Travel to Less Known Places

Quaint, out-of-the-way, exotic vacation destinations are less so now in the age of the Internet and worldwide TV. What once used to be hidden and remote is now ordinary - almost every tourist brochure has these sites listed. But there are still some mysterious spots which might not yet be publicized. There you may be able to visit in peace and avoid the usual crowds.

Sometimes people do not go there because of the language barrier. At other times, it is the inconvenience of the travel itself. Maybe there are no motorized means of transportation or it is inaccessible except by foot. Most travelers are so used to modern everyday conveniences that they forego any place where a little walking is required. The lack of western food and fast food chains also cause unease among many. Modern plumbing is a must for many and potable water is not always easy to come by. All in all, there are a myriad of things which can cause travelers uneasiness and a slight reluctance to go to more adventurous places.

When Nepal was opened to tourism in the 1950's, it was a remote, exotic hideaway. But, when the Hippies invaded Kathmandu Valley, the world opened its eyes and saw the country. Most people went only to Kathmandu because that was Nepal. A tiny handful of hardy explorers ventured outside the valley. Nowadays these wayfarers are everywhere. Yet there are still places that by large unexplored. To see these idyllic spots requires a lot of foot travel. So, if you are not inclined to be a true biped, stick to Kathmandu.

Trekking and hiking among the foothills of the Himalayas (redundant - will be explained later) is quite the adventure because of the proximity to the greatest mountain range in the world. You will have to deal with all of the inconveniences mentioned above must be able to put up with them for quite a while. But people who have been there swear by it. Breathtaking, incredible, awe-inspiring are but a few of the words frequently used. So go ahead and plan a future date for this uncommon vacation.

In Guyana, South America lies one of the greatest waterfalls (Kaieteur Falls) in the world. The Guyanese maintain it's the world's largest - bigger and better than Angel Falls, Victoria Falls or Niagara Falls. But not too many people seem to know it. Visit Guyana and see for yourself what the fuss is all about.

In Africa, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa seem to be popular destinations for most. But what about Algiers? People read about it but do not actually go there. The only people who mention that city are either diplomats or Algerians. I have yet to meet an American who has been there.

There are many more places in the world that are wondrous but relatively unknown. Do you know of any such resort, city or country? Tell the readers about them and maybe they won't remain anonymous much longer.

Perspectives from Uma and Kin

Since this is my first blog, I have so many topics worth sharing that I am not sure which subject to start with. President-elect Obama's inaugural is a topic everyone is discussing. Bin Laden is still in the news. Bank and big business failures are also subjects much bandied about. The economic situation in the United States and worldwide is so depressing that it also is very prevalent in papers all over the world. What is a sane person to do when only glum and foreboding news is to be had?



Well, people can always turn to sports (the Giants are still in it!!) or travel (Hawaii, the Caribbean and Tahiti are places I would like to visit often) or be happy that he/she still has a job when every other person seems to be unemployed. But of all the choices a person has for getting away from all these unpleasant subjects, travel is most preferable. When a person travels, all cares are left behind. People are usually too engrossed in their travel plans or too worried about their luggage or itinerary to be thinking about anything else. And, if they are like me, I make it a point to eschew newspapers and TV news while enjoying my vacation. Of course, I come back to earth when I return home. But that fleeting moment (days, weeks or months), I do enjoy immensely.

How do you feel about travel as a panacea for depression? Does it really ameliorate the angst and unpleasantness a person feels or is it just a temporary form of escape? Let me know so we can compare notes.

My next blog will deal with different places I would like to visit - exotic, quaint places that are not the usual travel destinations. I will take a look at the different languages, culture and people we might meet. You might be surprised at the languages spoken in various parts of the world. So to all, a vicarious bon voyage till we "meet" again.