic organization makes sense for someone familiar with the continent, but I found myself flipping around, back and forth, too frequently.  Alphabetical listings would have been much easier for me to use as I gradually became more re-acquainted with my African geography.

Entries for each country included the best time to visit, what wildlife you can expect to see, weather information, a list of the top wildlife reserves and other attractions, maps, hundreds of beautiful photos, accommodations of all types and classes, and tons of practical information and tips.  You’ll find details about photo safaris, mountain climbing, gorilla and chimp watching, bird watching, canoe safaris, diving, hot air balloon safaris, night game, horseback riding, family trips, elephant safaris, and more.

All the resources that you could need are included here, including simple things like money, shopping, health concerns, and travel, to more specialized information like Latin and scientific names of animals, and an extensive reading list.

The guide ends with a section called “Bush Tails” a testimonial section full of feedback and recommendations on places visited.  Rather than just blah quotes and PR hype from strangers, these felt like real stories from real travelers, people who had been charmed by Africa, its people, and its wildlife.

When I started reading this guide, I didn’t know what I wanted much beyond wanting to go on a safari in Africa and see animals.  Very simplistic.  After reading this guide, I’ve narrowed it down a lot.  I still don’t know exactly what’s right for me, but I’m a lot farther along my research journey.   I had no idea the depth and breadth of what was offered, and how it can shape my travel experience.

The strength of this book is its extensive practical information, the lure of the book is the beautiful photos.  Whether a safari is in your near future, or you are merely an arm chair traveler, Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries will open the door to a world that few have experienced.

You can buy Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries through The Africa Adventure Company ($17.95), from Amazon (aff. link) or at any book store with a quality travel section.

Photo credit: The Africa Adventure Company

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As a huge James Bond fan (Daniel Craig’s version is the best since Sean Connery), I thought the themed tours offered by Theme Party People and GLOBUS TOURS were right up any Bond Girl’s alley.

The exclusive 11-day bus and train tour takes you through Italy, Switzerland, and France, highlight sites that were made famous in the Bond movies.

Daniel Craig filming Casino Royale in Venice

Here are just a few of the stops planned:

• Venice – Seen in Casino Royale and Moonraker
• Cortina – Seen in For Your Eyes Only
• Locarno – Goldeneye and Goldfinger
• Lake Como – Casino Royale
• Interlaken – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
• Geneva – Goldfinger
• Paris – A View to A Kill, Moonraker and Thunderball

The full itinerary lists the details of each stop, along with the tours, activities and sights at each location.

The tour starts August 21st, 2010, with an overnight flight to Venice, and and finishes up September 1st in Paris.  Optional add-on stays are available or you can fly home from Paris.

The tour cost is $3,995 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes luxury accommodations (including all hotel taxes, service charges, taxes, and tips to porters and hotel staff), ground transportation in Europe, some meals (10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 cocktails receptions, and 3 dinners), tour sightseeing (including admissions), and a multi-lingual tour director.

Items not included in tour charge:  Airfare, airport taxes and fees, meals and sightseeing not included in itinerary, personal expenditures, tips for driver, tour director, and local guides.  These expenses will add up quickly, so be sure to budget for them.

The tour is not for the budget-minded, but it is an opportunity to cavort like the rich and famous ala Mr. Bond.  It’s almost enough to make you feel like you have a license to kill.

Photo credit:  wonderferret @flickr

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In Boston’s North End you’ll find the small wooden home that was the starting point for Paul Revere’s infamous ride.  He lived in the home with his wife, five children, and mother, remaining in the home long after the ride that made him a legend.  The house was eventually sold around 1800.

Paul Revere House in Boston's North End

The Paul Revere House still stands today and is downtown Boston’s oldest building.  The home was opened as a museum in 1908, one of the first historic house museums in the country, and today it is one of the few buildings remaining from the colonial era.

Although it has been renovated substantially over the years, about 90% of the building is original back to 1680.  Some of the original items include two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring and rafters.  The heavy beams and large fireplaces were typical interiors of colonial homes, and the upstairs chambers contain furniture believed to have belonged to the Revere family.

This is a popular spot for school groups and families, and during spring break and summer there can be a long wait to get in.  Once inside the house, it will take about a half hour for a leisurely walk through.

Location:  19 North Square (map) on the Freedom Trail between Faneuil Hall (map)  and the Old North Church.

Hours:  Self-guided tours are available April 15th – October 31st, 9:30 am – 5:15 pm, and November 1st – April 14th, 9:30 am – 4:15 pm.  Closed on Mondays, January through March.

Admission:  $3.50 adults; $3 seniors and college students; and $1 children (ages 5-17).

Take the T: Take the green line to Government Center or Haymarket, or the blue line to Government Center of Aquarium, or the Orange line to State or Haymarket.

Special Note:  There are no public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.

Photo credit:  Wikimedia Commons

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Visiting the United Nations Headquarters is a little like visiting 192 countries all in one locations.  Located along the East River, at 760 United Nations Plaza, on First Avenue between 42nd & 48th in New York City (map), the  complex consists of the Secretariat Building, the domed General Assembly Building, the Conference Building and the Hammarskjold Library.  Although located well with the city limits, the complex is considered international territory, and, exception by agreement, is subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the United States, the state of New York, and local laws.

United Nations Headquarters and view of Manhattan

Guided public tours of the complex are offered.  Visitors enter the headquarters building at First Avenue & 46th, and start the tour with a brief familiarization of the Organization and its structure.  A guide will then take you through a visit to the chambers of the Security Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Economic and Social Council, providing information about what occurs in each of the rooms.  Visitors also get a look at a fabulous art collection, all donated by members of the U.N., that includes paintings, murals, tapestries, mosaics, and sculptures.

The tours ends with a stop in the General Assembly Hall, the largest room, and the one we must frequently see in televised events.  The impressiveness of what happens here is not lost on me.

Be sure to allocate some post-tour time for browsing at the Postal Counter where you can buy a variety of commemorative stamps, the Bookshop, and the Gift Shop.  While I generally avoid most gift shops, there was plenty of interesting stuff here, and it’s well worth spending the time to browse.

The guided tours are conducted Monday through Friday, from 9:30 am - 4:45 pm, and last 45 minutes.  You should check the tour information line as meetings and security can result in the complex closing with very little notice.  The tour line will have up-to-date information at 212-963-TOUR (8687).

Tour prices are $16 for adults; $11 for seniors (60+) and students (ID required); $9 for children ages 5 – 12.  For safety reasons, children under age 5 are not permitted on the tour.

Like most places in Manhattan, you’ll want to take public transportation.  You can take the 4, 5, 6, or 7 subway to Grand Central Station, then walk to 42nd & First.  Or take the bus, M15, 27, 42, or 104.

Manhattan’s international flavor isn’t limited to the United Nations Headquarters, it continues all over the city.  It seems like every single one of those 192 countries is represented in a restaurant, cafe, or bistro somewhere in the city.

Consider enhancing your sightseeing experience with a food experience, discovering authentic local foods and shops in the city’s neighborhoods, as you take in top attractions.  Whether you’re adventurous, or prefer the common, sightseeing always goes better with food!

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by Walking Tours Manhattan who offer new york city food tours.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Photo credit:  Ad Meskens via wikimedia

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On one of my first visits to San Francisco, I crossed the Golden Gate bridge to explore the Marin side of the Bay.  I stopped off for what I thought would be a short while to explore Sausalito, and had such a great time there, that I never went any further.

Due to its prime location at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge, much of Sausalito’s history has been playing a supporting role to nearby San Francisco.  The area has been a fishing village, transit hub, and a center for bootlegging during Prohibition, and during World War II was a major shipyard supporting the war.

Colorful floating homes dot the Sausalito landscape

Following the war, the shipyards were abandoned, and they became the location for a number of communities of houseboats.  Eventually a rather eclectic houseboat community sprouted up, eventually becoming a the side of the “Hill People,: rich families who lived on the hill and felt the houseboats were a blight on their view.  This led to the “Houseboat Wars” pitting the two groups of homeowners against one another in what seemed like an endless amount of legal battles.

Two house boat communities remain, Gallilee Harbor (at Waldo Point) and the Gates Cooperative (just outside the city limits).  Over 400 houseboats are within those communities, spanning a wide range of shapes, sizes, and values.  It’s as eclectic and diverse as ever.

Following a brief hiatus, the floating homes (as they are now properly called), will host a Floating Home Tour, opening the doors on 20 unique floating homes.  The self-guided tour will allow you to take a look at the interior of the homes, talk to residents of the community, and get a feel for what water life is like.

The tour begins at Kappas Marina (on Gate 6 Road off Bridgeway), with registration at the Green.  From there, the self-guided tour takes you through a selection of floating homes, including the “Train Wreck” which was built from an 1889 North Pacific Railway Pullman car that was cut in half.

The floating home tours is September 26th, 2009, from 11 am – 4 pm.  Advance tickets for the tour are $35 and are strong recommended.  Tickets can be purchased online.  If you can’t make it to Sausalito, and still want a little glimpse at houseboat life, you can check on their virtual tour.

Photo credit: wikimedia

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Hotels and resorts are trying to drum up a little business anyway that they can.  From special promotions to free nights, from fruit baskets in the room to dinner credits, from room upgrades to concierge activities.  They want you to have a good time, of course, but they also want you to spend a little money.

I’m generally a fan of these approaches, being of the mind that travel can offer something for everyone.  I’m just a little concerned with what time of day some of these offers are made.

On a recent trip, I found myself awake rather early.  Since I was up early, and it was supposed to be paradise, I figured a beach walk at dawn would be a good idea.  The walk soon was lovely, and soon turned into breakfast — because I couldn’t pass up macadamia pancakes.  It was probably close to 8 am when I finally got back to my room. 

To find my message light blinking.  Which, at that time of the morning, was a very disturbing thing.

I rang up for my messages, and to my surprise, it was from the concierge desk, reminding me of the various activities and tours they suggested and could book for me.  They even offered a discount if I would call or come down and book right away.

Now, I actually think this is a pretty good idea.  They suggested some things that I hadn’t thought of, and a discount made it attractive.  But for crying out loud – why would you call and leave a message in someone’s room before 8 am?!

I happened to be awake, but I would not have been happy to have been awakened by a sales call like this.  Someone suggested that perhaps it wasn’t really a call, just a voice mail message that then activated the blinking message light.  Perhaps.  But I wouldn’t have been in a much better mood if it had been a blinking light that had woken me up instead!  At a vacation destination, I this that is too darned early for a call.

I’m all for creative marketing and promotions – just do it at respectable hour of the day.  What do you think is a reasonable time for a hotel to make a marketing call to your room?  Is it okay to just leave a voice mail?

Photo credit:  SXC

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If you live in Seattle, as I do, there’s only one answer to that question – they come from Boeing.  As the saying around here goes, “If it’s not Boeing, I’m not going!”

While some of the Boeing plants have relocated elsewhere, the plant at Paine Field (about 30 miles north of Seattle) is still home to The Future of Flight & Boeing Tour,

This tour of the Boeing factory lets you see the flight line where the 747, 767, 777, and 787 are made.  This tour takes you through one of the largest buildings in the world (by volume), as you learn how much room it takes to build a jumbo jet.

There’s lot to see on the tour so don’t forget to look up (futuristic aircraft are flying), down (a painted runway on the floor), and around (the nose of an airplane getting ready to take off).  And that’s just in the lobby!

Here are some other exhibits that you’ll see:

• Airplane Design: Learn how and why airplanes fly, and look at the components that go into making a plane like the fuselage, wings, engines, etc.  Stop off at one of the computer stations and try your hand at designing a plane.  Then see if it will fly.  Don’t worry, you’ll get lots of chances to make modifications as you visit the rest of the exhibits.
• Materials: Compare the fuselage from an old 707 to the new 787,and see how modern materials have changed the way plans are built.
• Passenger Experience: You know how cramped and uncomfortable those seats are, but it hasn’t always been that way.  Take a look at the more spacious interiors as well as take a look at what’s being done to make flying more comfortable.
• Flight Simulator: This is not your at-home computer game simulator, this is big-time.  There’s an additional charge, but it’s worth it, to ride the multi-passenger XJ5 Flight Simulator.  Since I missed the opportunity to fly on the Concord, this is as close as I’m going to get to supersonic speeds.
• Flight Systems: All the important stuff that you never see, like avionics, navigational systems and hydraulics.
• Flight Deck: From dials and switches of years gone by to the computerized flight deck of today, these are the tools that are used by men and women who fly the plane.  In a post-911 world, this is the only chance most people will have to see the flight deck.
• Manufacturing: Yeah, sure, Boeing isn’t the only one who makes planes, and this does seem like one big long commercial.  But hey, it’s their plant and it’s got some pretty cool 3-D animation.
• Engines: These big noisy things are responsible for getting the plane off the ground, and you can learn why.
• The Future:  Although air travel seems common place today, it’s important to remember that it all started with a dream and the Wright Brothers.  And lots of other people and other dreams since then.  No matter how silly a dream might seem, when you look around you’ll realize that it may be the shape of the future.
• Future of Flight Store: If you made a plane as you’ve passed through the exhibits, you can pick up a personalized color print of your design along with a list of your specifications.  And, of course, like any gift store, there’s all sort of books, toys, and memorabilia to spend your money on.

Boeing has some very strict safety and security regulations in place regarding the tour.  There are no exceptions, so familiarize yourself with them so you aren’t disappointed.

Continue reading for tour restrictions and additional information

• Everyone must be at least 4 feet tall to go on the tour.  Adults may not carry babies.  No strollers permitted.  (NOTE:  It’s not that they don’t like kids or little ones, but this is a safety regulation.)
• No photography.  Of any kind.
• Physically challenged visitors can be accommodated on the tour, but it does require advance notice (at the time of making reservations).
• You cannot carry any personal items on the tour.  No purses, backpacks, cell phones, etc.  You can leave things in the trunk of your car or you can rent a locker in the lobby.
• No food or drink allowed.  There are restrooms in the lobby area, but none on the tour.

The Future of Flight and Boeing Tour are located at 8415 Paine Field Boulevard in Mukilteo, Washington.  Hours are 8:30 am –5:30 pm daily.  Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  Tours begin on the hour, starting at 9 am, with the last tour starting at 3 pm, and last approximately 90 minutes.

General admission is $15, seniors and active military $14, children (15 and under) $8.  Admission to the gallery only, without the tour is $9, children (ages 6-15) $4.   Boeing employees get a discounted admission.

You can purchase tickets onsite, or online.  Advance ticket purchases have a $2.50 convenience charge added.  Spend the money to get the advance tickets.  This is a very popular tour, especially during summer and school vacations, and they fill up fast.

Photo credits:  All from flick, Boeing Plant, Air India 777

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If you’ve got substantial connection time at Salt Lake City International, you can spend time just hanging out, or take advantage of your ground time and get in a little sightseeing and cultural expedition.

Between the hours of 9 am – 6:30 pm, a complimentary van service makes scheduled trips between the airport and Temple Square.  The service delivers you to one of the two visitor centers where complimentary tours are offered.  You can take a quick guided tour of this 10 acre area at the center of the city, then return to the airport for your outbound flight.

Regardless of religious affiliation, Temple Square is one of the most popular attractions in the state.  It is home to the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the huge pipe organ that accompanies the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Temple, with is six-spire design, is an operational house of worship.  No public tours of the interior are available.  (If you are member of the church and wish to enter the Temple, a temple recommend is required.)  The rest of the grounds are open to the public.

There’s no reason to feel stuck at the airport here in Utah.  Put down your work, and enjoy a little cultural outing.  It’s one of the most unusual cities that I’ve visited, and I’m fascinated at how religion as shaped its architecture, culture and development.

NOTE:  Allow a minimum of 90 minutes for the tour and round trip transportation.

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