Wild and Wonderful Mongolia

Offering a mix of culture, history and adventure, Mongolia is a really special destination for travellers. People come from all over the world to ride ponies over the vast plains, camp with nomad families, visit Buddhist temples and unravel the history of Genghis Khan.

Mongolia Ponies, Photo: Michael Foley Photography on Flickr

Ulan Bator
Ulan Bator, the coldest capital city in the world, is Mongolia’s economic hub. A chaotic city characterized by concrete and commerce, Ulan Bator contrasts with the rest of Mongolia. Many are quite surprised and put off by the city, but there are many marvelous sites to be seen, such as monasteries and museums.

One of the most notable monasteries in Mongolia is Ulan Bator's Buddhist Choijin Lama Monastery. The site is immensely popular due to its beautiful architecture, fascinating history and extensive collection of sculptures and works of Buddhist art. Just as outstanding is the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. This Palace is currently a museum of the last surviving monarch, containing six temples and possessions of the great Bogd Khan and his wife. Sukhbaatar Square is another popular attraction. The square is the site where the 'hero of the revolution', Damdin Sukhbaatar, declared Mongolia's final independence from the Chinese. In the square is a statue of the hero straddling his horse.

Adventure Landscapes
From the Gobi desert in the south to the icy mountain ranges in the north and west to the vast Steppes, Mongolia offers an array of contrasting landscapes. These landscapes provide an enormous range of activities for every type of traveller. Here are some of the favourites:

•One can canoe, kayak, or white water raft the Kherlen River in the east.
•Mongolia’s many rivers and lakes are perfect for fishing.
•The diverse Mongolian landscapes serve as a mountain biker’s paradise.
•Camping in yurts along the Steppes is a particular favourite.
•One can hop on a horse and ride along the grassy plains. Horseback riding has been and remains to be a way of life for Mongolians. It is said that many Mongolian children learn to ride horse back even before they learn to walk!

If you’re a little less active, but still want to appreciate the outdoors, then spend some time wildlife and bird watching. Some of Mongolia’s mammals include the endangered Gobi bear, elusive snow leopard, and the ibex. White-naped cranes, raptors, and the world's largest grouse are just a small selection of birds that soar through Mongolia's skies.

Summer in the Okanagan

The Okanagan, situated in the province of British Columbia, comes alive in the summer time with a vast array of festivals and outdoor sports. The expansive lake, beaches and laid-back attitude provide the perfect atmosphere for a summer escape. The dry, summer climate and lakeshore communities add to the region’s charming ambience.

Okanagan Lake, Photo: Kyle Pearce on Flickr

There are an endless amount of activities in the Okanagan - from watersports and golf to wine tastings and delicious food – there is something for everyone. The Okanagan is famous for its fruit orchards, vineyards and wine. Wine tastings and vineyard tours are an absolute must for wine lovers. The popular Mission Hill Winery, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the lake, is a definite favourite. The patio at Quail’s Gate Winery is a great place to have lunch after touring vineyards.

Water sports, boating, biking and hiking are just a few of the exhilarating outdoor sports that it has to offer. Many visitors enjoy renting sea-doo’s and trying their hand at wakeboarding on the lake. If you’re a little less adventurous, there are many spots along the lake to relax under the sun and enjoy a good book!

The Okanagan also serves as the ultimate spot for anyone who loves live music as it is hosting a number of summer events. In addition to the small local events that come alive in the summer, 2011 brings with it some major festivals as well. Among these festivals is Centre of Gravity - three days of live music, fashion, and world-class sports along the lake. Additionally, the Nakusp Music Festival, the top rock event in all of Canada, will also take place in the Okanagan.

Whether you’re looking for a summer adventure or a relaxing summer escape, the Okanagan can accommodate you.

Wildlife on a Rocky Mountaineer Adventure

Bighorn Sheep, Photo: dbarronoss on Flickr

British Columbia is completely immersed in natural beauty, including a stunning variety of wildlife. Offering encircling panoramic windows, the Rocky Mountaineer provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wilderness. On a Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey you will explore the protected areas of Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, and the famed Banff and Jasper. Many large mammals and birds flourish in these regions. Wildlife to look for include black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, caribou, big horn sheep, cougars, wolves, and lynx.

The chance to draw in all that the rare, rugged Canadian Rockies have to offer is amazing. Yet one must keep in mind that wildlife is wild, so keeping your distance is a must. Animals rely on their natural habitat to survive; therefore, travelers must also be responsible when they are visiting these habitats. Overall, witnessing wildlife on the in their natural setting is tremendously moving when taking the Rocky Mountaineer.

Where to encounter penguins

Penguins are some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. They are graceful and elegant, yet seemingly awkward as they waddle along on land. The flightless birds spend more than half of their lives in the water and are only ever airborne when they leap onto land. Having no natural fear of humans, these curious birds sometimes come quite close to their observers. For this reason, many animal-lovers travel far and wide to have an experience with their favourite birds.

Emperor Penguins, Photo: Martha de Jong-Lantink on Flickr

If you want to encounter penguins on your next adventure, there are several places you can find them. Most penguin species reside in the Antarctic and temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Different species of penguin thrive in different climates. The tropical Galapagos Islands are home to the world’s smallest penguin: the Galapagos Penguin. Emperor penguins live in the vast, icy wilderness of Antarctica. The Galapagos and Antarctica are typically the most popular destinations to view penguins, however, they can also be found in South Africa, New Zealand and various regions in the south of South America.

"Stage Struck" in London

"Stage Struck", the annual London Theatre Tour, is truly an unforgettable experience. The tour welcomes both seasoned theatre-goers and those wanting to dip their toes into the world of dramatic arts. This year's tour starts on November 24th and goes to December 4th, 2011. Not only will you experience the finest theatre in the world, but the streets of London will be completely decked out in holiday décor. Performances will be a combination of British musicals and plays in both tragedies and comedies.

The tour's long-time escort, John Parker, has retired and handed the reins over to another theatre enthusiast, Paul Arcand. A former drama and English instructor, Paul’s major passion is theatre and he regularly attends productions in Vancouver. Paul went on multiple theatre tours with John Parker and is delighted to have the opportunity to lead his own group of theatre lovers.

At $2475 CAD/person for double occupancy or $2975 CAD/person for single occupancy, this tour includes return transfers from the airport to the hotel (if one is flying in/out of London Heathrow), nine nights at the President Hotel with private facilities and breakfast, taxes, seven theatre tickets for the best available seats, and four pre-tour seminars with Paul (dates to be decided), this tour is a steal!

For anyone wishing to discover the fascinating city of London and immerse themselves in the world of British theatre, the Lloyd's Theatre Tour is an absolute must.

Antarctica: Land of Ice and Snow

Earth's southernmost continent, Antarctica, is a truly unique destination. The continent is almost completely covered in ice that is, on average, at least 1.6 kilometers thick. Antarctica is also home to the largest ice shelves in the world, including the Ross Ice Shelf which is around the size of France and the Ronne-Filchner Ice Shelf which is about the size of Spain.

Antarctica: Castle Rock & Mt. Erebus, Photo: elisfanclub on Flickr

Antarctica is the only continent that has never been home to an indigenous human population. Although it is 58 times the size of the UK, and 1.4 times the size of the US, it still only has a population of 1,000 in the winter. The population reaches a staggering 30,000 in the summer due to floods of tourists and Antarctica’s 4,000 scientific bases. Many travelers take the journey to Antarctica to discover its vast wilderness and experience the thrill of visiting a place unlike any other. Some travelers compare the trip to Antarctica to visiting the moon.

When traveling to Antarctica, the most popular tourist area is Anver Island Bay. This bay is home to the only two cruise ship stops on the continent: the US Palmer Station, and a museum at Port Lockroy. Another favourite for tourists is Cuverville Island. From rugged glaciers to endless deserts to enormous mountain ranges, Antarctica offers spectacular scenery. Antarctica is also home to a wide spectrum of wildlife including penguins, seals, whales, krill, and several kinds of birds. Some animals have adapted in such a way that they are able to create their own anti-freeze.

There is really no place on earth like Antarctica. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure travel enthusiast, this majestic destination should be on your bucket list!