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TURN LEFT Trips

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TURN LEFT Trips

Small group trips to uncommon vacation spots in Southeast Asia and beyond - to my favorite places in the world! Age is not a factor.
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With only 6-8 participants, TURN LEFT TRIPS has been able to design 12-day trips that allow for extraordinary experiences along the way. Each trip will include 3-4 paid group excursions to points of special interest. The rest of the time we will choose from a roster of options, and the group will split up according to their interests, be it sightseeing, visiting museums, shopping or just relaxing

at the hotel for the day. We will meet for breakfast every morning to decide the day's activities, based on local events, the weather and each person's interest. Think of TURN LEFT TRIPS as a small group of friends going on an adventure. These trips are designed for first-time travelers or for those who just don't like to go alone. Just bring a spirit of adventure, a sense of humor and good shoes!

01/04/2020

Vietnam in November, 2019, was an incredible trip for my clients. It was a great note on which to end the year!

I have now created a new life for myself in a new state, with a new job. My limited time off for travel is calling me to focus on new destinations for personal enjoyment.

I will not be scheduling any TURN LEFT TRIPS tours, but I will leave this page here for you to enjoy the photos.

11/07/2019

First day of no napping! And I even ate ‘some’ real food!
Nimh Binh is one of my favorite experiences! It was a jam-packed day with an excellent tour guide. Here are a few of my favorite shots before we got to the Tam Coc River.

11/06/2019

When my camera is silent for days you know I am not well! I view my world so much in pictures, finding art in the most unexpected places. Yesterday I got up off my sick bed and walked for a few hours in Hanoi before giving in to a nice leg massage and hot paraffin foot wrap. Here are a few of the things I saw and appreciated. Today is a new day!

11/05/2019

Halong Bay just thrills and enthralls! It was a perfect day to be out on the Bay. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world!

11/02/2019

Dinner on the rooftop! And earlier this afternoon, we had our own little tea party -compliments of the hotel. At Duc Vuong Hotel in Saigon.

11/02/2019

Today was a heavy day. Four of us visited the War Remnants Museum, a must for understanding the horrors of war, and the part America has played.

11/01/2019

It’s magical here, on the rooftop at our hotel, looking at the skyline, and marveling at the beautiful silk lanterns from Hoi An. The breezes are cooling. No rain in sight. Awesome night. With Jill Lalonde Abbott!

11/01/2019

Oh the things we see as we saunter out on our first day in Saigon.

11/01/2019

I am sitting here savoring my second cup of the “best coffee in the world” in my opinion! Vietnamese coffee! Half of my group is here. We are staying in a great hotel who’s motto is “we are family”, and so we are!!
When I posted the dates for this trip not only did a distant cousin whom I had never met sign up, but so did two of my sisters, Rose and Irene, from Canada.

10/30/2019

Amazing! Just heard from the first 2 of my group who were brave enough to go a day ahead of their leader because the flights from Canada were better. They followed my instructions, and were met by the taxi I prearranged. They will sleep for a few hours in the room I booked for them, and then enjoy the free breakfast which is included.
I like it when things go according to plan!!

10/28/2019

As the last days of coaching my clients for the journey to Vietnam where we will all meet for a great adventure, my spirit is warmed by these words of confidence:

“Sounds great, and very organized”
“This is very helpful to be sure. So glad you have been there before.”

It does take a measure of faith and confidence in me as a leader. I offer a unique experience based on my knowledge of the country. I promise an adventure! But that does not mean I am reckless. I am a careful planner.

In 3 days the adventure will begin. Watch for photos!

10/26/2019

In 4 short days we leave for Vietnam! Today my inspirational card read “Embarking on an Adventure”!
I am beginning to pack, traveling light with just a carry-on backpack, like I usually do.
The 6 of us are looking forward to all that Vietnam will throw our way: good food, warm people, amazing countryside, lots of time on or in the water, and some unique experiences! This is what sets TURN LEFT TRIPS apart from all those other companies who show a sanitized version of this country. Adventure!

10/06/2019

Traveling on long flights can be stressful on the body. While in Vietnam, Nov 1-14, I will make time for all of us to have a little pampering. Just look at these prices in Nha Trang.

09/23/2019

It’s happening! Visas are in hand, tickets are booked, packing has begun. Vietnam, here we come! Nov 1-14 will be filled with fun and adventure. We will come home richer for the experience!
Exotic fruit and fresh fish will be in the menu!

08/15/2019

There are only 2 spots left for the upcoming trip to Vietnam, Nov 1-14. There is still time to join. Visas are being processed in a very timely way in Washington. The application form is easy to fill out and the whole process is not complicated. So I can accept late registrations up to mid-September. In September we’ll start searching for good flights. And I will be booking hotels then too.
I am so excited to have a remarkable group of interesting women aged 60+!!

We will enjoy both the mountain view’s and the sea views.

08/07/2019

We have a great trip to Vietnam coming up November 1-14. Only 2 places left! The rest of us are busy getting our single entry, 30-day visa, and soon we will be booking airfare. Can you imagine flying to Vietnam for less than $900!! Tickets from LA will be more like $600!!!

Vietnam is a very beautiful country and we are going to have a great adventure! I hope to show my group how loving this culture is, and to introduce them to some fabulous food! Give them a chance for a little shopping! And throw in a little sightseeing!

There is still time to grab those last two places!

Next year, I will feature a different country.

07/20/2019

Amazingly, it is now only 3 1/2 months till a merry band of ladies depart for a tour of the highlights of Vietnam. Nov 1-14 is the date! Only 3 spots left to complete our small-group travel! For those who are still considering it, thinking about it, weighing the pros and cons, let me just remind you that life is lived best in the present! Don’t overthink something as simple as this. It’s 2 weeks - not a lifetime. 😂. I will need a final count by early September so I can begin booking rooms.

A country that puts out trays of water for its birds, and creates whimsical creatures in its parks and displays massive Buddha’s to lift our thoughts, is a beautiful country indeed.

07/15/2019

Tomorrow is the deadline for early bird signups to guarantee this next trip to Vietnam, Nov 1-14. The trip is ON! I have only 4 spots left. Don’t overthink this one! Life has a way of passing you by when you don’t seize the day and commit. Accepting reservations from now till Sept 15, first come first served.

After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, we will take a day and a half to acclimatize and recover from jetlag. The pace will be leisurely. Then we fly to the fascinating city of Hanoi and the real fun begins! Food tastings, museums including the famous Hanoi Hilton, a sail on Halong Bay, a paddle through the caves at Nimh Binh, a trip to the Marble mountains, fun in Hoi An to see the silk lamp shades, a beach day in Nha Trang and maybe the mud baths. Back to HCMC and a day in the Mekong Delta. Finally, shop till you drop at the famous Ben Thanh Market. Come home happy and fulfilled.

06/24/2019

One of the pleasures of Vietnam is the delicious, fresh food. Fresh vegetables are abundant year-round. Those of you who prefer Western food will have plenty of choices too as many restaurants cater to tourists.

If you are considering joining me Nov 1-14 on my next trip, I will need a down-payment to reserve your spot by July 15. A minimum of 4 people is needed to make this trip a go.

06/13/2019

Vietnam is a lush green country, with miles and miles of beaches. Such a lovely contrast from one view to the other. All in a day, I admired these verdant fields and this magnificent beach, in Nha Trang. This is one of the stops on my upcoming , November 1-14 TURN LEFT TRIPS itinerary. If you have ever considered a tour of Vietnam, you won’t want to miss this trip. Open to a maximum of 8 ladies! Contact me now to secure your place.

My apologies - photos to come when I figure out what went wrong with my camera file!

06/05/2019

Da Nang is one of our stops on my next trip to Vietnam, November 1-14. I spent hours admiring these sculptures when I was last there!

05/13/2019

In reviewing my photos recently, I came upon these taken in February 2019 when I walked a short distance over to see the cathedral built during the French occupation. It is one of my favorite churches in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is home to many religions and faiths. Walking down a side street from the cathedral I noticed these houses of prayer.
My trips allow for meandering walks. Or if you have a destination in mind you may take a taxi, because they are so affordable. I like to stroll because I see things I would miss if I went any faster. You will have time to make your own discoveries, As well as joining in the planned group activities.
Nothing on these trips is very strenuous. The most work we are going to do is with our eyes, and our cameras!

05/06/2019

For those considering joining me on our trip to Vietnam November 1-14, 2019, here is a little more information for you.

ACCOMMODATION
Most of these trips will involve staying at local boutique hotels only, one in each of the major cities we will visit. We will do day trips from these locations. This way you are not constantly unpacking and packing. These hotels will not be part of a huge global chain but instead will be typical mid range boutique hotels in the middle of the city offering clean, comfortable rooms with a private bath. Most will feature a pool and will offer a tasty breakfast. The central location will allow you to observe, and engage in, the local culture. From this space you will be able to take exciting side trips of your choosing on your free days. All rooms will be shared twin/full accommodation to prevent a sense of isolation in a very different cultural setting. On the other hand, if anyone is really clear that they want single accommodation, there will be an extra fee for that, but it can certainly be arranged.

05/03/2019

I recently brought out this little bag to bring things to the office each day. I marvel at the rich navy color that comes from the indigo plant in the Sapa region of North Vietnam. Not only is the bag handmade and home dyed, I met the young woman who did the stitchery on it. Notice how the front and the back of the fabric is flawless and equally beautiful on both sides.

You too can find treasures like this when you accompany me on my next scheduled trip to Vietnam, November 1-14. To buy something directly from the artist creates a souvenir or gift that is treasured for much longer, because of the personal connection.

Sapa is the fascinating home to many ethnic tribes. It’s an unforgettable experience to travel there.

Consider joining us this fall. If interested, PM me!

04/14/2019

In preparation for traveling with TURN LEFT TRIPS, here is a little information to get you planning!

WHO: Our clients are a particular brand of unique individuals - interesting, curious, active and friendly. You may be single, married, partnered, or widowed. You may be friends, mother-daughter combinations, sisters, neighbors or coworkers. You may have a husband who doesn’t like to travel. There are no age restrictions on these trips but you must be “29 at heart” and have good knees. These trips will not be particularly strenuous but our days will involve some walking on uneven surfaces, standing, climbing steps, and getting in and out of buses and boats. These are non-smoking trips, so plan accordingly. Any travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for the child’s day to day care.

PASSPORT/VISA: You will need to have a valid passport that is still current for six months or more beyond the duration of your trip. Some countries will require a visa. Vietnam is one of those countries. Please allow enough time to get your visa. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip.

If interested in the upcoming trip to Vietnam, Nov 1-14, 2019, please email me at [email protected], or PM me, or respond here.

04/12/2019

Hi, all! I am finally caught up with all the paperwork that seemed to inundate my mailbox while I was away in Cambodia and Vietnam this winter. And I planted my vegetable garden which one has to do as quickly as possible in February, or early March in my case, if you want to get any return before it’s too hot.
Planning for the next trip has now begun. The official dates for the next TURN LEFT TRIPS 2-week exploration of Vietnam is Nov 1-14!!

We will begin and end the trip in Ho Chi Minh City. So you can start to research airfares now for budget purposes, but don’t buy yet. I will research airfares out of LAX and will guide you all in purchasing when the time comes.

Anyone interested in asking questions, or more details, email me at: [email protected].
The price for the trip is $2000 and covers all in-country travel by plane, train, bus and taxis. And accommodation in very nice mid-range hotels.

You will see the beauty of this country from mountain to sea, including sand dunes!

03/02/2019

SHOPPING! Did I not yet mention shopping on TURN LEFT TRIPS? In Phnom Penh, at the end of your 2 weeks in Cambodia you will have a day of shopping. That may include the famous Central Market, the Russian Market and these fabulous Fair Trade boutiques. Silk and cotton are the specialties. You will want at least one of everything! What you decide to buy will be up to you.

With Elfrieda Snow!

02/26/2019

Here is an up-close-and-personal look at some fruit you might like to enjoy while on a TURN LEFT TRIPS adventure. Durian is the smelly fruit that most hotels ban from their rooms. It is very popular with the Chinese. The pulp is soft and creamy. Jackfruit looks like a durian on the outside, does not smell and has a chewy consistency. It is not overly sweet. Mango is the NECTAR OF THE GODS to me, as long as someone else picks it and peels it. This tray full cost $1.50!

It would be very easy for a vegetarian to travel in Cambodia and Vietnam. Although they are meat eating cultures, the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables is amazing. One could even do a complete juice fast. It’s very popular to buy juice from corner stands made fresh for you. Vegans would also have an easy time of it because there is virtually no dairy to speak of, and lots of tofu available.

02/26/2019

Once again I am reminded why my advice to travel light is correct. No need to bring a bunch of bottles from home (sunscreen, moisturizer, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) because everything can be found here in any country in SE Asia.

02/22/2019

My trips are for women, as you know. “Why?” you ask.
It is my experience that there are many women who wish to expand their world through travel but the opportunity for them to do this in a safe way has not presented itself.
My generation was raised to never do anything alone - always have a buddy. This advice has penetrated our psyche so deeply that we have become unsure of our ability to do something on our own. Sometimes it’s something as simple as eating alone in a restaurant! Or going to a gym! Or enrolling in a yoga class!
My intention with TURN LEFT TRIPS Is to empower any woman who comes to be able to do this on their own in the future. It’s an amazing gift to oneself to be able to experience the world around us without fear.
Later today I will go alone to this fabulous beach! And I will be safe, and I will feel safe.

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Mesa, AZ
85207

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