June 6 and 7 is International Glamping Weekend.

No Kidding!

There’s a website and everything!

The word “glamping” is one of the newest additions to The Oxford English Dictionary, and (like many new words that demand to be taken seriously) is a portmanteau for “glamorous camping” (or, for some: “glad-I’m-not-really camping!”).

For me, camping was a family tradition. I wrote a blog last July called “Fizzies & Fartless Baked Beans,” although the Murphy camping vacations could hardly be considered glamping. Nothing glamorous about it back in those days.

But as the song goes, “Everything old is new again.” Start with tent camping basics, add in some feminine touches (improvements on coziness and comfort) and what do you get? Glamping! Add some decorative touches (Ralph Lauren), provide great food (everything tastes better outdoors) and have a great time with friends. And here’s a really radical idea: maybe even power down your devices!

I think they invented glamping for people like me. Much as I love adventure and the outdoors, I still appreciate a meal that didn’t come from a can and love listening to the sounds of nature while drifting off to sleep in a proper bed with clean linens and a fluffy pillow.

And here’s a really good idea: come along with me on a WOW! Travel Club eco-adventure next March that will include the following unforgettable experiences:

• Snorkel and swim among curious and playful sea lion pups at the famous colony of Los Islotes as they effortlessly romp and twirl underwater … and they just might kiss your snorkel mask or nibble your arm!
• Marvel and photograph hundreds (if not thousands!) of Blue-footed Boobies (yes, you need not go all the way to the Galapagos!)

Snorkel with the whale sharks!

• Snorkel alongside the largest fish on the planet – a gentle, polka-dotted giant!
• Kayak in the crystal blue waters, along dramatic sea cliffs and caves

Kayaking in a world of your own!

• Thrill to the incredible diversity of marine life in the Sea of Cortez, described by Jacques Cousteau as, “the “world’s aquarium” and declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO
• Savor unforgettable “WOW!” moments, brought to you by Mother Nature, including flying manta rays, leaping dolphins and whales of all descriptions
• Take a hike to explore caves covered with ancient sketches from the extinct tribes that once populated this area
• Enjoy one of nature’s most amazing spectacles: As mama gray whales gently bump your boat and bring their babies forward for an introduction to the human species – inviting you to scratch and pet, and sometimes even plant a kiss!

Get up close and personal with a gray Whale! (They love to get their belly rubbed!)

Oh, and did I mention two nights of glamping at a secluded private beach on Isla Espiritu Santo, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez?

Beachfront, ocean-view and comfy! Glamping at its best.

Oh, and did I mention that all this extraordinary nature stuff is sandwiched between delightful nights in the utterly charming, laid-back, richly-creative oasis town of Todos Santos? It’s hard to describe this convivial, welcoming and addictive place – where there are 70 miles pristine beach, where everyone waves to everyone, where artists and creative types set the tone and where (at least for awhile) there is no large-scale development.

Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1724, Todos Santos later became a major sugar-cane producer in the nineteenth century – drawing on a massive underground aquifer. Eight thriving sugar mills helped finance many beautiful colonial-style buildings and handsomely-built homes.

In the 1950s, the water table dried up and crops began to fail. Compounding this, prices for sugar dropped after WWII and Todos Santos was virtually abandoned for decades.

Today, the rich farmlands have been revived and the town prospers from an abundance of Poblano chili farming, avocado, papaya and mango orchards, organic farming and fishing. (Fact: Much of the produce sold at your local Costco was grown here!)

Todos Santos has prospered in other ways from the artists, surfers and hippies who found a haven here. The timeshare developers are on their way … but they’re not here – yet.

So – as is the custom of the WOW! Travel Club – we’re taking you another of the best places you’ve never been. This is gonna be a good one!

Me and Mother Nature can’t wait to “WOW” you!

Dates are March 1 – 7, 2016

Price: $2,985 per person, double  (Single supplement: $600)

Inclusions: As is the custom of the WOW! Travel Club, we’ve included just about everything in this 6-night package – including gratuities to the fabulous naturalist guides who will accompany us on this wondrous journey! (Just add airfare, and you’re good to go!)

Details: On our website

Registration?  Will open soon! (in the meantime, send me an email to save a place)

Oh – and one more thing:  If your spouse/partner/signif-other is just not into this nature stuff (or vice versa) – consider this compromise: while the eco-freak is off kissing the sea lions, the comfort-lover can stay in Todos Santos and enjoy massages, yoga sessions, art lessons, cooking lessons, shopping, etc. etc. etc.  Meet-up back in Todos Santos on the last day and compare notes to determine who had a better time!  See?  There’s a WOW! plan for everyone!

So, whaddya think of this one?