Julie Paterson of Venues Adventures for Women writes the story of how a Bedouin woman became a trail guide in Sinai Um Yasser, a middle-aged Bedouin woman of the Hamada tribe in South Sinai, was born in a rock house, but spent much of her childhood living in a cave dwelling in the desert, where she and her mother tended their herd of goats. The Bedouins are an old, conservative ethnic group, with laws that govern their behaviour in the … [Read more...]
Packing Tips – Four Things I Always Travel with…
Julie Paterson is the founder of Women's Tour Company Venus Adventures. New Zealand born, she is particularly passionate about northern Africa and often gets asked for packing tips, or what she would NOT leave behind when she goes travelling... 1. Ditch the money belt! It is really important to have a decent shoulder bag! I got tired of having that sweaty thing stuck to my body all day. Also, if you need to get money out of a moneybelt, … [Read more...]
10 Reasons I love to Visit Muslim Countries
Julie Paterson is a modern day nomad and director of Venus Adventures for women. I have visited Morocco with Julie and want to go to Ethiopia next - she is passionate about Arab culture and a wonderful guide in Muslim countries In these days of rampant Islamophobia, a trip to an Arab country could do everyone a bit of good. As I visit Muslim Countries I am changed, and understanding other cultures, not judging them, is key, I believe, to … [Read more...]
Why go on a Woman-Only Trip?
Here are a Ten Very Good Reasons from Venus Adventures - Global Trips for Women Of course I am biased - I run websites and blogs and social media about Women and Travel, I think there are lots of great reasons to travel with other women. I have been to Morocco with Julie and some Venus Adventurers - in fact I am one of the people in this photo - that is me on the left! What a time we had - lots of laughs, and food, shopping (did I really … [Read more...]
Venus Adventures for Women – an update
Venus Adventures had a great 2014, with indulgent, insightful, unforgettable adventures in amazing places like Namibia, Botswana, Morocco, India, Burma ... Where are you heading for 2015? If you haven't already made any plans, we still have a couple of spaces left on our Best of Morocco trip in April, our walking (and eating!) trip in Italy in June (Cinque Terra and Amalfi Coast, amongst other great places!), and our Vietnam/Cambodia … [Read more...]
A day at the Camel Races
When the chance to have a cultural experience comes along, I always take it. So when I heard about the Wadi Zalaga camel race, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to go. This Bedouin camel race, held high up in the desert of the Sinai peninsula, Egypt, was a competition between the Tarabine and Mzeina tribe. … [Read more...]
Fabulous tailors of Hoi An Vietnam
Rosann visits Yaly Couture Rosemary visits the Family Clothes shop for memorable Hoi An experience Travel Vuda Tours for Women to Vietnam Other Tours for Women to Vietnam Rosann hits the shops! The lovely Rosann Connolly escorted the Vietnam Delights May 2012 tour group - and wow boy did she hit the shops in Hoi An. Here she lets us in on some shoppers tips: Only the rich and famous have personal tailors right? Not so in Vietnam! Chic … [Read more...]
Venus Adventures – come on women, time to travel….
Julie from Venus Adventures For Women writes: Half the year is over, so just thought it might be time to take stock! We are changing a couple of trips and have added a couple of new ones this past year, namely Burma and the African Safari. Both are fantastic destinations, so check out Venus Adventures For Women for more information. Burma Burma has recently opened up to tourism and there is nothing better than seeing a country before … [Read more...]
Visit Morocco in March
I did a trip with Morocco with Julie Paterson and Venus Adventures and it was the trip of a lifetime - fabulous. Julie has some last minutes spaces on her trip in March this year - so here is your chance to live a dream Meeting 30 March in Casablanca and travelling for 18 amazing days - including Fez, Marrakech, sleeping in the Sahara, shopping and more. INFO about the Trip Read some stories on this blog about women travel in Morocco More … [Read more...]
Tea – making the world a better place
Julie from Venus Adventures for women reflects on Tea Recently I was visiting some nomadic Bedouin friends in the Sinai, Egypt. As we sat cross-legged round the fire sipping sweet tea from small tea glasses, the teapot simmering away on the hot coals, I thought about how often tea had been an important focal point in so many countries I had visited. … [Read more...]