Quivertree Blog 5/4/2010
RUGBY WORLD CUP IN NEW ZEALAND IN 2011 !
New Zealand, already one of our favorite family destinations, hosts the Rugby World Cup (RWC2011) in September and October 2011. So if you're a sporty type, a fabulous destination just got even better (of course if you're not interested in the rugby, the best time to visit New Zealand would be a few weeks after the tournament has ended).
New Zealand is a wonderful family destination, no matter what the ages of your children. Blessed with spectacular natural beauty and full of adventure activities, Quivertree is offering Rugby World Cup packages of 10 days to three weeks, combining some of New Zealand's most loved highlights with rugby weekends for the quarter finals, semi finals and final in Auckland. Because New Zealand is relatively compact with an exceptional transport infrastructure, it will be possible to see a lot of the country even while enjoying the country. And for those who don't want to go to the rugby, that leaves more time for a fantastic family trip to one of the world's great destinations !
For more on the Rugby World Cup 2011, go to the official tournament website at http://www.rugbyworldcup.com

Volcan Totumo, Colombia
Without doubt, one of the most bizarre and memorable travel experiences one can ever have is Volcan Totumo, a mud volcano about 45 minutes outside of Cartagena, Colombia. Nothing can prepare you for this. It really has to be personally experienced. First you climb up about 40 steps, wearing only your bathing suit and carrying nothing. Then you are helped into a mudbath by one of the 'stewards' - while another steward takes photos for you with your camera. You are placed horizontally in the pool - some say it is 1 1/2 miles deep - nobody seems to know - but you cannot sink, even if you try. The temperature is perfect, and while you are lying down, someone else gives you a full body massage. Now and then, the bath starts bubbling which just adds to the overall weirdness and entertainment. After about 45 minutes, you are instructed to get out, and run down the steps and into the lagoon a few meters away. There, a group of women wash you, even removing your bathing suit underwater, before you get out and return to Cartagena. For some photos see my blog at http://travellingdad.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/colombia-july-2009-cartagena-part-2/
It's really an incredible experience, not remotely strenuous and perfect for families and you'll be talking about it for a long time afterwards !
Cartagena, Colombia featured in the New York Times Travel section !
On Sunday May 2, 2010, Cartagena was the leading feature destination in the New York Times Travel section. Read the story at http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/travel/02cartagena.html?ref=travel
I think it's completely natural for the NYT to feature Cartagena - it is a 'must see' city, a real gem, and probably the best example of a Spanish colonial city. Add the atmosphere of daily Colombian life and you have an incredible destination, one you'll never forget !