Responsible Tourism Awards--Best Cruise Operator

And the winner is--Orion Expedition Cruises! Who? you might say. Simply the best way to see the "Path Less Traveled" in the South Pacific and Asia. My personal experience can confirm the details of their citation: Orion Expedition Cruises shows a real commitment to the communities it visits. By acknowledging that authenticity can only be realized for their guests by working in partnership with communities, they conduct research ahead of establishing new ports of call--helping protect cultural heritage and the environment while offering real benefits to the places they visit.

Sarina Bratton, Founder and Managing Director said, "The destinations visited by Orion are some of the most pristine and sensitive wilderness areas on our planet... We have a social responsibility to develop a marine tourism blueprint that ........ is at the forefront of eco-sensitivity and benchmark for internationally recognizable and environmentally sound operating practices."

Aussie One Week Walkabout is back! Air + 6 Nights from $1799

Includes roundtrip flights departing the US from LAX, Australian domestic flights, 3 nights Melbourne, half day guided Melbourne sightseeing tour, 3 nights Cairns, transfers and more! Several "Walkabouts" may be combined or mixed and matched to create your own Australian Adventure.

Serengeti Not so Safe

Unfortunately, the plan, originally greeted with relief, is far less desirable than a newly proposed alternative which would not bisect the Serengeti at all. International efforts are underway to stop the road within the park--and save the migration route of literally millions of animals from commercial development.

One prong of this effort is to stop the beloved Jane Goodall Institute from awarding the President of Tanzania their 2010 Excellent in Public Policy leadership award. In the cruelest of ironies their website says: "This award honors an individual who uses his or her position as an elected official or public servant to support policies that ensure a better future for our natural world." You may wish to make your voice heard at http://www.janegoodall.org/contact

Serengeti Safe

Excellent news that the President of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, has said the planned road through the National Park and the Rift Valley will be environmentally friendly to one of the world’s most famous wildlife parks and not paved as previously feared. If you have not visited the Serengeti, particularly to witness the Great Migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, please plan to do so. Safaris are not as expensive as you may think! Contact me.

Bachelorette Tahiti (Bora Bora Nui)

The Bachelorette has finally made her choice. I made mine years ago when I first stayed at the Bora Bora Nui. It's one of my favorite Tahitian resorts. The overwater bungalows are spacious and exceptionally well designed. The wedding chapel is gorgeous, overlooking the ocean. The restaurants are newly inspired. My last visit there was only a few months ago. Now that it's so famous, good deals abound.