Adventure Travel

Butterflies in your stomach, pulse racing, agitated breathing. No, we’re not exactly falling in love; it’s merely all the adrenaline rush from adventure traveling. This summer, it’s time to tap in to your wild side. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Backpacking – The Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. This may be one of the top 5 treks in the world and the future time of your life. In just 53 km (US: 39 miles) you get to see 15 ecosystems, gorgeous mountain ranges, forests, paved roads, and the meat of it all: Machu Pichu, the lost city of the Incas. However, if you’re craving the same adventure on the higher end, you can soothe those sore legs in a hot tub in one of the luxe ecolodges along the trail.

Underwater – Though more than 90% of our oceans remain unexplored, take advantage of the other 10% for a little snorkeling or deep sea diving. Try the Nigaloo Coast in Australia, one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. The reef is close enough to the shore that it can be reached by kayak, but if you don’t mind getting your feet wet, dive in and swim. You can feast your eyes on the diverse marine life, including 500 types of coral, 250 types of fish and even whale sharks.

View from the above – Skydiving! Do you have it in you? Taupo, Australia wins hands down when it comes to this thrill-worthy (to say the least) experience. In a year, more than 30,000 crazies approach this place just to see it sprawling below. Once you get over the initial jolt of jumping and once your body reaches terminal velocity (read: 200 kph) you’ll have no perception of falling and you’ll practically be flying. Apparently, the view from above is unparalled.

Mountain – We know that hiking Everest is serious stuff, which is why I’m in no way suggesting it, unless it’s already in your plans, that is. In the meantime, reaching the Everest Base Camp should be equally thrilling and adrenaline-worthy. You will have trekked over 16,000 miles with a scenic backdrop of the numerous Himalayan villages.

Family Adventure – Here’s where to take the kids: the Grand Hyatt in Kauai, Hawaii. The perk is that you’ll be able to explore this green island while the children have a blast in the hotel’s interactive playground. You’ll also get to feed the koi fish and learn how to make leis and weave palm fronds among other crafts. Outside the resort, hike, kayak, zipline and, otherwise, have the time of your life.

Wildlife – This may come out of left field, but try the Camel Trek in Morocco. While Morocco is known for its ancient cities and natural landscapes, this is definitely a unique experience. You’ll camp in canvas tents where you’ll be dazzled by the desert hues and sleep under an unobstructed night sky, accompanied by a nomad group or two or three. Remember, you’re supposed to be enjoying the sounds of silence in the company of those camels, too, and the smell is also part of the experience.