by Editor | Mar 1, 2007 | Products, Safari Gear, Simon and Baker Travel Review
With its SPF 20+ rating, this lightweight wide-brimmed hat delivered superior sun protection without sacrificing style or comfort. Its generous three-inch brim offered excellent face and neck protection, and featured a navy lining that effectively reduced glare. The hat was made of patented loose-weaved Solvarveil® fabric, a complex yarn structure touted for its superior breathability, wicking properties and the ability to block UVB and UVA rays.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2007 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Security
The U.S. State Department began issuing passports embedded with radio-frequency identity tags (RF-ID) in August 2006. These are also becoming the norm in a growing number of countries. While the new RF-ID passports are expected to enhance border security, enough concerns have been raised by computer security experts about the privacy risks they pose to the passport holder that I felt compelled to secure mine. The RF-ID Blocking Passport Wallet, made of fine leather with a protective shield inner lining to ensure the RF data cannot be accessed unless the wallet is open, provided an inconspicuous way to protect my new passport from potential data-stealing hackers.
by Editor | Feb 20, 2007 | Products, Safari Gear, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Using public restrooms can be challenging, especially while on a trip and for travelers with medical conditions or mobility limitations. Sometimes, even restrooms are an extravagance. This is the case in remote areas, while camping and in the bush. In South Africa, for example, national parks usually have rest stops including public facilities but there are no toilets in the bush.
by Editor | Feb 1, 2007 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania is home to 36 million people. About half the population is Muslim (45 percent), and the other half is Christian (45 percent). The remaining 10 percent have indigenous beliefs. Although we heard about plans to relocate the population to urban areas and increase the size of parks for ecotourism and hunting, the majority of the population today, 80 percent, work in agriculture in rural areas. Non Africans only represent one percent of the population.
by Editor | Feb 1, 2007 | Africa, Serengeti, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Tanzania
It was marvelous to be in the Grumeti Reserves in the famous Serengeti, miles from anywhere, and enjoy a new and handsome, well appointed world class spa offering on site and in suite treatment options at the Sasakwa Lodge and nearby Sabora Plains Tented Camp. We enjoyed excellent deep tissue massages, a facial and a couple’s treatment that left us walking on air.