May 24--Mount Everest has a universal appeal, as evidenced by the people from around the world who've lost their lives trying to summit this epic peak. Scaling the mountain is beyond the grasp of most people, but trekking to Everest Base Camp is more doable for mere mortals (though still extremely taxing). Myths and Mountains offers an alternative to the usual trek in Nepal with a package that tackles the trek from Tibet. The 22-day itinerary starts with explorations by motor vehicle of the area from Lhasa to Old Tingri, where the hike starts in earnest. It takes five days to reach Base Camp at 16,400 feet, and from there it's on to the Japanese Camp (17,913 feet), Interim Camp (19,028 feet) and finally Advanced Base Camp (20,800 feet). The adventure is priced from $8,150 per person, double occupancy, based on four to six people. That includes air from Chengdu, China, to Lhasa, accommodations -- including fully supported camping -- English-speaking guides and most meals. Info: 800-670-6984, http://tinyurl.com/zklp2dw
Tanzania travel is hot
Tanzania and Portugal are proving to be popular with travelers booking summer vacations, according to the Hot 10 list from Virtuoso travel network. Agency members in the U.S. and Canada have reported bookings for Tanzania up 98 percent from a year ago, while Portugal's increase was 88 percent. Rounding out the top 10 were Ireland (58 percent), Brazil (53 percent), Mexico (48 percent), Russia (44 percent), Netherlands (38 percent), Jamaica (28 percent), Sweden (23 percent) and Poland (18 percent). European destinations dominated the top 10 for bookings overall, with Italy at the top, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, South Africa, Greece and Israel.
Kayaking in comfort
Many kayak-based vacations involve camping, which can be a deal-breaker for some travelers. ROW Sea Kayak Adventures removes that obstacle with a week's worth of kayaking based at God's Pocket Wilderness Resort, on the far northern end of British Columbia's Vancouver Island. You'll typically spend four to five hours a day sea kayaking with your guides, unless you want a break from the water and prefer to hike or just laze around the resort. By night, you'll enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, and dinner at the resort before bedding down in your own room. Wildlife likely to be sighted during the week includes humpback whales and Steller sea lions, and there may be a nighttime paddle to view the glowing bioluminescence of the ocean. Pricing in July is from $2,790 per person, double occupancy. Info: 800-616-1943, http://tinyurl.com/6ugjqlc
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
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