Welcome

Welcome to our June 2008 online newsletter—informing you about things that are “good to know”.

Adventure Travel

People don’t take trips…trips take people. ~ John Steinbeck

When was the last time you did something for the first time? A recent New York Times article posed this question while reporting on a growing trend—adventure travel. These days, more and more are seeking an authentic vacation experience, a sense of discovery, rather than just a beach resort. Adventure travelers are interested in a variety of activities, from cycling to fishing, horseback riding to walking; volunteerism to cultural immersion. These explorers are as varied as their interests and include honeymooners, multi-generational families and the over 50.The only limitation is one of imagination. So what do you say? Summertime is here. Wouldn’t it be fun to let a trip take you? 

Where To Start

Explore all the possibilities. You can search numerous “destination finder” websites by your favorite interest and location. You will be amazed at the information available on the internet—allowing you to play a central role in creating your dream trip. You’ll be challenged to “be a traveler not a tourist” when you click on adventure.travel. Check out Gordon’s Guide, iExplore and Concierge.com as well.

Travel Companies

After you answer where, you need to decide who…to travel with. You can find the top 158 adventure travel tour companies rated in National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine. Refine your search by activity, location and price. If you want to evaluate a travel provider yourself, Erica Silverstein, of SmarterTravel.com, will tell you the right questions to ask. You may also want to check out the ATTA’s (Adventure Travel Trade Association) member companies.

Family Adventure Vacations

It’s good to know that some tour providers specialize in providing adventures “designed by families for families”. Thomson Family Adventures practices family-friendly planning as does Wild land Adventures, Austin-Lehman and O.A.R.S.

Learning Vacations

Perhaps you’re interested in a journey designed to educate as well as entertain. You can gain an understanding, not just a glimpse, with creative tours that uncover behind the scenes culture, history, art, architecture, cuisine and peoples of a place. Learning tour providers such as Travelearn have developed an extensive network of academic and local experts, providing one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Other learning tour providers include Road Scholar, Academic-Travel and Context Travel.

Voluntourism

Nothing piqued your interest yet?  Are you looking for something more meaningful—volunteer work perhaps?  Well, know that there are plenty of organizations looking for such a traveler as you. Earthwatch conducts scientific field research worldwide with volunteer assistance. Off the Radar believes in environmentally sensitive travel, incorporating the local people and traditions where they operate. The VolunTourism mission is simple—“to educate, empower, engage”. No experience is needed, only enthusiasm. And there are also plenty of family volunteer possibilities.

Life Long Learning

Learning in itself can be an adventure…and you don’t have to travel to do it. Elderhostel was founded by Marty Knowlton, a social activist and educator. He was inspired by Scandinavian folk schools where elders passed on their knowledge to younger generations. Knowlton conceived a program for the over 55, combining hostels and learning. Programs cover a tremendous diversity of topics and locations, from bluegrass music in Kentucky to birding in Iceland. The Elderhostel movement has grown to include Life Long Learning Institutes (LLLI) that offer educational opportunities through local colleges. Go to their website and click on the map to find the LLLI nearest you, or fill in the “search programs by zip code” window to discover what’s happening in your own backyard.  What a great way to meet people who share your interests too!

Be Your Own Travel Agent

So, do you have the travel bug yet?  As you can see, there are many roads to adventure; you need only pick one.  Maybe you want to make it personal. Mike Leonard did, and then he wrote a book about it—The Ride of Our Lives. “Three generations. Two RVs. One camera. They went in search of America. And found each other.” Let your imagination be your guide. Get the whole family involved in researching and reading about your destination. Remember what Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do then by the ones you did do. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Bon voyage!

Additional Resources

Best Travel Search Engines
Organize Your Travel with Tripit
TripAdvisor Traveler Network

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