Dear Travellers,
I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer full of sun, fun and memorable adventures. While those lazy, hazy days may be drawing to a close, remember, it’s always sunny somewhere…and there are many more memories to be made.
We’ve got some truly outstanding tours coming up in late fall and winter, from luxurious, sun-drenched getaways to unique experiences in once-in-a-lifetime destinations. What kind of travel are you dreaming about?
How about a couple of weeks at a laid-back Caribbean resort? Our All-inclusive Barbados tour offers 15 days of white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, delectable food, and all kinds of fun excursions. It’s the perfect zero-hassle getaway.
Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect mix of beach time and unique culture. Our 18-day Discover Thailand tour takes you to the island paradise of Phuket (with beaches you have to see to believe), bustling Bangkok, and stunning Krabi, famous for breathtaking scenery and incredible coral reefs.
If you’re up for a more active adventure, Peru is calling! On our Wonders of Peru tour, you’ll discover Machu Picchu, fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, see breathtaking landscapes – and even visit man-made floating islands!
Whatever your travel taste, Senior Discovery Tours has amazing options that’ll make your next trip unforgettable. Read about these tours (and many more) in our latest brochure. If you haven’t received it yet, download it here and sign up to get future brochures mailed to your home.
Happy planning!
Danny Shay
President, Senior Discovery Tours
A taste of Barbados
From fresh seafood to delicious cocktails and more, this lovely Caribbean island has a wonderful cuisine all its own.
Barbados has gorgeous beaches, fascinating history – and a fantastic food culture. Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the island brings together West Indian, Caribbean, African, and European traditions – a rich, flavourful, unique combination beloved by foodies in the know.
Whether you’re sampling street food or sitting down for a meal at one of the island’s award-winning restaurants, here’s a list of Barbados’ must-try tastes.
Flying fish. This is the island’s signature dish. Try it prepared in the traditional Bajan style: breaded, seasoned and fried to crispy golden-brown perfection. Add a side of rice and peas, coleslaw or macaroni pie for a tasty, satisfying meal.
Macaroni pie. In Barbados, this baked mac and cheese dish is simply known as “pie.” Cheesy and flavourful with a golden-brown bread topping, and you can get it anywhere on the island, with each place serving its own tasty variation on the recipe.
Cou-cou. Another side dish that’s often served with flying fish, cou-cou is made from cornmeal and okra. It’s loosely based on middle eastern couscous dishes but definitely has its own unique flavour.
Salt bread. These white flour rolls have a crusty exterior and tender, fluffy interior that makes a perfect sandwich. Although you might expect them to be salty, they aren’t. They call the bread “salt” to distinguish it from other Caribbean breads, which are sweeter.
Flying fish cutters. A cutter is a Barbadian sandwich made with fried flying fish on a salt bread bun. The fish is soaked in lime juice and salt, seasoned and fried, then topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce for an easy and filling lunch or snack.
Fishcakes. Salted fish, fresh herbs and flour, deep fried to golden perfection: these tasty cakes are a Bajan favourite for breakfast or as an appetizer. Bajans also love a “bread and two” (two fishcakes in a soft salt bread) for a quick bite on the go.
Bajan coconut bread. This traditional sweet bread is made with shredded coconut, raisins and dried cherries. Perfect with a cup of tea!
Bajan rum. Barbados is the birthplace of rum, with records mentioning it as early as 1650. Mount Gay Distillery (founded in 1703) is believed to produce the oldest rum in the world! It’s wonderful in Bajan rum punch (recipe below), a famous cocktail with rum, lime juice, sugar, and nutmeg.
Get a taste of the tropics on our All-inclusive Barbados tour, departing January 23 and February 20, 2025. Relax on white beaches, swim in turquoise waters, grab a flying fish cutter or two for lunch – and try Bajan rum at its source at a famous island distillery.
Swim with elephants in Thailand!
Visiting the Krabi Elephant Shelter is an incredible – and completely ethical – experience.
Elephants play a big role in Thai culture and are beloved for their intelligence, strength, and gentleness. Historically, they have been used in agriculture and transportation, and in recent years, have been part of a growing trend in “elephant tourism.” Interacting with elephants is undeniably magical, but like any animal experience, ensuring their well-being is the most important thing.
That’s why we love the remarkable Krabi Elephant Shelter and have made it a highlight of our upcoming Discover Thailand tour!
In this wonderful sanctuary, the elephants roam free, and visitors can interact with them while also contributing to their welfare and conservation. Unlike elephant camps that prioritize profit over animal welfare, this ethical place provides a safe, nurturing environment for elephants to thrive in their natural habitat. But that doesn’t mean visitors can’t interact with these amazing creatures!
At Krabi, you can feed and bathe the elephants, giving them a “mud bath” they love. And you can even go swimming with them! Wade into pristine waters with these magnificent creatures, splash around with playful babies, or simply marvel at how gracefully these enormous animals glide through the water. The swims are supervised by experienced guides, with clear instructions on how to respect the elephants’ boundaries.
You’ll also learn about the challenges elephants face – many have been rescued from harsh logging camps and unethical situations – and hear about initiatives like habitat restoration, community outreach, and public education programs that are helping them thrive.In your travels, to ensure an animal experience is ethical, look for operations that prioritize the well-being of the animals and operate with transparency. Research their practices, read online reviews, and ask about their conservation efforts and how animals are treated.
Our Discover Thailand tour, coming up in February 2025, is all about incredible experiences like this one! We will visit Phuket, Krabi, and Bangkok, taking in unforgettable landscapes, enjoying the rich culture – and, of course, interacting with these gentle giants.
Exploring an Archaeological Enigma
One day, early in the 20th century, a pilot flying over the Peruvian desert spotted an unbelievable sight: drawings etched in the rock that were so massive that only a giant could have made them. He had discovered the now-famous (and famously mysterious) Nazca Lines, created by the Nazca people around 3,000 years ago.
These ancient geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long and can only be fully appreciated from the air, appearing over an area of nearly 1,000 square kilometres. They range from simple lines and geometric shapes to depictions of animals, plants, and imaginary beings.
What is their purpose? That’s the enigma. While there are theories, no one knows for sure. Here are a few possibilities:
They were an astronomical calendar: one of the earliest theories is that the lines may have functioned as a sort of astronomical calendar, aligning with the positions of the stars.
They had a ceremonial purpose: the lines may have been related to water, a vital resource in this arid region, and been a part of rituals performed to invoke rain or fertility.
They were pilgrimage pathways: some believe they were paths people followed in religious processions or spiritual journeys.
They were art for the gods: the fact that they are meant to be seen from the sky indicates they may have been created as an offering to deities.
They were created by aliens: more fringe theories suggest the lines were created or inspired by extraterrestrial beings.
New lines and figures continue to be discovered, thanks to drones and satellite imagery. Their scale, complexity and mystery continue to fascinate us and inspire research into one of the world's most intriguing archaeological mysteries.
You can see the incredible Nazca Lines from the air on our Wonders of Peru tour departing February 5, 2025.
Why travel with us?
Reason #5: Roundtrip transport
When we say roundtrip, we really mean it: in most Canadian cities, we will take you right from your doorstep to the airport and safely back home again. Need a great reason to book your next SDT tour? How about 10? Every month, we’ll highlight one of the many benefits of travelling with us. To see the whole list, check the first few pages of one of our brochures!
Make your own Bajan Rum Punch
Ingredients:
- Fresh limes
- Simple syrup
- Dark rum
- Water
- Ice
- Angostura bitters
- Ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Squeeze limes, reserving a few wedges for garnish.
- Combine one part lime juice, two parts simple syrup, three parts rum, four parts water and ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake to blend thoroughly.
- Pour and garnish with a dash of bitters and a sprinkle of nutmeg – and enjoy a taste of sunny Barbados!
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