One of the best source of travel tips and guides out there is Lonely Planet. So, if you are looking for ideas on what places to hit the next time you're in the mood for travel and some long-awaited R&R, LonelyPlanet.com is the place to hit up. Whether you prefer to hit the beach or go on an adventurous trek in some mountain terrain, they got tips and ideas on where, how and when to go. And in this post, we give you the 10 travel ideas for all of you out there who prefer to commune with the mountains and their forests and trails.
Ski touring the Haute Route - France and Switzerland
Are you fond of the Alps? Then you're in for a big adventure if you take the ski touring of the Haute Route between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. First completed successfully in 1911, this ski tour is considered as the most famous and coveted ski tour in the world. The skiers in this tour use high mountain huts to enable them to stay high and cover great distances. The tour winds through the highest and most dramatic peaks of the Alps from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. You will need good weather and favorable snow conditions to be able to embark on this ski tour. Strong endurance is also needed to be able to complete the line.
Cycling the Icefields Parkway, Canada
Known as one of the greatest mountain-biking tours, Icefields Parkway in Canada is a haven for cyclist. And if you're into cycling tours and adventures, this one should be on your list. Stretching 230 km, you can expect mountains, lakes and a variety of mammals including goats, bighorn sheep, elks, moose or even grizzly bears.
Bungee jumping at Verzasca Dam, Switzerland
You're not really an outdoor adventurer if you haven't at least tried bungee jumping. That's what the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland is offering you! Relive the once voted best movie stunt performed by Pierce Brosnan's James Bond in Golden Eye by going on a classic swan dive - a leap of 220m which takes 7 and a half second to complete. Popularly known as the Golden Eye jump, it would cost you €170 on your first jump and half off if you'd like to do it again on that same day. Ad if you're feeling like James Bond, you know you'll do it again. :D
Mountain biking in Moab, USA
Looking for a mountain biking destination? If you're in the US, you need not go any further. Moab, Utah offers a dream haven for mountain bikers in the famous Slickrock Bike Trail. It boasts of riding spots on smooth, wind-polished rock in its 20km loop; which also crosses sandstone ridges, rollercoaster route of super steep climbs and plunging descents. There is also a 3km practice loop for first timers. You can even rent out bikes if you don't want to bring your own.
Rock climbing at Krabi, Thailand
What could be more beautiful than a tropical beach, right? Well, if you ever visit Thailand, the beach in Krabi called Railay is. It doesn't just offer fine sand and crystal clear water, you'll also get to enjoy scaling the cliffs around it. The beach can be found on Thailand's Andaman coast which is blessed with amazing karst formations; some can even be found in the middle of the Krabi River. Thus, it is considered to be among the top tourist destinations for climbers.
Kayaking on Glacier Bay, USA
If you're looking into an adventure that involves kayaking but wants to do it somewhere colder, then it's time to head up to Alaska. There, you can find Glacier Bay where 10 glaciers are flowing down the mountains and filling the sea with icebergs of various sizes and yeah, shapes. You can hitch a ride with the tour boat MV Spirit of Adventure and be dropped in the bay to kayak - any point you prefer, really. When you're done with the kayaks, you can go beach camping on the Beardslee Islands and commune with nature. Lonely Planet suggests you check out www.glacierbayseakayaks.com to book kayaks and guides.
Walking in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Do you have about $800-$1000 to spare? Go head on to South Africa and experience the wild! Walk with the animals at the Kruger National Park - where you can mingle with a horde of lions, zebras, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs and giraffes. There are seven walking trails in Kruger; you can choose to take a guided overnight walks with armed guides. And if you're most interested in seeing the "big five" (Cape buffalo, black rhino, leopard, lion and elephant), you'll have to go see the Napi Trail. Visit www.krugersafari.com for more details.
Hiking the Larapinta Trail, Australia
Love hiking? Yes? You'll definitely love the 223km stretch of desert delights in the Larapinta Trail which can be found in Australia! This trail is an extended walking track in the country's Northern Territory - from Alice Sprints in the eastern end and the Mount Sonder in the western end. It follows the West MacDonnell Ranges in the West MacDonnell National Park. For hikers, food drops can be arranged if you don't want to be carrying a lot of loads while trekking. A full expedition will cost you around AU$3960. For more information and booking details, check out http://www.treklarapinta.com.au.
Trek the Torres Del Paine, Chile
Can't get enough of hiking and communing with nature? Chile have just the right adventure for you - a trek in the Torres del Paine or Towers of Paine! Composed of three main summits such as the South Tower, the Central Tower and the North Tower, the Torrres del Paine rise more than 2000m from the Patagonian Steppes. It would take you 5 days to complete the trek which will begin at Laguna Amarga and end at the Lago Grey. Lonely Planet suggests you watch out for the sunrise if you want to see the towers illuminated and be transformed like slabs of gold.
Swimming with killer whales, Norway
Tired of adventures atop mountains? Why not try water adventures instead? In Norway, you can go swimming with killer whales or orcas. For three months every year, you have a chance to mingle with these sea creatures in Tysfjord. You can also go kayaking if you're not that much into cold waters or ride aboard the whale-watching boats in the area. At night, watch the amazing sky display known as "aurora" or Northern Lights. For more information and tour details, you can check out http://www.orquessansfrontieres.com/ or www.orcasafari.co.uk.
Credits:
Image Sources - Wikipedia
Lonely Planet
Orcas in Norway Source - USEA
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