2012 Photo Contest Results

Of thousands of great images from Knowmad travelers, check out the winning shots in the categories of Action & Adventure, Landscape & Scenery, Culture, Wildlife, and Portrait. Thanks so much to you all for your keen photography and for a fantastic year!
 

ACTION & ADVENTURE

1st Prize: Big Views in a Big World by Brianna Bromstad
Brianna snapped this photo while summiting Huayna Picchu Mountain. Climbing this peak sacred to the Inca allows for incredible views over the Machu Picchu Citadel and isn’t for the faint of heart!
 

Tierra Patagonia in Travel + Leisure

Travel and Leisure recently named Tierra Patagonia, a lodge located on the edge of Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park, Best Resort in the T + L 2013 Design Awards. Being a design junkie myself, I wholeheartedly agree with T + L’s perspective that good design makes better travel (and better everything really). Knowmad, upon its creation, has been sending happy travelers to Tierra Patagonia’s sister lodge in the northern Chilean Desert, Tierra Atacama, and was thrilled to hear of plans to build a lodge that would no doubt just as seamlessly live and blend into its natural surroundings.

We were so excited, in fact, that we’ve decided to hop a flight down to Chile in a couple weeks to check it out. Stay tuned for the next issue of the Knowmad Travel Journal for our thoughts on this and other lodges in both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert.

Un Beso, Tara

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Parting Shots: Family Visits their Daughter Studying Abroad in South America

Lisa Kellenberger, both Tara’s sister and Knowmad’s Social Media Guru, spent a semester studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina last spring. Without a moment’s hesitation (not that anybody needs any real valid excuse in this family to go exploring) parents Greg and Dana started dreaming up a trip with Knowmad to get down there. Greg had been to Machu Picchu before when Tara spent her summer after college backpacking around South America and couldn’t wait to see it again, this time with his wife and third daughter. So after a couple of days exploring Argentina’s capital, they flew from  Buenos Aires to Lima and then to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon for a stay at Inkaterra’s Reserva Amazonica. Next they flew to Cuzco to embark on a custom version of the Classic Machu Picchu itinerary. Thanks for sharing these wonderful shots Kellenbergers!

 
 
 

About.com Features Knowmad Adventures

Knowmad is thrilled to be spotlighted in the article Custom Adventure Travel in South America with Knowmad Adventures on About.com.

The author Louis Friedland, a big adventurer herself, outlines that Knowmad is a “U.S. based (company) and owned by an American husband and wife team who believe ‘Travel brings us closer to Earth’s natural wonders and diverse cultures, as well as to ourselves.'” She says that their “approach to creating trips reflects that philosophy.”

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How to Make the Most Out of Your Miles

Alright, I’ll admit it. I’m a hoarder. But, no, I don’t have some weird collection of dolls or cats. I hoard miles and I’m here to give you a couple tips on how to do the same.

First off, don’t let one single flight go by without collecting your miles for it. You earned them! I keep track of my miles with a simple spreadsheet that you can download here. This sheet helps me keep track of my usernames, passwords, and mileage for each airline.  

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Last Call for Photos!

The closing date for our annual photo contest is quickly approaching! We’ve been pulling our hair out trying to decide on winners for the categories of Action Adventure, Culture, Wildlife and Landscape or Scenery. If you’ve traveled with us in 2012 and have been holding onto a shot, please send it our way to [email protected]

ALL ENTRIES DUE BY JANUARY 31ST – WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN NEXT NEWSLETTER

Give the Gift of Travel

There’s nothing you can give your family and friends that is more valuable than life experiences, and no better way to start the year than with adventure in your sights. To encourage this Knowmad is offering a $100 per person discount on trips booked between now and December 31, 2012. 

*Deposit and registration packet must be received prior to December 31, 2012. May not be combined with any other available traveler discounts. Exclusions may apply. Discount code disc_holiday/2012 must be mentioned prior to the time of booking.

(Pictured above: fox in Patagonia, Chile)

Lake Titicaca Travel: 4 Ways to Get Off The Beaten Path

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and, after Machu Picchu, one of the most popular destinations in Peru. Straddling the Peru-Bolivia border at over 12,000 feet high, the lake is a sacred place for many Peruvians. According to ancient Andean mythology, the first Inca king and descendant of the sun surfaced from this lake to create the Incan Empire. It is also said that the sun, moon, and stars rose from Lake Titicaca and into the sky. These days, it’s a wonderful spot to get off the beaten path, connect with Peruvian culture and mythology, and have a truly unique experience in the high plains of Peru.

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Parting Shots: Romanced by Argentina on a Sensational Buenos Aires, Calafate & Patagonia Honeymoon

Argentina South America

Lindsey and Jim celebrated their new marriage on their Argentina / Patagonia honeymoon by exploring the dazzling sights, rich culture, and breathtaking wilderness of Argentina. They started out in Buenos Aires, getting the chance to attend one of the country’s most famed cultural highlights: a Tango & Folklore Show. They also took several guided walks around the city, exploring the unique neighborhoods, learning about the culture and history up-close, and seeing the incredible street art that gives Buenos Aires part of its vibrant feel. Continue reading to learn more about the Patagonia portion of their honeymoon.

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May You Find Joy in the Journey

Joy in the Journey - Knowmad Adventures Holiday Card
Pictured above, top row: Renee Davies, Jordan Harvey, Tara Harvey, Krista Erdahl, Dan Luedke | bottom row: Lisa Kellenberger, Carmen Mancino, Kayli Kirkegaard.

As the weather changes and we’re whisked into the holiday season, we’re reminded to take a step back and reflect on the exciting developments and events of this past year.

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