Kumuka Venture, March 2007, Travel to Africa with Kumuka Worldwide

Dear Kumuka Traveller

Welcome to the March edition of Venture. It’s time to stop everything, sit back and dream about travelling, after all, if you don’t have a dream, how can you have a dream come true?

This month I chat about my life changing experiences, Peta writes in from China, our Asia Operations Manager, Helen, gives us the low down on hot spots around the world and we profile Kate Henning, a Europe Venturer, plus, as they say, much, much more…

Happy Travels
Meg Hall

General Manager
Kumuka Worldwide

Leave the drama to the Queens…

Before becoming parents, my husband and I were nervous about the imminent life change, this was fuelled by the flood of “life is over”, “poverty”, “tied down” and “ball and chain” comments that were thrown at us during the lead up. We used to be the ultimate adventurers, travelling the world together. Even when we settled back in Australia we lived spontaneously on weekends and jetsetted at every opportunity, we didn’t really want to bury all of that under nappies and sleepless nights, but, given the public response to our news, we suspected that this is what would happen.

Now 10 months into it, I can honestly say, yes it was life changing but all for the better, we learnt to deal with nappies and a lack of sleep, then soon with a bit of creativity, the things we loved in our old life crept back in, including work, thanks to Kumuka, a mother friendly and technology savvy company! Now we have a little mate to enjoy all of the new things life is presenting us with; we are even planning to “Venture a Little Further” on one of Kumuka’s tailor made tours later in the year, I dare say one of many for years to come! Life will never be the same again but it is great, better! Why don’t people tell you that?

Coming this far and feeling so pleased with our achievement, reminds me so much of the time when I first chose to take off and explore the world. My first destination was Africa on an overland tour for months on end. The prelude to embarking on this adventure was tumultuous, I used to live in a country town where going to Africa was considered on an even plane as going to the moon, I was even interviewed by and published in the local newspaper for embarking on such a journey! I couldn’t mention the word Africa to anyone without their reaction including the words such as” brave”, “malaria”, “dangerous animals”, “insects the size of your arm” and “man eating lions”. Yes I really did live in the country!

So as sure as the “congratulations you’re pregnant, life will soon be over” comments put me into a strange place mentally, so did “Oh you’re going to Africa, I hope you don’t get chased by a leopard!”

Though prior to Africa I had never been further than New Zealand in my travels, I was resolute in my decision and “ventured a little further” to Africa, despite the counsel dished out to me by well meaning individuals. Oh, am I glad I did! Going to Africa, in some ways like having a baby, was a pivotal time in my life. By taking the plunge and shaking things up a bit, I not only got out of a dangerous rut which could have seen my life travel on a very mundane track but I gained confidence only found when boundaries are pushed.

Africa was amazing, I didn’t get chased by a leopard, contract malaria, or come face to face with any man eating lions. Yes it was adventurous, yes it was exciting. I saw things I never dreamed I’d be able to and travelling on an overland trip added a safety net by being with experienced crew and back up. I came out the other side with nothing but a head full of mind blowing experiences.

After spending 6 months in Africa I went on to travel the world constantly for 6 years. Every time I went to a new destination I felt confident to go even further and have now been to 6 of the world’s continents with Antarctica being the one remaining – the way I look at that is, you have to have something to look forward to!

So, I think back to all of those people who looked at me with wide eyes as I embarked on my life’s journeys and wonder why they turn dramatic when you mutter words of your up and coming adventures. I could summate with a “fear of the unknown” conclusion but, somehow, I think human nature is a little more complex than that?

My suggestion, though, is if you have an idea of an adventure, then speak to the experts for reassurance, no matter what the adventure is, speaking to those in the know will help you on your journey, they will tell you what it is really like and leave the drama to the queens.

Shake your life up on a Kumuka Worldwide journey.
Speak to the experts

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Hi guys

I’m out and about in the big wide world traveling with Kumuka again but this time I’m in China! China is a destination that has exceeded my expectations in every way since I arrived here a few days ago. It’s very clean, the people are friendly, the landscape is stunning, the food delicious and best of all I’m feeling relaxed because our local and national guides organize everything which takes the stress out of this hustle & bustle country with its population of 1.4 Billion!!!

So far I have walked on the Great Wall (which is steeper than one expects), I have been to the Ming Tombs, the Pekking Opera, visited the forbidden city and the temple of heaven, walked across Tiananmen Square, traveled on a Rickshaw through the traditional Hutong alleys (an important part of China’s culture), explored the Summer Palace and spent far too much money in the Pearl markets. All this just in Beijing!

After Beijing our group of 11 people took an overnight train to Xian where we arrived early in the morning but got to go straight to the hotel to freshen up for our day of sight seeing. This day was definitely my highlight because we visited the terracotta warriors. There are hundreds of warriors on display and each of them has a different face…like real people.

Tomorrow we will be flying to Shanghai. There is so much packed into this itinerary but I never feel like I’m rushing because our local guides are so chilled out…their motto is “no worry, no hurry”. And with so many inclusions I really feel like I’m getting value for my money. I’m so glad I booked an extra night in Shanghai because I hear the shopping is absolutely fantastic!

Cheers Peta

PS. You all know I am a hotel princess and the hotels on this tour have not let me down.

Travel to China with Kumuka Worldwide
Do you have a Postcard you wish to send us? Email Meg

Anticipation is half the fun.

Here are Kumuka’s top 10 tips to help you enjoy the lead up to your journey.

1. Hang a calendar and mark the days off until you are on your adventure.

2. If you have a list of things to buy, instead of waiting till the last minute to purchase, buy one item a week and prolong the enjoyment.

3. Every Friday night pour yourself a drink, sit back and imagine yourself on holiday.

4. Stare at the pictures on the Kumuka Worldwide website at least once a week.

5. Put a map on the wall with your journey marked on it and stare at it every time you pass.

6. Enjoy turning down invitations to social events and using the excuse, “sorry cant make it, I’ll be in …eg India, Antarctica, Bolivia, Croatia, Belize, Tibet…”

7. Look at your pallid complexion and revel in the fact that soon your skin will be sun kissed.

8. As your adventure draws near, focus on the things you don’t like doing in your daily life and take comfort in the fact that soon you will be carefree on holiday.

9. Plan your next holiday before you leave, as you will need something to look forward to when you get home.

10. Think about writing a post card for publication in our Venture magazine to make your friends jealous.

Plan your holiday with Kumuka Worldwide

Helen Dwyer, Asia Operations Manager, tells us where in the world you can find…

The most amazing place to camp: Torres del Paine Nat Park in Chile, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, there is nothing like opening the door to your tent and being blown away by views of the Andes Mountains.

The most rewarding trek: Everest Base Camp in Nepal, for its history and out of this world scenery.

The best meal: That would have to be Thailand; I just can’t go past the fresh made red curry, especially from the local markets in Kanchanaburi near the river Kwai

The best cocktail: Hmm that’s a toss up between the Strawberry Daiquiris in Huanchaco, Peru or Pisco Sour’s in Cusco, Peru.

The best party: Well there is the obvious - Rio Carnival Brazil, but with the right group you can have a fantastic party anywhere, I remember having a riot in Luderitz, Namibia, we had a spontaneous cocktail party in the wind, on the edge of the desert with no major highlights, a bar, a good group of people and a few bevies.

Travel the world with Kumuka Worldwide

CONGRATULATIONS CLAIRE PURCELL!

What!? Claire has won a Southern Explorer tour in Africa with Kumuka.

How!? By subscribing to receive Kumuka’s Venture Magazine

Here’s what happened.

“I entered a competition at the Adventure expo; I just needed to write 25 words or less as to why I needed to go.

As 2007 New Year rang in, my resolution was that 2007 is the year of travel. I have booked the following trips - Hawaii, New Zealand, Thailand and Malaysia. I was looking at one more trip for the end of the year, when I arrived back from Hawaii to open my mail to see I had won a trip with Kumuka to Africa!!!

I have always wanted to go to Africa and I am so grateful to have won this wonderful opportunity. My friend Jenni has also booked the trip to come with me in November!

Also, I was watching Getaway and was lucky enough to score a 50% off discount on a Kumuka tour from Spain to Italy - so I am heading off in June to Europe!”

Wow, lucky Claire! What might I win if I subscribe to Venture Mag? We are currently running an amazing subscription competition to win GBP£10,000 worth of travel with Kumuka Worldwide, win or lose every subscriber receives a free travel magazine to their door every quarter.

Subscribe to Venture Magazine here

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Meet Kate Henning

A social butterfly from Adelaide, South Australia this HR consultant has a love of alternative music, being active and of course travelling! Kate believes that travel is one of the most enriching experiences one can have and chose to travel to Europe with Kumuka for the independent and relaxed nature of the tour. This gave Kate the opportunity to enjoy a great night out where she drank beer by the litre, ate delicious sausage and saukraut, whilst singing and dancing with the locals. No she isn’t an alcoholic, she and her travel companions joined in with the festivities in the Hofbrauhaus in Munich.

In her own words…

What did you like about travelling on a group tour? Being on a group tour took away the hassle of having to work out how to travel from place to place and booking decent accommodation. We also had a fantastic time meeting 24 other like-minded individuals who we became great friends with during our tour.

Now that it is all over what do you miss the most about being on tour? I miss seeing something different and amazing every day, the fantastic group of people we were traveling with and the wonderful couple Susan and Kevin, who were our tour leader/bus driver – they were great providing all the information we needed for our travels and organized so many things that took the load off us.

If you could board an aeroplane tomorrow and travel on another Kumuka tour, where would it be and why? I’d love to do the rest of the tour that carried on after ours – the European Rhapsody so that we can visit the northern part of Central Europe. Although then there is Eastern Europe, China, Africa, South America…..

If you could meet someone famous who would it be? I would love to meet Bono and chew the fat with him about his views on how we can all solve some of the world’s problems?

Travel the world with Kumuka Worldwide

Click here and speak to an expert.

Kumuka Worldwide has been one of the leading specialists in adventure travel for the last 23 years. Our successful operation spans six continents, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Asia where we operate exciting tours renowned for their quality and reliability. Our combined expertise and experience adds new scope to the destinations and styles of trips available throughout the world. Together with the accumulative knowledge of our enthusiastic staff we are able to map out itineraries to 57 countries.

Our clients tend to be between 18 and 45. It is however attitude that is more important than age and we do take some clients over 45 if the style of travel suits them. In general our clients are working professionals with 65% travelling solo.

www.kumuka.com - for more information on the ultimate adventure.