Enjoy this music video by New Zealand singer Ladyhawke.

An African safari in a Range Rover is so passé, those that are hip know that the only way to travel is via elephant!

Abu Camp elephant safari is located in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.  The five star safari lodge consists of five elevated tents and one larger villa, each with en-suite bathrooms.  Five star meals are served on the main deck, allowing for an unrestricted view of the African wildlife.  Although luxury at Abu Camp is key, the main attraction is the elephant backed safaris.  This unique experience lets you see African wildlife in a way otherwise impossible in a motorized vehicle.

18 years ago, elephant conservationist, Randall Moore was commissioned to train three african elephants for roles in a film set in South Africa.  Upon completion of the film, the South African government would not allow him to reintroduce his trained elephants into the wild.  Moore decided to give his homeless elephants a second chance by introducing a new form of safari, on elephant back.

To follow in the steps of billionaires like Bill Gates, a former guest, does not come cheap…the three night safari for two will run you about $15,000.  For more information visit their website, abucamp.com.

As nights begin to get chilly, why not warm up with a taste of Ireland…..

Ingredients

▪ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

▪ 1-pound leg of lamb, cut into ¾-inch cubes

▪ 3 cups beef broth

▪ 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)

▪ 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or marjoram leaves

▪ ¼ teaspoon pepper

▪ 2 cups peeled potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes

▪ 1½ cups carrots, cut into ½-inch slices

▪ 1½ cups celery, cut into ½-inch slices

▪ ½ cup chopped onion

Directions

1.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.


2.Add lamb and cook until brown, about 5 minutes.


3.Add beef broth, garlic, rosemary or marjoram, and pepper.


4.Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until meat is tender.


5.Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.


6.Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Rumor has it that actors Scarlett Johanssen and Ryan Reynolds tied the knot recently at the uber-luxe Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, located in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere reserve, in British Columbia, Canada.

The resort consists of 20 white tents, decked out with lavish antiques, remote-controlled propane wood-stoves, oil lamps, each with a private bathroom.  For families, the resort has nine suite tents with a seating area and sofa bed.

Gourmet meals are served in the ranch-style cookhouse, or for a more intimate experience, dinner can be served in either the ‘bistro’ or ‘family’ dining tents.

Every outdoor activity you could ever imagine is offered, from fishing to bear watching.  For those (like me) who prefer the creature comforts, can spend the day at Healing Grounds, an “eco-safari style massage and therapeutic treatment centre.”

Rates for the all inclusive resort start at $4,750 CAD (per person) for three nights and include return floatplane transfers, 1 hour massage, all activities and meals. For more information visit wildretreat.com

As you probably have noticed, airports are greatly profiting from the “no liquids past security” rule.

We all know that while flying it is important to remain hydrated in the sahara desert’s cousin, the airplane. But with bottled water costing more than gas, it’s cheaper to bring a bottle of water from home.  

The problem with this plan is that airport security requires that you either chug your water in line, or trash it before you pass the security checkpoint.

An easy solution to not wasting souvenir money on water is to pack an empty water bottle in your carry-on and fill it up at a drinking fountain after security.

Of course, drinking fountain water is not as tasty as Evian…..but is a small bottle of water really worth over $2?