Madagascar

Location: 250 miles off the eastern coast of Africa across the Mozambique channel

Distinguishing features: Approximately 80 percent of the wildlife found on Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The island has over 30 species of lemur, 60 species of chameleon and the endagered fossa.

Travel tips:

• Wildlife viewing is generally best from August – November; January & February can be quite rainy.
• All visitors to Madagascar need visas. Many will be able to obtain this at the airport upon arrival.
• MasterCard is not accepted in Madagascar and few hotels take credit cards at all. It is one of the few places where traveller’s cheques (in USD or Euro) are the way to go. Cash is also accepted, of course.

Maldives

Location:  On the equator in the Indian Ocean to the west of Sri Lanka.

Distinguishing features: While they are islands of sun and sand, what make the Maldives unique is its location and isolation. Made up of 26 atols – 1190 islands, only 200 of which are inhabited – it’s known a top destination for sailing, snorkeling and diving. It’s underwater beauty is tough to compete with.

Travel Tips:

• A 30-day visa is granted upon arrival.
• The southwest monsoon season runs from May to October, while the northeast season runs from November to April. Know where your destination within the Maldives is and plan carefully!
• The Maldives is an Islamic country. When visiting inhabited islands (non-resort island), clothing that covers the thighs and upper body is requested.

Iceland

Location: Near the arctic circle

Distinguishing features: Extreme natural beauty, ability to cross the arctic circle from Northern Iceland, geothermically-heated pools and 24-hour daylight in the summer.

Travel Tips:

• In the summer, Iceland is not quite as cold as it sounds, though it’s not especially warm (highs hit around 60 degrees Farenheit at the peak of summer).
• Reykjavik, the capital city, is known for being a trendy center of shopping, dining and nightlife, though there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. It can be easily seen in a day or two.
• No visa is needed for American passport holders.
• Travel the iceland either by self-drive or a tour. Most of the natural beauty exists outside of the main city.

So, without further adieu…. Chimera Travel is offering each TraveLuxe subscriber up to $300 off their next vacation, just for signing up to receive TraveLuxe. 

Now, I’m sure you are wondering, as I do with virtually all promotions I encounter, “where’s the catch”. Well, there are only a few easy rules:

1. You must still be subscribed to TraveLuxe when you book your trip (so you can’t sign up today, win tomorrow and unsubscribe – we want to truly make this something for our current readers).
2. The trip must be a full vacation, as opposed to just one piece of a travel arrangement such as one night at a hotel or a flight only. Discount will be determined upon completion of travel itinerary (before booking).
3. You must contact Chimera travel to start planning your trip between the time of this post and by August 15th. This does not mean you have to travel by that date, or even have your trip booked – you just have to begin the booking process by that date. 

In addition to this promotion for each TraveLuxe subscriber, with the release of each TraveLuxe issue, one traveler will be chosen (at random) to receive up to an additional $300 off their next vacation. There you have it – a have a chance to receive up to  $600 total off your next vacation while enjoying bimonthly travel articles, tips, photos and more! 

How to sign up?  Visit www.chimera-travel.com and add your email address in our Sign Up Now box and you’re done. 

I look forward to sharing our next issue of TraveLuxe with you and helping you spend up to $600 less on your next vacation!