The Beauty of Group Travel So we obviously all agree that one should travel, or else you wouldn’t be reading this newsletter. However it is hard to know in which style to travel, when there are so many different ways in which to do it, and so many hidden secrets and benefits of each approach. Having travelled both independently and with a group (as a Tour Leader), the former generally attracted my attention. However, after time, the beauty of group travel began to unwind before me There are countless points I could share with you about how wonderful group travel is, but for now, I am going to narrow it down to the people themselves that form the group which you travel with. Are you the type of person who can usually tell straight away (or at least you thought you could, until I unveil this amazing tale) whether someone would be your “type” of person or not? When you travel in a group, it is almost impossible not to interact with people that you wouldn’t normally take the time to speak to on the street, as their 'façade' doesn't appeal. Travelling as a group breaks down these walls, and lets you into all kinds of people worlds, and you will be surprised that what lies beneath the surface, is more appealing than you may have imagined. I am going to share a short story with you about a passenger I once met. I would love to share photographic evidence of my tale with you, however I fear it would end with a roller up my nose. When conducting a pre-departure meeting for an overland trip in Africa I was about to lead, I remember being quite flabbergasted as a lady of about 60 walked in. She was the splitting image of a slightly more mature Goldie Horn, dressed to the nines, face painted like a butterfly, high heal boots, big dangly earrings, and a large glass of wine grasped firmly in her hand. I thought to myself oh my banana, this lady is going to be an absolute nightmare and hate every second of this trip! Camping, getting dirty and plenty of opportunities for broken nails. I smiled sweetly and introduced her to our fellow travelling companions, appearing tranquil like a duck on a calm water’s surface, yet hiding the furious paddling beneath it all. As the trip begun, I said to myself, “self, make sure you keep an eye on this passenger, that she doesn’t feel left out, and do your best to make sure she enjoys the trip”. I thrive on a challenge and was prepared for the worst. The first day came, and the passengers were all split into their duty groups. I cunningly grouped this lady with other passengers that seemed more mature, and a couple of males so that she wouldn’t have to do too much heavy lifting. To my amazement, in no time, she took to the duties like a swan to water. Sure, I had my first request to buy rubber gloves for the washing up, but she took to it with rollers in hair, and scrubbed those pots and pans cleaner than a shirt on a Vanish advert! She was always the first to get the group motivated to do their duties, and became the most popular and loved person on the trip. Instead of breaking her fingernails on rolling tents, she smiled sweetly at two young lads, and had them jumping around her with pride, at the click of a finger. She turned out to be one of the most entertaining and helpful people on any of the trips I have ever led, and has turned out to be a life-long friend, who has followed me around the world joining tours that I led. It is so important not to judge a lady by her outfit and remember that strangers are only friends you have not yet met! What better way to meet these wonderful strangers than on a group tour. Venture a little further back to top

Interview with European tour leader Kerry

Q. What were you doing before you became a Tour Leader?
A. I was an apprentice jockey, a wool handler in a shearing gang, and an outdoor education leader in America.

Q. How did you get into Tour Leading?
A. After 2 years of living and working in the USA, my work visa was not renewed. Luckily the organisation I was with at the time had contacts with a travel company in the UK, and after surviving a pretty harsh boot camp style of training, the rest, they say, is history.

Q. What aspect of tour leading do you like best?
A. The PEOPLE!!! Passengers come from all walks of life, but all with the same goal in mind, to see as much as possible, whilst having many laughs and making new friends for life. These friendships have sometimes resulted in marriage and babies - Kumuka babies I call them. Then there’s the locals. If you make the effort, and you get to know the locals well, they invite you to their houses for bbqs, or to their local haunts for a drink. These people are also passionate about travel, and have personally been on Kumuka tours to other destinations.

Q. What is your favourite thing about Europe?
A. Its diversity, no two days are ever the same! Interlaken in Switzerland is known as the adventure capital of Europe. After travelling to what is known as “the top of Europe” the 'jungraujoch' 3454m above sea level, with guaranteed snow & ice, the decision is then how to spend the rest of your day? Paragliding, zorbing, mountain biking, just to name a few. Less than a week later you are in Pompei, learning how the ancient Romans really lived, way back in 79ad. The specialist guides we use know their stuff, but also keep us interested by making sure this information is given out with humor! Then there is the food. From fondues in Switzerland to pizzas and pastas in Italy!

Q. If you could take a famous person on tour with you who would it be?
A. The eventual winner of the Wimbledon woman’s final - it would be good to get some advice on how to try to maintain some sort of fitness regime while continuously on the move, to compensate for those 3 course meals which are included as part of the tour.

Q. If you could go on any of Kumuka’s tours which would you chose?
A. Trans Siberian Railway (LINK). When working in Asia, I used to love the overnight trains we went on as part of the tour. Not only because it is a novel way to travel, but you really get a great opportunity to interact with the locals. I have many a memory of trying unidentifiable local foods and drinks, offered by fellow travellers in exchange for the western type snacks we used to bring on board. This usually resulted in a few headaches in the morning...

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South America Encompassed

Thank you Kumuka, for your South America Encompassed Tour. Your package put together the majority of the big tourist sights of South America into one tour. Our Tour Guide (Anton) and our Driver (Lawrence) were great, fun blokes who both just made the trip a colorful and an enjoyable experience for my wife & myself. We met some wonderful people and have apparently adopted some of them as extended family?

We have experienced and enjoyed the foods & cuisines of South America and now need to unload a few kilo's . There are a mountain of photographs to remind us of our travels and bunch of really good memories from the whole tour, starting with the Carnival in Rio, trekking through some of the parks in Ushuaia and El Chalten, and the Inca Trail in Peru, and finishing with the Galapagos Islands (a 4 day additional tour arranged through Kumuka). There are heaps of stand-out events and highlights and I can say that we saw and did everything we set out to, and had a great time doing so. Well done Anton & Lawrence, well done Kumuka

Cheers
Dave Dunn
Queensland

Dave travelled on the South America Encompassed tour. 

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The Colosseum in Rome Opens Underground Tunnels to the Public

When I visited the Colosseum back in 2007, it felt as though the eerie atmosphere, projected from such a significant historical site, engulfed my body in a captivating way, and acted like a time machine, transporting me back to ancient Rome. It was as though you could feel the crowd cheering, the nerves of the gladiators waiting below rising, and the deep roar of the lions as they prepared for an unknown battle.

I am sure that those of you who have already visited the Colosseum shared the same inquisitive desire, to explore deep below this magnanimous structure and see “behind the scenes” in the underground chambers, where the slaves, gladiators and wild animals would have been waiting to be lifted up onto the arena floor.

Well good news. According to a BBC report, the sum of 23 million Euros is being spent on restoring the Colosseum, and preparing the network of underground tunnels, which will be opened to the public later this year. Next stop... ROME!

Please check out this web link to find your next Kumuka tour, which will take you to this ancient architectural marvel...

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Travel Tip of The Month

Remember when you are travelling that things will be different than back home.

People travel for many different reasons, however there should be one solid rule when it comes to travel. Clear your mind of all expectations and take whatever comes with the grace of a young and innocent child. Don’t compare or reject any of the moments which come knocking on your door, let them all in and experience and grow with them.

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Brendan's Blog

Chasing Road Runners in Chile’s Moon Valley by Brendan Van Son

One step into the World’s driest desert will leave you beyond awe and rather wondering if you’ve left the Earth’s surface. The cartoon-like Valley of the Moon, in Chile’s Atacama Desert, is sure to leave you wondering if you’ve stepped into a wild desert chase between Wiley Coyote and the ever elusive Road Runner. The valley is lined with sharp sandstone cliffs topped by vicariously hanging ledges of sheet like rock. The valley itself is wrinkled with jagged triangular pillars of which, to the creative eye, resemble the outer back spine of a dinosaur. The Valley of the Moon is sure to draw the most cynical observer into a calm state of insignificance.

Click here if you would like to read the rest of this blog.

Check out any of the following tours if you would like to visit this fascinating landscape.

Small Group Tours
SA1004 - Latin Landscapes
SA1404 - The Explorer
SA1504 - Camino

Overland Tours
SA1 - Andean Adventure
SA5 - Essence of The Andes
SA22 - Coastal Express

***Most of these tours run in reverse as well***

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CASH-BACK GUARANTEE

Kumuka's Don't Delay Offer has been extended, so if you feel like grabbing yourself a bargain, please click here for further information.

LATE DEALS

Check out the fantastic late deals on the following departures:

ME4R Cairo to Amman Express
14 Days - Departs: 31 Oct 10, 21 Nov 10
Countries Visited: Egypt - Jordan - Syria

ME6 Kingdoms and Crusades
28 Days - Departs: 24 Oct 10
Countries Visited: Syria - Jordan - Egypt

ME6R Middle East Revealed
28 Days - Departs: 07 Nov 10
Countries Visited: Egypt - Jordan - Syria

ME4 The Road to Damascus
14 Days - Departs: 24 Oct 10
Countries Visited: Syria - Jordan - Egypt

SA026 Andean Horizons
21 Days - Departs: 02 Oct 10
Countries Visited: Chile - Argentina - Bolivia

SA028 Incas, Jungle & Salt Lakes
42 Days - Departs: 02 Oct 10
Countries Visited: Chile - Argentina - Bolivia - Peru

EU6L European Rhapsody
12 Days - Departs: 22 Oct 10
Countries Visited: Austria - Hungary - Czech Republic - Germany - Netherlands - France

EU6P European Rhapsody
12 Days - Departs: 22 Oct 10
Countries Visited: Austria - Hungary - Slovakia - Czech Republic - Germany -Netherlands - France

AF10 Livingstone's Africa
28 Days - Departs: 14 Nov 10
Countries Visited: Kenya - Tanzania - Malawi - Zambia - Zimbabwe

For more great special offers and late deals click here >

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What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.

William Least Heat Moon - America Travel Writer

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Contact Us:

email: adventuretours@kumuka.com website: www.kumuka.com