The weirdest rituals in the world

by Aaron Hotfelder on

In the town of San Juan Chamula in southern Mexico, I entered a church completely unprepared for the what I saw. Pine needles and hundreds of small lit candles covered the entire wooden floor, where worshippers were kneeling and chanting incantations. In front of each group of worshippers was a 3-liter bottle of Coca Cola, which the faithful drank periodically and used to, well, burp, in an attempt to keep away evil spirits.

This custom mixing Christian and (mostly) Mayan beliefs, I thought to myself, must be one of the most unusual rituals in the world. Well, turns out I wasn’t even close.

Over at Vagabondish, Turner Wright takes a look at the 8 Most Bizarre Rituals in the World, including Indian baby-tossing, Kenyan blood-drinking, and Japanese fire-walking. Also from Japan: A fertility festival in which participants carry a huge wooden penis around town. (It takes place every March 15 in the town of Komaki; book your flight today!)

Whole thing here.

25 great adventures for 2010

by Kraig Becker on

The latest issue of National Geographic Adventure has just hit the newsstand with a special treat inside for adventure travelers looking for their next big trip. The magazine has listed its selection for the 25 best new trips for 2010, offering up suggestions of places to visit in nearly every corner of the globe.

The list is organized in alphabetical order by destination, starting with Bhutan and running through several U.S. locations as well. Each of the locations also has a tour operator associated with it, and clicking on the text will give you a more detailed description of what you can expect on your adventure.

No matter what draws you to adventure travel, you’re sure to find something on the list that appeals to you. For instance, if you’re up for a challenging kayaking adventure, head to Bhutan with Bio Bio Expeditions, where you get the opportunity to make the first descent on a previously unpaddled section of the Drangme Chhu River. Does an island adventure sound more enticing? Then plan a trip to Sri Lanka with Access Trips, where you can go surfing and mountain biking through that amazing setting. And for those who would prefer a little more rest and relaxation with their adventure, there is always the Muang La Resort in Laos which offers jungle escapes that includes luxury rooms and a deluxe spa. That trip is available through Asia Transpacific Journeys.

No one knows adventure like National Geographic, and you can bet that each of these trips will deliver in that category. With 2009 quickly coming to an end, it is never too early to start planning your own adventures for 2010, and this list is a great place to start.

12 great safaris from Nat. Geo.

by Kraig Becker on

Thinking of heading to Africa on your next big trip abroad? Planning on going on safari while you’re there? Then you’re in luck, because National Geographic Adventure has a list of the 12 best safaris on the continent, with some amazing suggestions on where to watch wildlife in East and Southern Africa.

Most of us already know what Kenya and Tanzania have to offer. Both countries are home to the classic safari experience on the Serengeti. That trip still gets a tip of the hat from Nat. Geo., but there are plenty of other great places to encounter Africa’s diverse wildlife. For example, traveling to Uganda gives you the chance to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. That safari is unique and life-changing, and every visitor contributes directly to the preservation of those noble primates.

For a completely different experience, the article recommends you head to the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa, and go on a self-guided safari. Visitors to Kruger can rent their own vehicle, sleep at designated camp sites, and even get out of the car and trek through the wilds. Those treks do require that you go with an armed ranger however, as there are still plenty of wild animals that would gladly have you for lunch.

If you’re considering a safari in your near future, then this article is definitely for you. There are plenty of great tips on where to go and what to see, and even who to travel with.

Safaris in Kenya hurt by drought

by Sean McLachlan on

Safaris in Kenya are being impacted by a three year drought that has dessicated the landscape and killed many animals.

In Samburu National Reserve, elephants are dying for lack of food and other species such a zebra and crocodiles are also suffering. Some are moving out of the area and away from visitor’s eyes in search of water. Local herders are hurting too as they have to search harder to find forage for their herds. This has led to increased poaching as locals struggle to feed their families.

The arid grassland of Samburu National Reserve does not have sufficient ground water to handle a long-term drought and much of the land has dried up and become sand. As one of Kenya’s lesser-known reserves, it usually offers abundant wildlife and a less crowded safari experience. Safaris are still taking place, but visitors will be getting a hard lesson in the fragility of the environment along with their pictures of beautiful animals.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 9.16.09

by Brenda Yun on


Happy Hump Day, Gadlingers! I’m happy to report that the weather here in Chico, otherwise known as college party town USA, couldn’t be better. My 1.5 year-old nephew is running circles around me and blabbering in adorable baby talk. There are travel reads aplenty this Wednesday, so let’s get started!

  • Have you ever considered slacklining? I have, but I think I’ll stick to a line just one or two feet from the ground. [via Been-Seen]
  • There is an art to sleeping on planes that many of us — and I, for one — have yet to master. This helpful article gives us a few tips on what is often for me the most tedious part of traveling. [via Jaunted]
  • Everyone is insisting that summer is over, but I can’t really tell. Everywhere I’ve been the sunshine has been abundant and my skin remains summer-bronzed. But if you’re craving the endless summer, head to these sunny destinations. [via Open Travel]
  • Last but not least, my cousin and his new wife are safe and sound in Nairobi, Kenya, ready for a year-long trip of a lifetime. There will be travel stories aplenty should you feel so inclined to subscribe to their blog. [via No Hurry Curry]

‘Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.