Myths and Mountains is known for voyages that allow guests to become enriched by truly experiencing the people and culture of their destinations. Two trips that explore the Himalayas, Three Stars over Everest and The Lake Guardians and the Potato Farmers, exemplify this unique way to travel in typical Myths and Mountains fashion. Both venture as far as possible from the traditional tourist paths to visit unspoiled and beautiful places, and the people who live there, that are normally closed to outsiders.

The Everest journey in Nepal treks to Kalapatar, Goyko Ri and the rarely-traveled Tawache Towers for three of the best angles for viewing the “Mother Goddess of the World.” Camping in sites away from the well-trodden, the trip ventures from the mountain to the Everest base camp and across to the Hilary Meadows and rarely visited Ama Dablam base camp.

Along the way, visits to the homes and shops in the villages, such as Thami, the home of Tenzing Norgay, offer the opportunity to meet the Sherpas and mountaineers. A variety of monasteries are also visited to pray with the monks, the largest of which is Tengboche. Myths is legendary in Nepal for its READ Global program that develops sustainable libraries and there will be a visit to the new READ library in Namche to meet those involved in the program which has been largely financed by the operator.

 Stops are also made at the Hilary Clinic in Syangboche and the high-altitude clinic in Pheriche to meet with the doctors. The 25-day trip is $2795 per person, double, based on a group of 10-14. Departures in 2009 are May 13-June 6 and Oct. 14-Nov. 7, with custom dates available.

The Lake Guardians voyage starts in Paro, the largest city in Bhutan, before beginning a six-day trek along the seldom-traveled Dagala trail through forests, across tundra and along mountain lakes and ridges with views of the Himalayan peaks. Again, the trip travels away from the Snowman Trek, Chomolhari, the Royal Trek. There may even be the chance to see some of the country’s famous wildlife on the way.

The culmination of the trek is the tiny potato-growing community of Shelmakha, home to the operator’s local director. This relationship offers access to a unique village that had only been visited by 11 foreigners before this trip began. A full day will be spent here with the local people, learning about their lives. The fall trip may even coincide with a local festival. The trip then heads to the capital city of Thimpu to visit the Traditional Indigenous Hospital and the farmers’ market. This journey is offered Apr. 19-29 and Oct. 11-21 for $3850 per person double, based on 3-10 participants.

Myths and Mountains offers more than 100 itineraries, carefully designed to delve beneath the surface of places visited. They offer scheduled departures, but are particularly known for customizing itineraries to match each traveler’s tastes and interests. The company is also a member of Trusted Adventures, a consortium of award-winning companies matching active travelers with over 350 unique trips walking, rafting, cycling and trekking in over 85 destinations worldwide.

Contact them at 800-670-MYTHS (6984) or http://www.mythsandmountains.com

This family friendly tour takes mothers and sons, fathers and daughters on a 15-day trekking and cultural exploration through Bhutan.

Visit the Phobjikha Valley – where hundreds of stately endangered black neck cranes will be wintering; meditate inside the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery- one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World;

walk the streets of Thimphu Bhutan’s timeless capital city Thimphu; and explore the lush greenery Paro Valley.

A country that didn’t have television until 1999 is celebrating its 100 years of monarchy in 2008. With ongoing events across the country Bhutan’s humble people have plans to welcome you to their homes.

Learn about this sheltered culture first hand and hear their stories.

 This trip departs November 20th and is priced to please starting at $4,195 per person.

www.snowlion.com

In Kathmandu, enjoy a sightseeing tour to explore the exotic, temples, palaces and colourful streets of this ancient and chaotic city – capital of South Asia’s newest republic. Next, fly to Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu Valley, and begin trekking with a gentle path to Monjo - a superb introduction to the region, passing traditional Sherpa villages, yaks and dramatic swing-bridges high over glacial torrents below.

 Bustling teahouses and comfortable well-appointed lodge accommodation offer welcome respite en-route, allowing for well-earned relaxation amongst magnificent scenery. On entering Sagamartha National Park a steep climb brings travellers to Namche Bazaar (3,446m), ‘Sherpa capital’ and main trading centre of the region. Spend a full day acclimatising while visiting the Everest Museum, meeting Tibetan traders and fellow trekkers.

A slow climb brings travellers to the high point - the famous Tengboche Monastery (3,867m). This magical spot, surrounded by incredible snowy peaks, offers magnificent views down the valley towards Everest. Experience afternoon prayer with the resident monks before descending to Tashinga for a good night’s sleep in another beautiful lodge. Traverse the valley to Khumjung, home of the ‘Yeti skull’, and on to Khunde where Sir Edmund Hillary established a school and medical centre.

An unusual route from here leads, zigzagging up through a river gorge, to Thame, one of the prettiest villages in the area and birthplace of Tenzing Sherpa. Reaching Mende, enjoy tea with the nuns before the decent to Monjo and Lukla. Return to Kathmandu for further sightseeing and homeward flights.

The guided expedition costs from £2,250 including flights, private transfers, hotel and deluxe mountain lodge accommodation, most meals, guides, porters and park fees.

Walks Worldwide
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www.walksworldwide.com

New design features have been added to make the brochure easier to use than before. Several new itineraries are offered, including a new Family Journey: the 12-day River Journey and the Lost City; the new Highlights of Indochina, an excellent way of exploring the very best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos for 14 days; the 15-day Cycling Vietnam and Cambodia, a more adventurous experience that will take you from Angkor to southern Vietnam; the 18-day Yangtze and Yunnan, a great combination of China’s key cities and landmarks (including a four-day Yangtze cruise) and Yunnan province; the 21-day Land of the Rising Sun, an in-depth exploration of Japan; and in India, our 11-day Kolkata and Himalayan Kingdom traverses mountain views, the Buddhist traditions of the eastern Himalayas and Kolkata’s vibrant history.

Travel Indochina’s story began 15 years ago in Indochina. This new brochure showcases the company’s on-the-ground knowledge and innovation. New for 2009, the 13-day Indochina Footprints offers travelers the chance to put something back into the destinations they travel through. Recognition for these efforts has recently come in the form of a nomination by the prestigious responsibletravel.com.

 For more information, call 866-459-6152 or visit www.travelindochina.com

Intrepid Travel is offering travelers the chance to enjoy an early Christmas present with their Real Life Experiences competition. This competition allows travelers to win one trip every day for 30 days during. Participants choose the adventure tour they want to be a part of.

Intrepid begins this giveaway with some incredible trips to Asia. Travelers can imagine themselves spending the night in a Ger (a traditional Mongolian dwelling) in Russia, waking up on the mighty Ganges River in India, giving alms to monks in Laos, or even walking along the Great Wall of China. Asia’s diverse culture, food, history, and sights, are fertile ground for finding a unique real life experience.

One of these incredible tours explores the beauty of Thailand. Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods. Travelers will explore the capital of Siam’s golden age at Sukhothai, ride an elephant through the rainforest of Lampang, and browse the bustling markets of Chiang Mai. On this Thailand adventure tour they will stay at a special homestay with local friends and enjoy a traditional khan toke dinner in Thailand’s northern kingdom. For more information on this Thailand adventure tour, visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/TSK/USPR

Travelers also have an opportunity to win a travel experience in China on Intrepid Travel’s Iconic China tour. Travelers will take in China’s iconic sights and highlights on this in-depth adventure.

 From Hong Kong to Beijing, passengers will discover ancient relics, natural wonders, vibrant cities and a culture and history dating back thousands of years. Whether they’re standing atop the Great Wall, checking out the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, cycling past paddy fields or roaming the markets of Shanghai, they’ll be creating memories of China to last a lifetime. For more information on China travel, visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/CSA/USPR

Ten winners have already been selected, however, there is still time for twenty more to get their Asia trip on the road. Which experience will travelers choose? For more information visit the competition page at www.RealLifeExperiences.com/USPR

About Intrepid Travel

With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world’s leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 450 itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - It’s time to refresh, re-energize and re-evaluate your lifestyle by getting away from tension filled days and spending the holidays rejuvenating both the mind and body. As traditional Asian treatments become the preferred choice for tourists, Agoda.com, an Asian online hotel reservations service, offers a myriad of enjoyable ways to spend wellness vacations with 10 world renowned holistic health resorts in Asia.

When people start the journey back to healthy living it begins by being proactive and determined, discovering new ways to create a healthier and less stressful lifestyle. Wellness Travel is all about finding balance in one’s life; achieving, and maintaining maximum health and a sense of well-being. Over the past decade, Asia has become an increasingly popular destination to fulfill these purposes, with plenty of health resorts that showcase traditional Asian healing arts, spa treatments, healthy eating as well as both physical and educational programs for healthy living habits.

Michael Kenny, CEO of Agoda.com commented, “Tourists are learning more about the benefits of traditional Asian treatments and their worldwide reputation. Thailand is famous for its traditional massage that incorporates meditation treatments, while India is well known as the Yoga and Ayurveda birthplace. China is unique for its acupuncture and traditional body exercises, such as Tai chi and Jigong, and Japan has the Onsen hot springs with mineral properties that provide natural restorative qualities. Tourists are now able to determine the most suitable path for their return to healthy living.”

Agoda.com, an expert in Asian hotels, has surveyed the top 10 health resorts that provide holistic treatments. These resorts integrate traditional Asian medicinal practices with western philosophies, to produce a wide array of slimming, detoxification, and revitalizing therapies to enhance health, vitality, and physical beauty.

Agoda’s Top 10 health resorts are

Absolute Sanctuary, Samui, Thailand

Thailand’s premier Detox & Yoga Resort, located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, blends luxurious accommodations with a wide range of vibrant detoxification programs, yoga classes, spa treatment menus, healthy and organic food, and other dynamic therapies. Absolute Sanctuary caters to those seeking a journey back to balance, rejuvenation, and wellness. This oasis of relaxation helps guests re-fuel with good energy, nutritious cuisine, and healing therapies.

Ananda In The Himalayas Hotel Rishikesh, India

Ananda in the Himalayas offers special workshops and private sessions with various visiting Masters of Well-being. These teachers, therapists, healers, Ayurvedic doctors, and guides visit from around the world to share their talents and gifts with those who choose to explore and understand the deeper realms of holistic well-being for the body, mind, and spirit. With a unique focus on the traditional Indian sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda, Ananda Spa creates a skillful synthesis between age-old therapies and modern spa technology.

 Bagus Jati, Bali, Indonesia

The Health and well-being program is totally focused on the individual guest as they learn to be fit, eat healthier, and reduce stress. For those interested in food planning or weight management, healthy cooking classes are also available. At certain scheduled times throughout the year guests can also choose from private consultations and workshops addressing lifestyle changes, with visiting international specialists who reside at the resort. Bagus Jati is more than pleased to welcome non-hotel guests to join the health and well-being programs.

Baan Thai Wellness Retreat, Bangkok, Thailand

The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat offers an extensive range of anti-aging, therapeutic, and detoxifying treatments, in addition to pampering beauty therapies delivered in the comfort and privacy of spa therapy rooms and suites. These include a range of authentic Thai treatments, Ayurvedic, Asian and Tibetan therapies. A team of holistic health practitioners provides professional consultation in Diagnostic Reflexology, Homeopathic Consultations, Acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Rebirthing Sessions, and Deep Tissue Massage, while total detoxification programs are supervised by the retreat’s resident medical professionals.

 Chiva Som International Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva Som Health and Wellness center provides complimentary treatments ranging from Medical Holistic therapies to Spa, Medi-Spa, Physiotherapy and Fitness programs. Treatments are customized for individuals to improve lifestyles through the integration of naturopathic and conventional medicines. ‘Ultimate Detox Retreats’ are recommended for those who wish to experience deeper detoxification in five-star Thai surroundings.

Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri Hotel Bali, Indonesia

Como Shambhala Estate in Bali is a residential health retreat that offers different treatments to improve body, mind, and spirit. The Estate offers various Wellness Programs incorporating different lengths of stay with therapies aimed towards a specific purpose. They include the Bespoke Health Program that targets a particular concern, the Ayurvedic Program which uses ancient healing techniques for body and mind, and a Cleansing Program to cleanse the body of toxins accumulated through a bad diet and polluted environments. The Get Fit Program and Rejuvenation Program combine the beneficial effects of beauty and spa treatments with healthy eating and positive thinking to help recapture youth, while the Stress Management Program is designed to make positive lifestyle changes to combat the pressures of the busy modern world.

Hanafubuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Experience the Japanese art of healing with six Hot Springs, known as Onsen, located in the forest. By appreciating the nature of Japan and the hot spring’s water, guests are relaxed and healed mentally and physically by the natural healing powers. Long-term use of Onsen has natural effects that cure neuralgia, poor blood circulation, and many gynecological diseases.

Jirung Health Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Guests are provided with health care based on Oriental wisdom that balances mental attitudes in order to achieve happiness, fulfillment, and protection from illness. Treatments include nutrition and wellness programs as well as activities designed to rejuvenate and restore healthful bodily functions. These treatments are simple practices that can be applied to clients’ daily activities back home in order to continue the benefits, and maintain balance in everyday work and social environments. Additionally, “Personal Coaching” is provided to create effective programs and methods suited to each person’s individual needs.

Kamalaya, Samui, Thailand

Recently voted the “Best Wellness Retreat” by the Spa Asia Crystal Awards, this resort is surrounded by lush green forests, streams, and boulders while overlooking an exquisite private cove. It is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful detox destinations. Stay in earthy yet well-appointed villas with Naturopaths, Traditional Chinese Medical and Allopathic doctors at your disposal. Their seven-day Essential Detox Retreat includes seven nights accommodation, transfers, all organic meals and juices, nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies, one BIA analysis, six Infrared Saunas, seven spa treatments, cooking classes, educational discussions, cleansing and holistic activities.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Dheva Spa offers a range of renewing spa programs and packages designed to indulge those looking for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Guests will be pampered and emerge totally relaxed and rejuvenated. The Dheva Spa offers treatments adapted from traditional oriental practices, which can be experienced in half a day. More comprehensive wellness programs start from three days and onward. Professional therapists are trained in anatomy and healing by in-house doctors and health specialists.

For more information regarding Agoda, please go to the website at http://www.agoda.com or contact the Agoda team via telephone at +66 2 625 9100 e-mail at info@agoda.com

About Agoda Company:

Agoda (agoda.com) is an online hotel reservations service which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices in Asia. Agoda is part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda’s network includes 8,290 hotels in Asia and more than 49,700 worldwide. The staff of over 300 professionals, located throughout Asia, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.

In addition, Agoda customers participate in the Agoda Rewards Program, earning further discounts and free stays. Unlike programs that limit travelers to a single chain, the Agoda Rewards Program allows customers to redeem Rewards Points at thousands of hotels around the globe, at any time. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.

Written by expert food lovers who know and love Asia, this 2008/2009 edition will be the first restaurant guide to measure the best restaurants in the region by Asian standards. At the same time, as it sets new benchmarks in the Asian culinary sphere, the very best restaurants in Asia will fittingly be given the credence due to them with the launch of the Guide.

Starting with this first edition, The Miele Guide will annually publish a list of Asia’s 20 best restaurants. These restaurants will be numerically ranked and profiled in-depth. In addition, the Guide will list the other 300 best restaurants from across the region, categorised by country, city and cuisine. This first edition evaluates restaurants in 16 Asian countries—Brunei, Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The 2008/2009 edition and this year’s list of Top 20 Restaurants will be unveiled at The Miele Guide Dinner, a chic gala event hosted at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 31 October 2008. The Dinner will be attended by approximately 350 guests, comprising of a veritable who’s who of Asia’s F&B scene. All chefs and restaurateurs whose establishments have been methodically selected to be in the 2008/2009 edition have been invited.

 “The overarching goal of The Miele Guide is to help the restaurant industry in Asia grow. We hope that by recognising Asia’s best, the industry will continue to flourish and develop. It is also our hope to create awareness internationally that we have amazing dining here in Asia,” says Tan Su-Lyn, Director of Ate Media, the Singapore-based media firm publishing the guide, and one of Southeast Asia’s most established food writers.

“We are proud to be part of this landmark move to recognise the Asian dining scene,” Mario Miranda, Managing Director of Miele Pte Ltd says. “Miele’s sponsorship of The Miele Guide reflects our dedication to helping to encourage and support the food and wine industry in this region. We are equally committed to promoting the enjoyment and understanding of good food among the people of this diverse region.”

Pauline Ooi, The Miele Guide’s Associate Publisher, says, “We are very much looking forward to the launch of The Miele Guide. The dinner will be an exciting night of honouring Asia’s brightest culinary stars. We’re thrilled that many of the region’s culinary luminaries have already responded that they will be in attendance. This, we hope, will become the must-attend event for the region’s best chefs and restaurateurs year after year.”

The Miele Guide is published by Ate Media Pte Ltd and sponsored by Miele, a German manufacturer of premium and innovative cooking appliances for the home. While a naming sponsor of the Guide,
Miele did not exert any influence over the selection and judging process that determined which restaurants appear in The Miele Guide.

Further underlining its independence, neither the Guide nor its contributors accepted any advertising, sponsorship or free meals from any of the restaurants reviewed.

The slim, elegant and affordable Guide, which will retail at US$15, will be for every traveller, foodie and business person looking to dine in Asia.

Whilst the focus of the holidays will be on relaxation and revitalisation through yoga, ayurvedic, thalassotherapy, herbal and massage remedies, the unique tours will also incorporate cultural experiences, adventure and exercise programmes if desired. In addition, clients have the option to undergo natural remedies for contentment.

Destinations within Sanctuary Spa Holidays’ portfolio include; the Far East incorporating Bali, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand; the Middle East, Caribbean and Indian Ocean.

The website also recommends unique packages such as:

Bali Wellness Retreat

This 10-night luxury spa holiday takes in two of the finest resorts and spas in Bali with five nights at the Bali Tropic, situated on the sandy Tanjung Benoa beach on the Nusa Dua peninsula, and five nights at the hillside retreat of Waka Di Ume Resort & Spa, just minutes from the cultural capital of Ubud.

Prices start from £1,729 per person. Valid for selected departures throughout 2009, the price includes accommodation on a full-board basis, return flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick with Qatar Airways, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges as well as a wide variety of treatments including tradition Balinese Massage, a yoga session at the top of Mount Batur and a “soul food” cooking class.

The Ultimate Pampering Package In The Himalayas

This once-in-a-lifetime, eight-night trip combines luxury accommodation with truly outstanding spa facilities and personalised programmes. It includes three nights at the five-star Oberoi Hotel in Delhi, and a chance to explore the city’s old and new districts, with five nights at the award-winning Ananda spa retreat, situated within a Maharaja’s Palace in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Prices start from £2,879 per person. Valid for selected departures throughout 2009, the price includes accommodation on a full-board basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges as well as a whole host of innovative treatments including aromatherapy, ancient Indian body mask, facial massage, body scrub, a session of traditional abhyanga and shirodhara*, personalised yoga and meditation sessions.

For more information contact Sanctuary Spa Holidays (www.sanctuaryspaholidays.co.uk  0870 243 1972).

Uma Paro has put together an exclusive seven-night programme over the festive season, which culminates in memorable events on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, inclduing a menu created by Chef Jillene Slui, an archery tournament and traditional music and dance performances – a unique memory to take home from this culturally rich adventure.

The seven-night programme (which can begin on any day between the 20th and 29th December 2008) incorporates the region’s most inspiring sights. These include visits to Paro town, the Haa Valley and the capital city, Thimphu. There are also insightful trips to local Dzongs. The highlight will be a visit to the magnificent Taktsang Goemba (the Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.

Guests will be accompanied by their personal, English-speaking guide and driver, and offered the perfect combination of action and downtime to enjoy the resort’s COMO Shambhala Retreat and a relaxing Hot Stone Bath.

The Christmas and New Year Package is available from US$3,419 per person (based on two sharing), including all taxes, government fees, full board, guiding and airport transfers.

For reservations or more information please visit

http://uma.como.bz/paro/default.asp?page=1142§ion=254

Available on all flights lasting seven hours or more, the special lunch box contains burgers, chicken nuggets and spaghetti with meatballs, which are available on Singapore Airlines children’s Book-The-Cook program, Yummy. In addition, drinks will be served in an attractive, children-friendly paper cup, also dressed in Cartoon Network livery.

The lunch box is already available on flights leaving Singapore and will be available on flights departing from all other destinations from Nov. 1.

Children will also continue to enjoy the much-loved Cartoon Network giveaways available on all Singapore Airlines flights (with the exception of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services). The giveaways, which include activity kits and plush toys, are catered to various age groups. Further enhancing their in-flight experience is the wide range of entertainment options available on the new KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.

This includes the especially dedicated Young Ones section, featuring Cartoon Network shows such as Ben 10, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi and many others. Junior flyers can also tune in to the children’s audio channel and listen to audio stories as well as the latest selection of children’s music, which include albums such as Camp Rock and The Jonas Brothers.

They can also watch the most current children’s movies such as Speed Racer and Kung Fu Panda. In addition, they can enjoy one of the largest games selections in the sky, which include popular games such as Bookworm Deluxe! and Mojo Muncho.

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com