GLAMPING

What might be the newest word in the travel lexicon? Glamping.

There is a lot of it going. In fact, it has been rampant in places like Africa for quite some time. What is it? GLAMourous camPING.

Tents with hot water, flush toilets, gourmet food, and sometimes even butler service. Canada’s premier glamping destination, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort’s Bedwell River Outpost (www.wildretreat.com) nestles in the forest on the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC, and offers a Canadian safari experience. Weekend rates start at $4750 plus taxes and fees but do include the floatplane transfers. I told you it wasn't like that scouting experience you remember so fondly.

China

As the world prepares to come to China one thing has made an advance appearance--personal crime is on the rise. Muggings and carjackings are taking place in many large cities. A tourist van with 12 Australian travel agents was held hostage for several hours last week while the hijacker threatened to blow it up. Eventually the police shot him dead. A reminder of what can happen in China.

Bolivia Yellow Fever

Due to the recent heavy rains in Bolivia travelers are advised to have up to date Yellow Fever vaccinations. The US Dept of State has issued a "Warden Message" and many, although not all, airlines are requiring proof of current inoculation.

I have had these when needed. They generally last for up to 10 years so it is well worth making the trek to wherever you have to go to get one if you expect to be off the beaten track.

China Air Pass

The Star Alliance has launched the Star Alliance China Air Pass, following the recent partnership between Air China and Shanghai Airlines. The pass offers travel on domestic routes at prices starting around $400 for a three coupon ticket and increasing to a maximum of about $1,200 for a 10-coupon ticket. Travel within China can be roundtrip, include multiple stops or can be open-jaw, which involves land travel for the shortest part of the trip. Flights are in economy class and travel may last up to two months. The pass can be purchased in conjunction with a return ticket or an around the world ticket to China from any Star Alliance member.

This could be a huge money saver. While some flights within China are quite reasonable, other would be much more than $120-135 per segment. US carriers in the Star Alliance include United and USAirways. Transpacific carries include ANA, Thai, Singapore, Air New Zealand, and of course Air China.