Global Basecamps is offering our clients a special discounted price on a Fiji yoga and surf retreat December 3rd-10th at Tavarua Island Resort! Tavarua is a tiny heart-shaped jewel among the hundreds that comprise the Fijian Chain. Boasting the most well known and consistent waves in Fiji, Cloudbreak and Restaurants, Tavarua Island also offers that special Fijian hospitality and island beauty that forever touches all who have had the opportunity to experience it.
Following the April Japan travel updates, in which the U.S. State Department lifted their Japan tours warning, there has been another change to the U.S. government Japan travel alert. Below are some frequently asked questions about Japan that will give travelers more information about the current situation there.
Yes, Tokyo is safe. The Japanese government has confirmed this as well as foreign governments. On October 7, the U.S. government downgraded the Japan travel alert recommending that U.S. citizens avoid all areas within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, while the previous travel alert recommended staying 50 kilometers from the plant. Experts assessed the situation in Japan and determined that the health and safety risks to those outside of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant area are very low and don’t post a significant risk. Also note, that they have not only determined Tokyo is safe to visit for a short period of time, but it is safe to live there or spend an extended amount of time there.
No, they are not. In every country in the world there are safe, low levels of radiation. The radiation level in Tokyo is similar to the levels found in other major cities of the world. For example, on April 25th the level of radiation in Tokyo was lower than the levels of radiation in New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Seoul. The radiation levels in Tokyo are within normal limits and are not hazardous.
Ecuador is one the most diverse countries in the world, with snow-capped volcanoes, tropical beaches, and lush jungles. The diverse topography allows travelers to easily venture to different climates within a matter of days. The largest ethnic group in Ecuador is the Andean Quechua, consisting of around 2 million people. The Quechua have preserved their culture, traditions, and language quite well. Distinguished by the Andean flute music, foods such as quinoa and cuy (guinea pig), beautiful wool ponchos, and colorful embroidered blouses, learning about the Quechua culture will no doubt be a highlight of Ecuador tours.
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, but Quechua is spoken by the indigenous population. In addition to Spanish, there are about 10 native languages spoken in Ecuador. Roman Catholic influences some social behavior in Ecuador; many holiday and festivals are at least partially based on Christian beliefs.
People will greet with a handshake and a smile. Try using the appropriate greeting for the time of day:
Meet the Goodwins: Aamion, Daize, and their two children, Given and True. With the philosophy that travel is the best teacher, they have set off an incredible journey around the world. Intent on showing their children the natural beauty of life, this young family left their home on Kauai to travel the world for 11 months, exploring 18 countries. Follow their story and encounters as they circumnavigate the planet, surfing along the way in places like Japan, Israel, and Fiji.
Danielle is an international peace advocate and Co-founder of the nonprofit Kids for Peace who recently graduated from Harvard with degrees in Religion and Sociology. From summer 2011-2012, Danielle will spend nearly a year traveling in Asia and Africa. Her blog documents her experiences as she seeks out new adventures, learns about other ways of life, and studies issues related to vulnerable children and conflict resolution. Read her last guest blog here.
On one of the last days of my Southeast Asia tour, I picked up a copy of Eat, Pray, Love from a used bookstore and realized that Elizabeth and I were on the same trip. Sure there are some notable differences: the autobiography’s author had suffered a horrible divorce prompting her to visit three I’s—Italy, India, and Indonesia—with the goals of pursuing pleasure, devotion and balance. I had no such explicit goal at the outset of my trip, but here I was, lying on a sun-kissed beach in Koh Samui, Thailand, reading my book, sipping a Mai Tai, and…pursuing pleasure.
Global Basecamps creates customized travel experiences – bringing together diverse destinations and cultures, unique lodging and a spirit of adventure to create personal, memorable journeys.
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