With only 29 days left until the start of the very first Wandering Earl Tour – which for those who aren’t aware is taking place in India – I wanted to provide an update, not only about this first trip, but about next year’s tour schedule as well.
First, the upcoming Welcome to India Tour 2012 is indeed sold out, with ten terrific participants ready to experience a wide range of destinations around North India during the month of November. The itinerary has been confirmed, the transportation arranged and the accommodation all booked and I personally cannot wait to meet this group of people and to begin our journey around India together!
In addition, my good friend/fellow nomad/fellow travel blogger, Anil from FoxNomad.com, has decided to join the India excursion as well, helping me to conduct the tour while also sharing his vast travel knowledge with the other participants. Not a bad bonus at all.
Partnership Announcement
In order for me to keep the cost of the tours I offer to an absolute minimum (where else can you get a 19-day tour of India for $875 USD?), I decided to look for a few select partners who were interested in supporting this project.
And I am happy to announce that CheapOair.com has become a key partner of the upcoming Welcome to India Tour, something that seemed like a great match for a tour that was created for budget travelers and a company that aims to offer the cheapest airfares possible.
CheapOair.com ever so kindly provided me with the flight tickets I needed to make this trip happen, which naturally helped me save money and as a result, keep the costs of the tour way down. And of course, this is an airfare search engine that I have used quite often over the years myself, as it just so happens that CheapOair.com tends to offer certain flight routes and inexpensive airfares that other search engines don’t seem to find. And any website that can do that is certainly a website I’m interested in partnering with!
The Next Wandering Earl Tour
It’s official, the next tour I’ll be offering will be…
“Wander Across Mexico” – March 11th – 24th, 2013
This tour will visit the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Chiapas and Oaxaca, while including such destinations/activities as white sand beaches, snorkeling among sea turtles, a collection of popular and off-the-beaten-track Mayan pyramids, indigenous villages and towns, swimming in underground cave lakes, hikes to waterfalls, into rainforests and through canyons, mountaintop Aztec ruins, a diverse selection of culturally-rich cities and of course, day after day of incredible Mexican food, not to mention many ideal evenings spent with a beer (or fresh juice!) in hand, listening to the mariachi bands play their music in the central plaza of several towns. And that’s just a sample of what this tour will involve!
As for additional information such as the price and an actual detailed itinerary, stay tuned, as I will be posting more about this tour in the very near future.
However, if you want to put your name on the ‘early list’, please feel free to email me because, just like the Welcome to India Tour, this trip will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
While I haven’t finalized the other tours for 2013 quite yet, I am planning to offer trips to Turkey/Romania, Thailand and a second trip to India as well based on the requests that were made in the comments and in emails I’ve received. So, there shall be plenty of exciting destinations for next year!
And that’s the update for now…have a wonderful weekend wherever you may be…
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[…] all of my trips to India over the years and why I made sure to include this city on my current Welcome to India tour itinerary as well.It’s also why I encourage you to make the trip to Amritsar and the […]
[…] also recently announced his next tour, across Mexico, from March 11-24th, and we’ll be chatting about what to expect in my upcoming Live Chat (right here across the […]
NICE ONE! I have been using Cheapoair to book flights around the world for the past 3 years. I heard about it from a friend, but have never seen Cheapo advertised anywhere. Is the website big in the US? I have been spruicking them with dedication across Australia, the Pacific Islands and Japan and I am stoked to see Cheapo getting the exposure they deserve!
Hey Leslie – I do see CheapOair mentioned more often now than a few years ago so I think it’s finally getting more recognition. They certainly deserve it with some of the fares they offer.
Earl this is a phenomenal idea, good on you!! Maybe I will be able to join a tour with you sometime. And if you ever in need of a secretary or ostrich rider or coffee maker on the trip let me know 🙂
Wish you guys good luck ,also I gotta tell you that you guys will be missing out on many things if you don’t visit south of India (that’s real India ,the North has Persian,Afghan and other influences)
Cheers!
Hey Vinoth – The south part of India is great as well but I chose the north for the tour because there is a great variety of diverse sights and destinations within a relatively small area. Maybe the next India tour will be to the south!
Hey Earl,
Good to know that you are finally visiting your favorit contry once again.
I’m looking forward to meet you. If you come to Mumbai let me know. I will be mailing you my contact number very soon.
Brenda Gardner
October 15, 2012 at 2:29 pm - Reply
In January 1971 I left for a two week trip to Mexico and stayed 6 months. I camped at the pyramids in Tulum when it was a 2 mile hike from the road (but then moved to a hammock in a tree close by which was more comfortable. Then I went to Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas, Oaxaca (from Huatla to Puerto Escondido), and spent time in Puebla and towns that I can’t even remember the name of. It was the time of my life. I’ve been to Mexico many times since, but, needless to say, it was never as primitive and exciting. Your tour sounds like it may be as wonderful and full of adventure as when I went when I was young. I’ve never been on a tour, but I doubt that yours would be the same as those others on the market. I’m not 20 anymore, but I’m healthy and it may be just what I need in my life right now. I’ll be watching for more information.
Brilliant! I haven’t had a chance to check out the blog in a while (scattered with my upcoming graduation), but I think it’s an amazing idea that you are providing this sort of travelling opportunity for others. This is exactly the sort of experience I would like to have, which is why I have put off doing any study abroad programs through my university.
Will definitely be checking up on updates to Mexico.
Congratulations Earl. The tours look and sound great so keep up the good work. I myself took the decision to live the traveler lifestyle and have never looked back. Hopefully we can continue to inspire others to do the same and explore this fascinating world we live in.
I’m excited to hear Thailand is on your list! I was already planning to be in South East Asia sometime next year and hopefully I’ll be able to sign up for the tour.
Hey Michael – It would be great to have you join the Thailand tour and I shall post the tour dates soon! Let’s keep in touch once I have all the details ready.
That sounds like so much fun! I wish I could know my schedule that far in advance! I look forward to reading about the tours, maybe someday I will be so lucky!
P.S. I’m currently in Peru, it is amazing, and very affordable. If you haven’t been here you should seriously consider it!
I see that you partnered with CheapOair. They are certainly one of the best. I did however want to mention for your readers that http://www.vayama.com is having some good deals on international flights lately. They seem to be the cheapest so far. Not sure about quality and not trying to knock your partnership, just throwing out one more option.
Hey Mina – Egypt is on my list of places where I would like to offer a tour. It probably won’t happen in 2013 but I imagine it will be included in 2014 if all goes well 🙂 And that would be excellent if you joined the Mexico tour, or any of the tours! I’ll be posting the details for all the tours in a few weeks.
Great destination choices Earl. Was in Mexico last year for a wedding, as a result didn’t have a chance to tour. I’ll have to check out CheapOair.com for booking next time. Thanks!
Way to go Earl!! Choosing those four locations is the Grand Slam of travel destinations. I’ve been to all but the Turkey/Romania loop and that is very high on my list. I wonder how many of the people you’ll tour with will eventually become world nomads. You’ll have to establish a special location on your website that follows these lucky people. It could be a real time blog during your tours and then also a place for them to enter their future adventures and how they use what you teach.
This is the start of something huge; on-site instruction. It’s a far cry from what was available to us 25 years ago when we were in the planning stage of our RTW trip.
Very exciting! I wish you all the success as you could be the “Next” tony wheeler or Rick Steves or your area of expertise! Happy Trails
Hey Steve – That’s a great idea and I’m sure I can set up something that works like that. I know that a few of the tour participants are just going on the tour and then will return home but there are a couple who are interested in pursuing long-term travel!
Hope you’ve been well as always and perhaps see you on the Turkey/Romania tour??
I was stumbling on stumbleupon.com and came across your site earlier this month and was very intrigued by your lifestyle. I felt that I can relate to your journeys and adventures in so many ways. I guess the reason is I’ve taken some time off as well in 2011 to travel through mexico and it really changed me.
I’m responding to this article because I see that your next trip is to Yucatan Mexico where the Mayan Pyramids are. Well, I happen to have traveled and lived in that region of Mexico for an entire year in 2011. The city I lived in is called Merida (Perhaps you can take some time to visit it)
Anyways, I’d like to somehow connect with you on a more direct level so can exchange our adventures and ideas. If that’s ok with you of course. Please send me an email and I’ll provide you with my skype id.
Hey My – Yes, I am familiar with, and did visit, Merida as I lived in Playa del Carmen for 1.5 years in 2010/2011 🙂 I’m not sure yet if it will be included on the tour though. If you have any questions or want to communicate, please feel free to send me an email through the contact link at the top of the page and I’d be happy to reply.
Aww man, I was planning on going to Yucatan in a month or so. If I could, I’d push it over to next year and come along for the ride. That being said, what are your recommendations for someone on a budget, who’s a native Spanish speaker, and who’s never left on something of the sort before?
Hey Miryr – What kind of recommendations are you looking for? In general, if you stay in hostels, eat at local restaurants and use local transportation, you will spend a great deal less money, and you’ll still have an incredible time! There are local places to eat everywhere and plenty of hostels or pensions where a bed will cost around $10 USD per night. And since you’re a native Spanish speaker, you’ll certainly have a much easier time getting around! If you have any specific questions, feel free to send me an email and I’d be happy to respond!
Hey John – I’m working on a few ideas and that certainly is a good one to have experts in various cities. The problem is trying to organize such a thing while organizing and conducting the tours at the same time, along with normal blog work 🙂
[…] all of my trips to India over the years and why I made sure to include this city on my current Welcome to India tour itinerary as well.It’s also why I encourage you to make the trip to Amritsar and the […]
[…] also recently announced his next tour, across Mexico, from March 11-24th, and we’ll be chatting about what to expect in my upcoming Live Chat (right here across the […]
[…] also just announced his next tour, Wander Across Mexico in March, details about which he’ll be happy to share if you ask. Our 10 travel guests […]
NICE ONE! I have been using Cheapoair to book flights around the world for the past 3 years. I heard about it from a friend, but have never seen Cheapo advertised anywhere. Is the website big in the US? I have been spruicking them with dedication across Australia, the Pacific Islands and Japan and I am stoked to see Cheapo getting the exposure they deserve!
Another great reason to follow this blog 🙂
Hey Leslie – I do see CheapOair mentioned more often now than a few years ago so I think it’s finally getting more recognition. They certainly deserve it with some of the fares they offer.
Earl this is a phenomenal idea, good on you!! Maybe I will be able to join a tour with you sometime. And if you ever in need of a secretary or ostrich rider or coffee maker on the trip let me know 🙂
Wish you guys good luck ,also I gotta tell you that you guys will be missing out on many things if you don’t visit south of India (that’s real India ,the North has Persian,Afghan and other influences)
Cheers!
Hey Vinoth – The south part of India is great as well but I chose the north for the tour because there is a great variety of diverse sights and destinations within a relatively small area. Maybe the next India tour will be to the south!
Hey Earl,
Good to know that you are finally visiting your favorit contry once again.
I’m looking forward to meet you. If you come to Mumbai let me know. I will be mailing you my contact number very soon.
In January 1971 I left for a two week trip to Mexico and stayed 6 months. I camped at the pyramids in Tulum when it was a 2 mile hike from the road (but then moved to a hammock in a tree close by which was more comfortable. Then I went to Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas, Oaxaca (from Huatla to Puerto Escondido), and spent time in Puebla and towns that I can’t even remember the name of. It was the time of my life. I’ve been to Mexico many times since, but, needless to say, it was never as primitive and exciting. Your tour sounds like it may be as wonderful and full of adventure as when I went when I was young. I’ve never been on a tour, but I doubt that yours would be the same as those others on the market. I’m not 20 anymore, but I’m healthy and it may be just what I need in my life right now. I’ll be watching for more information.
Hey Brenda – Sounds great and this very well could be your kind of trip! I shall be posting more information about the tour next week…
Brilliant! I haven’t had a chance to check out the blog in a while (scattered with my upcoming graduation), but I think it’s an amazing idea that you are providing this sort of travelling opportunity for others. This is exactly the sort of experience I would like to have, which is why I have put off doing any study abroad programs through my university.
Will definitely be checking up on updates to Mexico.
Thanks Reeann and hopefully you’ll be able to join one of these tours at some point!
That’s awesome !! India, I wish i can go there soon enough.
Congratulations Earl. The tours look and sound great so keep up the good work. I myself took the decision to live the traveler lifestyle and have never looked back. Hopefully we can continue to inspire others to do the same and explore this fascinating world we live in.
I’m excited to hear Thailand is on your list! I was already planning to be in South East Asia sometime next year and hopefully I’ll be able to sign up for the tour.
Hey Michael – It would be great to have you join the Thailand tour and I shall post the tour dates soon! Let’s keep in touch once I have all the details ready.
It’s so great that there’s so much demand for the tours, I’m sure they’ll be fantastic 🙂
Thanks Ayelet…now we just need to get you on one of these tours!
RSVP for “Wander Across Mexico” – March 11th – 24th, 2013
Ridiculous that I’ve never been to Mexico… let’s change that! *grin*
That sounds like so much fun! I wish I could know my schedule that far in advance! I look forward to reading about the tours, maybe someday I will be so lucky!
P.S. I’m currently in Peru, it is amazing, and very affordable. If you haven’t been here you should seriously consider it!
Hey Melissa – I have not been to Peru yet but will make it there eventually I’m sure 🙂
Sounds like a blast. It’s safe to say anyone that travels with you is in good hands! Enjoy the upcoming trips.
Thanks for that Marco!
I see that you partnered with CheapOair. They are certainly one of the best. I did however want to mention for your readers that http://www.vayama.com is having some good deals on international flights lately. They seem to be the cheapest so far. Not sure about quality and not trying to knock your partnership, just throwing out one more option.
Sounds good!
Any plans of including an Egypt tour soon? I’d love to help with that one! 😀
Also, I am getting thought of joining in for the Mexico tour, or maybe I’ll wait until you announce the other tours and decide… 😀
Hey Mina – Egypt is on my list of places where I would like to offer a tour. It probably won’t happen in 2013 but I imagine it will be included in 2014 if all goes well 🙂 And that would be excellent if you joined the Mexico tour, or any of the tours! I’ll be posting the details for all the tours in a few weeks.
Great destination choices Earl. Was in Mexico last year for a wedding, as a result didn’t have a chance to tour. I’ll have to check out CheapOair.com for booking next time. Thanks!
Hey Marc – That’s all the more reason to head back down to Mexico 🙂
wished I can join your second India tour, Earl.
Hey Wends – Would be great to have you join the tour if you can make it happen!
Congratulations & good luck with all of the tours.
@Spinster – Thank you!
I’m very interested in the age range of those who are the lucky ones accompanying you on your India tour.
Hey C.J. – The ages range from early 20s to mid 50s, an excellent and diverse range!
Way to go Earl!! Choosing those four locations is the Grand Slam of travel destinations. I’ve been to all but the Turkey/Romania loop and that is very high on my list. I wonder how many of the people you’ll tour with will eventually become world nomads. You’ll have to establish a special location on your website that follows these lucky people. It could be a real time blog during your tours and then also a place for them to enter their future adventures and how they use what you teach.
This is the start of something huge; on-site instruction. It’s a far cry from what was available to us 25 years ago when we were in the planning stage of our RTW trip.
Very exciting! I wish you all the success as you could be the “Next” tony wheeler or Rick Steves or your area of expertise! Happy Trails
Hey Steve – That’s a great idea and I’m sure I can set up something that works like that. I know that a few of the tour participants are just going on the tour and then will return home but there are a couple who are interested in pursuing long-term travel!
Hope you’ve been well as always and perhaps see you on the Turkey/Romania tour??
Hi Earl,
I was stumbling on stumbleupon.com and came across your site earlier this month and was very intrigued by your lifestyle. I felt that I can relate to your journeys and adventures in so many ways. I guess the reason is I’ve taken some time off as well in 2011 to travel through mexico and it really changed me.
I’m responding to this article because I see that your next trip is to Yucatan Mexico where the Mayan Pyramids are. Well, I happen to have traveled and lived in that region of Mexico for an entire year in 2011. The city I lived in is called Merida (Perhaps you can take some time to visit it)
Anyways, I’d like to somehow connect with you on a more direct level so can exchange our adventures and ideas. If that’s ok with you of course. Please send me an email and I’ll provide you with my skype id.
Have fun on your travel!
Hey My – Yes, I am familiar with, and did visit, Merida as I lived in Playa del Carmen for 1.5 years in 2010/2011 🙂 I’m not sure yet if it will be included on the tour though. If you have any questions or want to communicate, please feel free to send me an email through the contact link at the top of the page and I’d be happy to reply.
Aww man, I was planning on going to Yucatan in a month or so. If I could, I’d push it over to next year and come along for the ride. That being said, what are your recommendations for someone on a budget, who’s a native Spanish speaker, and who’s never left on something of the sort before?
Hey Miryr – What kind of recommendations are you looking for? In general, if you stay in hostels, eat at local restaurants and use local transportation, you will spend a great deal less money, and you’ll still have an incredible time! There are local places to eat everywhere and plenty of hostels or pensions where a bed will cost around $10 USD per night. And since you’re a native Spanish speaker, you’ll certainly have a much easier time getting around! If you have any specific questions, feel free to send me an email and I’d be happy to respond!
Brilliant idea Earl,
I hope these tours go very well for you. Maybe you should organize a network of city experts under your tour company umbrella?
Hey John – I’m working on a few ideas and that certainly is a good one to have experts in various cities. The problem is trying to organize such a thing while organizing and conducting the tours at the same time, along with normal blog work 🙂
Oh that cool, hope you guys enjoy time in india. See you if you come to mumbai haha