Hot For Summer? New Guinea

Posted by Grace Lichtenstein Feb 12, 2007

"New Guinea, hands-down." That was the response I got from a spokeswoman for ElderTreks in Toronto today when I asked about tours that were filling up fast for July and August. Have you been to this Shangri La yet? Did you love it? What did you like best? I'd love to hear from you. And if you've had Papua and New Guinea on your "to-visit" list but have not yet made plans, it seems like you had better get cracking. On the homefront, Elderhostel's "Top Ten" list includes a tour of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands.

There are more than a few departures for hot trips, but the earlier you sign up the better chance you have of getting your preferred dates. As a former Westerner (I lived in both New Mexico and Colorado) I suspect that by the time travelers get to their grown-up years, they have already seen the wonders of places like the Colorado Rockies, Navajo Country and Santa Fe. That could be one reason why South Dakota is now in everyone's sights. Also, let's not discount HBO's Deadwood -- anyone who has seen this fascinating series is bound to develop a keen interest in that gold-rush town.

But maybe the place you're eager to see is Vietnam, which is on everyone's radar these days. Since this is an adventure lots of folks want to experience, you will do well to plan 12 months out. And while you are there, what about Laos? Cambodia?