Outpost Global Travel Guide 2014 Preview

Madagascar

EcuadorCroatiaZimbabweVietnamITALY

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2014 ANNUAL GLOBAL TRAVEL GUIDE

NUNAVUT

TEAM OUTPOST TAKES ON THE MIGHTY KOROC RIVER

Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Dont Tweet

ADVENTUREFrom Ban Island to Icebergs to Polar Bears, Canadas biggest region is alive with adventure

95

Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Twitch,Rule of the Jungle

TRIPSTo Knock Your Travel Socks Off!

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IN TH

IS ISSUE

5 MailstopDownloadable Deals

9 TrippingAround the World in 80 Hours

10 On The FringeMore under-reported,

quirky-human, natural-world stories: when one letter makes a very big difference, lizards that go bump in the night, geckos with a fan base, and more table talk about roadkill food fare

13 Local KnowledgeIn the Saudi SoukThe downside of haggling in the market with your mother

Why Tweet or Twerk When You Can Twitch?By Simon VaughanOur special ornithological correspondent on the surprises that can happen when wildlife watching in the jungle

22 MECs The Travellers EdgeFrom Fleece to Kevlar to GPS 10 innovations that have made adventure better

136 Backpacker BuzzNews from Hostelling InternationalHI's Fave Fives for 2014from five great hostels to five great places to sip wine or beer, a things-to-consider list for the new hostelling year

142Outpost TravellerConnecting you to your next adventure

OUTPOST PRESENTS

97ISSUE

2014 GLOBAL TRAVELGUIDE

Europe South America Central America and the Caribbean North America Africa and India Asia, Oceania & Beyond Lights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fan Outpost Travel Center Trips on Offer

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Produced and Written by Simon VaughanFrom half days to half years, nothing rewards, refreshes or rejuvenates like travel. So whether you climb, mountain bike or tundra trek, whitewater paddle or calmly canoe, like high hills or dense jungle forest, snaking rivers or open ocean, love cities and art and culturehere is Outposts annual roundup of way-cool adventures, eye-popping options and bone-chilling thrills for the new travel year

Where the River Runs Through ItStory by Paul Auerbach, Photos by Colin OConnorThis past summer, in Quebecs Kuururjuaq National Park, a group of Outpost adventurers set out to explore the wilds of the mighty Koroc River, from mountain top to river bed to vast Arctic tundra

ADVENTURE NUNAVUT!Canadas newest and largest territorywhich represents a fifth of its entire land massis defined by endless tundra, majestic mountains, wide open ocean and big sky horizon. 'rom trekking to camping to climbing, Baffin *sland to 3ankin *nlet, Cambridge Bay to the Coppermine 3iver, polar bear to bowhead spotting, /unavut is adventure central!

entral America and the Caribbean

sia, Oceania & Beyondights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanutpost Travel Center Trips on Offer

ropeSouth AmericaCentral America and the Caribbean

rth Americafrica and Indiasia, Oceania & Beyondights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanutpost Travel Center Trips on Offer

outh Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaouth Americaentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the CaribbeanCentral America and the CaribbeanCentral America and the CaribbeanCentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanentral America and the Caribbeanrth Americarth Americarth Americarth Americarth Americarth Americarth Americarth Americarth Americarth America

frica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and IndiaAfrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiafrica and Indiasia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondsia, Oceania & Beyondights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanights, Camera, Travel! 10 tours for the Super Fanutpost Travel Center Trips on Offerutpost Travel Center Trips on Offerutpost Travel Center Trips on Offerutpost Travel Center Trips on Offer

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ADVENTURE TRAVELAT Ultimate Access Travel Collection

On Wednesday, October 2, 1872, English gentleman Phileas Fogg and his French valet, Jean Passepartout, stepped out of Londons Reform Club and headed east. Their challenge was to travel the world in 80 days. If they succeeded, the members of the club would reward Fogg with 20,000about 1.5 million in

todays moneywhich suggests that his fellow Reformists either had no confidence in his ability to succeed, or had more money than sense.

With the exception of hot air balloons, which had a tendency to occasionally go sideways once airborne, flying was not an option 142 years ago. Thus, the two gents began a circumnavigation dependent entirely on trains and shipswith a few colourful conveyances along the way.

Today, Fogg would text Passepartout, his personal global travel guide, and instruct him to go online and book the fastest route. With money of little consequence, Passepartout would whisk

Fogg to Heathrow by helicopter, and thence eastwards. Within hours, the peregrinating pair would be stretching their legs in a sumptuous first-class lounge, supping on

gourmet food and perhaps picking up duty-free goodies. Airborne once more, their next stop would likely be North America, and then a subarctic hop back to

England. Taking into consideration London traffic, airport security and minimum check-in times, they would possibly arrive back at their club within 80

hours...though theres a chance their luggage would still take 80 days!When Jules Vernes classic Around the World in 80 Days was

first published in 1873, such perambulations were nothing short of gobsmackingly fastbut today, when astronauts orbit the

Earth every 90 minutes, we sometimes lose sight of the fact, as we concentrate merely on haste, that we can actually venture around the world in 80 ways.

Fogg would undoubtedly approvebut then, as Verne describes, Foggs odyssey was still most certainly as much about the journey as it was the destination.

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By Simon VaughanBy Simon Vaughan


Story and Photos by Daniel WickieThe Art of the Barter

Saudi SoukKNOWLEDGE

Saudi SoukSaudi SoukSaudi SoukSaudi SoukSaudi SoukSaudi Soukin the

Bargaining. Haggling. Horse trading. Whatever you want to call it, its an art form. It is not always a simple matter of you say 15, I say five, and we agree to settle on 10. There are hundreds of strategies to adopt, all of them equally appropriate or not, depending on the situation. What you should always, always do, though, is tell your mother your strategy before you implement it. Especially when she is standing next to you within earshot of the merchant.I was visiting my parents, who were living in Saudi Arabia. We were in a shop in Deira, which is an old section of Riyadh,

and a collection of alleys and lanes and souks (or marketplaces) with you-name-it on sale, not far from Justice Squarecalled Chop-Chop Square by expatswhere public executions are still carried out by sword on Fridays. We were buying various knick-knacks and souvenirs and artworks. My friend Jane was toying with a metal lamp studded with semi-precious stones. I was idly looking at a bunch of colourful evil-eye charms. My mother was admiring some silver spoons decorated with camels.

The merchant was named Nassim. I had said hello in Arabic, which, along with thank you, God willing and which way to Riyadh, pretty much exhausts my supply of that language. His English, of course, was excellent, and we had engaged in the general light banter, enquiries as to the health of various family members and multiple offers of tea one undergoes in any transaction east of Athens. We had assembled our collection of Neat Middle Eastern Stuff For Folks Back Home, Nassim had totalled it up, and the time had come to pay the piper.GET

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Jane and my mother didnt feel they could haggle well. My father has been living here for 10 years and knows how to bargain, but he had wandered down some alley to get a coffee, which left yours truly to the task. No worries. Im no pro, but I had been here and done this and got the T-shirt, thank you. I stepped up to the plate, cooler than a cucumber.

Nassim, siddiqi, I understand this price is before the special discount, yes?

Oh, no, Mr. Daniel. You see, I have already discounted off each item, as I showed you on the calculator.

The total was 550 riyals (about $150 CDN). I wanted to pay 400 or 450 riyals, but would have paid 500, looking for at least a token deal.

But my friend, it is truly unfortunate that I only have 400 riyals, I said, with feigned regret.

Nassim nodded at the response he was expecting. Then my mother spoke up.

You only have 400 riyals? I have money.

I looked at her. I looked at Jane. I looked at Nassim, standing right there, the shadow of a smile starting to form under his neatly trimmed mustache. I couldnt say anything, but started thinking frantically.

Ummwell, I dont think we should spend all of our money in one shop. We should save some for other stuff in othershops, I ended lamely.

What other shops? Were not going to any other shops.

I nodded. I looked at Jane with scarcely concealed incredulity. Nassims smile was positively radiant, his mustache arcing skyward, although he was probably kick-ing himself for not asking 1,000!

Oh, were not going to other shops?

UmmOK, then.Its like when an animal smells fear.

No way was Nassim coming down. If anything, he was going to suddenly slap his forehead, remember it was Sunday, and you know, Canadians dont get the special price on Sundays.

Last shot: OK, how much was this, 90 riyals? I held up the silver and pink garnet lamp. I dont think we need this. I put it aside, thinking that brought the total down to 460, and hed just say take it all for 500.

Mom: But isnt the lamp the one thing you really wanted? Here, Ill buy it.

Done. I reluctantly pulled out my wallet and stared at my mother with a bemused look, kind of like that mixture of loyalty and confused curiosity your dog gives you when hes trying to say, Yes I love you, I just dont understand.

KNOWLEDGE

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Evil-eye charms watch over bartering tourists in the souk

Evening in Justice Square remains thankfully quiet

Lamp clusters in the souk

In the street, Saudi men stroll in a group

The lanes of Deira have a bewildering array of goods on offer

www.outpostmagazine.com1414 GLOBAL TRAVEL GUIDE2014


KNOWLEDGE

is the Way to Go

Our special correspondent goes trekking through the dry tropical forest and gets less but more than he bargained for

When

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Marco hissed for us to stop. We froze in our tracks, longing for something devastatingly deadly like a fer-de-lance, or even a particularly bloodthirsty and really vicious butterfly, but instead Marco pointed at a sharp tree branch directly ahead.

Look, he said, his eyes as wide as the jaws of the hungry jaguar I was hop-ing to see. This had to be good to get a local pro like Marco so excited, yet all I could see was the tree. Perhaps it was an ocelot, the jaguars smaller cousin and my second priority, assuming a

chupacabra was out of the question.There, he added, clearly unim-

pressed by my powers of observation. Its the common potoo.

All I could think of was the maniacal alien from the Flintstones cartoonsbut even if it was Fred and Wilma them-selves, I was still seeing nothing.

Marco quietly slid in beside me and directed my eyes to a tree. And then, like one of those 3D prints that you have to cross your eyes and press your nose to before slowly moving backwards, the common potoo came into sight.

It was a yellow and brown bird, sit-ting atop a yellow and brown branch in the middle of a yellow and brown tree in a forest of yellow and brown. How could I possibly have missed him? His angular head, hooked beak and inert body provided perfect camouflage and made me feel somewhat better that it had taken so long to spot, even after Marco had practically handed him to me on a platter.

They are so rare, Marco gushed, a smile beaming from ear to ear. Ive never seen one before. You are very, very lucky.

Marco led us quietly through the dry tropical forest of Costa Ricas Santa Rosa National Park. The world around us was a palette of every shade of sepia known to humanity, as if Van Gogh had stocked up when his local paint shop had a sale on mustard. Moving stealthily was easier said than done on a sprawling carpet of brittle leaves, but we gamely continued, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of Central Americas exotic wildlife.

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Arctic gull Crowned crane Red-billed hornbill Secretary bird Red-lored parrot Ground hornbill


We stood and watched the evidently not-so-common potoo for several minutes with a growing sense of excitement, thanks to Marcos infectious enthusiasm. Birds hadnt been top of my wants list, and we hadnt seen a (not really) man-eating jaguar or deadly snake, but we had come away with something few visitors to the jungles of Costa Rica ever actually see. We couldnt wait to tell friends and family of our good fortune, although the likelihood of any of them knowing that the common potoo wasnt a small alien was pretty remote.

When I was six years old, I used all of my pocket money to join a birdwatching club. I received a membership packet, which included a booklet with illustra-tions of most of the birds that could commonly be seen in my area and a blank form on which I could write them down when spotted. I never became a confirmed twitcher as birdwatchers are sometimes known), and dont recall ever writing a single sparrow, pigeon or dodo on my form; but our feathered friends have always tickled my fancy, and, perhaps more importantly, I keep an open mind to the little things around me whenever I travel.

If I had spent a ton of money to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing Bengal tigers in the wilds of India, and after a few days of cool early morning game drives and sizzling afternoon jaunts saw nothing more exotic than a dung beetle, you could excuse me for going home disappointed. (Before going on I should add that I hap-pen to love watching dung beetles, and have spent many a happy moment as they roll their poopy balls of fun aroundbut its not quite the same as seeing a real, larger-than-life endangered jungle cat.)

When you go to Africa you want to see lions or elephants; in Australia its kangaroos and koalas; in the Galapagos its tortoises and whales; and in the U.S. its Elvis and Jimmy Hoffa. No matter how hard you try to get excited by a grub or blowfly, maggot or gnat, its really difficult to do the happy dance if youve missed the A-list animals. But if you take a keen interest in whats around you, listen to your guide or do your homework beforehand, you may end up getting an even greater thrill from something other than the marquee creature.

I can honestly say that spying a serval in Tanzania or a family of wild dogs in

Gull in Neko Harbour, Antarctica

The elusive serval, Serengeti, Tanzania

No matter how hard you try to get excited by a grub or blow-fly, maggot or gnat, its really difficult to do the happy dance if youve missed the A-list animals

www.outpostmagazine.com2020 GLOBAL TRAVEL GUIDE2014


Adventure NUNAVUTAdventure

Shaped by generations of an Arctic-dwelling people, land of tundra and mountain and river, rich with art and an ancient

culture, home to the planet's most amazing polar wildlife, Nunavut is adventure-central


OpXpeditions Nunavut

We are not the first adventurers to cross Hudson Strait, not by a long shot. As brilliant blue as any tropical sea but arguably a smidge cooler, this stretch of Arctic water was navigated by ancient mariners and the great polar explorers as far back as the 16th century. Many of those latter souls had their quest for the Northwest Passage blocked by iceluckily for Team Outpost, we are aboard a First Air flight, well above the fearless sea. From our winged crows nest, though, we can survey the source of their famed consternation: some of the ice is wide and flat; some are bergs, tall and white and monolithic. But all are providing a spectacular contrast to the

expansive azure water that so defines the Canadian Arctic.

We are Team Outpost, and were up here to see all that, and more. A hand-picked crew of thrillseekers and expeditioners, assembled in three teams, will spend the next few weeks criss-crossing Nunavut, Canadas most northerly territory, in search of ad-

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CRUISE/BOAT

CULTURE/URBAN EXPERIENCE

CYCLING

TREKKING

PADDLING/KAYAKING

OVERLAND/ROAD TRIP/VEHICLE TRANSPORT

WILDERNESS/OUTDOORS/WILDLIFE

WATER SPORTS

WINTER SPORTS

Ones destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things

Henry Miller


ASIAM ID D L E E AST

RUSSIA

Produced and Written by Simon Vaughan

Journey, jaunt, trip, trek, roam, ramble, wend, wind or wander. No matter what word you use, nothing rewards, refreshes and rejuvenates quite like travel. From half days to half years, weve taken the high road and the low road to search the world for the premier peregrinations of 2014. Whether you mountain bike or tundra trek, climb, cook or photograph, whitewater paddle or watch from the deck, like high hills or dense jungle forest, long snaking rivers or wide open oceans, strolling through cities or seaside villages, love art and culture and history (and beer and yoga), here is Outposts roundup of way-cool adventures, bone-chilling thrills and life-changing experiences for the upcoming travel year. Go forth and prosper.

EUROPE

SOUTH AMERICA

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

NORTH AMERICA

AFRICA AND INDIA

ASIA, OCEANIA & BEYOND

LIGHTS, CAMERA, TRAVEL10 TOURS FOR THE

SUPER FAN

Prices in Canadian dollars unless specified, and do not include airfare or taxes, unless indicated. All prices and departure dates are subject to changecheck with individual tour operator for final details on all trips listed.

GO FORTH AND PROSPER


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ITALYKAYAKING ITALY, THE VENICE LAGUNABuilt upon 118 islands and with a history ineYtricably linked with the sea, it is only fitting to discover Venice by water. This unique odyssey explores the city of Marco Polo, Casanova and Canaletto, mostly by kayak and well away from the crowds. 8eaving around the -aguna, along the citys labyrinthine canals and through its many islands, you will learn to paddle a gondola on the 7eneto, enjoy a private glassblowing lesson on Murano, and savour the finest of 7enetian cuisine.

TOFINO EXPEDITIONStofino.DoN 800.677.0877-ength%eparts 8 days/ June-Sept.Accommodation HotelsPrice $4,495 US%ifficulty Moderate %ifficulty Moderate%ifficulty

SPAINCAMINO SANTIAGO HIKE FOR WOMENFor a thousand years, pilgrims have hiked the $amino de 4antiago de $ompostela as a penance or in tribute to St. James the Apostle. While many who hike the trail today are still pilgrims, others are simply seeking an escape from the demands of the modern world. Some trek for the wonderful scenery, Ruaint villages and great cuisine along route; others for the camaraderie of fellow trekkers from around the worldstill others for the trails history, or to simply find themselves.

ADVENTURE WOMENadventureXoNen.DoN 406.587.3883-ength%eparts 9 days/Sept.Accommodation HotelsPrice $3,895 US%ifficulty Moderate to Strenuous %ifficulty Moderate to Strenuous

TOFINO EXPEDITIONS INC.

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TOFINO EXPEDITIONS INC.


HOLLANDTHE NETHERLANDS: FLOWER TOURDigital cameras have opened up the world of photography to everyoneyet we can all do with some instruction from the pros, and great subject matter to help with our work. Accompanied by two professionals, this tour takes in Hollands legendary colourful flower fieldsby air, bike and on footand includes visits to the Alkmaar cheese market and Keukenhoff Gardens, as well as a tour of Amsterdams canals. Plus youll have a session with models in traditional Dutch attire.

PHOTO QUEST ADVENTURESphotoquestadventures.com 877.772.2755Length/Departs: 8 days/Apr.Accommodation: HotelsPrice: $5,200 US%ifficulty Moderate %ifficulty Moderate

GREECE & TURKEYATHENS TO ISTANBULThis journey travels back in time to an age when ancient Greece was the birthplace of Western Civilization. From the Acropolis to the Blue Mosque, explore the legendary sights of Athens, Delphi and Thessaloniki by dayby night, dine alfresco beneath clear black skies. Relax on sun-soaked Aegean beaches, before crossing into Turkey and visiting Gallipoli and classic Istanbul, then toasting your journey with a glass of Raki.

INTREPID TRAVELintrepidtravel.com 855.299.1211Length/Departs: 15 days/Apr.-Sept.Accommodation: HotelsPrice: $2,695%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty Easy

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BOLIVIA EXPLORING BOLIVIALike little Ecuador, Bolivia has one of the highest degrees of biodiversity on the planet, and this nine-day tour explores some of its most spectacular regions. )eading first to the #olivian Altiplano, you will explore Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially-navigable lake in the world. Meet the family who built famed explorer Thor Heyerdahls rafts, and have your luggage transferred by llama. Visit ancient temples and pre-Inca ruins, hike volcanoes and salt flats, and discover local markets and labyrinthine colonial streets.

ANDEAN TREKS andeantreks.com 800.683.8148Length/Departs: 8 days/May-Dec.Accommodation HotelsPrice: $1,870 US%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty Easy

COLOMBIACOLOMBIA HIKINGBecome a coffee connoisseur in one of the caffeine capitals of the world. This trip begins in what is known as Colombias Coffee Triangle, where you will visit a coffee hacienda, tour the plantation and learn about the coffee production process right up to a gourmet tasting. Trek in the Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, with its amazing birdlife, and discover the colonial town of Tamesis, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking mountain scapes. End your Colombian odyssey in the countrys capital of Medellin.

ADVENTURE LIFEadventure-life.com 800.344.6118Length/Departs: 6 days/dailyAccommodation HotelsPrice: $1,995%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty Easy

PETER ROBERTSON

CRILLON TOURS

CRILLON TOURS

ADVENTURE LIFE

MELISSA MARINI


ECUADOR VOLCANO AND JUNGLE ADVENTUREFrom Andean volcano to Amazon rainforest, this epic tour of geographically diverse Ecuador sees it all! Youll start with a trek up the 19,347-foot volcano of Cotopaxi, continue on foot to the snowline for the best views in the country, then cycle down the mountain to 10,000 feet. Youll discover Banos, Ecuadors adventure capital, and try canyoning, cycling, rafting, horseback ridingeven salsa dancing. Later, youll explore the Amazon by day and at night, and visit with local indigenous families.

ACTIVE ADVENTURESactiveadventures.com 800.661.9073Length/Departs: 7 days/year-roundAccommodation: Hotels, lodgesPrice: $2,099%ifficulty Moderate to Strenuous%ifficulty Moderate to Strenuous

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NICARAGUANICARAGUA ADVENTURE TOURDesigned for families and active travellers, this exploration of Nicaragua has something for adventure seekers, culture vultures and wildlife lovers all! You will cycle from the city of Len to the Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve, and kayak among mangrove lagoons and the islets of Lake Nicaraguas Granada. You will trek to the summit of the Cerro Negro Volcano, sandboard back down its black slopes, zipline through the forests of Mombacho Volcano, and hike Masaya Volcano National Parkall before coming to chill on a cool Pacific beach.

WILDLAND ADVENTURESwildland.com 800.345.4453Length/Departs: 9 days/year-roundAccommodation: Hotels and lodgesPrice: From $3,195 US%ifficulty Easy to moderate %ifficulty Easy to moderate

MEXICOWEEK OF RIVERSFor whitewater lovers, this action-packed winter week on some of Mexicos best rivers is a dream vacation. 8hether by raft, kayak, inflatable kayak or canoe, you will paddle Class III to IV whitewater through towering canyon walls and lush tropical greenery. Explore the Antigua and Actopan rivers, as well as the mighty Barranca Grande, all with professional guides. And try creeking on the Tomato River or ziplining through the forestall while staying in a classic Spanish hacienda.

ESPRIT WHITEWATERwhitewater.ca 800.596.7238Length/Departs: 8 days/dailyAccommodation: HaciendaPrice: $1,895 US%ifficulty Moderate %ifficulty Moderate

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GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/MARIA FERNANDA HUBEAUT

NICARAGUA TOURISM/ R P WASHBURNE

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ GERARDO_BORBOLLA


NICARAGUAREVOLUTIONARY NICARAGUANot so long ago, Nicaragua made international headlines for the most of unfortunate reasons. This tour looks back at the countrys recent history, when violence and civil war wracked the small nation. From an honest and balanced perspective learn firsthand about that pastfrom the Somoza Regime, Sandinista Uprising and Contra Rebellion that predated the present peace and stability of this young democracy. Meet with former guerrillas, and visit key sites that helped mould the country into its current shape.

ADVENTURE LIFEadventure-life.com 800.344.6118Length/Departs: 8 days/dailyAccommodation: DormitoryPrice: $1,895 US%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty%ifficulty Easy

NICARAGUA TOURISM/ERREZETA

NICARAGUA TOURISM/ERREZETA

NICARAGUA TOURISM BOARD

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ GERARDO_BORBOLLA

NICARAGUA TOURISM/ISTOCKPHOTO/ALAN A. TOBEY



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BRITISH COLUMBIASPIRIT BEARS AND HUMPBACK WHALES OF B.C.The white or cream-coloured Spirit Bear that inhabits the islands and mainland of coastal #ritish $olumbia is the official animal of the province and sacred to the Tsimshian people. Living on board a comfortable 68-foot ketch, this trip explores the region while you search for the great Spirit Bear (or Kermode) and other wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas, wolves, black and grizzly bears, as well as visit local First Nations communities.

NATURAL WORLD SAFARISnaturalworldsafaris.com 866.357.6569Length/Departs: 9 days/Aug.-Sept.Accommodation: 68-ft ketchPrice: 4,745%ifficulty Easy to moderate %ifficulty Easy to moderate

SPIRIT BEARS AND HUMPBACK WHALES OF B.C.The white or cream-coloured Spirit Bear that inhabits the islands and mainland of coastal #ritish $olumbia is the official animal of the province and sacred to the Tsimshian people. Living on board a comfortable 68-foot ketch, this trip explores the region while you search for the great Spirit Bear (or Kermode) and other wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas, wolves, black and grizzly bears, as well as visit local First Nations communities.

naturalworldsafaris.comLength/Departs:Accommodation:Price:%ifficulty%ifficulty

The white or cream-coloured Spirit Bear that inhabits the islands and mainland of coastal #ritish $olumbia is the official animal of the province and sacred to the Tsimshian people. Living on board a comfortable 68-foot ketch, this trip explores the region while you search for the great Spirit Bear (or Kermode) and other wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas, wolves, black and grizzly bears, as well as visit

BRITISH COLUMBIAHAIDA GWAII MINI SAFARIHaida Gwaiiformerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islandsis an archipelago of more than 150 islands off British Columbias coast. Rich with wildlife, spectacular scenery and an ancient indigenous culture, this mini-safari explores one of the worlds most unique ecosystems by land and by water. Mingle with the Gwaii community, learn their history and experience their traditions, while keeping watch for orcas, dolphins, whales, bald eagles and maybe even a legendary Spirit Bear.

MIDNIGHT SUN TRAVELmidnightsuntravel.com 800.255.5057Length/Departs: 6 days/JuneSept.Accommodation: Hotels, inns, cabinsPrice: $2,995%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty Easy

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANAPO BOYS & NAUGHTY GIRLS IN NAWLINSAccompanied by writer Lisa Pasold, private guides and local literary figures, this tour of the famed Big Easy focuses on the culturally and historically rich city from the perspective of some of the many authors whove been shaped or influenced by it over time. From Tennessee Williams and Kate Chopin to Ernest Gaines and Julie Smith, youll take in the usual sights, sounds and Cajun tastes of New Orleans through the writers eyes for a unique glimpse of a unique city.

CLASSICAL PURSUITSclassicalpursuits.com 877.633.2555Length/Departs: 8 days/Oct.Accommodation: HotelPrice: $3,295 US%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty Easy

ROBERT TAYLOR

KATHERINE JOHNSON

MIDNIGHT SUN TRAVEL


MANITOBA BIRDS, BEARS AND BELUGASSwimming with beluga whales and walking with polar bearsjust another summers day at Seal River Heritage Lodge in Manitoba! Located 60 kilometres north of Churchill and accessible only by air, the comfortable lodge sits on the shores of Hudson Bay and offers visitors once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to view polar bears on foot, snorkel with dozens of belugas and spot abundant birdlife, all while accompanied by expert guides.

CHURCHILL WILDchurchillwild.com 866.846.9453Length/Departs: 8 days/July-Aug.Accommodation: LodgePrice: $8,795%ifficulty Easy %ifficulty Easy

NOVA SCOTIA & MASSACHUSETTSEASTERN SEABOARD AND CAPE COD#etween /ova 4cotia and Massachusetts lies some of North Americas most historic and spectacular coastline. This day trip eYplores the coasts natural treasures with canoeing and hiking in ,ejimkujik and Acadia /ational Parks, whale watching in the #ay of Fundy and a boat trip to Marthas 7ineyardall with time to taste the history, culture and even fresh lobster of )alifaY, -unenberg, /antucket and #oston along the way.

EXPLORE WORLDWIDEexploreworldwide.ca 888.216.3401Length/Departs: 14 days/Aug., Sept., OctAccommodation: HotelsPrice: $3,370%ifficulty Easy to Moderate %ifficulty Easy to Moderate

ROBERT TAYLOR

DUDLEY CHIGNALL



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ZAMBIA PHOTOGRAPHERS SAFARICommitted photographers, whether seasoned professional or eager amateur, have special requirements when on safarithis trip has been developed with them in mind. Led by experienced guides, you tour some of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas of southern Zambia. Based in remote permanent camps and accompanied by photography experts, with access to superb accessories (photographic hides, bean bags, dustcovers), it will be impossible not to return home with award-worthy images.

AFRICAN SAFARI COMPANYafricansafarico.com 800.414.3090Length/Departs: 10 days/May-Oct.Accommodation: Permanent campPrice: $6,500 US%ifficulty Easy to moderate %ifficulty Easy to moderate%ifficulty Easy to moderate

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ NEIL BURTON

ALL PHOTOS: SHENTON SAFARIS


ZAMBIA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN MOUNTAIN BIKE EPICThe best adventure in Africa is found between Victoria Falls and Cape Town, and this trip connects the two by mountain bike and support vehicle. After exploring the Falls, head for the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert, and cycle across the mesmeri[ing flatness of the Makgadikgadi Saltpans. You continue to Moremi, visit with the Bushmen and explore the dunes, vast deserts and unique culture of Namibia. See Fish River Canyon and Cederberg Mountains, before arriving in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa.

KE ADVENTURE TRAVELkeadventure.com 888.630.4415Length/Departs: 21 days/May & Sept.Accommodation: Guesthouses/campingPrice: $3,785%ifficulty Strenuous %ifficulty Strenuous



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BHUTANTHE SNOWMAN TREKThis epic Himalayan trekwhich covers more than 270 kilometres and includes 11 high passes and a camp at 5,050 metresis considered the toughest and one of the best commercial hikes in the world due to its difficult terrain, high altitude and distance. Starting in Paro Valley in western Bhutan, the route follows the Bhutan-Tibet border to Sephu Village in central Bhutan, visiting remote communities, Buddhist temples and yak herders settlements along the way. An expensive trip, yesbut a once-in-a-lifer for those so inclined.

ALPINE ASCENTSalpineascents.com 206.378.1927Length/Departs: 30 days/Aug.Accommodation: Lodges, campingPrice: $13,000 US%ifficulty Strenuous %ifficulty Strenuous

INDONESIAKOMODO KAYAKERThere be dragons, ancient maps would proclaimand this tour follows in their wake to the home of these fearsome beasts. Camping on uninhabited islands by night and snorkelling over magnificent coral reefs by day, this is the only kayaking tour of Komodo National Park. Visit local villages, hike to remote caves and spy flying foxes, manta rays, turtles and deer before getting up close and personal with the mighty Komodo dragonall under the expert leadership of guides and park rangers.

PIONEER EXPEDTIONSpioneerexpeditions.com 011.44.845.004.7801Length/Departs: 10 days/Mar.-Dec.Accommodation: Hotels, campingPrice: $9,695%ifficulty Strenuous %ifficulty Strenuous

CHINA, UZBEKISTAN, KYRGYZSTANTHE SILK ROAD (BEIJING TO TASHKENT)The Silk Road was a series of trade routes that stretched 4,000 miles from China to the Mediterranean and beyond, carrying silk and other items, as well as transporting pilgrims, monks and travellers. This extraordinary 24-day odyssey follows part of that historic route, from China to Uzbekistan via the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. You will visit the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, see grand Islamic-Asian architecture, deserts and oases. You will explore busy Central Asian markets and camp in iconic nomadic yurts, all before ending in the bustling Uzbek capital of Tashkent.

EXPLORE WORLDWIDEexploreworldwide.ca 888.216.3401Length/Departs: 24 days/May, Sept.Accommodation: Hotels, yurts, train and morePrice: $4,070Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

THE SNOWMAN TREKThis epic Himalayan trekwhich covers more than 270 kilometres and includes 11 high passes and a camp at 5,050 metresis considered the toughest and one of the best commercial hikes in the world due to its difficult terrain, high altitude and distance. Starting in Paro Valley in western Bhutan, the route follows the Bhutan-Tibet border to Sephu Village in central Bhutan, visiting remote communities, Buddhist temples and yak herders settlements along the way. An expensive trip, yesbut a once-in-a-lifer for those so inclined.

alpineascents.comLength/Departs:Accommodation:Price:%ifficulty%ifficulty

ALL PHOTOS: PIONEER EXPEDITIONS

ALL PHOTOS: EXPLORE

ALL PHOTOS: ALPINE ASCENTS


BORNEO, MALAYSIA BORNEO, SABAH ADVENTUREFrom the summit of Southeast Asias highest peak to tropical rainforest and pristine beach, this tour veers off-the-beaten path so you can experience Sabah in all its glory. Start with a two-day hike to the summit of the 13,435-foot Mount Kinabalu and view a spectacular sunrise over a stunning countryside. Travel up the Kinabatangan River in search of Borneos eclectic wildlife and enjoy the orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Tour the moving Sandakan POW Memorial Park, lose your heart to baby turtles on Seligan Islandalso known as Turtle Islandand dine on superb Malaysian cuisine throughout.

G ADVENTURES gadventures.com 888.800.4100Length/Departs: 10 days/Jan.-Dec.Accommodation: Hotels, lodges and hutsPrice: $1,999%ifficulty Moderate to strenuous %ifficulty Moderate to strenuous

SRI LANKASRI LANKA, AN ANCIENT PARADISEThe train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lankathe tiny island-country in the Indian Oceanis regarded as one of the great railway journeys in the world, as it winds its way past tumbling waterfalls and ancient terraced tea plantations. Yet this short ride is only a portion of this 13-day tour of tropical Sri Lanka, where youll visit ancient temples and an elephant orphanage, the bustling capital of Colombo and botanical gardens. Youll also go in search of birds, elephant and leopards in Yala National Park, and venture out whale-watching in Galle.

CIVILIZED ADVENTUREScivilizedadv.com 800.688.1804Length/Departs: 13 days/Jan.Accommodation: Hotels, manor house, chalets, safari campPrice: $6,199%ifficulty Easy to Moderate %ifficulty Easy to Moderate

ALL PHOTOS: ALPINE ASCENTS

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ KJORGEN



In the northernmost region of Quebec, where the Inuit have lived for centuries, the Nunavik tundra and Koroc River and Torngat Mountains converge on a corner of the planet where the Arctic light shines. Join Team Outpost for an exclusive expedition as we explore a land where time stands still

RIVERRUNSTHROUGH IT

WHERE THE

Will Allen wrestles the Koroc River to a draw


THROUGH IT

Story by Paul Auerbach, Photos by Colin OConnor


TAN YOUR MINDTRAVEL FOR LIFE

adventure TRAVEL

adventure TRAVEL

brought to life


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