lloyds travel summer issue

Seeing Red

TRAVEL NEWSLETTER, SUMMER ISSUE

lloydstravel & cruises

Exploring the World through this Amazing Colour...

“Visit the FamousRed Rocks of Sedona.”

“Take a Trip Down Under!”

SUMMER 2014 | www.lloydstravel.com 2

The islands of Borneo and Sumatra are the only two places in the world where orangutans live freely in the wild, as they are indigenous to these South-East Asian islands. On one of my most recent trips, a good friend and I traveled to Borneo where we were able to view these amazing creatures.I’ve been drawn to Borneo since I was quite young; my mother had traveled to Borneo when I was a teenager and she inspired me to follow in her footsteps and embark on the same adventure. I knew that I needed to travel to Borneo at some point during my lifetime, to share her experience, and so my friend and I planned a journey through the tropical island. Borneo is made up of three countries: Bru-nei, Indonesia and Malaysia. On our trip, we visited the Bruneian and Malaysian portions of the island.One of the most exciting experiences of our trip was our encounters with orangutans in two of Malay-sia’s sanctuaries. Orangutan is a Malay word which translates to “person of the forest.” This is a very fitting name for these incredible red-haired primates, as they are adapted for an arboreal lifestyle, using their enormous, strong arms to travel through the trees of their tropical rainforest home. There are a number of issues facing orangutans which has led to the creation of orangutan sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres in Borneo. Deforestation and forest fires have displaced orangutans, leav-ing them without a home and in some cases injuring the primates. Another major issue facing these animals is attempted domestication. Although it is illegal to domesticate orangutans in Borneo, many families take them as pets when they are young, thinking that they will be a cute addition to the family. However, as the orangutans grow older they become unmanageable and are abandoned by the families. Orangutan sanctuaries work to rehabilitate orangutans that have been taken as pets so that they are able to take care of themselves and be released into the wild. We visited two sanctuaries and were able to observe the orangutans as they fed and interacted with one another.The first sanctuary we visited in the state of Sabah. The sanctuary is called Kota Kinabalu. The sanctu-ary was immaculate and very well organized. Because of the rehabilitative mission of the sanctuary, you are not allowed to touch or interact with the orangutans; you simply observe them in their habitat.

by Wendy FougnerThe Jungles of Borneo


We walked through the park to the feeding station where the orangutans are fed twice a day. When the dominant male was feeding, the other orangutans didn’t dare approach the feeding area or interrupt him. Once he was finished, the other orangutans came out and began to eat.The second sanctuary we visited was in Semenggok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, near Kuching. Again, we traveled through the park to the feeding station to view the orangutans. The orangutans seemed to have a lot more energy and there was more excitement among the primates. They traveled through the trees, up and down the trail, moving closer to us until they were only a few feet away. One orangutan came so close to me that I felt nervous. He wasn’t being dangerous or doing anything to frighten me, but it was a new experience and I didn’t know what to expect. Observing the orangutans, it was interesting to see their different personalities and the way they inter-acted. The dominant male was assertive and independent, claiming his space. The main female orang-utan was somewhat assertive and seemed to have more rights in the hierarchy of orangutans, but was still slightly fearful of the dominant male. They also seemed to be performing for the observers in the sanctuary, posing as tourists snapped pictures of them swinging from the branches.Visually the orangutans are absolutely stunning. Their red hair is beautiful and looks as though it feels soft to the touch. They appear quite majestic posed with thick, tropical trees, their bright red hair contrasted with leafy green branches. The way they carry themselves conveys a sense of intelligence, intuition and pride. After viewing the orangutans it became clear to me that they are not afraid of us.Exploring Borneo and encountering orangutans was an incredible experience, one I will never forget. If you have a passion for animals and love discovering exotic destinations, I encourage you to travel to Borneo and see these wonderful wild, red-haired creatures.


Redwoods grow from Big Sur to the Oregon border, but only on California’s Redwood Coast do these magnificent trees achieve their primal glory. Here are untouched groves that stagger the senses with their size, but are surprisingly easy to access. Humboldt County, home to the tallest and largest stands of old growth redwoods, offers many scenic drive and nature trails to experi-ence the giants. Redwood National & State Parks and the Avenue of the Giants, the two premier examples, boast half the world’s old growth redwoods.

To many, a redwood grove is a natural cathedral; there’s a sense of peace and reverence among the columns of trees and aisles of ferns, while high above sunlight filters through the canopy as if through stained glass. People come from all over the world to make the redwood pilgrimage. They find that the two-thousand-year-old giants are only the beginning of a California adventure. After rambling through the ancient groves, retreat to nearby Victorian seaports and villages, per-fect settings for art, food, and wine discoveries. Or take the kids to visit the Sequoia Park Zoo to visit one of the cutest critters of all, the red panda! There is something for everyone on the Cali-fornia coast, so don’t forget to make a trip to see the Redwoods on your next California vacation. www.redwoods.info

California’s Redwood Coastfeatured by: Blair Todd


A Down Under Experience Australia and New Zealand

ITINERARYDeparture dates:

Jan 19, 2015 – Feb 11, 2015

Feb 2, 2015 – Feb 25, 2015

Mar 9, 2015 – Apr 1, 2015

24 Days

35 Meals

Collete Vacations Australia and New Zealand Ex-porations Small Groups. Big Experiences.

An epic experience awaits! Your journey begins on New Zealand’s picturesque north island, and ends in the energetic modern city of Sydney. On this small group tour, one adventure follows another. Explore the Great Barrier Reef; cruise Milford Sound; travel to the Outback; and visit Australia’s famous wine re-gion, the Barossa Valley. That’s just the start. Stand before Uluru (Ayers Rock), gaze up at Mt. Cook and set sail on Sydney Harbour. Delve into the local cul-ture during a home-stay on a working farm; dinner on the Colonial Tramcar restaurant in Melbourne; and a visit to Rotorua, the Maori capital of New Zea-land. From start to finish, you are sure to enjoy this unparalleled adventure.

From $7,399 Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.


Ensemble Hosted CruiseJoin Ensemble for a one of a kind experi-ence with Celebrity Cruises. Journey through Japan, Taiwan and China on the newly reno-vated, award-winning Celebrity Millennium. It is a favourite among vacationers. Special features include AquaClass® staterooms, the AquaClass signature restaurant, Blu, and the addition of verandas to her chic Celebrity Suites.

Hosted Cruise Exclusives:• Complimentary Ensemble Traveler Cocktail Party• Complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event• Ensemble Traveler Host

ITINERARYTokyo to Hong Kong

Departure dates:

October 26, 2014 - Nov 09, 2014

14 Nights

Visiting 4 Ports: Japan, Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong

For additional information and pricing, please contact Barbara at [email protected] or 604-872-0121.


Aah, Bhutan…no ordinary place! Spectacular Himalayan scenery, pristine nature, unique architecture, Buddhist val-ues and engaging friendly faces. Below are some of the many highlights of my recent trip to Bhutan where the revolution-ary philosophy of Gross National Happiness is abundant! 1. Momos:Delicious and delectable dumplings filled with spicy beef, pork

for vegetables.

Our favourites were devoured at the top of Pele La Pass from a ‘momo cart’ sitting on the side of the national highway while we were stuck in road works.

2. Prayer wheels:We couldn’t resist spinning the various wheels counterclock-

wise - silently chanting Om Mani Padme Hum – to help ac-cumulate wisdom, compassion and merit (good karma!) 3. Hiking: Wonderful combination of hiking through rice paddies, steep

climbs to remote sacred sites and densely forested mountain trails singing with birds, meeting monks, villagers and fellow pilgrims.

4. Red Panda Bear:Didn’t see any red pandas but did enjoy this Swiss style unfil-

tered beer produced in a state-of-the art microbrewery in the Bumthang valley.


5. Prayer Flags: Adding vibrant colours to mountain passes, bridges, rooftops

and dzongs - five colours that symbolize water, wood, fire, earth and iron; the 5 wisdoms, the 5 directions and the 5 men-tal emotions. We bought and hung our prayer flags to thank the universe for getting us to the top of Taktshang Goemba.

6. Kids:I was tasked with handing out rainbow loom bracelets loving-

ly made by some friend’s kids back home – we were met with shrieks of delight, laughter and hugs!

7. The Drives – Around Every Corner:Sometimes there were a dozen or so in 1 km, there was al-

ways a surprise – stunning waterfalls, chortens, troupes of whitecapped, langurs, yaks, kids in their kiras and ghos (tra-ditional dress) walking to school, boy monks who ditched their maroon robes to jump into the river, hillside mon-asteries, gorgeous green of rice paddies ready for har-vesting, red rhododendrons and the perfect picnic spots. 8. Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)Bhutan’s most famous monastery and pilgrimage site clings to

sheer cliffs over Paro valley. We climbed through blue pines, spun the water- powered prayer wheels, switchbacked up the ridge, climbed 800 stairs till at last we were clinging to the same cliff and enjoying spectacular views.


by Barbara BroadbentDid you Know??

EXPO MILANO 2015Expo Milan0 2015 from May to the end of October,

2015, Milan will host the world. For 184 days, more than 130 participants will offer visitors a widespread

and detailed look at their theme of food and nutri-tion. 60 national pavilions will provide the incred-ible experience of food and food-related traditions around the world. Sustainability is also an important aspect

AIR TRANSATA choice of complimentary hot meals served with

a glass of wine will still be offered to Economy Class passengers flying to Europe. Club Class service to Sun destinations, the United States and Europe will remain unchanged.

THE GLACIER SKYWALKThe glacier skywalk stands at the boundary of

Banff and Jasper National Parks, along the famed Icefields Parkway scenic drive. It is a glass side-walk cantilevered off a high cliff, 918 feet above the glaciers and pines of the Canadian Rockies. At the end of the walkway, a glass-floored observation deck offers unparalleled views of the Sunwapta Val-ley and the Columbia Icefield glaciers. Guests are shuttled from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Dis-covery Centre. Guided scenic walks and evening interpretive programs are offered, dependent upon weather. The attraction will be open until 19 Oc-tober.

ICELANDAIRIcelandair has launched twice-weekly seasonal

service from Vancouver to Reykjavik and beyond, to Icelandair’s more than 20 other European des-tinations. Until mid-October, the Boeing 757 will depart Vancouver Mon and Wed, returning Sun and Thu. It also offers a stop-over in Iceland, at no additional cost. Other companies are offering group tour itineraries, self-drive itineraries as well as 3 and 4 –day stopovers.


INTREPIDIntrepid ends elephant rides. One of our lead-

ing adventure tour companies has ended elephant rides and visits to entertainment venues on all of its trips. Research has shown that Asian elephants are highly endangered and often forced to do un-natural performances causing them pain and suf-fering, and that tourism has added to the number of elephants being poached. Travellers are being encouraged to seek animal-friendly options.

SEA TO SKY GONDOLASea to Sky Gondola, a new tourist attraction, has

just opened on Hwy 99 - a 40-minute drive from Vancouver - between Shannon Falls and the Stawa-mus Chief Provincial Park. The fully-enclosed gondola cabins can hold up to 8 passengers for the 8 minute journey, 2800 feet above Howe Sound. At 885 m, the gondola’s summit is 200 m higher than the crest of the Stawamus Chief. The ride of-fers spectacular views of Howe Sound and the sur-rounding mountains. Once at the top, there are 3 main viewing platforms: (1) Summit Lodge (fac-ing W/SW), with a 5000 sq ft deck divided into 2 levels and attached to Summit Lodge, which has a fully licensed restaurant and bar. (2) Chief Over-look (facing further N) where you can look up into the Squamish Valley, watch climbers, windsurfers

and kiteboarders, and see Howe Sound fjord. (3) Spirit Viewing Platform offers a different experi-ence than the rest. It is a great place to learn about the rich history of the Squamish Nation who lived off this land since before recorded history.

REGISTRATION OF CANADIANS TRAVELLING ABROAD

Registration of Canadians Travelling Abroad is a free service offered by the Government of Canada that enables them to contact you and assist you in case of an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster, civil unrest or an emergency at home. In today’s volatile world, this is an excellent program and one well-worth considering. You can register online (travel.gc.ca), providing travel information such as passport number, contact info for your destination country, and emergency contact in Canada. This is confidential information and held strictly for your benefit. If you decide not to do this, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary and con-tact details with family or friends in Canada, and carry contact info for the Canadian Gov’t Offices in the countries you plan to visit.


The stunningly beautiful, majestic and famous red rocks of Sedona will simply amaze you with their splendor, their welcoming nature, their ruggedness, their sheer “redness” and their stellar but stoic magnificence. It is the perfect place to just relax and enjoy a soothing respite, perhaps after an exhilarating hot air balloon ride, a guided excursion through red rock outback, an ener-gizing hike or mountain bike ride to rock tops with views of twisty canyons.

Sedona is less than a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix, less than 2 hours from Grand Canyon, and is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of carefully protected national forest land. Its climate is just about ideal. At 4500 feet, it is positioned perfectly to enjoy four distinct seasons, none of them severe in any direction - with mild winters, long springs, cool summer nights and incredibly colourful autumns. Greenery flourishes year-round while wildflowers and desert cactus bloom brightly in the spring.

An architectural and spiritual treasure of Sedona is The Chapel of the Holy Cross, completed in 1956. It was erected on a twin pinnacled spur of red rocks about 250 foot high, jutting out of a 1000 foot red rock wall. It forms a framed cross, enclosed by 4 grand windows looking out over Sedona’s most breathtaking landscape, especially at sunset.

The Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizonafeatured by: Barbara Broadbent


Two of the most impressive red rock formations are Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Cathedral Rock rises majestically from the desert floor, and culminates in a series of spectacular spires. This towering formation is best seen at Red Rock Crossing, where one of the most photographed scenes in the southwest is the commanding spires reflecting in the waters of Oak Creek, framed by willow trees alongside the creek, and the eternally blue Arizona skies. The towering, bell-shaped Bell Rock, rising 450 feet , guards the entrance to the Village of Oak Creek. It is a favou-rite among hikers because it is comprised of several interconnected terraces of naked rock. The main trail around the rock is gentle and flat, and the entire loop is about 5 miles.

Oak Creek Canyon, between Sedona and Flagstaff, home to the idyllic Oak Creek and framed by towering red rock formations, is by far one of the most beautiful canyons in Arizona. The softly winding road through the canyon offers panoramic views of the serene creek, massive co-lourful cliffs and a surprisingly lush forest just a few miles from an arid high desert environment. You can hike through amazing scenery, play in the pools and natural water slides, find a quiet place to fish for trout, or just sit on a boulder and soak up the tranquility. There is so much to see and do in this area … truly one of Arizona’s greatest national treasures!!


Day Port Arrive DepartFeb 05 Singapore, SingaporeFeb 06 Singapore, Singapore 5:00 pmFeb 07 Cruising the Gulf of ThailandFeb 08 Ko Samui, Thailand 8:00 am 4:00 pmFeb 09 Bangkok, Thailand 10:00 amFeb 10 Bangkok, Thailand 4:00 pmFeb 11 Sihanoukville, Cambodia 11:00 am 1:00 pmFeb 12 Cruising the Gulf of ThailandFeb 13 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam 10:00 amFeb 14 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam 4:00 pmFeb 15 Cruising the South China SeaFeb 16 Hue/Da Nang (Chan May), Vietnam 7:00 am 5:00 pmFeb 17 Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam 11:00 amFeb 18 Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam 8:00 pmFeb 19 Cruising the Hainan StraightFeb 20 Hong Kong, China 8:00 pmFeb 21 Hong Kong, China

Fares are per person USD, based on double occupancy and reflect all savings. Cruise-related government fees and taxes are included.

Prices starting from $6,599 USD

Veranda Stateroom $8,899Ocean View $6,999Inside Stateroom $6,599

by Deborah Charles

Singapore to Hong Kong

16 Days onboard NauticaSail Date: Feb 05, 2015

Asia is far too complex for a hurried journey, and on this leisurely, in-depth voyage, you will have five over-night stays to explore the history, culture and spirit of this amazing region. Feel the energy of Saigon’s lively Chinatown district, founded by Chinese immigrants in 1780 and now the location of some of Saigon’s finest pagodas. The limestone rock wonders of Ha Long Bay are as impressive as the illuminated spires of Hong Kong’s twinkling skyline, where you can dine and shop all night long. Head to the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore and try one of its 15 cosmopolitan restaurants, or spend the evening in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong, where authentic eateries hidden in the maze of streets promise culinary rewards.


Burgundy & Provence River CruiseAvignon to Lyon | 8 Days

Date Range: Mar 2015 - Nov 2015 Ship: Uniworld proudly welcomes the new Super Ship

Prices starting from $3,199 per person cruise only. From Côtes du Rhône to Crêpes Suzette and sun-glazed fields to Van Gogh’s Arles—this is a journey of exquisite pleasure for all your senses. Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France. The same beautiful country-side and culture that inspired the masters will equally inspire you as you cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, discovering treasures along the way, from the magnificent Palace of the Popes to a millennia-old Roman amphitheater still in use. And, of course, Uniworld’s Epicurean Adven-turer Program™ shines a spotlight on the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine.

by Deborah Charles“Bucket List” Itineraries


Provence, once an independent country, has retained a unique identity shaped by the Rhône delta, the welcoming Mediterranean coast, and a hospitable climate. Discover a Roman amphi-theater still in use after millennia. Ramble through markets erected on the cobbled squares of delightful villages, and visit the magnificent Palace of the Popes. Spend a morning in Beaune, the wine capital of the region, exploring a palatial Medieval hospital where world-famous wine auctions have taken place for hundreds of years. Discover the many hidden treasures of Lyon, the culinary capital of France. Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers on Uniworld’s new Super Ship, S.S. Catherine , exploring two regions of France where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Day 1: Avignon Arrive at Marseille International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship docked in Avignon. (D)

Day 2: Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon) Featured Excursions: Choice of Arles walking tour or Tarascon walking tour or exclusive guided “Go Active” hike to Dukes of Anjou Fortress.


Day 3: Avignon Featured Excursions: Choice of Avignon walk-ing tour and Palace of the Popes or exclusive “Off the Beaten Path” walking tour or exclusive guided “Go Active” kayak ride on the Gardon River.

Day 4: Viviers Featured Excursion: Choice of Viviers village day with organ concert or exclusive guided “Go Active” Nordic walking tour.

Day 5: Tournon, Tain l’Hermitage Featured Excursion: Choice of Tournon walk-ing tour with wine tasting or exclusive guided “Go Active” Nordic walking tour.

Day 6: Lyon FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Lyon city tour or exclusive “Do as the Locals do” Lyon walking tour or exclusive guided “Go Ac-tive” bike ride along the Rhône River banks.

Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon’s hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town, which was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the motorcoach, you will view Terreaux Square, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House.

Day 7: Chalon-sur-Saône (Beaune)

Day 8: Depart Lyon Disembark the ship and transfer to the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay with a visit to Paris, the “City of Light.” (CB/BB)


Tulips & Windmills

Everything that comes to mind when you think of the Netherlands and Belgium—canals, windmills, tulips, and old–world treasures—are yours to experience. From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through acres of tulips at Keu-kenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these blooms. Then visit the 19 UNESCO-designated windmills of Kinderdijk to better understand how these mighty windmills preserved the Netherlands from surrendering to water a long time ago.

Wander through the picture-perfect villages of Veere, Hoorn, and Enkhuizen, and the enchanting out-door Zuiderzee museum. Uncover the rich treasures at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of the impressionist master’s paintings, and then get an intimate feel for Van Gogh’s daily life as you trace his footsteps in Nuenen. Experience beautiful Bruges or ancient Ghent, and then “Do as the Locals Do” in vibrant Antwerp .

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise

Those who wish to step back in time may visit living history villages, medieval city centers, and 20th-century battlefields. Art lovers will enjoy guided museum visits, while garden lovers will find a host of delights with springtime blossoms.

TRUE ALL-INCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISING™ in 2015: All gratuities onboard and onshore; unlimited beverages onboard including an extensive selection of distinctive wines, craft and regional beers, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages; shore excursions with local experts as your guide; free Internet and Wi-Fi; and all arrival and departure day transfers.

Amsterdam to Antwerp | 10 DaysDate Range: Mar 2015 - Apr 2015 Ships: S.S. Maria Theresa, River Queen, River Duchess

Suite 206 - 906 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1K7T 604.872.5464/1.800.800.7252 F 604.872.0882

www.lloydstravel.com

lloyds travel summer issue

Documents

orangutans didnt

islands of borneo

feeding station

feeding area

malaysias sanctuaries

tropical island

tropical rainforest

rehabilitation centres