Newsletter #32

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Dear Travellers,

Getting up close and personal with Thai elephants might not be everyone's cup of tea, but we think it sounds like an opportunity not-to-be-missed. If new holiday hotspots and independent travel are more up your street then read on.

We've got top travel stories, this week's hottest travel shot, news from our blog and the destination of the week below.

Happy travels,

The iloho team

This week's top 5 stories

Have you ever been kissed by a baby elephant? If the prospect appeals then check out this post about the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, shared by marcofang. The reserve cares for elephants rescued from a life of abuse and cruelty.

If you're puzzled about why some hotels lay on free Wi-Fi whilst other make you pay, read this article shared by StarTraveler. Clue: it's all about competition and business vs. leisure travel.

Nine British women involved in an oral sex competition whilst on holiday on the Greek island of Zakynthos are facing charges of prostitution. Six British and six Greek men have been charged with encouraging obscene behaviour. MayWood shared this news.

Can Iraq really be the hot new holiday destination? According to an article shared by malabar yes it can. Iraq is home to some of the world's most impressive archaeological sites and holiest Islamic buildings. Getting tourists there, however, is going to be a tough job.

For many, guided tours are hell. If following a bright plastic paddle is your idea of a bad time then check out cmc05ad's post about MP3 audio tours in Europe. Choose whatever suits you and go at your own pace.

Hot shots

"Mountains, Lakesite, Attersee, Salzburg" by Squalo888 is this week's hottest shot. A haven for sailors, swimmers, artists
and nature lovers, Lake Attersee is the largest lake of the Salzkammergut region in Austria. Gustav Klimt was a frequent
visitor.

On the blog

China and green travel are two hot topics in world travel. This week on the iloho blog we look at Green China Travel Tips: from the best regions to visit to hotels launching green initiatives to eco-tourism ideas.

Spreading the word

If you've got your own travel blog or website you can download our iloho bookmarking button to make sharing and promoting your writing even easier.

Click here for simple instructions about how to download our bookmarking tool and start sharing your articles.

Destination of the week

Chiang Mai, Thailand: "The Rose of the North" and Thailand's teak town, Chiang Mai attracts backpackers and seriously stylish travellers in equal measures. There something for everyone in this Thai hotspot: shopping, luxurious spas, hill tribes, adrenaline-pumping activities and, of course, elephants. For more info about what's on offer in Chiang Mai, click here.