Winter escapes don’t have to involve tropical beaches and sunshine or swishing down ski slopes. Check out this new for 2014 Iceland Winter Adventure from REI Adventures.
Why go:
The people of Iceland make the most of all seasons, and winter is no exception. REI Adventures’ new Iceland Winter Adventure explores stunning countryside while the country is embraced by winter’s icy—and beautiful—grip. Hike the rugged coast, snowshoe across ice-covered lava fields, and walk on crystal-blue glaciers. Along the way be mesmerized by frozen waterfalls, burbling hot springs, and ethereal Northern Lights before retiring to a cozy hotel each night.
A multicolored display of Iceland’s Northern Lights. Photo courtesy of REI Adventures.
What to expect:
When Icelanders hear “winter is coming,” hibernation is the furthest thing from their minds. The inhabitants of this dramatically-beautiful North Atlantic island have learned how to fill all seasons with outdoor activity. This tour makes the most of a wintertime getaway with a week of unexpectedly abundant activities fit for the season.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
THIS JUST IN: Aurora Expeditions Becomes First Operator to Offer Snorkeling in Antarctica.
Expedition cruise and adventure company Aurora Expeditions has just announced that they will be offering passengers the chance to snorkel in Antarctica, becoming the first tour operator to offer guests the opportunity to explore the icy waters alongside penguins, seals and whales.
Why go:
In addition to serious bragging rights, you’ll be among the first to witness Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife and underwater world from a truly unique angle. Passengers who select this option will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need including expert polar diving guides, specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel.
How it works:
Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependant) in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing. Polar Snorkeling Cost: US$975pp
Dates and rates:
Aurora Expeditions have a selection of voyages that include Polar Snorkeling in February 2014 and 2015
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Are you looking for an alternative to the classic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage? Check out this expertly guided Camino by Horseback trip by specialist tour operator, Follow the Camino.
Why go:
It is said the first ever pilgrim to complete the Camino de Santiago was King Alphonse II, the Chaste, who rode his horse from Oviedo in Asturias to pay respect to the Apostle Saint James the Great during the 9th century. Follow his track, but on the French Way, from the magnificent mountains of O’Cebreiro to the Holy city of Santiago de Compostela. Travelling on horseback allows you to cover a lot of ground, around 30km per day, and provides you with an elevated viewpoint from which you can admire the French Way scenery.
Trip details:
Priced at 1,995 euros (currently $2,661 USD/via Xe.com), the fully inclusive tour includes 7 days/6 nights, rustic charm B&B accommodation, lunches and dinners, transfers, guides, van support, and more.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Become An Honorary River Guide On No-Cost Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
To enter participants must sign up via a custom app on the O.A.R.S. Facebook Page.
The dream job:
“The winner just has to show up ready to pitch in and help and be awed by what the Canyon has to offer,” said Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. spokesperson. The 14- to 18-day trip will take the winner 280 miles through one of the Seven Wonders of the World, running legendary rapids and exploring hidden side canyons on one of the most popular adventure travel experiences on the planet. The winner will also receive a guide gear package that includes a personal flotation device, apparel and footwear provided by NRS and Teva.
Enter to win:
In addition to the grand prize, one contestant per day will be selected at random to win a copy of the book, The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Though the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko, and a weekly winner will be selected to receive a free pair of Teva Original sandals.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
New Connections Journeys to Cuba to Begin in September 2013
Why go:
Although only 90 miles separate the United States from Cuba, for decades it has remained off-limits for most Americans. Travel provider, Abercrombie & Kent is bridging the gap with Cuba: People to People, a 10-day program filled with meaningful interactions and people-to-people connections which reveal the spirit of this fascinating, culturally-rich island.
What to expect:
Limited to just 24 guests in a program that enables Americans to discover Cuba through a combination of authentic personal encounters designed to transform their understanding of the people of this enigmatic country, Abercrombie & Kent USA has been granted a license by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control to offer people-to-people educational exchange programs to Cuba.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Are you looking for a meaningful travel experience that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the world? Volunteer trips can create lasting impact and greatly enrich the lives of those involved.
To be absolutely honest though, I’m not an across-the-board supporter of voluntourism. In my most cynical moments, I imagine the heartache of orphans repeatedly left behind by well meaning visitors, jobs performed by vacationers that might have been a day’s wages for a local in need, or disreputable organizations profiting from the misfortune of others.
But I’ve also experienced firsthand the immense joy of human connection and witnessed the magic that occurs when people of different nationalities come together in support of one another.
To help you find a volunteer travel trip that gives back, here are three volunteer experiences by adventure travel providers that I trust and respect.
1.) Haiti Volunteer Experience with Elevate Destinations
Photo courtesy Elevate Destinations
This July, Elevate is partnering with the Edem Foundation – a non-profit supporting the education of children in Haiti and the development of economic activities in Haiti by working with local communities – to provide a Children and Youth Leadership Workshop. Activities and lessons are informed by the skills of the volunteers and can be anything from kids’ yoga to poetry reading and writing.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".