Hello from Journeywoman:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMUNICATE ONLINE WITH OTHER JOURNEYWOMEN MEMBERS? -- Now you can via Journeywoman's Facebook page. Already over 1,000 women from around the world have come to our social media home and are receiving tips from each other on a daily basis. All you need to do is go to the JW page, click on the LIKE box and start posting your questions and remarks. It's really lots of fun!

DO YOU HAVE A PAL WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN OUR NETWORK? -- We are already 74,000 members strong. Imagine if each of us told one girlfriend who loves to travel about this monthly newsletter. And, don't forget our three websites journeywoman.com, Where is Journeywoman, HERmail.Net. The more travellers we have in our Network the more influential we can be in promoting your female-centered travel needs. Go for it, ladies!

A PHOTO TRIBUTE TO GROUND ZERO IN NEW YORK CITY -- Journeywoman first paid her respects at the Ground Zero site soon after the terrorist attacks in 2001. It was a surreal experience to stare down into a huge pit where buildings had once stood and where so many people had perished. Now, 10 years later she went back to acknowledge that past and to look into the future. Click here.

THIS MONTH'S CONTEST IS ALL ABOUT FOOD -- We're looking for tips on the topic of 'Food on the Road.' This is a universal topic so it's easy for everybody to enter, and the three Lock-A Bye totes we're offering as prizes are incredible. The Lock-A-Bye is a fully secured slash resistant Tote Bag that’s great to take to work and on vacation. It allows you to secure your personal possessions while you exercise, enjoy surf and sun, or any other activities. Retail value: $149. For more information on how to win a tote, click here.

ARE YOU A MS. BIZ TRAVELLER? -- This article is especially for you. 12 Tips for Women Doing Business Abroad.

YOU'LL LOVE THE FEMALE FRIENDLINESS OF THESE TRAVEL LISTINGS -- Such an exciting variety! This month members of our JW Network of classified advertisers have submitted selections that are deliciously tempting. There's everything from volunteering in Russia to art and architecture in Italy to enjoying a Canadian spa holiday, learning cooking secrets in France, staying at inviting bed & breakfasts in London and much much more! Go ahead — dream a little!

PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR -- Join us in India this October-November and experience a myriad of thrilling adventures. The colourful and crazy Pushkar Camel Fair. Ancient Varanasi on the holy Ganges. Castles, Palaces and Fortresses. Camels and Elephants. The art of Indian Cooking. Sunrise over the Taj Mahal. Exotic markets and the friendliest locals. To book, visit www.incredibleindiantours.com or email debbie@incredibleindiantours.com

ROOM SHARE AVAILABLE ON MAINE COAST ADVENTURE IN JULY! -- Explore the beauty of Maine’s rugged coast, hike, kayak, visit art galleries and artists’ studios. Small group, leisurely pace, charming inns, fun! Other trips: Ireland, Greek Islands , New Year’s in Rome (room shave available), Malta, Russia, Finland, Egypt. Email:info@eurynomejourneys.com Learn more about Eurynome Journeys' WanderWoman™ trips at www.wanderwoman.com.

UPSCALE TOURS OF ROME AND BEYOND -- Join Well Arranged Travel on an upscale tour in pursuit of breathtaking art, architecture and scenery of Western Italy. Visit the ancient wonders of Rome, traipse the picturesque Amalfi Coast, explore the lost city of Pompeii and tour sun-drenched, seaside resort towns like Sorrento and the island of Capri. Italy’s most rewarding voyage!

VOLUNTEER ABROAD -- It's the experience of a lifetime. As a Cross-Cultural Solutions international volunteer, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. Choose from 12 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS offers programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand. Website: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org

TRAVEL PANTIES FROM KIM ALLAN SILK -- 100% Knit Silk Panties in your choice of style and colour. Super easy care for traveling. Can be washed in sink with shampoo and dry overnight. Great for hot weather. Silk wicks away moisture. Buy three pairs get the fourth FREE. Choose French cut or Full cut, in eight colours at www.kimallansilk.com or call toll free: 1-800-709-5366. Please put Journeywoman in the comment box for free panties.

CAPE BRETON ISLAND WITH FREEWHEELING ADVENTURES -- Supported bicycle and kayak tours in Nova Scotia. Join a Multisport June 5 – 11 for a mix of activity or tackle the Cabot Trail by bike June 26 – July 1 for a rewarding ride. Cycle at your own pace; small groups, informative guides. 10% discount in May for JW readers! Website: www.freewheeling.ca Tel: 800-672-0775

HER LUXURY BODY, MIND & SPIRIT RETREAT -- An extraordinary and awe-inspiring sanctuary located north of Toronto with a focus on healthy living where one can renew a commitment to their life and to wellbeing. Rediscover the essential harmony between mind, body and spirit while being personally guided by our caring staff. Comprehensive wellness programs (2 to 21 nights)include full days of yoga, Pilates, hiking, educational talks, healthy eating and cooking classes, massage, meditation, detox body cleanses and so much more. Visit: grailsprings.com Inquiries: reservations@grailsprings.com or call: 877-553-5772

BED & BREAKFAST IN LONDON -- Would you like a warm, friendly welcome to London? Want to live like a Londoner? Contact AT HOME IN LONDON and Maggie Dobson will arrange a B&B to suit your needs. Homes assessed and star rated by Visit Britain. Established 1986. http://www.athomeinlondon.co.uk info@athomeinlondon.co.uk Skype Maggie to chat about the homes in her network - athomeinlondon [11 am-3 pm GMT]. For what's hot and what's not read GRAPEVINE, Maggie's FREE Insider's Guide to London

GUTSY WOMEN TRAVEL -- Say "bonjour" this October on our guided vacation experience to the Loire Valley & Paris or our Paradise in Provence program which includes visits to Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Women desiring the ultimate French experience can book both back to back. Stay in a chateau, participate in a hands on cooking class, enjoy wine tasting at the famed Chateauneuf du Pape wine estate, create your own perfume scent and much more www.gutsywomentravel.com or info@gutsywomentravel.com. It's Your Life...Live IT! tm

TRAVEL ADDICTS!! -- My latest venture is “customized, affordable, small-group travel” to places where YOU will want to go. Find nine friends to join you and you travel free. OR join me in one of my 2012 adventures to Turkey, Provence/Paris, Bermuda, Ireland or the Greek Islands. Either way we do the work and you have all the fun. http://eileenstraveladdicts.com/

EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE, EXCITE! -- Explore the historic treasures of Turkey. Experience the ancient wonders of Egypt. Excite the senses with the beauty of India. All of our travels are enhanced by the inspiring local women you will meet. Other tours include Greece, Savannah & Charleston, Costa Rica, Vietnam & Cambodia, Morocco, China, and more! Visit awayforwomen.com or call 973-998-7061 (877-845-1331 toll-free USA).

SHAKESPEARE TO THE SHORELINE -- Gather Your Girls! Getaway close to home! Tour, taste and linger in SW Ontario, two hours west of Toronto: self-guided driving tours. Think outside the big box: Antiques, Artisans and Art Galleries, Markets, Gardens, Theatre, Hiking, Dining, Accommodation, Taste Trek and Style Trek shops. Brochures online and call: 888-366-0160. Stop, shop and stay lists: http://www.shakespearetotheshoreline.ca.

ADVENTURE AWAITS -- We now offer a selection of specialty tours along with our standard hiking, biking and kayaking adventures. We’ve expanded both our women-only Girlfriend Getaway destinations, and our unique brand of Floating Adventures. Our Premium Program has been launched for those seeking extra comfort on the road, and our fully escorted Featured Departures have grown to six exotic international destinations. Contact: 1-800-597-5594 Email: info@activejourneys.com Website: www.activejourneys.com

SHE SEES SOUTHERN FRANCE -- Join Broad Horizons’ women’s only tour to Southern France Sept 16-28, 2011. Journey through the Dordogne Region, one of the best-kept secrets in France, including the famous wine region of Bordeaux & St. Emilion, charming medieval towns of Sarlat, Albi & Carcassonne, sightseeing in Toulouse and more. Travel solo or bring a friend but book now as space is limited. Ladies this time it’s YOUR turn! Visit us online at www.broadhorizonsnetwork.com, by phone 1-877-844-5444 or by email womenrock@broadhorizonsnetwork.com.

SEMESTER AT SEA -- The mission of Semester at Sea (SAS) is to educate individuals for leadership, service, and success in shaping our interdependent world. Since 1963 we have led around-the-world semesters for lifelong learners on a ship outfitted as a floating college campus. If you are interested in sailing with us, please see our website at www.semesteratsea.org or call 1-800-854-0195

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR DIVACUP! -- Women worldwide, of all ages, have discovered this modern and revolutionary alternative to tampons or pads. No need to buy or carry menstrual products in endless absorbencies, styles and shapes. Up to 12 hours of reliable protection at a time, even when sleeping! Clean, comfortable and easy-to-use. Reusable, eco-friendly and economical. Perfect for travel, all sports, swimming, yoga, etc. Visit www.divacup.com for more information, store locator and testimonials.

JOURNEYWOMAN IN THE NEWS -- Homemakers Magazine features Evelyn Hannon and her family in an article called, 'Age of Beauty.' It will be on the newsstands in June 2011. Check out a sample of the article right here.

WHO WON THE DELTA CHELSEA PILLOWS CONTEST? -- Want to know which five JourneyWomen won sets of fabulous Delta Chelsea pillows? Click here for results.

WHO WON THE ELEGANT SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PEN? -- The lucky winner is Fabiane Pereira in Rio de Janeiro, Argentina. Please contact editor@journeywoman.com to collect your prize.

WHO WON THE GUIDE BOOK THAT'S BEEN IN THE NEWS? -- A copy of 'Good Night & God Bless: The Guide to Convent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe' has been won by Linda Boyko in Toronto, Canada. We await your mailing address, Linda.

READY FOR THIS MONTH'S TOP 12 JOURNEYWOMAN TRAVEL TIPS? -- As usual, your many female-friendly bits of advice from all over the world continue to inform, inspire and amuse. This time, from wonderful travelling women across the U.S. and Canada to those in Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Tel Aviv (Israel), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Beijing (China) what follows are this issue's top twelve travelling tips. Enjoy, everybody.

PLEASE REMEMBER -- We are only as good as the travel secrets YOU share with us. In this case YOU = every single person in our JW Network. Whether you are in Shanghai, St. Louis or New South Wales, if you have a juicy tip to contribute please send it to: editor@journeywoman.com. Put the words 'My 2011 contribution' in the subject line. We'll love you for it!

1. WOMAN-FRIENDLY HOSTEL IN BEIJING -- writes Kay in Hong Kong -- I'd like to recommend the Beijing Downtown Backpackers Hostel to other members of the Journeywoman Network. It's inexpensive, safe, comfortable and clean and the room rate includes breakfast in the café next door. Their address is: 85 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District. Nanluoguxiang is an old 'hutong' that has been transformed into a lively street full of interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Just nearby is the Penghao Theater, Beijing’s only independent theater. The Forbidden City and the beautiful Jingshan Park are about 20 minutes’ walk away. Be sure to say hello to Janet at the Beijing Downtown Backpackers Hostel. She speaks excellent English and is a terrific tour guide. Email: downtown@backpackingchina.com Website: www.backpackingchina.com.

2. GREAT FEMALE GUIDE IN ROME -- writes Margery in Wallingford, USA -- I'm a long time Journeywoman subscriber and here's my tip. When touring in Rome we had numerous guides on our bus tour. All were good but one (Rachel Potts) was outstanding, incredibly knowledgeable, spoke perfect English and Italian, is gracious, flexible and fun. She does group, individual and special interest tours of Rome and vicinity. I would definitely contact her before any trip to Italy. Her website is: www.rachelpotts.org/ Of course, she's woman-friendly!

3. WANT TO CONNECT WITH LOCALS WHEN YOU TRAVEL? -- writes Kathy in Bellevue, USA -- Try this when you're exploring in a new place. Consider going to a local church and staying for a class or coffee hour. Be friendly, introduce yourself and you may be invited for a meal or given a list of 'must do' attractions. This happened to me on Lopez Island in Washington State where I was told about a unique recycling area where I could look through and take any book, houseware items or clothes I wanted. I did stop by and found many items I could use as well as making some new pleasant acquaintances.

4. I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY AT THIS BISTRO IN NEW YORK CITY -- writes Sunny in Tel Aviv, Israel -- I celebrated my birthday with a Girlfriends Getaway in the Big Apple. My pals and I chose Jubilee a casual yet sophisticated French bistro that is a neighbourhood favorite. Jubilee serves a prix-fixe dinner menu between 5:00-7:00 PM. Two courses for $25 and three for $30. There were not only couples and groups of diners when we were there but we saw several solo women diners as well. We enjoyed an excellent atmosphere and very good food. Address: 347 E. 54th Street. Website: www.jubileeny.net Reservations suggested.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Read the new article 'Four Girlfriends New York Getaway Diary -- where they stayed, played, ate and shopped'.

BACKPACKERS HEADING OUT TO NEW YORK CITY -- Check out these 5-point mini-itineraries submitted by members of our Journeywoman Network. You're bound to find lots of interesting ideas for your own time in the Big Apple. See: http://www.journeywoman.com/girltalk/girl_talk_nyc.html

5. WOMAN-CENTERED MASSAGE SALON IN CHIANG MAI -- writes Jodi in Bangkok, Thailand -- I thought you might be interested in this note about Chiang Mai. There is a great massage place called Lila where the women working there were formerly incarcerated at the women's correctional institute. Since many places won't hire them after a stint in jail, they go through 200 hours of training and then they work at Lila as a means of reintegrating into society. The massages are great and I feel that the money spent goes to a good cause. There is more information available at Lila Thai Massage.

6. EATING AND WALKING IN FRENCH QUARTER OF NEW ORLEANS -- writes Gaye in New Market, Canada -- I visited New Orleans this month and took a French Quarter Walking Tour with the Friends of the Cabildo. Tours depart from the 1850 House Museum Store, 523 St. Ann Street on Jackson Square and the fee is $15. This includes tickets to the museum that you can save for a later time. The guides are all volunteers and ours was excellent telling us about the area and the history as she walked us through the square and around the streets. We also tried a restaurant she recommended. It's called Muriels and it's located beside the square. The food and service was so good we ate there twice.

7. IF YOU HAVE EXTRA POSTCARDS LEFT AFTER A TRIP -- writes Laura from Singapore -- Here's an idea for you. Often we buy the 10 or 12 pack of postcards but don't end up sending all of them out. We never consider that a waste. We use them as gift inserts at Christmas or birthdays, especially if we are giving a souvenir from that country. They make really great cards.

8. TREAT YOURSELF TO LUNCH AT THIS LONDON MUSEUM -- writes Jane in Delta, Canada -- Arrive in time to eat your mid-day meal at the cafe in Victoria and Albert Museum. You'll marvel at the choice of fab food delights on offer. Yes, it might cost between £8 - £10 but I promise it will be worth it. The Café is located in the V&A's original refreshment rooms, the Morris, Gamble and Poynter Rooms. Being there is part of the enjoyment. These three rooms formed the first museum restaurant in the world and were intended as a showpiece of modern design, craftsmanship and manufacturing. Once you're done you can take a free tour of the museum and delight in all its marvellous exhibits.

9. ALL NIGHT CHANTING IN THIS KUALA LUMPUR TEMPLE -- writes Orit travelling in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- The Brickfields Buddhist Temple, formally known as the Buddhist Maha Vihara, was founded by the local Sinhalese community and offers meditation retreats, dhamma talks, daily pujas, and an all-night chanting in August. When you are done meditating, you can practically float around the corner to Annalakshmi, an Indian restaurant where you can help yourself to as many servings as you want from the buffet and pay what you want as well. Their philosophy is based on doing service and acquiring merits in life.

10. CULTURALLY CORRECT GIFT GIVING IN CHINA -- Writes Eva Lynne in Beijing, China -- If you want to bring a gift to a family you've been introduced to, a gift from your culture or toys for the children is acceptable. Food or candy is often a good type of present. And, if you're travelling with a man tell him that he should never give a gift directly to your host's wife. This can be misunderstood and your host will lose face.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Interested in more China tips? Read: She's Culturally Correct in China

11. SHORT BUT SWEET SAFETY TIP -- writes Rita in Alco, USA -- When I travel I pack a small night light for either the hotel room or bathroom. I find this very helpfull in order to see where I am when I get up during the night.

EDITOR'S NOTE: These lights are so inexpensive everywhere you travel. It's worthwhile collecting a few at your destinations. This way you'll never need adaptors for the many different power outlets around the world.

12. BEST DEPARTMENT STORE IN BERLIN -- writes Evelyn in Toronto, Canada -- Check out KaDeWe. 'Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here, in Europe's largest temple of consumption. On eight floors. this venerable department store of the West offers more than 3 million products. On its gourmet floor, West Berlin's former "shop window,' you can choose from 1,800 cheeses, 1,400 breads and pastries and 2,000 cold meats. The window displays and inner courtyards are also worth a visit in themselves. Address: Tauentzienstr 21-24. Website: www.kadewe.de/en.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This tip was taken straight from my review copy of DK Eyewitness Travel -Top 10 Berlin. I always enjoy using this series. I like the guide's light, long, narrow shape that allows for easy carrying, and the information it contains is so easy to read as well. What do you get? Dozens of lists of the 10 best restaurants, neighborhoods, hotels, attractions, and much more. Added bonus, it contains a pull-out map and guide that includes the city metro systems, and 60 great ideas on how to spend your day. I loaned my copy to my girlfriend who was on her way to Berlin. She loved it. ISBN: 9780756669218

OUR JUICY BLOGGER OF THE WEEK -- We were delighted to learn about Andrea Mueller, a Canadian Journeywoman who chose this year, the year she is turning 40 to embark on a six month solo trip through Europe. She promised to 'eat, drink, and try everything she's read about or seen in a movie that made her heart sing.' Look for this 'Juicy Blog of the Week' via Journeywoman's homepage.

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW -- Each day Editor Evelyn Hannon sends out juicy woman-centered travel tips and advice on Twitter. Want to join her group of 12,000 'followers'? Simply sign up at twitter.com (it's free and very easy to do). You can follow Evelyn at twitter.com/Journeywoman and then you can retweet her tips and any of her Journeywoman articles to friends around the world.

WE OWE IT ALL TO YOU! -- Please send us just one tip over the next year -- that's all we need from each one of you. Tell us about a sweet B&B, an elegant hotel, a fabulous bookstore, a book, a brunch spot, a museum cafe/gift shop, culturally correct clothing or anything else you think other travelling females will appreciate knowing. Put the words, 'Here's my 2011 Tip' in the subject line and send it to editor@journeywoman.com. As one great international collective of women travellers we can keep producing fabulous women-centered travel tip newsletters forever!

UNTIL OUR NEXT ISSUE --I wish you fun reading, lots of laughter and safe, wonderful, exciting journeys. You definitely deserve it!

---
Evelyn Hannon, Editor
Website: http://www.journeywoman.com
E-mail: editor@journeywoman.com
Tel: 416.929.7654