Category Archives: Europe

World Nomad Travel Writing Apprenticeship

Posted on by By Vivienne DuBourdieu

Have you ever wanted to be a published travel writer? Well here’s your opportunity.

View from Kandomma Holiday Inn lounge in the Maldives. Photo VDuBourdieu, 2010

View from Kandomma Holiday Inn lounge in the Maldives. Photo VDuBourdieu, 2010

BikeHike Adventures and Rough Guides have teamed up with WorldNomads for their 2011 Travel Writing Scholarship Contest.

The Winner Takes on a 22-Day Work and Play Assignment in Turkey!

WorldNomads is accepting applications from aspiring travel writers to enter an essay contest themed around travel.

The winning entrant will kick-start their travel-writing career by exploring Turkey for 12-days of multi-sport adventure with BikeHike Adventures.

Afterwards, the apprentice will spend two days being mentored by a Rough Guides author, followed by a four day solo assignment.

One person will be selected to travel, all-expenses paid, to Istanbul to work with Terry Richardson, author of The Rough Guide to Istanbul, as he researches a new edition of his book.

Prior to meeting and working with Terry, the winner will enjoy a total immersion in Turkish culture with Trish Sare, founder and Director of BikeHike Adventures.

On BikeHike’s 12-Day Turkish Delight tour, highlighting many of Turkey’s iconic gems, there will be a plethora of multi-sport activities.

Cirayli coastline, near Olympos, Turkey. VDuBourdieu 2001

Cirayli coastline, near Olympos, Turkey. VDuBourdieu 2001

You will explore the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia by mountain bike, foot and horseback; stroll through Istanbul, visiting the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar and the Palace; and go sea-kayaking on the Mediterranean.

Candidates, 18 and older, can be journalism students, emerging and non-professional writers or simply lovers of travel looking for a career change.

Applications will be accepted until the March 28, 2011 deadline. For complete details and easy online entry please visit WorldNomads.com. Travel will take place from June 7 to June 28, 2011.

Entrants must have a high degree of proficiency in written English, be comfortable travelling on their own, have a current passport and be an exceptional writer.

To apply, entrants must write a 500 word, travel-focused essay based on a personal experience related to: Responsible Travel, Journey in an Unknown Culture or My Big Adventure.

Two young Turks: Gokhan and Javed in Pataya, Turkey. VDuBourdieu 2002

Two young Turks: Gokhan and Javed in Pataya, Turkey. VDuBourdieu 2002

The winner of the scholarship contest, along with the best entries received will be published on the WorldNomads.com website on April 28th, 2011.

About BikeHike Adventures Inc.

Named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure Magazine in 2008 and 2009, BikeHike specializes in small group multi-sport adventures in South and Central America, Canada, Europe, Oceania, Asia and Africa.

BikeHike is committed to sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and environment in the destinations they serve, and actively supports projects that help raise cultural and social awareness around the world.

Michelin’s Top Ten Flavours of France

Posted on by By Vivienne DuBourdieu
A poster by

Image via Wikipedia

Here’s an insight into the very best of French food from Michelin Food and Travel in conjunction with Roadtrips Inc.

Together, they bring a certain magic to travel.

1. Poulet De Bresse: Quite possibly the world’s best chicken; acclaimed by 19th-century foodie extraordinaire Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin as “the queen of chickens, the chicken of kings.”

2. Braised Rabbit Stew: A hearty Norman classic that’s at its best when simmered in sweet apple cider.

3. Petits Farcis Provençaux: Fresh veggies stuffed with herbs and minced meat, with a uniquely Provençal twist.

4. Bouillabaisse de Pecheur: Until you’ve tasted the Côte d’Azur’s signature dish in its home port—particularly Marseille—you haven’t tasted anything.

5. Freshwater Sander: Another French Riviera classic; best complimented by pulverized olives or a side of crayfish.

6. Petit Gâteau Moelleux au Chocolat: Impossibly moist, unbelievably chocolately fudge cake. Heaven on a plate.

7. Goose Liver Crème Brûlée: Probably best served in Provence, but worth a try pretty much anywhere.
8. Turbot with Candied Shallots: A specialty of Gilles Tornadre at Rouen’s two-starred Gill, it’s a clever twist on a regional standard.

9. Demi-Pigeon Désossé: At its best when coupled with mushrooms, parsnip and clover. Succulence incarnate.

10. “Tomorrow Night’s Dinner”: Honestly, with France’s embarrassment of culinary riches, the best meal you’ve ever had is almost invariably the one you just ate.

Michelin Food & Travel experiences are rooted in the philosophy that great food is a fundamental component of any memorable trip.

Their partners, Roadtrips.Inc, draw on a background of unique, custom-build trips they have delivered to travellers for over 20 years.

Individually planned travel experiences draw on an extensive worldwide network of tour operators who can deliver the kind of trip you want.

Amongst their specialties are tours for truffle lovers, specially designed for people who salivate at the very thought of this earthy-tasting delight – a short season that begins in November and ends in March.

For example, a six-day tour of southwest France includes truffle hunting with experts in Périgord Noir and shopping at Lalbenque‘s bustling truffle market.

The standard itinerary includes carefully chosen restaurants and hotels, although you can customise all elements to your own taste.

Explore Michelin Food and Travel options here.