Tag: "Experiences"

Learn to love lions & donate to win!

The magnificent new film The Last Lions has its UK premier on Nat Geo Wild on Sunday 19 February 2012 at 9pm (repeated on Monday 20 February 2012 at 4pm and Friday 24 February 2012 at 10pm). National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert have filmed this epic documentary on location at Duba Plains in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, it tells the story of a lioness struggling to protect her cubs.

Some may be alarmed to learn that the current statistics on the lion populations have dwindled from an estimated 400,000 in the 1940’s to as few as 20,000 animals today.  The factors surrounding this decline range from loss of habitat, burgeoning human populations as well as human conflict.

The Big Cats Initiative is a worthy program that supports conservation and education projects and is essentially a global awareness campaign to halt this steady decline and highlight why these magnificent creatures are so vital to the ecosystem.

Delight in watching this film and show your support by making a donation to the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative, however small, to play your part in this essential protection of wildlife.  Send us proof of your donation (such as your donation confirmation to alison@rainbowtours.co.uk) and we will enter you into our prize draw.  The top prize is a personally signed book by Beverly and Dereck Joubert the filmmakers, called Eye of the Leopard.  There are also runner up prizes of various National Geographic DVD’s.

The draw will take place on 30^th March 2012 at 4pm. Winners will be notified by email within 5 days of the draw taking place.

Watch the trailer below and remember all the proceeds of this film are put back into conserving these big cats through the work of various projects supported by National Geographic Big Cats Initiative.

Good luck and happy viewing!

See the world in under 5 minutes – with 6237 photographs

Fancy speeding around the world in under 5 minutes? Kien Lam, a keen photographer, has made this possible with his stunning time-lapse video taken whilst spending nearly a year adventuring around the world on a journey that took him through 17 different countries over 343 days. Whilst doing so, he took 6,237 photographs which he has pieced together as several beautiful fast-paced montages.

Kien wanted to capture the spirit of his journey and took time-lapse photos at every city that he travelled to. Each two-second scene comprises approximately 40-60 photographs.

The countries showcased within the video and on his 25,000 mile journey include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Egypt, England, France, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay and the United States. Kien also visited popular landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Louvre, Times Square, Mt. Sinai, Pier 39 and the Alhambra. He rode on 58 buses, 18 boats and 19 airplanes over the course of the entire trip.

Which of these cities will you be putting onto your list of places to visit? Watch the video here:

Abu Camp introduces baby elephant at 3 days old

Abu Camp, situated on the eastern edge of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, provides the original elephant riding safari experience and was proud to announce that Shireni, one of the Abu Camp’s leading elephants, gave birth to her third surviving calf, a healthy female, at 10.05pm on Saturday 17th December.

Measuring approximately 90cm at the shoulder and weighing about 110kg, the new-born, named Worona, stood on her own four feet, wobbling, within 20 minutes. Warona is the SeTswana name meaning ‘for us.’

Reaching up to her mother, Warona suckled properly for the first time at 7am the next morning, 10 hours after the birth, and now takes short naps of 5-10 minutes. Closely watched over by her doting big brother, Abu Junior, Warona is already showing signs of playfulness as can be seen in the video of her at three days old.

Warning – this is very cute!

What’s Your Favourite Destination In The World?

From a very young age I always knew I would travel the world, and at the age of 18 I flew the nest and was off on my first long haul trip on my own, Australia. Four years later I had racked up three ‘ Round The World’ travel experiences visiting destinations such as India, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Argentina and Brazil.

Upon  returning from the third trip I decided it was time to look for a career that would allow me to continue my passion for travel, so I downed my carpentry tools and at the age of 21 I started a career in the travel industry. Twenty years later I am still in the industry and still travelling as much as I can, so the one question I am frequently asked is :

 ‘Where is your favourite destination in the world’?.

A question almost impossible to answer as everywhere is unique and has its own special qualities!  However after returning this week to one place I have not been to for over twenty years I am now reminded of one of the most incredible and spectacular sights in the world, the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls.

The sheer size of Iguazu Falls is mesmerising, with 275 separate falls or drops, the highest at 82 metres, and an average of 1756 cubic metres of water flowing over the edge every second.

One exhilarating way to experience Iguazu Falls close up is to board a speedboat that takes you right up to the base of the falls. Be prepared to get very wet (swimsuits recommended!).

They look even better up close. Photo by David Pointer

There are three main areas of the falls to visit but I would recommend you visit the Devil’s Throat first. Ignore the remains of the nearby boardwalk that was swept away in 1992, it will only make you more nervous that you are about to stand right on the edge of one of the most powerful and largest waterfalls in the world!

Perfect at every glimpse. Photo by David Pointer

This was my second visit to the falls and it is more developed than my first visit back in 1991 but for the better, as there are now more vantage points available and more ways to experience the falls. Iguazu Falls it is still the most spectacular and remarkable place I have ever been.

This time though, what made this visit even more special was being able to experience it with my partner’s father who had up until this point never left his home country of Ecuador.

The expression on his face when he first saw the falls was a picture in itself, he was totally mesmerised by this natural wonder.

My partner and his dad in awe of the view. Photo by David Pointer

It is at times like this that reminds me why we are so privileged to work in such a fantastic industry, giving us the opportunity to make people’s dreams come true and organising such wonderful experiences for our clients, as well as being able to experience them for ourselves too.

Written by David Pointer, Head of Product at Western & Oriental.

I fell madly in love on a Luxury Ranch Holiday

Leaving my (relatively new) boyfriend for a week while I went off ranching with the girls was never going to be easy.  Sure, I knew that once I got there that I’d be fine because I’d be doing what I love, in a place I love, but still, I struggled saying goodbye (and no I’m not 14!).  Little did I know that I’d fall in love with someone else while I was away, well, I say some ‘one’ else, it wasn’t quite what you might think.

Being animal mad, I’m a long time horse lover, but never had the time, or the accessibility to horses to ride or spend time around them.  I actually started riding a couple of years ago, pretty late really, but instantly loved it.  I had read about ranching holidays and always wanted to go, but thought that I should at least have a bit of experience on horseback before I took the plunge.  I finally did in 2010 and loved it so much that I returned to the same ranch this year and met the same group of people as last year.  The very knowledgeable owner of the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, takes great care to match you up with a horse that suits you in every way, almost like the Cilla Black of the equine/human relationship.

Meeting the horse that’s going to be your best friend and companion for the next week is an exciting moment.  One look at Packer and I was hooked.  His big kind eyes and the way he looked back to check on me every time I climbed on his back or finished a lope made me feel very special and cared for.  The way he nuzzled my pocket for horse cookies while I bathed him at the end of a long day on the trails never failed to make me smile and his unfailing willingness to run that little bit faster whenever I asked him were qualities that left me more than a little bit smitten.  The way he slowly wandered into the Corral at the end of the day for a well deserved, roll, rest and a play with his friends, I could watch for hours.

At the end of the week, I was as sad to say goodbye to him as I was to my other love at home the previous week.  We had a ‘moment’ while I gave him his last hosing down of the week and while I know he’ll be on to his next guest this week, taking just as good care of them as he did me, I’d like to think that he remembers me as fondly as I remember him.

After our long day he was in need of a bath

CLOSED: Enter Our Family Photo Competition

We are pleased to announce the winners of our photo competition:

Grand Prize-Kenny Mackie

My son building sandcastle on Balmedie Beach, Aberdee. Uploaded by Kenny Mackie

Runner-up – Lorna Garratt

A fun day out with my family visiting the local sights. Uploaded by Lorna Garratt

Runner-up – Krisztina  Lencses

Me and my family enjoyed a few days in a beautiful place in the Easter holidays. Uploaded by Krisztina Lencses

Congratulations our winners and thanks to everyone for your participation!

CLOSED: Win an 8 night family holiday for four to amazing Thailand

Thailand is the ideal location for a fun-filled, active and cultural luxury family holiday with plenty to do for children (and parents!) of all ages, and Western & Oriental have teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Four Seasons Resorts and Thai Airways to bring you an exciting photo competition for your chance to win a first prize of an outstanding family holiday! The prize includes four nights stay at the 5* Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and four nights at the 5* Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui for two adults and two children, including flights with Thai Airways. Two runners up will each win a special prize from one of our family specialist partners.

How To Enter?

For your chance to win, enter our photo competition by emailing us your best family holiday photos to blog@wandotravel.com  and include your name, address, telephone number and a description of your family photo. You can send us anything from the kids building sand castles, splashing in the pool, to photos of you all trekking through a jungle or even riding on camels. The list is endless! We will then upload your photos here and onto our Facebook page so that you can view your photo along side other pictures in the competition.

Western & Oriental and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will choose the best family holiday photos and announce the winners within seven days of the closing date of the competition. The competition closes at 16:00 GMT on 18th November 2011; open to UK and Eire residents only. Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply (see below). Good luck!

View our latest competition photos below & good luck!

My son Andrew spots me taking his picture as he watches the ocean.Uploaded by Charlotte Norman

 

My wife and son Christopher swing across the adventure canyon in the hot sun. Uploaded by Michael Mayer

 

My nephew steven enjoys the bouncy ball course on a breezy afternoon. Uploaded by Sarah O'Neill

 

My three kids leading each other to the shoreline for a look at the waves. Uploaded by Edwin Lee.

 

The most spectacular sunset. Mavisehir, Didim. Turkey. Uploaded by Catherine Simms

 

MY TWO LOVELY BOYS ARE JOINED AT THE HIP AND LOVED PLAYING TOGETHER ON OURHOLIDAY TO SHARM IN EGYPT. Uploaded by Hazel Anna Rigazio

 

This was our last family holiday together good times. Uploaded by Wendy Dalby

 

When we went to the wizarding world of harry potter this summer we just had to stop for some butterbeer. It was delicious.Uploaded by Britnee Hager

 

Me and my children infront of the beach on an evening...whilst the sun was setting. Uploaded by Carla Morris.

 

This picture of my daughter, her friend and my son was taken when the fair travelled into our hometown of Bexhill. Uploaded by Carrie Hanrahan

 

Here is me, mum and my 7 year old son Rhys. We had a fantastic time in Euro Disney and this picture proves you are never too old for the magic Disney offers.Uploaded by Lisa Williams

 

Have fun in Florida with the Dolphins. Uploaded by Ryan Turner.

 

This was taken a few weeks back on the Island of Dominica where my sister in now studying medicine at Ross University School of Medicine. It was taken in Portsmouth, Dominica on our last night together as a family.Uploaded by Sumeet Sharma.

 

At Gatorland in Florida. Uploaded by Glenn Hutton

 

Our 1st trip to the beach, he wasnt too keen on the pebbles but loved the sea. Uploaded by Suneil Bhatia

 

My daughter having fun on the beach. Uploaded by Luisa Connor.

 

This is me and my family swimming with dolphins in Florida a coupld of years ago. It was amazing, even if it was freezing that day! Uploaded by Samantha Byrne

 

Having time of our life on our California holiday and visit in Universal Studios LA!!. Uploaded by Michaela Williams

 

Alice and Lucy enjoying the sunset in Naples, Florida, and watching the Pelicans fly to roost at the pier.

 

My girlfriend feeding the elephants at a waterfall in Koh Samui.Uploaded by Feargal Norton

Having Fun with the Penguins! Uploaded by Mya Turner

My son meets a dolphin. By Lena Payne.

My little girl is flying a kite on her own for the first time. Uploaded by Lena Payne.

My children are having fun together at the beach. Uploaded by Lena Payne.

New James Bond Movie Set To Film In India

After visiting some of the most glamorous and exotic locations across the globe, the world’s most famous spy is going to India to shoot the next James Bond film at the likes of the humble Sarojini Nagar market in Delhi and relatively unknown town of Navagam near Ahmedabad. Other possible locations could include the gorgeous sandy beaches of Goa and bustling business district of Mumbai.

The Indian Government granted permission to India Take One Productions to shoot the yet to be named 23^rd James Bond film, which will be directed by Sam Mendes and is to be released on 9^th November 2012.

In 1983, James Bond’s 13^rd film, Octopussy, was extensively filmed in India at the City Palace in Udaipur.

City Palace in Udaipur

The new James Bond film will join an increasing number of foreign films that are being given permission to shoot in India. At the last count, 22 films including ‘Mission Impossible 4′, ‘Singularity’, ‘Life of Pi’ and ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ had been given permission to film in India. In recent years, films such as the 2008 Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire have also been worldwide hits, offering India a welcomed boost to tourism.

The BBC also stated that, “there have also been reports that some of the shoot will take place in South Africa, and that filming would begin by the end of the year.”

Source: BBC News

India’s Tiger Population Increases By 20%

For the first time in over a decade, India has seen a significant rise in its Bengal tiger population, with greater growth projected over the next five years. The current estimated population of 1,706 tigers shows a 20 per cent increase from the last survey, which was taken back in 2006.

According to India’s Environment and Forests Ministry, the largest population shifts occurred in the areas of Corbett and Kaziranga national parks, highly contributed to factors such as greater protection and stability provided for the animals.

Researchers who study the wildlife community have suggested this growth may or may not be accurate based on issues such as climate change. “A 10 per cent increase is good news and very significant, but you can always fudge the figures if you want to, whatever counting method you use” said MK Ranjitsinh, the Chairman of the Wildlife Trust of India.

Ameen Ahmed of the group WWF India which specialises in fighting for conservation of the region’s wildlife was quick to point out that a greater rise in the tiger population means human safety could be at risk. “Where there is an area with good prey, like the area of Sambar, aggression amongst male tigers increases and in some cases this may lead to man-tiger conflict”, said Mr Ahmed.

Belinda Wright, a respected tiger conservationist, suggested that the shrinking of the corridors and boundaries for the tigers will reduce interbreeding and imprison them in fenced sanctuaries. “We need to have free-ranged tigers for their natural growth”, she stated.

As a popular attraction for tourists from around the world, it is hoped that the news of growth in the tiger population will give way to more tourism in India.

Source: The Telegraph