Gadling

Top 7 adventure activities near Arenal, Costa Rica

Katie Hammel — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Costa Rica, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Central America

For travelers in search of a little adrenaline, the Arenal region of Costa Rica serves up adventure any way you like it.

The area around the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica, about 80 miles north of San Jose in the center of the narrow country, is known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica. With a diverse landscape that features erupting volcanoes, rainforests full of life, and cascading waterfalls, it's a land perfect for active explorers. Here are the top adventure activities in the area.

Volcano Hikes
Just over 10 miles west of the small tourist town of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park is home to the big daddy of Costa Rican volcanoes. Those papier mâché volcanoes you made in 4^th grade, with their perfectly formed cones, were probably modeled on Arenal. It's everything you expect a volcano to be - lush and green on the bottom, gently sloping up its black rock sides to a pointed top with a near constant wisp of smoke wafting from its mouth.

Arenal isn't the only volcano in the area, but it is the most impressive. It's the youngest and most active. It's been erupting daily since 1968.

On clear days (which are never guaranteed in the rainy season from May to November) you can see it from miles around and its fiery lava lights up the night sky like a fireworks show. Guides will lead hikes into the rainforest around the base of the volcano, though you can also drive yourself to the observation deck for a day or night viewing.

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Top state parks in each state offer options for seeing native wildlife

Jamie Rhein — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Stories, United States, Ecotourism

If you want to find out which are the best state parks from the point of view of the director of each state park system, check out The Best of the Best State Parks at About.com

Darren Smith sent out a request to each director for his or her top choice. Because many directors turned in more than one offering, Smith included all suggestions. As he points out, a park that's best for birdwatching may not be best for skiing. What's "best," therefore, is subjective. In the case of a best of the best list, the more the merrier.

Subjective or not, what makes these state parks standouts, according to Smith, are their natural beauty and natural resources, as well as, in some cases, their cultural and historical significance. They are also perfect for spotting the wildlife that is native to each state.

What intrigued me about Smith's list of state parks is that there are many that are often overshadowed by the national parks and monuments that happen to be in that state as well. New Mexico is one such state.

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Walking with the angels at Zion National Park

Sean McLachlan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, North America, United States, Camping

If you're afraid of heights, you've got to do this hike.

First, check out this amazing photograph. See that little strip of black in the upper right? That's a two-lane highway. Dizzy? Good. Head on over to Zion National Park in Utah and go on the Angel's Landing hike.

Zion is my personal favorite among the national parks, even beating out the breathtaking but rather touristy Grand Canyon. Readers over at Tripadvisor voted Zion number one of the Top Ten National Parks.

Take a look at this gallery and you'll see why. Zion is nestled within a network of towering canyon walls of Navajo Sandstone that turn an infinite number of shades of red, brown, and gold as the sun rises and sets. Their shadows and the streams and rivers at the bottom create lush valley floors with a variety of wildflowers and animal life. The main visitor area has most creature comforts, with a luxury hotel and campgrounds with fantastic views. From there you can head off into a maze of side canyons and hike to your heart's content. It's one of the best places in the country to go cayoneering.

The most popular and nerve-wracking hike is Angel's Landing. It starts not far from the main visitor area and climbs a ridge up, up, up, growing ever narrower until sheer cliffs fall away on either side of a thin sliver of rock. Don't worry, there's a chain to hold onto in case you get unsteady. In fact, with the rock being pretty slippery even when dry, it's a good idea to hang onto the chain in any case. There have been a number of fatalities on this hike, but if you're careful you will be in no danger.

I'm scared of heights. When I was in college I took up rock climbing to get rid of my fear, but weekends spent scaling the cliffs of the Catalina Mountains near Tucson didn't cure me. All they did was make me able to control my fear. Now I can go up to any height with steady hands and a sure step, while inside I'm screeching like a schoolgirl. My inner schoolgirl was screeching pretty loud on this hike! But what a reward at the end. When you reach the top you're 1,208 ft. (368 m) above Zion Canyon with the river making a hairpin turn below you. You feel like you're literally on top of the world and the clean breeze blowing a bit too hard against you fills your lungs and makes you feel truly alive. Nothing like acrophobia to add a little extra zing to a hike!

More sedate hikes into the remote side canyons will be rewarded with quiet trails as well as glimpses of rare animal life like Golden Eagles and cougars. Steams cascade down little waterfalls and you'll find lush, peaceful grottoes sheltered from the desert sun. These side canyons are good places to go bird watching and there are even some decent rock climbing routes in case you still want to prove you're not afraid of a sickeningly long space of air beneath you.

Zion National Park is an easy road trip from Southern California and much of the Southwest, but even if you're living in Maine it's worth the drive to see one of the country's truly great National Parks.

Gallery: Zion National Park

Walking with the angels at Zion National Park originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Find your way around U.S. National Parks with your iPhone

Scott Carmichael — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States

The TV commercials keep telling us "there's an app for that", and in most cases they are absolutely right. If you enjoy spending time in the 392 National Parks, then check out Park Maps by Big Air Software.

The application covers 250 different parks, and downloads zoomable maps directly to your iPhone or iPod Touch. Because the maps are stored on your device, you'll be able to view them when you are in the middle of a park without any cell coverage.

The app is fairly basic, you don't get navigation, and no additional information is provided for the various parks, but at just 99 cents (temporary lower price), it is a fun and handy tool to have on your device, just in case your day takes you somewhere you had not expected to end up.

You'll find the application in the app store at this link.

Find your way around U.S. National Parks with your iPhone originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Ten Most Badass Animals Native to the USA

Annie Scott — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, United States, Camping

America may seem civilized to you, as you lock your door and hop on the subway or into the car, then hang around indoors all day. When you go to the zoo, there's a disconnect. Ferocious animals seem to be things that exist behind bars. It's easy to forget that this very country is home to some historically human-killing animals that could totally murder you in your sleep. Depending where you sleep. (But they probably won't.)

Here's our list of the Top Ten Most Badass Animals Native to the USA, a little about their habits, and where in the great United States you're likely to be ambushed by one of them.

1. Polar bears. These big, beautiful beasts employ a method called "still hunting," in which the bear sniffs out its prey's home, then crouches by the door until the prey emerges. Then it crushes their skull. Normally, this prey is a seal, but polar bears have also hunted hunters and campers -- this guy while he was sleeping in his tent (warning: graphic). Though polar bears are listed as a vulnerable species (likely to become endangered), they are still roaming Alaska. And they don't just want Coca Cola.

2. Rattlesnakes. Normally, rattlesnakes kill small animals, but anyone who's been to the Southwest knows: if you hear that rattle, you'd best be moving along. And by "moving along," I mean "running for your life." Their hemotoxic or neurotoxic (depending on the type) venom can kill you in horrendous ways, including respiratory paralysis. Check out this story from a guy who was bitten by a rattler when he was 13. Word to the wise: if the snake's rattle gets wet, it won't make any sound, so watch out during the rain. Rattlesnakes have been reported in many states, but keep an extra eye out in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. And while you're down there, stay away from fatally poisonous water moccasins (the world's only semi-aquatic viper) and coral snakes, too.

3. Coyotes. Just last month, according to Telegraph .co.uk, woman in Canada was mauled and killed by two coyotes, while "hiking alone on a trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, in Nova Scotia." Coyotes are typically reported in the Southwest, but have also been sighted in Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon, New Jersey, and all over New England. You can find them living in deserts, forests, plains, or even in icy regions like Alaska. Basically, these guys (and ladies) can live almost anywhere. Their diet is 90 percent mammals, which you may have noticed you are. They'll get you on the ground, then bite/break your neck. According to Wikipedia, coyote attacks have been increasing in California since 1998.

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National parks free for Veterans Day!

Kraig Becker — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Skiing, North America, United States, Camping

Veteran's Day is next Wednesday, November 11th, and to celebrate the National Park Service has announced that they will once again waive all entry fees to every national park, forest and monument across the U.S., giving travelers the opportunity to experience hundreds of amazing places for free.

This past summer the NPS offered several fee free weekends, which were extremely popular with visitors everywhere. In fact, those weekends were so popular that they helped several parks, such as Yellowstone, to set new attendance records.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar made the official announcement on this Veteran's Day celebration, saying "The Department of the Interior is honored to offer this fee free day to thank our nation's service men and women," He went on to say, "The sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women of our armed forces can never be understated. We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harms way."

Join in on the celebration for yourself by finding a park near you. Then head out to enjoy the best natural resources the country has to offer on Wednesday.

National parks free for Veterans Day! originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trekking Tajikistan

Kraig Becker — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Asia, Tajikistan, Camping

The mountain countries of Central Asia have been a bit of a hidden gem for adventure travel in recent years. While the vast majority of people can't find Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on the map as of yet, the more adventurous travelers have begun to hear tales of rugged, remote mountain trails that weave their way through mostly unspoiled backcountry with some of the most stunning views on the planet.

That's exactly what London Times reporter Caroline Eden found when she traveled through the High Pamir mountains of Tajikistan recently. She wrote about her experiences trekking amongst the 7000 meter peaks of the Geisev Valley, describing crystal clear mountain lakes, wide open skies, and tiny, remote villages populated by friendly, hospitable people. Best of all, the country has few tourists, which meant she often had the trails to herself, and many of her nights were spent staying with locals, which gave her a very personal glimpse into their daily lives.

The travel experience in Tajikistan has a lot to offer on the cultural and historical level as well. The former Soviet satellite has long been a crossroads for trade between the East and West, with major routes along the Silk Road passing through the country. Islam is the predominant religion now, but there are elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and even Zoroastrianism, each having an impact on the people that live there.

While that culture and history is interesting however, the big draw for the country is what it has to offer adventure travelers. Aside from the amazing trekking, there is plenty of rock climbing, horse and camel riding, and backpacking to keep you occupied for week, and mountaineers are also discovering the challenge of the "three giants" of the Pamirs, namely Peak Somoni, Peak Lenin and Peak Korzhenevskaya, which have earned there place amongst the top alpine climbing destinations in the region.

Trekking Tajikistan originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Spice Isle: Where trails are paved with nutmeg shells

Alison Brick — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Learning, Grenada, Ecotourism, Caribbean

"You can use it for tea" he says after picking the small leaf and handing it to me to smell.

There doesn't seem to be anything that Telfor Bedeau doesn't know about Grenada's plants. In the past 50 yards alone, he's pointed out trees that would've gone unnoticed as anything other than anonymous tropical trees. But now they're recognized as some of my favorite things in the world: guava, mango, cinnamon. I'm already imagining my next supermarket trip back home going a little differently.

Telfor would be considered spry for any age, but especially since he just turned 70. He celebrated the day by doing what he seems to do (and love) best: hiking up to the top of Grenada's highest peak, Mount Saint Catharine (2,757 feet).

It was his 157th time.

Known as the "Indiana Jones of Grenada," he reached the milestone of having hiked 10,000 miles throughout Grenada in 2005. Guiding since 1990, he hikes in jellies (plastic sandals) while everybody else on the trail relies on treaded sneakers and walking sticks. He's easy to extend a smile to everyone, and a hand to anyone who needs one.

It's not that I'm writing this to flatter him -- there's little chance that he'll read this, since he doesn't use a computer or have email. No doubt it contributes to his youthful appearance. That and all the hiking. And the fact that his diet solely consists of raw fruits and vegetables.

So it was with intrigue -- both in my hiking guide Telfor and the trail -- that I hiked to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls in Grand Etang National Park.

Gallery: Grand Etang National Park, Grenada

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The Spice Isle: Where trails are paved with nutmeg shells originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Know the limitations of GPS when hiking

Kraig Becker — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Camping

There is no doubt that using a GPS has changed the way we travel. Adding one of the little devices to our cars allows us to navigate effortlessly to our destinations and has all but eliminated our need to carry road maps or stop off at the local gas station to ask for directions. That same technology can be of benefit when we leave the vehicle behind and hit a hiking trail as well, although hikers should be aware of the limitations of their devices, and be prepared to use their common sense and good judgment when employing such a device.

Hand held GPS units are very common and inexpensive these days. Most are small, light weight and battery operated, allowing them to be dropped into your backpack when you head out for the day. They generally offer such features as trail maps, suggested points of interest, and topographical data, all of which can be helpful for finding your way in the backcountry.

But unlike GPS devices in our cars, our hand held units don't do "turn-by-turn" navigation while out in the wilderness, mostly because there are no clear cut roads or landmarks that can be used in the same fashion as when we are on the streets, and natural obstacles can abound. Hikers are instead provided with a general indication of where their destination is from their current position in an "as the crow flies" fashion, and they are forced to navigate to that destination themselves. When doing so, they'll generally take advantage of the GPS's built in electronic compass and topographical information to assist them, but more importantly, they'll need to constantly survey the terrain, adjusting their course as needed, in order to reach their end point successfully.

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Know the limitations of GPS when hiking originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neighbors bothered by naturist B&B

Sean McLachlan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Europe, United Kingdom, News

Neighbors of Domain Farm, a recently opened naturist Bed and Breakfast in Staffordshire, England, are complaining about seeing more than they want to of the guests.

The B&B is a converted farm and features a sun deck, hot tub, and barbeque area, and while it's set in a rural landscape, it is within sight of other homes. This brings it into the ongoing controversy, not limited to naturism, of where to draw the line between individual liberty and consideration of others. The owners are busy planting trees and shrubs around the property, but their efforts aren't quick enough for the locals.

Despite the weather, naturism or nudism is quite popular in the UK. British Naturism, the official naturist organization, reports a membership of more than 16,000. There are numerous clothing-optional beaches in places like Brighton, and naturists are encouraged by the fact that there is no law explicitly banning public nudity, only indecent exposure. What this breaks down to in reality is that if you bare all in front of Buckingham Palace, you'll be hauled away. If you hike in the nude, you'll probably be fine. In fact, British naturists say nude hiking is quite popular, although I've never seen any on my hikes.

I have, however, seen nude hikers at Seven Falls in the Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona, where nudity is clearly not legal. The falls are several miles up a rugged canyon far away from public view, so the cops don't bother doing anything about it. What with all the car thefts and meth labs in the city, they have better things to do.

So if you like to get your kit off, as the English say, don't dismiss the UK as a travel destination. The Naturist UK Fact File has tons of information. It may get cold and rainy, but at least you won't have to deal with the desert sun and cacti like those Arizona naturists!

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Neighbors bothered by naturist B&B originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing on foot through the Sahara

Kraig Becker — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Festivals and Events, Africa, Egypt, Camping

Last Sunday, an incredible endurance event got underway in Cairo Egypt, when the 2009 Sahara Race began. The 155 mile event pits 130 runners from more than 30 countries against one another in a six-stage race through the heart of the Western Desert, a part of the Sahara that covers more than 1.7 million square miles along Egypt's borders with Libya and the Sudan.

Over the past few days, the runners have covered a variety of challenging stages ranging in length from 21 to 28 miles. In a sense, they are running a marathon each day, through the sand and heat of one of the hottest and driest environments on the planet. Along the way they passed through three or four mandatory checkpoints along the way, collecting water as they go. Upon completing the day's stage, they camp in the desert for the night, resting up, and preparing for another run the following morning.

Today's stage is the longest and most grueling however, with a 54 mile course dubbed the Black Desert March. The runners got underway at 4 AM this morning, and many will continue well into the night before they reach their next camp. If they complete the stage, they'll finish up on Saturday, with a short run to the finish line at the Great Pyramids in Giza, capping the week's events.

The Sahara Race is part of the 4 Deserts series of Ultramarathons, each of which take place on an annual basis. The other three events are held in the Atacama Desert of Chile, the Gobi in China, with the final race taking place in Antarctica, the largest desert on the planet. Each of the races offers its own unique challenges, pushing some of the world's best endurance athletes to their limits in races against themselves and the environments around them.

Racing on foot through the Sahara originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Classic West Virginia Resort Returns to its Roots

Kendra Bailey Morris — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, The Accidental Chef Travels

Once commonplace in society, the ultra-luxurious retreats of the South were in abundance and served as the ultimate vacation spot for the well-to-do. Often found in off-the-beaten-track locales, such as sprawling alongside a private beach or set atop a lonely mountaintop, these lavish resorts served as private escapes for a variety of distinguished guests, from Presidents to wealthy businessmen.

Today, many of these bastions of lavishness live on, and in spite of a hefty economic downturn, have not only managed to stay in operation, but continue to offer their trademark impeccable service to those who can afford their hefty price tags.

Recently, one of the more notable resorts, The Greenbrier, has returned to the hands of its home state, West Virginia, after being purchased by West Virginia businessman, Jim Justice in May of this year, essentially rescuing the landmark from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Originally owned by CSX Corporation and about to fall into the hands of hotel giant Marriott International, Justice, a Marshall University graduate and former CEO of Bluestone Coal Corporation, says he is committed to, "bringing back the treasure".

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A Classic West Virginia Resort Returns to its Roots originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling Take Five: Oct. 17--Oct. 23

Jamie Rhein — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Business, Festivals and Events, Gear, United States, Airlines, Budget Travel, News

Each time I read through posts for Gadling Take Five, I look for those that may have been missed by readers. I also look for posts that may fit together in some sort of cosmic theme. It's often hard to choose five. While browsing the offerings this week, it seems this was a week of great ideas. This week I found a gold mine.

Here are ten great ideas:

When Alison was at Litquake in San Francisco she discovered The Bookmobile, a former actual Bookmobile that has been turned into an experiential gathering place for readers, if you will. If you see the Bookmobile somewhere along the Lincoln Highway this year, step inside. You might encounter a famous author driving it. The material being gathered during the Bookmobile's journey will be turned into a documentary.
A good idea worth considering is reducing the number of traffic signs. Although Aaron is a swell driver, he's given some thought to how he might be better at it if there were fewer signs to distract him. There is research to prove him right. Fewer signs have been shown to decrease accidents.
As world travelers, we're often introduced to problems we wouldn't have been otherwise. In Tibet, blindness is a problem. In Sean's post on the Planeterra Foundation, you can read more about the organization's wonderful idea to tackle blindness and how you might get involved.
Kraig, who knows a thing or two about adventure travel, highlights the reasons why hiking the Continental Divide Trail is a good idea. In the case of hiking this trail, Kraig suggests a good idea is to plan for extremes. For example, on one section there's a lack of water. On another, you'll be on the look out for grizzles.
Here are two airlines with great ideas. KLM is giving away personalized luggage tags. Scott tells you how to get them. Virgin America is considering testing out this good idea. Those without carry-ons can board first. Alison did think about how this good idea might not be so good after all.
If you're on a long flight, Tom has come up with great ideas for how to be more productive. Since one of my favorite things to do on a plane is zone out, Tom's tips are extra handy.
For anyone looking for where to have a destination wedding. Look no further than St. Maarten. Katie has the scoop on why having a wedding on this island is a great idea. It's free.
You probably came across Annie's post on 10 things not to forget to pack when you go on a trip. Pajamas is one of them, something I consistently forget.
Here's a good idea that might be a bit weird. I found out about GoGirl, a device that helps women pee like men.
And here's a shout out to Heather's grand idea even though it's already found great press. It's such a great idea, I had to include it. Heather has turned Laviator into a household word. I still have yet to become a Laviator. It's probably because of my tendency to zone out on a plane. One of these days, though--one of these days.

Gadling Take Five: Oct. 17--Oct. 23 originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Treks: The Continental Divide Trail

Kraig Becker — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, North America, Canada, Mexico, United States, Camping, Ecotourism

When it comes to long distance treks, the U.S. is blessed with not one great hike, but three. Most people already know about the Appalachian Trail in the eastern part of the country and the Pacific Crest Trail in the west, but the third jewel of the trekking Triple Crown is the Continental Divide Trail, which just might be the most scenic and challenging of all.

The CDT stretches for more than 3100 miles from the border of Canada at the northern end to the Mexican border in the south. In between, it runs through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, as it winds its way through some of the most rugged and remote mountain regions in the United States, including the San Juans, the Sawatch Range, and the Tetons, amongst others.

The trail derives its name because it runs directly along the Continental Divide, which marks the barrier between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean drainage basins. To one side, all the rivers run west to the Pacific, while on the other, they turn east toward the Atlantic. The Rocky Mountains, running from northern Canada, down through the U.S. create this effect, and serve as a dramatic backdrop to this long distance hike.

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Classic Treks: The Continental Divide Trail originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25 great adventures for 2010

Kraig Becker — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Bhutan, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, France, Iceland, Ireland, Slovakia, Canada, Costa Rica, United States, New Zealand, Tonga, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Camping, Ecotourism

The latest issue of N ational Geographic Adventure has just hit the newsstand with a special treat inside for adventure travelers looking for their next big trip. The magazine has listed its selection for the 25 best new trips for 2010, offering up suggestions of places to visit in nearly every corner of the globe.

The list is organized in alphabetical order by destination, starting with Bhutan and running through several U.S. locations as well. Each of the locations also has a tour operator associated with it, and clicking on the text will give you a more detailed description of what you can expect on your adventure.

No matter what draws you to adventure travel, you're sure to find something on the list that appeals to you. For instance, if you're up for a challenging kayaking adventure, head to Bhutan with Bio Bio Expeditions, where you get the opportunity to make the first descent on a previously unpaddled section of the Drangme Chhu River. Does an island adventure sound more enticing? Then plan a trip to Sri Lanka with Access Trips, where you can go surfing and mountain biking through that amazing setting. And for those who would prefer a little more rest and relaxation with their adventure, there is always the Muang La Resort in Laos which offers jungle escapes that includes luxury rooms and a deluxe spa. That trip is available through Asia Transpacific Journeys.

No one knows adventure like National Geographic, and you can bet that each of these trips will deliver in that category. With 2009 quickly coming to an end, it is never too early to start planning your own adventures for 2010, and this list is a great place to start.

25 great adventures for 2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Device helps women on the go "go" in the woods or elsewhere

Jamie Rhein — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Business, Gear, News, Women's Travel

If you're a woman traveler, you've probably been in a quandary at one time or another wondering how and where you might pee. Gazing about, it seems that no bush is big enough. Trees seem skinny. Where is the best angle to squat to be the most discrete in case someone unexpectedly rounds a corner?

If in a vehicle and nature calls, the nearest gas station or fast food place may seem like the only solution.

For a guy, it's a different story. I mean, really--don't guys just seem to go any old place?

Here's a new solution for women that's better than the portable toilet that Catherine wrote about two years ago--no offense to the portable toilet. It may be a swell idea for a car trip, but it's not as if you'll lug one along on a hike.

The GoGirl, however, looks practical. According to the description of how it works in Hilary Howard's New York Times article , it could be fun. The contraption allows women to pee in "an arc-like penile stream" while standing up.

Sarah Dillon, the president and founder of GoGirl, is currently focusing on the women hikers and women traveling with young children market. Another market Dillon might consider tapping into big time is women who are traveling to countries where squat toilets are widely used. Squat toilets create another dilemma.

Squatting and peeing straight down takes practice. GoGirl might be a perfect solution to keeping shoes pee free. With its small size and affordable price of $6.99, GoGirl could be easily added to Annie's Top 10 things not to forget on a trip. For women, make the list a Top 11 list for peace of mind.

Gallery: Top Ten Strangest Hotel Guest Requests

Device helps women on the go "go" in the woods or elsewhere originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Catch-22 of Adventure Travel and the Environment

Kraig Becker — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Hiking, Africa, Asia, Tanzania, Uganda, Nepal, Ecotourism

When it comes to adventure travel, the terms "sustainability" and "eco-friendly" get tossed around a lot these days. In some cases, these are just buzz words in a travel brochure designed to help travelers feel good about themselves before they head off to exotic locations. But for the best travel companies, these are the building blocks of a philosophy that they have followed for years. In some cases, even before eco-tourism was even an accepted term.

If there is one type of travel that has a responsibility to go easy on the environment and take care of our natural resources, it is adventure travel. Many of these types of trips take place in remote locations, far from civilization, often in pristine settings that are seldom visited. But those locations also happen to be the most fragile and easily damaged by eager visitors. That is one of the contradictions of this type of journey. You get to visit some of the most amazing places on the planet, but in doing so, you may be causing more harm than good.

There are a number of high profile examples of this Catch-22 situation. One of the most famous is on Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Environmentalists tell us that the famed Snows of Kilimanjaro are receding at a rapid rate, and that they may be gone completely by 2015. I've even seen articles suggesting that we should "go before they're gone", urging us to make the famous trek to Kili's summit before the glaciers have completely melted away. This has led to increased traffic on the mountain, which has definitely had an impact on the environment there, with more trash and human refuse on the slopes. In our rush to see the effects of climate change on Kili, are we having an even more direct and profound impact on that environment there?

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The Catch-22 of Adventure Travel and the Environment originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Climate change bugs climbers on Everest

Kraig Becker — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Asia, Nepal, Ecotourism

In another ominous sign of global climate change, climbers on Mount Everest are reporting that they are finding house flies in Base Camp for the first time. According to this story from The Guardian, the insects began appearing earlier this year, catching mountaineers, including the Sherpas who call the Himalaya home, completely off guard.

Everest BC sits at 5360 meters (17,585 feet), an altitude that was considered too cold and in hospitable for most bugs in the past. But the appearance of the insects was just another indicator of the impact of global warming on the Khumbu Valley, which has seen its glaciers recede at a rate of 10-20 meters per year. Further evidence can also be found in the mountain villages, where water sources are running dry, forcing inhabitants to hike miles each day for supplies.

These changes are having a direct impact on the tourism to the region as well. Each year, hundreds of climbers come to Everest to make an attempt on the world's tallest mountain, and hundreds more trekkers make the hike up to Base Camp, taking in the mountain scenery that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. But with water supplies dwindling, there is less for the visitors to the Khumbu to drink as well.

Worse yet, the warming is changing the summit of the mountain itself. In the article above, Dawa Sherpa, a mountain guide who has reached the top of the world twice, says that in years past, as many as 50 people could stand on the summit of Everest. Now, fewer than 18 can be at that point at the same time, thanks to the shrinking of the cornice. Worse yet, it is likely to get smaller still in the years ahead.

Climate change bugs climbers on Everest originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Climb a mountain for charity in 2010

Kraig Becker — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Hiking, Gear, North America, Mexico, United States, Ecotourism

The details for the 2010 Summit For Someone program were announced late last week, and registration has gone live this morning, allowing for experienced and aspiring mountaineers alike to climb a mountain for a cause next year. The program, which is sponsored by Backpacker Magazine, has become an annual fund raising event for Big City Mountaineers, an organization that enhances the lives of at risk urban kids by introducing them to a variety of outdoor activities.

The concept behind Summit For Someone is simple. You select a mountain that you would like like to climb from a list of iconic peaks, that includes the likes of Denali, Rainier, or Whitney, amongst others. Each mountain has a dollar value attached to it, and when you fill out the registration, you are committing to raising that amount of money for the Big City Mountaineers. Climbing Rainier, for instance, requires a pledge of $4000, while the more remote and technical Denali is $7500. You can choose to pay for the climb yourself or recruit your friends and family to sponsor your climb, but either way, the cash is going directly to a great cause.

Once you're locked into your climb of choice, you'll also receive a gift card for MountainGear.com that will help you pick out some of the equipment you'll need for your adventure. The value of the gift cards also vary depending on the mountain you select. For instance, using the same two examples above, Rainier would garner you $800 in gear, while Denali nets you $1200 in loot.

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Climb a mountain for charity in 2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Oct. 2-Oct. 9

Jamie Rhein — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, North America, South America, Singapore, United States, Australia, Brazil

We've been keeping up with fall foliage and haunted jaunts these last few weeks at Gadling, plus a whole lot more. Perhaps you've noticed that we've let Mike step away from his Sky Mall Monday desk to take on Outback Australia. This funny guy has a serious side too.

Then there's Annie who has an eye for fashion. Turns out, she also has an eye for Singapore. As a person who lived in Singapore for three years, I can vouch for Annie's observations. Her picks of what to eat in Singapore are right on.

Grant has figured out just how to make 24 Hours in Rio de Janeiro an experience worth having.

Jeremy is heading away from his series Undiscovered New York for Southeast Asia. Stay tuned for his missives about his findings.

There's much more among these weeks offerings. As usual, here are posts that might have slipped your notice:

Katie's Top 10 travel destinations for Twilight fans. Even if you're not a Twilight fan, these could be fun--particularly that corn maze in Utah.
I was particularly pleased to read that Playing for a Change is heading out on tour. Brenda's been a faithful advocate of this worthwhile global music effort in previous Gadling posts. Likewise, she provided the heads up about the tour. The CD is WONDERFUL. I can't say that enough.
Well-versed in the outdoors as always, Kraig presents a sampling of the best places for fall hikes.
For more fall travel, check out my post on vintage trains across the U.S. These are only 10 of them. People, the number of vintage trains in the U.S. is astounding.
If there ever was an unusual place to take kids for a road trip meal, Sean found it. I never would have come up with Hooters on my own. Who knew?

Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Oct. 2-Oct. 9 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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