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K-News - Kumuka Worldwide's Newsletter. Cover Story:  Europe in the Winter
July 2009 - Issue 69

Dear Kumuka Traveller

Meg Hall

I literally drool every time I see another amazing airfare published. It truly is the season to be jolly!

They say getting there is half the fun! With prices so cheap it’s party time! So where will it be? The US, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America… everywhere seems to be on sale. The difficult part is deciding where to go?

So hunt around and take advantage of the very best deals then maybe venture a little further when you get there? Kumuka’s prices didn’t increase, like our competitors did when the credit crisis hit, we stayed true to our “value for money” ethos and now we have abolished local payments so you simply pay one price no matter where you go. Our itineraries are highly inclusive taking the guess work out of planning, no need to juggle exchange rates when you get there to visit a major highlight. Simply compare and you’ll see what we mean.

Meanwhile read on and whet your appetite.

Happy travelling
Meg Hall
Kumuka Worldwide

In this month's K-News...
Cover Story Cover Story Winter in Europe!
What You Say What You Say Esme travels to Europe.
Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight Meet Nicole Fraser - Travel Consultant, Dubai.
Changes to Tour Pricing Travel Tips Travelling at high altitude.
Post Card Post Card Trent drops us a line from the Andes.
Quote of the Month Quote of the Month An ancient Chinese Proverb.
Angus & Robertson Angus & Robertson Rewards competition winner.
Twitter Twitter Kumuka are Twittering.
Cover Story:
     

Winter in Europe

How many penguins live in Antarctica

Many people avoid the winter season around the world as donning a jumper seems like hard work. For others, the idea of having a place to yourself under the hush of winter is the driving force to get away from it all.

Though the temperature might not be soaring, one place that is still 'hot' during winter is Europe.

Here are the 10 best reasons to travel to Europe in winter

How many penguins live in Antarctica

1. Winter markets in town squares are abuzz. They sell ornaments, crafts, gluhwein and delicious Christmas foods – Berlin’s markets are the best

2. There are amazing boots, scarves and hats on sale, it’s a real shopper’s paradise

3. There are less international tourists at major sites and shorter or non-existent queues

4. The air is very crisp and clean, so sightseeing is not tiring

How many penguins live in Antarctica

5. The continent is frequented by surprise snow falls which makes everything look stunning

6. The shops put pretty displays in the windows, enticing the passerby to come in and warm up and buy their wares

7. The cities are decorated in seasonal lights which adds a fairy tale atmosphere

8. The best hardy European food is available at every turn to warm you up inside

9. You’ll have more interaction with the locals as they tend to avoid the main sites during high season.

How many penguins live in Antarctica

10. Santa Clause doesn’t have to travel so far to find you!

If you are thinking of travelling to Europe this winter with Kumuka, then book soon as our tours fill up early!

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Staff Spotlight:

Meet Nicole Fraser, Travel Consultant Based in Dubai

Meet Nicole Fraser

Having travelled the world while foot loose and family free, Nicole slowed down somewhat when her two sons came along in quick succession! It was soon after this that Nicole applied for the position with Kumuka to allow her to look after her young ones whilst keeping her finger in the industry, working out of hours from home. When her husband got a full time job in Dubai it was no problem for her to move her 'office' to Dubai and continue to work with Kumuka, taking advantage of the virtual private network which allows flexible working conditions.

In her own words:

Where have you travelled to? South America, Europe, UK, Asia, Around OZ, Pacific, Antarctica, UAE... but so many more I want to see.

What destination was your favourite? Mmm who can ever answer that question - different places for different reasons! Iguazu Falls, Paris, Tahiti, Snowboarding in NZ, the list goes on.

What do you like most about travelling? No destination is ever the same.

What is your earliest travel memory? The family holiday to Fiji as a young teenager... it blew my mind. It was my first introduction to culture, traditions, paradise, currencies and meeting people from all over the world.

If you could pack your bags and go on a Kumuka tour tomorrow, which one would it be and why? Any tour to Africa - a continent I am dying to see.

If you won a million USD what would you do? Donate 10% to a children's cancer charity, then spend the rest on yearly holidays with family and friends so that by the time we are old and wrinkly we have seen every destination we have ever dreamed of going to and more!

What is your quirkiest (publishable) habit? I block my ears and skull water at the same time to get rid of the hiccups

Do you have a question for Nicole? Email her

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Post Card:

I'm on top of the world!

Dear Kumuka

This year I went on my very first overseas trip, I was real scared before I booked my tour but you guys were great when I called, you answered every question. I felt a bit guilty actually because I ended up booking with my travel agent but you said that was no worries, and to still call with all your questions. Sorry if I asked too many?

I'm on top of the world!

Anyway I am now in the Andes which as far as I'm concerned is the top of the world, sure it's harder to breathe up here but it's so amazing! I feel like I can touch the sky, the scenery is to die for too, like nothing I've seen at home. The people in Peru are just so nice, I am glad I did the Spanish course before starting this trip as I can talk with the locals even if it is basic, it has made my trip so much more interesting than it could have been. My tour leader is excellent; she gets on well with all the group and leaves no one out.

We're heading to Cuzco where I’m going to try my feet out on the Inca Trail. Wish me luck. Thanks for everything guys. I'm loving it!

Trent McInerny

Trent wrote to us from the Inca Heights tour.

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What You Say:

Singing this is the Life!

Margaret travels to Egypt

The hardest question people asked me when I returned from our big trip to Europe was “What was your favourite part?” And every time I groaned and said “Don’t ask me that!! I loved everything!!” That seriously sums how great a time I had on the 28 day tour of Central Europe with Kumuka! Everything surpassed my wildest expectations and I can’t wait to go back!

All the experiences were excellent but two things really put the icing on the cake. One was meeting some amazing fellow travelers. And two, the amazing tour leaders who made my trip an unforgettable and life changing one. Susan and Kevin’s fantastic life attitude was imparted to us from the start, Susan’s lessons about many aspects of history and culture really made me appreciate how lucky I am and completely sparked everyone’s interest in European history.

So if you want to enliven your soul, experience something really magic, see the world and expand your mind, then conscious travel is the best education and experience you’re ever going to get!!! It is impossible to have a bad holiday and impossible not to change for the better after travelling around Europe with Kumuka! So DO IT!!!

Ciao bellas and happy travels!
Esme

Click here to read the full story

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Twitter

Kumuka are Twittering!

TwitterYou may have heard or seen the word ‘Twitter’ a lot recently. Why is everyone raving about it? What is all the fuss about? Well, Twitter has recently been in the headlines as one of the fastest growing social networking websites in the world. It has become an internet phenomenon, allowing users to send messages to each other and stay in touch.

Kumuka is using Twitter to keep in touch with its clients. By following Kumuka on Twitter you will be among the first to receive:

• Special Offers
• Late Deals
• Kumuka News
• Travel Advice
• Competitions
…and much more

When you join Twitter you can also:

• Stay in touch with family and friends when on tour
• Send updates about your travels to Kumuka
• It’s free, easy to use, and very popular

Simply go to twitter.com/kumuka and join for FREE! It really is that easy.

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Angus & Robertson Rewards Competition

10% off Kumuka Tours for Angus & Robertson Rewards Members!

Margaret travels to Egypt

Angus & Robertson

Thank you and welcome to those customers who recently entered the draw to win a Kumuka Worldwide trip to Vietnam through the Angus & Robertson Rewards program.

We would like to announce the lucky winner is Mr Louie Dragut from Queensland. Louie will be heading off on his Vietnam adventure very shortly!

But the rewards don’t stop there! As an Angus & Robertson Rewards Member you and your travel partners are entitled to a 10% discount on some of the most exciting tours the globe has to offer!

Find more information on Angus & Robertson Rewards here >

Kumuka Worldwide has mapped over 500 tours across seven continents and 83 countries, with itineraries spanning from two days to 35 weeks, to help you venture a little further wherever it is in the world you want to go.

For more information about the Kumuka discount and terms and conditions please click here >

To choose your next holiday, just click here to browse Kumuka’s tours >

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Travel Tips

Travelling at High Altitude

Travelling at High Altitude

Many of our tours in Nepal and South America travel to high altitudes (>2000 mtrs). While altitude affects everyone differently and you can’t fully prevent the effects that altitude may have on your body (unless you actually spend lengths at altitude before you arrive for your adventure) there are some things you can do:

To Prepare

  • Increase your strength, weight training, walking, running or stair work is great
  • Increase your stamina by getting fit
  • Swimming strengthens the lung capacity
  • Arrive healthy, no benders on the plane on the way

Then when you arrive

  • Slow down, this will help your body adapt
  • Eat a high carbohydrate, low salt diet and small meals often if you can, as people tend to lose their appetite at altitude and this can affect energy levels so keep up the intake
  • Drink plenty of water as mountain air is cool but dry

Want to travel to higher climes? Check out our tours in Nepal and South America

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Quote of the Month:

The journey is the reward.

Ancient Chinese Proverb.

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