The Grand Canyon is the United States' 15th national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered one of the Great Wonders of the World. Ontario-based climber Mike Grainger talks about his experience whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. He also gets to hike on the trip, and shares how a hybrid trip allows for couples and families to participate in the same adventure at their own skill and comfort level. He says this trip is worth every penny as your adrenalin is sure to be racing going through the rapids.  This popular episode was first released in the fall of 2017. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy!  The best way to find the right policy for your adventures.  Train For Your Adventure  Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have!  You’ll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success.  Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit.  AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount! Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest (C) Active Travel Adventures, LLC - All Rights Reserved  

Hike and Snorkel Adventures in the Galapagos Islands: Part I Learn all about visiting the Galapagos Islands.  We discuss what you can see and do.  We also talk about whether you should visit independently or go with an adventure tour company?  We discuss the pros and cons of both options in this two part series. Kit visits San Cristobal, Isabella and Santa Cruz islands to go on hikes in the highlands, and takes multiple day tours to outlying uninhabited islands to go snorkeling.  Hear about the incredible wildlife and some of the history of this magical archipelago. If you want to visit the Galapagos with an adventure tour company, Kit recommends her affiliate Active Adventures.  Use your exclusive ATA Active Adventures Promo Code ATA200 to save $200 OFF any Active Adventures (or their sister, Austin Adventures) tours! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about going on an adventure in the Galapagos Islands. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Explore Ireland by Horseback!  Galway and Clare Multi Day Trail Ride Choose a 5 or 7 night magical exploration of the Emerald Isle by horseback!  You'll be riding 5-7 hours per day, as you explore ancient ruins, the Cliffs of Moher, stunning forests and sheep dotted pastures. Stay in a delightful 300 year old restored farmhouse and down in the village.  Share stories and song at the village pub with the friendly and welcoming locals.  Make lifetime friends and memories. Today, we ride through western Ireland's Galway and Clare forests, coast and countryside with my affiliate Active Riding Trips (Use Promo Code ATA5 to get 5% OFF any of their worldwide horseback riding adventures). COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos and more cool info about your multi-day horseback riding adventure in Galway and Clare, Ireland. Get FREE Travel Planners for all ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise -  unsubscribe anytime).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

30 Best Travel Podcasts for 2024  My popular annual list of the best travel podcasts to check out for 2024.  There are eighteen new shows on this year's list of the top travel podcasts to listen to in the new year. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES   Get the complete list with active links HERE Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Improving Resilience and Grit Adventures can be unpredictable at times.  One thing you'll definitely need whenever you go on an adventure is grit.  Toss in some fortitude and resilience, too!   Fortunately, grit is a skill you can learn.  On today's show, we dive deep into ways that we can improve our own resilience. This is an encore presentation of an episode that ran on my companion podcast, the Adventure Travel Show, which teaches you the skills you need to go on your adventures. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See detailed information covered on today's show. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Grit and Resilience : One Woman's Story Eva Simons 'Embraces the Suck' After a Tragic Mauling to Reboot Her Life Sometimes life punches you in the face and your dreams shatter.  That's what happened to my friend Eva one afternoon last year.  Eva shows true grit and fortitude.  Her inspirational story will encourage you to embrace the suck when life throws you curveballs. Adventure travel, by its nature, often requires that you summon your own grit and spirit.  My hopes are this story will encourage you to reinforce your own resilience.   I am also releasing a Bonus Episode of my companion podcast, the Adventure Travel Show, on Grit and Resilience to show you ways to strengthen your own resilience. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important details, links and photos from this episode. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Avoid Crowds on the El Camino de Compostella There are three ways to avoid the crowds when doing the El Camino:  avoid peak season, avoid the busiest routes, avoid the last 100 km into Santiago.  Today's guest, David, chose a great way by walking the first two stages of the most popular route, the French Way, but instead of the last 100 km/60 miles like most people, he walked the first two stages over the Pyrenees from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Logrono.   While David made many friends among the fellow 'pilgrims' walking the Camino at the same time. it wasn't crowded, even though he walked during the high season in July! Learn about David's adventure on today's show. SAVE!!!  David went with ATA affiliate, Follow The Camino.  ATA listeners get an exclusive Follow the Camino Promo Discount Code, ATA5, to save 5% off of any Follow the Camino booking (or their sister company, One Foot Abroad for other European walking and biking holidays). COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your Camino adventure, photos, and more cool info about the El Camino de Santiago.  Also see links to ALL previous episodes on the El Camino. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

25 Affordable Travel Gifts They'll Actually Want You are sure to find a great travel gift for your loved ones (and even yourself:) on today's show!  Discover 25 terrific gifts for under $60 - most $30 and under: Travel Gifts for Comfort Travel Gifts for Convenience Travel Treats and Little Luxuries Travel Gifts for Safety Armchair Travel Gifts  Link to the Webpage with Gift idea photos and complete description HERE Note that prices below are subject to change and that these Amazon links may also offer coupons at checkout that are not reflected in the listed prices Gifts to Make Travel More Comfortable Memory Foam Neck Support Travel Pillow  $22.99 Buy HERE Silky Soft Sleep Liner $19.99 Buy HERE​​ Dream Egg White Noise Machine with Night Light $35.99 Buy HERE Airplane Foot Rest (for folks 5’4” or smaller) $21.99 Buy HERE Travel Neck Pillow with Strap $39.99 Buy HERE Reduce Puffy Eyes $19.99 Buy HERE Tilley’s Packable Wide Brimmed Hat $59.54 and up Buy HERE Gifts to Make Travel More Convenient and Easy GoToobs Travel Containers $20.79/3 pk  Buy HERE  Hanging Toiletry Bag  Medium $24.99  Large $27.99 Buy HERE High Speed Portable Charging Bank $25.95  Buy HERE  Travel Cable Organizing bag $14.99 Buy HERE Travel Treats and Luxuries Portable Coffee Press $39.99 Buy HERE Travel Watercolor Set $14.99 Buy HERE Watercolor Travel Journal $10.99 Buy HERE Aromatherapy Shower Steamers $16.99  Buy HERE Armchair Travel Gifts BOOK: The World’s Best National Parks in 500 Walks $23.79 Buy HERE Scratch Off World plus USA Wall Map $29.99 Buy HERE Vintage style Canvas World Map $44.99 Buy HERE Frameo Digital Photo Frame $58.46  Buy HERE Fun Themed Socks  $9.99  Buy HERE Travel Security Gifts 2pk Waterproof USB Rechargeable Headlamps  $19.99  Buy HERE Mini Surge protector with 3 outlets and 2 USB ports  $31.27 up  Buy HERE RFID Passport and Credit Card Holder  $9.99  Buy HERE Slim Design RFID Money Belt  $24.95  ​​Buy HERE Cross Body Fanny Pack  $19.99  ​​Buy HERE Travel Gift Ideas 2022 List HERE Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest © Active Travel Adventures - All Rights Reserved  

Advice for doing an El Camino These Days plus my Primitivo Camino The El Camino is SUPER popular these days and is on many adventurer's wish list.  Get important tips for avoiding crowds to ensure that YOU have a 'Buen Camino (Good Camino)" on this popular bucket list adventure. In addition to helpful insights on planning your El Camino, you will also learn about the very first 'Way' (what the Camino's is also called), the Camino Primitivo.  I walked the 200 miles/320 km last spring.  It is one of the least trafficked route, but is often considered the prettiest (and the hardest!). Learn about all things Camino on today's show.  Visit the website to see photos, videos and to get more information on how to plan your own Camino! Consider booking your Camino with my affiliate, Follow the Camino.  They are experts in all things Camino and offer nine different Camino routes where they plan all the lodging and logistics for you, transfer your main luggage so all you have to do is carry a day pack, plus give you maps and 24/7 support.  As an ATA listener, you are eligible for the exclusive 5% Discount if you use the Follow the Camino Promo Code ATA5. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES HERE> See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about doing your own Camino.  Also be sure to check out ALL previous El Camino episodes, pics, etc HERE! Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group  

England's Coast to Coast Walking Holiday Spend your holiday walking the UK's epic Coast to Coast path from Saint Bees to Robin Hoods Bay!  You can walk one or both sections of this 180 mile/300 km trail (the mid-point is Kirby Stephen).   Take a self-guided tour where your luggage is moved daily and all logistics are arranged for you with my affiliate One Foot Abroad - ATA listeners save 5% on any OFA tour with the One Foot Abroad Promo Code ATA5! Taking a walking holiday is a fun and affordable way to explore Europe and to have a more authentic vacation, as you will be mixing with the locals more than you would on a typical holiday. Kit and her friend David walked the first section of the Coast to Coast path in a week.  Learn about the trail and what to expect on today's show. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, and more cool info about the Coast to Coast trail in England. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)  Kit mentions using Injinji toe socks as liners.  Check them out HERE. SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Boat and Bike Tour of the Cyclades and Saronic Islands of Greece Explore a less touristy and more authentic part of Greece on this week long boat and bike tour departing from Athens. Each day, you visit a different island and bike about a half day (e-Bikes available and recommended!).  The rest of the time you are exploring charming Greek villages and temples, enjoying a fresh local meal (most meals included on the BoatBikeTour.com trip that Kit took), or sailing to your next island. Each night, you stay in your comfortable en suite cabin on a superior sailing ship, so you only need to unpack once! This is a relaxing and active trip that anyone reasonably fit can do, especially if you train.  Boat and bike tours offer a fun and economical way to explore Europe. SAVE!!!  Kit went with her affiliate, BoatBikeTours.com.  ATA listeners get an exclusive BoatBikeTours Promo Discount Code, ATA50, to save 50 Euro off of any BBT tour! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your Greek adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about taking a boat and bike tour of the lesser visited islands of Greece. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Hike Israel's National Trail! Kit interviews Malia, who backpacked the entire 680 mile/1100 km Israel National Trail from Golan Heights to Eliat, via the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and Masada.   On this magnificient long distance trail, that takes 45-60 takes to thru hike (60% of folks section hike it), you get a chance to experience Israel's beautiful mountains and deserts, witness tons of 'Trail Magic' of locals supporting hiker's efforts and the general kindness of strangers and fellow hikers.   Forget the crowded more well known long distance hikes:  consider the Israel National Trail instead to get the full long term hiking experience without the crowds (only about 10,000 hikers per year vs over 200,000 on the El Camino!). We cover what to expect, what you'll see and tips on a successful hike on the Israel National Trail. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, plus photos, and more cool info about hiking the Israel National Trail. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

YOU Did It!!!  Listener Adventure Stories Today we start a new segment on the show featuring folks like you and me, who got inspired to step outside of their comfort zone and took on an adventure. While in the future, these will be shorter segments added to the regular show, I thought we'd start off with this incredible story of Sally, who thought she was heading for a wheel chair due to multiple injuries from her days as a dancer.  Instead, through training, grit, and fortitude, Sally instead headed to the North Island of New Zealand and hiked the challenging Tongariro Crossing!  Next, she'll climb Machu Picchu!  Adventure travel has COMPLETELY changed she and her husband's life! Like Sally, it took someone (my friend John) encouranging me and who believed in me and convince me that I could, with proper training, that I too could go on an epic adventure.  It is my hope that these listener stories will inspire you, too! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See all the inspirational stories as they are published!  Today's episode is a full length interview, but I will be adding shorter snips to this page in the future. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Independent Travel Tips plus the Balkans Kit discusses her fall and winter exploration of the fascinating, beautiful and incredibly complicated Balkan region.  In addition to some of her much loved travel tips, she shares impressions and experiences in Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania.  If you think , "Balkans = War/No Way" or any other "Eww, scary!"  thoughts : Think again!!!  It's been three decades since the wars and the Balkan region is a super safe, affordable European vacation.  Go there before it gets crowded and expensive! Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today’s show. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about visiting the Balkan region and/or independent travel tips. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

In this Part II of my Peru adventures, we finish up our adventure travel tour with my affiliate, Active Adventures (exclusive listener promo code ATA200 to save $200 off ANY of Active Adventures epic worldwide tours!), and then my sister Terry and I head off on our own to explore other exciting places in southern Peru and Bolivia, including: Climb up to sacred Humantay Lake Climb Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Dune Buggy and Sand Board in Huacachina Explore the massive Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia Visit Isla del Sol in Copacabana Explore Bolivia's capital, La Paz and the Witches Market Visit the Uru reed islands of Lake Titicaca Have a fun Homestay in Amatani Island Check out the condors in Colca Canyon Visit the 'Poor man's Galapagos' in Paracas Do a wine tasting at a Pisca vineyard Explore the beautiful "White City" of Arequipas COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your Peru and Bolivia adventure, photos, videos and more cool info HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Trek Machu Picchu plus Hike and Bike the Sacred Valley of Peru Join Kit as she describes her hiking adventure with her sister Terry.  On this first part of their month long Peruvian and Bolivian adventure, they tackle a Bucket List adventure:  climbing Machu Picchu.  They also hike and bike the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and visit markets and learn about Peruvian culture. Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today’s show. SAVE!!!  Kit went with her affiliate, Active Adventures.  ATA listeners get an exclusive Active Adventures Promo Discount Code, ATA200, to save $200 off of any Active Adventures (or their sister company, Austin Adventures). COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info aboutNew Zealand's South Island. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

The Power of 'Yes' On today's special episode, we discuss the Power of Yes, and why saying 'yes' to opportunities that excite you, intrigue you and maybe even make you a bit nervous, can enhance your life and open up even more fantastic opportunities in the future. We talk about about when to say 'no' using Derek Sivers's philosophy of, "If it's not a 'hell yes', than it's a 'no'"! You'll also hear about my incredible experience moving four thousand sheep fifty miles on rural roads of Idaho to their shearing camp - one of my recent 'yeses'. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See the transcript for this episode, plus get the links mentioned and other cool things. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Bucket List Builder Building a Bucket List is a great way to help make sure you achieve your life's dreams. For some, it may mean climbing Kilimanjaro. Others may want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan. In today's fast paced world, it is easy to let your life and thus your years slip away without you doing those things you most want. Our guest on today's Active Travel Adventure's podcast is Chase Boehringer of Bucket List Lifestyles. Chase has a great story about how he went from practically suicidal to living an incredibly exciting life, all due to creating and then implementing his Bucket List. In today's show you'll gain tips and insights as to why it is important to create your bucket list and practical ways for you to achieve your bucket list dreams. Encore performance: This popular episode was initially released on March 21, 2019. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important information about putting together your Bucket List Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!). Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance: Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program? You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account. Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram

Austria Hike, Bike and Paddle Adventure Hike, bike and paddle your way as you explore the Austrian alps in this active adventure holiday.  This is a fantastic adventure if you want to be active but don't want it to be so hard core.  It's also a great 'tester' holiday to see if you like adventure travel, or for multi-generational travel where not everyone is of the same physical ability. You'll explore the quaint and historice villages and valleys of Mozart and the Sound of Music surrounded by the majestic alps.  You'll have time to drink in the beauty of Salzburg and visit a castel. This Austrian adventure is the perfect mix of history, culture and adventure! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about Austria. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Hike, Bike and Paddle Banff Canada! Go on a multi-activity adventure on Active Travel Adventure's most popular destination : Banff!  See why thousands of people choose to explore this magical area of towering mountains, fantastically colored glacial lakes and glaciers. Learn about things you can do, what to expect, when to go and whether this fantastic adventure is for you. Our guest went with my affiliate Active Adventures.  You can use Promo Code ATA200 to get $200 off ANY of their worldwide multi-day adventure tours (or of their new partner, Austin Adventures as well!).  COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about going on an adventure in Banff. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Sail the East Coast Fjords of Greenland Come explore the rarely visited East Coast of Greenland for a unique polar experience!  While sailing through the world's largest fjord system, you will get to explore the epic grandeur by foot and kayak, so you can get up close to the amazing landscape filled with mountains, glaciers, icebergs and maybe even a polar bear or two!   People visit Greenland for the natural beauty, the wildlife and sometimes the chance to see the Northern Lights. Our guest today, sailed on Hurtugruten's MS Fram, the same ship I went to Antarctica on.  When you are not out on landings, there is always plenty to do on board. Find out why Jim's Greenland Expedition is now his wife's most favorite trip EVER on today's show! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos and more cool info about a Greenland East Coast Expedition.   To learn more about this tour, visit Hurtigruten (and please use my link.  You will be helping to support the program at no additional cost to you - thanks!). Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Explore Iceland by horseback!  On today's show, we horseback ride Iceland's dramatic landscape of waterfalls, hot springs, mountains and valleys on a multi-day adventure tour. Learn what its like to take a horseback riding holiday.  You'll hear what to expect and what to pack.  You'll learn about the cozy ranch you stay end with its natural hot spring to soak away your tired muscles after a fun day's ride.  You'll learn about the great food you'll eat and what types of people take this kind of adventure vacation. SAVE!!!  Ruth went with Active Riding Trips (her 14th trip with them!!!).  ATA listeners get an exclusive Active Travel Adventures Promo Discount Code, ATA5 to save 5% off of any Active Riding Trips multi-day tour. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links and information for planning yourIceland horeseback riding adventure. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

American Ramble with Neil King Jr I interview author Neil King Jr. about his book, American Ramble : A Walk of Memory and Renewal, about his 330 mile walk from Washington DC to New York City.  Part travelogue, part memoir and with much insight about the landscape he travels and the people he meets along his unorthodox and unforgettable journey. Buy American Ramble HERE COMPLETE SHOW NOTES    See all the links mentioned and to get more information. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Hurtigruten's MS Fram : Expedition Ship Behind the Scenes Take a peek behind the scenes of a polar expedition ship, Hurtigruten's MS Fram, the ship I recently took on my three week expedition to Antarctica and the Falkland and South Georgia Islands. I wondered how they made things operate so smoothly when we were so far from civilization and a hardward store for parts, a grocery store for food, and a water or sewage treatment plant for our daily necesities. Today, we explore the Bridge, where the Captain and crew navigate, the Kitchen, the Engine Room, the Expdition's Tender Pit, and the Crew Quarters.  It's a fascinating journey! Visit the website to see photos and get more Behind the Scenes details, and to see and hear about my amazing Antarctic expedition! Learn more about Hurtigruten's outstanding expeditions HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Antarctica Expedition including the Falkland and South Georgia Islands Part II Best trip EVER!  In Part I, we sailed to the Falklands and the South Georgia Islands.  In today's show, we finally reach Antarctica, and the beauty and magic of what I see brings tears of joy to my eyes. In addition to all of the amazing glaciers and sculptural icebergs we see, we see hundreds of thousands of penguins of several breeds.  We see whales - and we weren't even there during 'whale' season! We get to hike around the penguins, kayak around the icebergs and experience this polar wonderland  in ways I will never forget. Learn what its like to go on an expedition ship (I went on Hurtigruten's MS Fram).  You'll learn what its like each day, who goes on these expeditions, what you eat and so much more. I was blown away and can't wait to share it with you! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES HERE. Learn more about Hurtigruten's outstanding expeditions HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Antarctica Expedition plus the Falklands and the South Georgia Islands : Part I Best trip EVER!  Join me on an EPIC journey to the seventh continent:  Antarctica to see the wildlife, icebergs and glaciers of the south polar seas.  En route, we visit the Falkland and South Georgia Islands, rugged places of history and outstanding wildlife!  South Georgia is called the Serengheti of the Southern Oceans for good reason! Learn what its like to go on an expedition ship where you are actually ACTIVE, instead of a regular cruise ship, and why you never run out of fun and exciting things to do.   In Part I, we head to the Falklands and South Georgia islands.   I went on Hurtigruten's MS Fram.  I was blown away and can't wait to share it with you! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES HERE. Learn more about Hurtigruten's outstanding expeditions HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Not everyone has a month or so to walk the El Camino.  Did you know that you can BIKE the Portuguese Way???  Yes!  One of the most popular Camino routes can be done by bike.  Whether you are interested in cycling or hiking the El Camino, you are sure to get some great insights and tips from today's show. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info doing your El Camino.  Here is a page that includes ALL the Camino routes I've covered on ATA.   Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest    

Have you dreamed about climbing Africa's tallest mountain in Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro?  Join Kit as she interviews Damon about he and his wife and friends successful summit of Kili on the Lemosho Route, the prettiest route of them all and the one with the greatest success rate. We discuss what Damon saw and what it was like each day of the climb.  We talk about dealing with high altitude.  We will learn about the food, guides and porters, and other important details about this amazing adventure.   We also discuss Damon's post- hike safari in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and seeing "The Big 5" - elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards and rhinos. Learn all about this beautiful, exciting and challenging active adventure on today’s show. SAVE!!!  Damon went with Active Travel Adventure's affiliate, Active Adventures (based in New Zealand).  ATA listeners get an exclusive Active Adventures Promo Discount Code, ATA200, to save $200 off of any Active Adventures (or their sister company, Austin Adventures). COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about climbing Kilimanjaro's Lemosho route. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest    

Explore Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast by hiking, biking and paddling!  Start from Split and work your way to Dubrovnik on this exciting and fun adventure. We discuss all of the fun activities our guest Lesley did on her Active Adventures tour, the great food and wine and wonderful accommodations. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about Croatia.  Email Kit for an exclusive Active Adventures  discount promo code good for ANY tour! Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

30 Best Travel Podcasts of 2023 Hear Kit's popular annual list of the best travel podcasts to check out for 2023.  There are many new ones on the list, so you are sure to find a new favorite! Listen to the podcast and see details on each podcast recommended  HERE 1. Active Travel Adventures 2. AdventuRetired Listen to my interview about full time traveling  3. Amateur Traveler Listen to my interview on the Crystal Coast of NC 4. Armchair Explorer 5. BBC Ramblings 6. Business Travel 360 7. Conde Nast Traveler Escape Routes 8. Eye on Travel with Peter Greenberg 9. Frommer’s 10. JUMP  11. Out of Office 12. The Atlas Obscura Podcast 13. The Big Travel Podcast 14. The Overland Journal Podcast 15. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast 16. The Travel Diaries 17. The TravelPulse Podcast 18. The Trip the Changed Me 19. Tips for Travellers 20. Travel Goals Podcast 21. Travel Tales 22. Travel Tales by AFAR 23. Travel with Meaning 24. Travel with Rick Steves 25. UK Travel Planning 26. Untold Italy 27. We Travel There 29. Women Who Travel 30. Zero To Travel Listen to my interview about taking a cheap Alaskan Cruise (by ferry!) Did I Miss One of Your Favorites? Let me know – you can reach me here.  Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest (C) Active Travel Adventures – All Rights Reserved

The perfect way to explore Southern Holland is by bike!  Even better, bike AND boat Holland so you only need to unpack once.   Each day you bike (or simply chill out on the boat) to the next port.  You'll have plenty of time to check out cafes, museums and scenery as you explore this amazing, bike-friendly country! You start and end your Dutch cycling holiday in Amsterdam and then bike through the Green Heart of Holland.  You'll also visit Rotterdam, the Kinderdijk’s windmills and Zaanse Schans. The terrain is mostly flat, but E-bikes are an option if you want to conserve your energy for exploration of each new village. At the end of the day, you meet up with the ship and sail off to the next stop.  Super easy and VERY convenient!   All meals are included on this affordable European active vacation. This is a great holiday if YOU want adventure, but your partner wants to chill (he or she can hang out on the boat and have a scenic boat tour each day!).  And you can decide each day if maybe YOU want to chill, too! Kit interviews Charlotte about her BoatBikeTours.com Southern Holland bike and boat adventure tour.  This is Charlotte's ELEVENTH bike tour with BBT!!!   And, as a new affiliate of Active Travel Adventures, you can use the exclusive Promo Code ATA50 to get 50 Euro off of any BoatBikeTours.com European bike and boat adventures! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about this boat and biking tour of Southern Holland! Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)

The perfect way to explore Holland's Hansa Region is by bike!  Even better, bike AND boat Holland so you only need to unpack once.   The Hansa cycling tour starts and ends in Amsterdam.  You'll bike along the Rhine & IJssel, and visit Hanseatic cities like Deventer & Kampen.  You'll also learn about the reclaimed polderlands. Each day you bike (or simply chill out on the boat) to the next port.  You'll have plenty of time to check out cafes, museums and scenery as you explore this amazing, bike-friendly country! The terrain is mostly flat, but E-bikes are an option if you want to conserve your energy for exploration of each new village. At the end of the day, you meet up with the ship and sail off to the next stop.  Super easy and VERY convenient!   Meals are included on this affordable European active vacation. This is a great holiday if YOU want adventure, but your partner wants to chill (he or she can hang out on the boat and have a scenic boat tour each day!).  And you can decide each day if maybe YOU want to chill, too! Kit interviews Jim about her BoatBikeTours.com Hansa Holland bike and boat adventure tour.  This is Jim's SIXTH bike tour with BBT!!!   And, as a new affiliate of Active Travel Adventures, you can use the exclusive Promo Code ATA50 to get 50 Euro off of any BoatBikeTours.com European bike and boat adventures! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about this Hansa Holland boat and biking tour! Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)  

Kit interviews Patricia Schultz, author of bestseller, "1000 Places to See Before You Die" about her inspirational new book, "Why We Travel".    They share stories and insights about all things travel in this engaging show. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES   Get the book, Why We Travel HERE Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Best Travel Gifts People Actually WANT Here are some great travel gift ideas - and don’t forget to treat yourself!  While doing research for this show, I ended up buying many of these cool travel gift items for myself:)  See the Website for pics   Gifts Under $15: Waterproof Phone Case Great for when you are out paddling or if you are out touring and it starts pouring!  Buy it HERE. Touchscreen Waterproof Gloves When it’s cold and wet, you can stay warm and connected!  Buy it HERE. Universal Phone Mount No need to hold your phone while streaming!  Works on plane seats, tables, and more!  Buy it HERE. Rolling Luggage Coffee and Drink Holder Finally!  A way to hold your drink while you are fumbling with your papers or are racing for your gate!  Buy it HERE. Unisex Safari Tactical Scarf Protects from sun, sand, dust and chill!  Lightweight and looks great.  Buy it HERE. TSA Approved Locks Keep your luggage secure while checked, and use it on your daypack to prevent pickpockets.  Hostel lovers can use these lightweight locks to secure their locker. Buy it HERE. Travel Gifts under $30:Luggage Locator (Apple Air Tags) If your loved one is in the Apple ecosystem, these Air Tags can be placed in luggage or backpacks to track its location using the ‘Find my phone’ feature.  So they’ll know if their luggage went to Ghana while they we en route to Rome.  Buy it HERE.   Hands Free Sun and Rain Umbrella Attaches to your daypack or backpack.  I actually use my umbrella more as a sun parasol.  Not only does it block the sun, it keeps me cooler!  Buy it HERE. Twist Memory Foam Lumbar and Sleeping Pillow No more airplane pillows sliding down the crack while you try to get some shut eye.  If you need support on your lower back, this’ll do the trick, too!  Buy it HERE. Eye Mask with Bluetooth Speaker  Earbuds hurt you when you turn on your side?  Problem solved with this 100% Blackout sleep eye mask!  Buy it HERE.  Flexible Tripod for iPhone and Android For the picture taker in the family, get this amazing tripod that contorts to all sorts of unusual surfaces, from poles to rocks and other odd places.  Buy it HERE. Comfortable Hidden Belt for passport, money and cards Great for runners, too!  Unisex.  Sneaky way to hide your valuables while you are traveling.  Buy it HERE.   Travel Gifts Under $50: Scrubba – Dry Bag ‘Multi-tool’ Use it as a wash basin for clothes or dishes.  As a dry bag.  As a compression bag for your clothes.  As a daypack liner to hold groceries when shopping.  As a stuff sack for your sleeping bag.  Buy it HERE. Turn Hotel TVs into a Smart TV : Google Chromecast Watch Netflix on the road!  Here’s an easy way to turn any tv into a smart tv (works at home, too, of course).  Whether you are in a hotel or Airbnb, you can stream over 1000 apps.  Buy it HERE. Lifestraw Water Filtration Bottle Removes 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses and parasites so you can feel safe drinking water from any source.  Saves plastic waste from buying water bottles.  Buy it HERE. Smart Phone Clip on Photography Lense Take MUCH better pictures with this simple but effective accessory to your smart phone.  It clips over your phone’s lense to get higher resolution images.  Buy it HERE. Solar Charger for iPhone and Android Great gift for the adventurer in your life!  No need for outlets when you can use the sun to recharge your phone!  Buy it HERE. Wifi Range Extender For your Airbnb friends who wish they had a stronger signal while traveling.  This gadget enhances the range from the router to bring you a stronger wifi signal.  Buy it HERE. Infiniti Scarf with Hidden Pocket Safely take a nap on a train with your passport and money securely stowed around your neck.  Stroll crowded tourist areas without worrying about pickpockets.  This attractive unisex scarf hides your valuables.   Buy it HERE. Foldable Lightweight Daypack Perfect for carrying your groceries and other shopping while traveling.  Folds down into a small pocket, so it doesn’t take up much room in your luggage.  Yet it is strong and lightweight.  Buy it HERE. This one’s a little expensive… Under $200: Scott E Vest : a ‘Backpack” Vest with 12+ pockets My girlfriend Mickey and her husband Bob swear by these vests.  The vest ergonomically and evenly distributes the contents of your daypack across your upper body so it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy.  It has a dedicated zippered pouched for your documents, your phone, your iPad, your money and credit cards (protected with RFID to prevent thieves skimming your card info!).  You can connect your devices with the interior channels to eliminate bulky cords.  There’s a chamois pocket for your glasses. You can zip through security at the airport because you simply place your fulled zippered and secure vest in a bin and waltz through the scanner! Available for men and women in different colors and features.   Buy it HERE. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See pics and descriptions HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest (C) Active Travel Adventures – All Rights Reserved

You can do anything for a week!  But things can get harder on longer trips. Learn key tips on how to best prepare your body and mind for longer adventures.  Plus, I include a few super helpful (lightweight!) items to add to your packing list to make your trip run smoother. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about preparing for longer term travel. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Kit and ten Active Travel Adventures listeners plus two local guides hike from Costa Rica's Caribbean coast 175 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Our luggage is transported daily, so all we need to do is carry our day pack. We cross numerous ecosystems and hike through small rural villages untouched by tourism (yet!). In this Part II of our journey, we learn about why Kit thought she might not be able to continue as well as the dragons the other hikers had to slay.  We discover the many wonders of the back part of this amazing long distance trail.  Find out if this adventure is just what you are looking for! SAVE!!!  Kit went with her affiliate, UrriTrek.  ATA listeners get an exclusive Active Adventures Promo Discount Code, ATA100, to save $100 off of any full Costa Rica Camino with UrriTrek. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about the new Costa Rica Camino. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Kit and Active Travel Adventure listeners hike Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific - 175 miles through numerous ecosystems and many small villages not touristed.   Our luggage is transported daily, so all we need to do is carry our day pack. Learn about this amazing new long distance trail along with tips to help make your multi-day hike successful. our way around this magnificent country in Part I of Kit's incredible adventure. Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today’s show. SAVE!!!  Kit went with her affiliate, UrriTrek.  ATA listeners get an exclusive Promo Discount Code, ATA100, to save $100 off of any full Camino with UrriTrek. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about the new Costa Rica Camino. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Make your travel life smoother with these great (mostly free) travel apps.  On today's show, you'll learn about my favorite travel apps for transportation, lodging, activities, getting around, phone security, plus some solid travel tips. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for all the apps mentioned on today's show to help you in planning your adventures. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Visiting the South Island of New Zealand is a 'Bucket List' adventure for many folks.  On today's show, we hike, bike and paddle our way around this magnificent country in Part I of Kit's incredible New Zealand adventure. Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today’s show. SAVE!!!  Kit went to New Zealand with her affiliate, Active Adventures (based in New Zealand).  ATA listeners get an exclusive Active Adventures Promo Discount Code, ATA200, to save $200 off of any Active Adventures (or their sister company, Austin Adventures). COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about New Zealand's South Island. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Visiting the South Island of New Zealand is a 'Bucket List' adventure for many folks.  On today's show, we hike, bike and paddle our way around this magnificent country in Part I of Kit's incredible adventure. Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today’s show. SAVE!!!  Kit went with her affiliate, Active Adventures (based in New Zealand).  ATA listeners get an exclusive Active Adventures Promo Discount Code, ATA200, to save $200 off of any Active Adventures (or their sister company, Austin Adventures). COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info aboutNew Zealand's South Island. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest    

Learn how to section hike the AT, the Appalachian Trail (or any other multi-day hike) on today’s show.  We discuss how to plan, what to pack, why it's cool, and so much more. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about section hiking the Appalachian Trail (plus general backpacking information). Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Spend your vacation WALKING some of the best trails in Europe!  Most are fairly easy for any fit person.  You walk from village to village on historic paths in some of Europe's most scenic regions.  Best of all:  your luggage gets transported to your next lodging so all you have to do is walk and enjoy yourself! Learn all about European self-guided (some are guided) walking holidays on today's show.   I interview Margaret, who has done many such hikes and we learn all about this exciting and affordable way to travel.  I find walking holidays offer a more authentic cultural experience because you become PART of the landscape and the local's you chat with's life that day. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest https://activetraveladventures.com/european-self-guided-walking-holidays/

Explore the gorgeous Algarve region of southern Portugal.  This beautiful and affordable adventure travel vacation is sure to inspire you!   Whether you hike an 8 day section of the 185 mile/299 km trail all at once as our guest, Margaret, did (or hike it all!), or just day hike and explore the region like Kit did, you'll have an amazing adventure!   Margaret went with my affiliate, One Foot Abroad who has offered ATA listeners a 5% discount on ANY of their self-guided tours by using the Promo Code ATA5. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking the Via Algarviana. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hike the stunning Via Algarviana, a long distance trail in the gorgeous Algarve region of southern Portugal.  This beautiful and affordable adventure travel vacation is sure to inspire you! Whether you hike the 185 mile/299 km trail all at once as our guest, Josh, did, or hike just one of the three 8 day segments, you’ll come away with an authentic Portuguese experience away from the crowds at the beach. On today’s show you’ll learn what to expect on the trail, when to go, what to pack and what you’ll see.  Josh went with my affiliate, One Foot Abroad who has offered ATA listeners a 5% discount on ANY of their self-guided tours by using the Promo Code ATA5. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking the Via Algarviana. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hike some of New Zealand's epic trails including the famous Tongarino Crossing and Rainbow Mountain, kayak or snorkel the Poor Knight Islands, tube through an underground cave to see millions of glow worms, sandboard down 100’ dunes, experience Mauri culture, active volcanoes and much more! Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today’s show. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about adventures on the North Island of New Zealand. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hiking Norway is not only an affordable way to experience this stunning country, but it also allows you to get up close and personal with its famous fjords, waterfalls, mountains and valleys. On today's show, we spend nine days in Norway, trekking in Jotunheimen National Park, its most popular national park and exploring Bergen, Norway's second largest and very colorful city. You'll learn what it's like and what to expect on your Norwegian adventure holiday.  Our guest went with ATA affiliate IAG, International Adventure Guides, who offers ATA listeners an exclusive $100 discount with Promo Discount Code HTT61XS. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking Norway. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Have you ever wanted to do the El Camino?  Learn all about the very first "Way", the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Arguably the prettiest (and maybe the hardest) route to the Cathedral de Santiago.  It's also one of the least trafficked (maybe since most people haven't ehard of it?). Our guest gives us the details about her Camino and why she would do it again - backwards! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info aboutdoing the Camino Primitivo. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies HELP BUILD THE COSTA RICA CAMINO - FUNDRAISER Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

The Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland is considered one of the premier long distance trails in the world. On today's show, we hike the vast, remote and expansive landscape to Sisinuit.  You'll rest by stunning glacial lakes, as you trek among the hummocks. This backpacking adventure is one that a fit person can do if he or she trains, and it's sure to be a life changing experience. Learn all about this beautiful and relaxing active adventure on today’s show.   COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos and more cool info about backpacking the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT HELP BUILD THE NEW COSTA RICA CAMINO - ATA FUNDRAISER Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Instead of walking, why not BIKE the Camino de Santiago?  On today’s show, our guest Niall describes cycling the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela from Porto, Portugal.   The Portuguese route is arguably the best biking path to Santiago.  We’ll discuss what you’ll see, what types of people you’ll meet, what the trail is like, what you need to do to prepare and pack, and why you should add the Camino to your adventure bucket list. Learn all about this wonderful (and MUCH quicker!) way to do your Camino. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about biking or walking your Camino. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT HELP BUILD THE NEW CAMINO IN COSTA RICA  HERE Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

In today's episode, our group gets settled into our beautiful motor yacht and begin biking some of Croatia's most stunning islands, like Korčula, Mljet, Brač and Hvar as we boat and bike our way from Split to Dubrovnik. We climb cliffside hills that overlook the majestic, crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, bike through olive groves and vineyards, and explore quaint, historical villages and fortresses. We end our tour in the UNESCO walled city of Dubrovnik - it's a magical vacation! Note:  In our previous episode #106 Part I of our Croatia Bike & Boat island hopping tour, we worked our way from Croatia's capitol, Zagreb, to Plitvice Lakes, to coastal Zadar and then to the start of the tour in Split.  COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about visiting Croatia. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

In Part I of Croatia Bike & Boat island hopping tour, we work our way from Croatia's capitol, Zagreb, to Plitvice Lakes, to coastal Zadar and then to the start of the tour in Split.  In Part II, we island hop via motor yacht and bike from Split to Dubrovnik. We will explore the stories, complicated history, amazing landscape and stunning architecture in this Dalmation region. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about visiting Croatia. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hike, bike and paddle Slovenia on this multi-day, self-guided tour of one of Kit’s favorite countries.  We explore Slovenia’s Triglav National Park region and visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.   We hike the base area of the Julian Alps from Kranjska Gora.  We bike from there to Lake Bled.  We raft the Sava River, and learn about kayaking Lake Bohinj and the Savica Falls. In Ljubjiana, Slovenia’s capitol, we take a food tour, a history tour and a day tour to Škocjan Caves, the Lipsic Stud Farm, and the  Predjama Castle. Learn all about this beautiful, fun and relaxing active adventure on today’s show. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Find new binge worthy travel podcasts in the annual list of the 25 Best Travel Podcasts to check out in the coming year. You'll find inspiration, discover destination ideas and insights, travel tips and hacks, learn industry insider news and hear great travel stories among this group of the top 25 travel podcasts for 2022. Get the Show Notes and the complete list with links to their websites HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hike the Dolomites in the Italian Alps Kit was so inspired by her interview of Annie in Episode 21 about her adventures hiking in the Dolomites, that she booked the same tour and tells you all about it on today's show. Not only do we hike the majestic UNESCO Dolomites, but we also bike a beautiful rail to trails path, and we EAT!  This is Italy, after all. Kit takes you step by step on her adventure so you'll learn what you'll see and do, learn about the accommodations, including the mountain hut (refugios) and learn a bit about the culture. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Bike Pack the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany Learn how to bike pack the 360 mile Erie Canal Trail :  what you'll see, when to go, how many miles per day, where to sleep, and what gear to take. Learn how to plan your epic multi-day biking adventure and much more.  Get insights into general bike packing from an experienced bike packer. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Travel Tips and Insights On this far reaching show, Kit highlights the lessons learned over more than a year and a half on the road, including her USA Road Trip in her camper van, Sophie, plus her long term travel in Europe. We discuss: Myth Busted:  Travel is Expensive : I can't afford it Myth Busted:  Travel is Dangerous We learn tips on how to save money on the biggest travel expenses:  lodging, transportation, attractions and food.  We also learn how Kit finds her way around without cell service (or a paper map), her favorite travel apps, how she chooses where to head next, and what she packed that can get her anywhere in the world, including hiking, biking and paddling! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Today marks the 100th episode of the Active Travel Adventures podcast! Since the vast majority of podcasts rarely make it past eight episodes, this is quite a milestone. I thought it would be fun to review some of your and my favorites of the past four years since I started the show.  Below are the episodes (and links) mentioned to feed your wanderlust.  Download them all! Links Mentioned on Today’s Show: 5 Most Popular ATA Episodes: Banff National Park, Canada El Camino de Santiago, France and Spain Interview with Janet Hanpeter Interview with Umberto of Follow the Camino New Zealand (three part series) Part I Part II Part III Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia Italian Lakes 5 Favorites Adventure Episodes that Kit has done: New Zealand (see links above) West Highland Way, Scotland Cotswold Way, UK Part I Cotswold Way, UK Part II Uk’s Best Walking Holidays Tanzania Safari Bhutan Part I - Culture Part II - Hiking the Druk Trek Nicaragua 5 Favorites Adventure Episodes that Kit wants to go on: Patagonia Machu Picchu India Nepal El Camino 5 Places not yet covered on ATA that Kit wants to go on: Greece Ireland Columbia Indonesia (coming fall 2021) Poland 5 Most Popular Non-destination shows: Bucket List Travel Solo Travel How to Choose a Tour Company How to Train for Adventure Travel Save 10% on Online Custom Personal Training! Adventure Travel Planning Guide Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Discover why Ecuador is considered the adventure capital of South America! Hike under waterfalls, bike down one of the world's highest active volcanoes.  Go for a horseback ride in the heights of Rumiñahui.  Get a thrill on the famous treehouse swing over the cliff of Baños.  Hike the virgin Amazon rainforest and the fertile highlands surrounded by 'The Valley of Volcanoes'.  And take a break to soak in hot springs. Whether as an add on adventure to your Galapagos exploration, or as a stand alone trip, be sure to add an Ecuador adventure to your bucket list! Contact Kit for a special discount Promo Code for this or any Active Adventures or Austin Adventures multi-day tour! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your Ecuador adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, biking, taking the Tree Swing and horseback riding in the Amazon Jungle and on the volcanoes.  For the Galapagos adventure, click HERE.   Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Today we'll explore a land-based Galapagos adventure - away from the busy ship-based tours!  You'll visit several Galapagos islands and learn about the incredible animals, landscape and the history.   We will hike the volcanos and snorkel the shores - even with sharks (but don't worry... they don't bite)! We will learn about the Darwin research center and some of the history of this fascinating area.  This is definitely a Bucket List adventure to add to your list! COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

On today's podcast, we learn all about Isle Royale National Park and why it's the most REVISITED US NATIONAL PARK in the Lower 48, even though it's the least visited park!  Join Kit as she backpacks this rugged island that gets only 19,000 visitors each year.  You can also paddle pack among the 70 interior islands, and Kit discusses this as well. You'll learn about the history, the flora and fauna as well as the geological creation of this island archipelago and Lake Superior of this rugged land, plus the best way to get to Isle Royale. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park. LINKS MENTIONED: How to Backpack Ultra Lite Backpacking Safety in Bear Country (good info for moose, too:) Backcountry Portable Water Treatment Hiker's Emergency Kit What To Do if You Get Lost in the Woods Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

In this special bonus episode, Kit interviews Wendy van Lieshout, CEO of Active Adventures, about the merger with Austin Adventures.  Plus, we discuss travel today in the post vaccine world of covid.  In addition to the merger, we discuss possible vaccine passports, why using a tour company may be more important than ever, and general insights about travel in this crazy new world. The merger of these two great adventure travel companies creates some cool shared features: Incredible local guides who have in-depth knowledge of every destination and years (if not decades) of experience  Small group sizes - average of 12-18 travellers per trip with two guides.   One-of-a-kind experiences, away from the crowds  All-inclusive, multi-day, fully guided, multi-activity adventures in the most stunning adventure travel destinations around the world [now over 100!!!] Authentic, personalized service - taking care of every detail, so guests can just relax and enjoy their holiday  Hand-picked accommodation in amazing locations  Great food is part of the adventure and experience  “We were created in different countries, yet our companies have very similar stories. Each business is like a family – now we’ve just created one bigger family!” Dan Austin, Founder of US-based Austin Adventures Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Paddle the Colorado River for six days through Canyonlands National Park's famous Cataract Canyon.   On this relaxing vacation, you can paddle or simply ride along in the dory as you choose each day!  Plus, in calm waters, you can SUP and others, kayak the smaller rapids!  Stretch your legs on the many optional day hikes through this impressive canyon along the Colorado River before it hits Lake Powell.  This trip isn't hard to book, like the Grand Canyon's trip, plus it takes less than a week instead over over two weeks! Kit interviews popular travel blogger Sherry Ott of Ottsworld.com about her recent paddling adventure with O.A.R.S. We'll hear what it was like and what to expect to see if this holiday should be added to your travel list. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links to boondocking sites, photos and more cool info Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Sophie Diaries:  Camper Van Road Trip through the Dakotas to Lake Superior Kit continues her adventures in “Sophie”, her converted Mercedes Sprinter camper van. On today’s show, we visit the Black Hills of South Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Graham Island State Park in North Dakota, the western coastline of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Learn about these destinations plus get insight into what it's like to travel in a camper van. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Links Mentioned on Today’s Show: Bhutan Episode I Bhutan Episode II Bear Safety Quebec Adventures Glacier National Park Costa Rica Camino Peace Garden ND Crazy Horse Memorial SD Black Hills and Badlands SD Theodore Roosevelt National Park Mount Rushmore Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Resources  Travel with Kit  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hike the rugged North Island of Japan, Hoikkado and avoid the crowds of more touristy parts of Japan. Kit interviews Rick and Susan about their beautiful hiking adventure on this little known part of Japan.  Earlier, they shared their Bolivia and Peru adventures, so be sure to check that show out. On today's show, we learn what to expect if you go on a Hoikkado Japan hiking tour : what you'll see and eat, how to use an onsen (traditional Japanese bath), when to go and more. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important details and links for planning your Hokkaido adventure, photos and more cool info. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Listen in as Kit chats with online personal trainer Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness about how to plan and tweak your adventure travel training program when life gets in the way. You want to make sure you enjoy your adventure, maximize your chances of success while minimizing your chance of injury.  So its best to train your mind and body ahead of time. On today's show, we eavesdrop on Kit's consultation and learn ways to adapt when your schedule doesn't quite mesh with the plan.  Becki also shares important tips on training in general and how she works with clients online individually and in groups to help them prepare for their adventurous dream trips. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links to boondocking sites, photos and more cool info Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. Links mentioned on today's show: Training for Kilimanjaro Climbing Kilimanjaro Training for Altitude CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)   SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Hike and explore springtime in Colorado as Kit and 'Sophie', her converted Sprinter cargo van, visit Dolores, Cortez, Durango, Salida, Colorado Springs, Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Amazon Kit's Picks  Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Learn about Scotland's most popular 96 mile long distance trail in today's interview with Phil who, with his wife, walked this beautiful trail. We will hear what you'll see and learn what advice Phil has for those interested to see if this is an adventure you'd like to do. Kit also walked the West Highland Way in 2017, so she adds her two cents, too. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links to help plan your West Highland Way adventure, plus see photos and more info.  You can also listen to Kit's own WHW adventure on the Show Notes link as well. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here.   CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Amazon Kit's Picks SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Kit heads to magical southern Utah to explore not just its fantastic National Parks, but also some lesser known areas, as she continues her USA camper van road trip in "Sophie". Learn about cool destinations and what Kit has learned about road tripping - both good and bad - along with tips to make your next road trip more pleasant. LINKS MENTIONED ON TODAY'S EPISODE: Wildland Trekking [ Use Promo Code ATA75] Active Adventures [Email Kit for Promo Code] Red Cliffs Lodge Moab UT Rim Tours [ Mountain biking guided tours Moab] Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks ATA episode #90 Teton National Park ATA episode #52 Olympic National Park ATA episode #26 Hike Sedona   ATA episode #88 Boondocking Adventure Travel Show Podcast #34   Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here.   Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Amazon Kit's Picks CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Discover the extraordinary landscape of Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks! We visit Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, plus the cool town of Moab.  Our guest, Ally, tells us about her hiking adventure with ATA affiliate Active Adventures [BONUS:  Email Kit to get an exclusive Discount Promo Code to save on your Utah or any Active tour!]  Get complete details, see photos and more on the SHOW NOTES HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

The Sophie Diaries : May 2021 Join Kit as she explores the incredible landscapes of Northern Arizona!  We hike and/or bike the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona.  We boondock in the Cococino and Prescott National Forest.   Follow along as Kit learns how to travel and live in her converter camper van, "Sophie".  Get tips on camper van travel and learn from Kit's mistakes. Support this show at no additional cost to you by shopping Amazon on this link.   Other Active Travel Adventures episodes mentioned in today's show: Flagstaff Sedona Hike the Grand Canyon Raft the Grand Canyon Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest  

Hike the red rock canyons of mystical Sedona on today’s show.  Learn what you need to know about exploring this stunning landscape.  Join Kit as she hikes these magical canyons with ATA affiliate Wildland Trekking on their base camp Sedona adventure.  Use Promo Code ATA75 on any multi-day Wildland adventure!  You'll be helping to support the show while saving $$$!  COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See photos and important links to plan your Sedona adventure.   Get FREE Travel Planners for all Active Travel Adventures episodes (plus each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Sophie Diaries:  USA Camper Van Road Trip NC>VA Kit heads out on the road again in "Sophie", her 2011 converted Sprinter van. In today's episode, we explore the Appalachian mountain areas of NC, VA and TN. Learn what it's like to take a camping road trip, what Kit has learned, often by trial and error, on how to make the best of the situation in traveling in a van without a set agenda. Links mentioned: Adventure Travel Show Podcast:  Boondocking (= Camp for FREE!) Active Travel Adventures Podcast: Baja Mexico and the Day of the Dead National Forests Flagstaff AZ Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Grand Canyon Show Notes Kits interviews Mary, a 70 year old woman who has hiked the Grand Canyon down and back 142 times - most recently last November.  Who better to learn the in’s and out’s of hiking this incredible canyon - in fact, learn great hiking tips in general, from a woman who has hiked the canyon for the last five decades. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links to hiking the Grand Canyon, photos and more cool info On today's episode we cover: How to plan for your hike What to pack Planning your water, food and electrolyte needs The danger of hyperglycemia When to go The main corridor trails Rear fear versus perceived fear Permits Mule packing  Thunderstorms in the Canyon Training What to wear and Mary’s recommendations Hiking the Canyon in the winter Leave No Trace policy in the Canyon Critters and Animals of the Canyon Whether to use hiking sticks  Links Mentioned: Active Travel Adventures podcasts: Rafting the Grand Canyon  Adventure Travel Show podcasts: How to Choose a Tour Company How to Choose a Portable Water Treatment System Backpack Emergency Kits Leave No Trace practices Ultralight Backpacking Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest    

There are two segments in today’s show.  First we talk about traveling together to Central and South America in 2022, and then we discuss US Camper Van travel in “Sophie”, my 2011 Sprinter Conversion.  We head to Hagan-Stone County Park and Hanging Rock State Park in NC before arriving in Roanoke, VA. TRAVEL WITH ME! Since I travel solo, sometimes (frankly, a LOT of times) it gets lonely.   Since so many of you expressed interest in going with me to Costa Rica, I thought you might be interested in joining me on some of my other adventures.   Costa Rica Coast to Coast Camino:  May 2022 Date to be determined:  Write to be added to the Wait List and to get info:  Kit [ at ] Active Travel Adventures [dot] com * Galapagos "Tortuga" August 5-14, 2022 * Ecuador "Tapir"  August 14-20, 2022 * Machu Picchu "Jaguar" October 2-11, 2022 * Patagonia "Condor" November 9 - 22, 2022  The Galapagos, Ecuador, Machu Picchu and Patagonia trips are booked through my affiliate Active Adventures   [Write to me for a special ATA Promo Code to save $200!].  Get information here.  Be sure to tell them that you want to go on the same tour as Kit in case they are running simultaneous tours and so that I ge credit, which at no additional cost to you, helps to defray some of my costs of production - thanks! If you are nervous about booking due to Covid, or ANY reason, Active offers a very generous Active Assurance program.  This allows you to change your mind up to 30 days in advance, and get a refund except for your 100% fully transferable $500 deposit.  You can even change which tour, which dates and even who's using the deposit.  You can't lose! LINKS MENTIONED: Hagan-Stone State Park Hanging Rock State Park Reserve America - To make park camping reservations John C. Campbell Folk Art School, NC Adventure Travel Show Podcast:  Lightning Safety Tips for Hikers The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com Subscribe to the Podcasts: Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group

Hike the Camino de Costa Rica! Part II:  The Logistics Costa Rica has a new long distance trail that runs from the Caribbean (Atlantic) to the Pacific Ocean.  This 16 day,  280 km/175 mi trail takes you through five ecosystems and more than a dozen rural villages not seen by most tourists. In fact, the Costa Rica Camino is helping these locals afford to stay in their beloved home towns because they are feeding and housing the thru hikers, and even starting new businesses with optional excursions and classes!  It's a "Win-Win" for hikers AND locals! But the trail is still new and the infrastructure is just being fleshed out.  On today's show (Part I of a two part series), we learn what we will see and experience.  In Part I, we learn about the trail itself...what you see and do. You can see photos, download Part I, and get complete details on the SHOW NOTE HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners!  Get access to ALL Active Travel Adventures Travel Planners (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners from the show PLUS all downloads from the companion “How To’ podcast, the Adventure Travel Show.   No spam promise - unsubscribe anytime.  Get the monthly newsletter here. Subscribe to the Podcasts! Both shows are available for free on all podcast apps or directly from the websites. Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show   Let's Connect! Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest Contact Kit with any questions or comments.  

Hike the Camino de Costa Rica! Costa Rica has a new long distance trail that runs from the Caribbean (Atlantic) to the Pacific Ocean.  This 16 day,  280 km/175 mi trail takes you through five ecosystems and more than a dozen rural villages not seen by most tourists. In fact, the Costa Rica Camino is helping these locals afford to stay in their beloved home towns because they are feeding and housing the thru hikers, and even starting new businesses with optional excursions and classes!  It's a "Win-Win" for hikers AND locals! But the trail is still new and the infrastructure is just being fleshed out.  On today's show (Part I of a two part series), we learn what we will see and experience, and in Part II, we will learn more of the logistics. You can see photos, download Part II, and get complete details on the SHOW NOTE HERE. Get FREE Travel Planners!  Get access to ALL Active Travel Adventures Travel Planners (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners from the show PLUS all downloads from the companion “How To’ podcast, the Adventure Travel Show.   No spam promise - unsubscribe anytime.  Get the monthly newsletter here. Subscribe to the Podcasts! Both shows are available for free on all podcast apps or directly from the websites. Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show   Let's Connect! Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest Contact Kit with any questions or comments.

Kit interviews Wendy Lee from the popular travel blog Empty Nesters Hit The Road about her experience trekking Uganda seeking mountain gorillas, found only in the wild (there are none in captivity).    We learn about trekking for gorillas in Uganda versus Rwanda, when to go, what to wear, how hard it is and what to expect on this engaging interview. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links to planning your African gorilla trekking adventure, see photos and get more info. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Third annual list of the 25 Best Travel Podcasts to listen to in the coming year. Host Kit Parks showcases the best in travel podcasts.  Learn travel tips, destination and adventure ideas, travel hacks and industry trends and news.  Discover new shows to add to your library. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links to boondocking sites, photos and more cool info Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to’s of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Kit interviews Umberto di Venosa, founder of Follow the Camino, a tour company focused entirely on assisting 'pilgrims' plan and execute their Camino journey.  Umberto gives us expert insight on what you need to think about when planning your El Camino.  These can also be applied to any long distance walk or pilgrimage. We discuss important considerations like: which trail best suits you and the many paths available what time of year to go and the weather which Camino 'personality' best fits you accommodations and luggage transfer getting the right mindset for a Camino community on the Camino why the journey is more important than the distance See photos and videos and get more information on the SHOW NOTES page. Join the (free) ATA community and receive our monthly newsletter with FREE travel planners and other travel tips and deals. The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Subscribe to the Podcasts: Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter YouTube MeWe MeWeGroup  

Kit brings back Arlis (Baja episode) to tell us about her hiking adventure to Big Bend AND Carlsbad Cavern National Parks. We'll learn what to see and do at these spectacular parks, when to go, and other helpful tips to make your adventure grand. See photos and the complete SHOW NOTES HERE. The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Subscribe to the Podcasts: Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter YouTube MeWe MeWeGroup

Kit interviews Tracy Pawelski, author of One Woman's Camino and her recently released One Woman in the Himalayas, about her Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal. Not everything went as planned.  We discuss her trials and tribulations, and how adventure travel in general often goes awry, but that's ok.  The best travel stories come from the unexpected. We learn about the Annapurna Circuit, and hear Tracy's story about how she got into long distance hiking when she walked the El Camino del Santiago in Spain with her daughter, followed by Scotland's West Highland Way with her husband. See photos and the complete SHOW NOTES here. Be sure to join the monthly, no spam promise newsletter to get the FREE Travel Planner for this and all adventures covered on the Active Travel Adventures and the Adventure Travel Show podcasts.  Unsubscribe anytime. The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter YouTube      

Explore three amazing African countries by foot and safari jeep on today's episode. In addition to a typical jeep safari, we hike and track game with an expert guide in Botswana, and also paddle the delta in a traditional dug out canoe.  The tour even heads to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls! We explore South Africa and Cape Town and seek the Big 5, and learn that it doesn't take very long with the vast number of animals populating the Kruger National Park region! If you climb Kilimanjaro, be sure to allow time to tour Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, especially if you can time if for the mass migration of wildebeests, zebras and more! We learn what it's like to go on a hiking and traditional safari in this inspiring adventure! See photos and the complete Show Notes HERE. The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter YouTube  

076 Hike and Kayak Iceland! Kit interviews Brad about his amazing Iceland adventure where he hiked the rugged landscape to see waterfalls and cave dwellings, he glacier hiked in crampons, and kayaked among icebergs in this land of Fire and Ice.  It’s a magical adventure travel destination you’re sure to add to your Bucket List! Here’s the link to more details and photos about today’s episode and be sure to get the FREE Travel Planner for this adventure. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners from the show PLUS all downloads from the companion “How To’ podcast, the Adventure Travel Show.   No spam promise - unsubscribe anytime.  Get the monthly newsletter here. Subscribe to the Podcasts! Both shows are available for free on all podcast apps or directly from the websites. Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show CONNECT! Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest Contact Kit with any questions or comments.

Today we conclude the "Sophie Diaries" about what it was like to take a six week road trip during the pandemic this summer. Kit makes it out west, hikes and bikes historic trails like the Natchez Trace, the Trail of Tears, the Pony Express and Route 66 as she covers her road trip from North Carolina to Wyoming - with an unexpected and abrupt ending. Learn what it's like to travel now, what she's learned and some cool places she visited that you may want to add to your future travel list.   SHOW NOTES: https://activetraveladventures.com/roadtrip/ Kit Parks Host of the Active Travel Adventures and the Adventure Travel Show podcasts The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter

Kit continues her multi-state camper van road trip during the pandemic.  Learn what it's like to travel now, what she's learned and some cool places she visited that you may want to add to your future travel list. SHOW NOTES: https://activetraveladventures.com/roadtrip/ Kit Parks Host of the Active Travel Adventures and the Adventure Travel Show podcasts The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter

What’s it like to go on a road trip during the pandemic?  In today’s show, Kit and her camper van ‘Sophie’ take to the road to find out.  You’ll learn what went right and wrong on her trip, and lessons learned.  You’ll hear about some amazing places to explore, especially State Park gems, as Kit works her way West from NC on her six week adventure. SHOW NOTES: https://activetraveladventures.com/roadtrip/ Kit Parks Host of the Active Travel Adventures and the Adventure Travel Show podcasts CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter Email The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com  

The 'Summer of Kit' road trip in 'Sophie', Kit's new-to-her converted Sprinter camper van concludes, but she forgot about lack of internet access to produce new episodes while she traveled.  Today we discuss the new schedule. Be sure to check in with Kit to let her know how YOUR summer went during this crazy time! CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com

Is Contact Tracing the way to open up travel again? Explore the pros and cons of contact tracing and exposure notification, and how it may help us travel again in a Covid world. Today’s Bonus Episode brings Mary Charleson from CarryOnQueen.com and FiveMinuteMarketing.com and Barbara Cameron of BarbaraCameronPix.com. We define contact tracing, the differences between manual and digital tracing, the pros and cons of contact tracing versus exposure notification, we discuss privacy issues, centralized vs decentralized methods, the problems of having a hodgepodge of strategies, and Google and Apples joint ventureto offer exposure notification to the world. GET COMPLETE SHOW NOTES HERE See the complete Show Notes, get Mary and Barb’s web and social links and read the Google/Apple Exposure Notification API for yourself HERE. The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTS: Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter      

Roundup Interview with Adventure Travel Industry Leaders Bonus Episode #6 In March 2020 at the beginning of the lockdown, Kit interviewed three industry leaders to find out what was happening on the ground, how they were dealing with the crisis, and what advice they would give us adventure travelers.  Today’s show is a follow up three months later to see what they’ve learned, what they expect we will see for the next twelve months onward, and advice for travel in the future.  See the key takeaways regarding Covid travel advice and get the complete SHOW NOTES HERE.   Expert Guest Panel Wendy van Lieshout, CEO of Active Adventures from New Zealand Active Adventures offers Bucket List adventures across the globe and will be starting US tours in 2020 Dan Austin, Founder of Austin Adventures in Billings, Montana Austin Adventures offers domestic and international adventure tours geared to both ‘families’ and ‘adult only’. Jim Johnson, Founder of BikeTours.com in Chattanooga, TN BikeTours.com caters to US and Canadian bike lovers who want to explore Europe on cycle tours, both guided and self-guided. ‘Bike the South’ USA-based themed cycle tours will be on offer soon. Kit and her camper van, “Sophie” will be touring parts of the US.  You can follow their adventures in the private Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group, which is also a great place to ask questions and to let us know what adventures you are up to this summer.  Ask to join HERE. Contact Kit HERE Get the Monthly Newsletter with all the free travel planners, discount offers and other travel goodies.  Unsubscribe anytime.  No spam guarantee – I promise!  Sign up HERE   Other Links mentioned in the show: Austin Adventures “Travel in a Covid World” webinar – Register HERE Austin Adventures “Essential Employee” Yellowstone Contest Nomination link Contact Tracing Bonus Episode (available July 16, 2020) The companion Adventure Travel Show podcast SUBSCRIBE to the ACTIVE TRAVEL ADVENTURES podcast HERE SUBSCRIBE to the ADVENTURE TRAVEL SHOW podcast HERE   CONNECT WITH KIT! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter  

072 Adventures in Morocco : Marrakesh, Chefchaouen, the Sahara & Atlas Mountains and more! Our visit to Morocco today focuses on the exotic culture as well as hiking in the Atlas Mountains. We take a camel trek in the Sahara Desert.  We visit Marrakesh, Chefchaouen, Casablanca, and Berber villages.  We take a cooking class, take a night street food tour, explore a Kasbah, watch craftsmen make their wares, such as wool rugs, tanned leather goods, mosaic tile work and pottery.  We tour a massive mosque in Casablanca. I interview our guide, Chama, about what it’s like to be a modern Berber Muslim woman in Morocco, and as a hiking and cycling guide for her native country. I tell you about how I chose the wrong tour company for me and what I would recommend for you.  We talk about safety and other hints on enjoying your visit.  You can also check out my companion podcast episode, the Adventure Travel Show podcast, where I did a show on How To Choose a Tour Company, which covers all the research I did to make sure I don’t make the same expensive mistake in the future.  Get details and listen to this show here. MOROCCO PICS AND DETAILS : See loads of colorful photos and get more details HERE. Get my Monthly NewsletterHERE.  You will also get my once a monthemail with all new travel planners (also free) along with any tips, etc.  Once you are a member, you are entitled to all previous Travel Planners – just email me and I’ll send it to you!  No spam promise and you can unsubscribe anytime. Kit Parks Host of the Active Travel Adventures and the Adventure Travel Show podcasts Kit … [at] …ActiveTravelAdventures.com (you know how to adjust this – Got to keep out the spammersJ The Podcasts: Subscribe to Active Travel Adventures podcast HERE Subscribe to the Adventure Travel Show podcast HERE Visit the websites to see all of our adventures, great photos and more below: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter  

The best way to see the highlights of Jordan is on foot!  Hike Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan, camp Bedouin-style in the desert away from the tourists and under a canopy of stars, ride a camel through the desert, visit Mount Nebo and Amman, and learn why Jordan is the friendliest country in the Middle East! We cover: When to visit Jordan Things to do and see in Jordan How to dress in Jordan Safety in Jordan; solo and women travel safety in Jordan Explore Petra and the Treasury and Monastery; Little Petra Hike and camp in Petra and Wadi Rum Float in the Dead Sea Visiting Amman, Mount Nebo and Jerash And much more! Get complete details and download the FREE Jordan Travel Planner on the  Show Notespage.  Check out all destinations on the Directory Page. https://activetraveladventures.com http://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Connect with Kit: Email Get the FREE Monthly Newsletter Instagram  parks.kit  Twitter @Kit_Parks Pinterest Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures ATA Facebook page

Kit Parks interviews three top adventure travel tour industry leaders about how they are coping with the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the travel industry, how they are handling upcoming and future travel bookings, postponements and cancellations, what silver linings they’ve discovered, their outlook for the future and what travellers can do to help their favorite tour companies get through this crisis. Our guests today include Paul McDonald with Active Adventures based in Queenstown, New Zealand, Dan Austin of Austin Adventures from Billings, Montana , and Jim Johnson of BikeTours.com from Chattanooga, TN. Check out the website for the 10 Ways YOU can safely plan your travels in this new era HERE.  You'll see lots of pics, videos and links that will inspire you during these unusual times.   CONNECT WITH ME!   Email me Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter Links Mentioned on this Show: Part One Part Two Part Three Mont Blanc Machu Picchu Patagonia Annapurna Nepal Dolomites Italian Lakes Bolivia Cycling the Stilleto Heel of Italy (Puglia) Antarctica Costa Rica Tanzania safari Glacier National Park Teton National Park Banff National Park Cambodia Thailand   The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com

Have an amazing vacation in Banff Canada!  Hike, bike, and paddle in one of Canada’s most scenic destinations.  Soak in a hot tub while you watch the incredible night sky!  Learn tips from a local on this podcast episode, download the FREE Banff Travel Planner and get more information and see pics on the website. We cover: When to visit Banff How to get to Banff Things to do in Banff Guided hiking tours in Banff Where to stay in Banff Wildlife of Banff And much more! Get complete details and download the FREE Banff Travel Planner on the Show Notes page https://activetraveladventures.com http://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Connect with Kit: Email Get the FREE Monthly Newsletter Instagram  parks.kit  Twitter @Kit_Parks Pinterest Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures ATA Facebook page 0000051F 0000051F 0000D1D3 0000D1D3 00166AE0 00166AE0 00007E3E 00007E3A 0000016D 0000016D

  Be sure to Download the FREE Checklist available on the website!   https://activetraveladventures.com http://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Instagram parks.kit   Twitter@Kit_Parks   Facebook Group: Active Travel Adventures   ATA Facebook page  

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River in central Idaho is one of the earliest designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the US and is considered the crown jewel of the system. The Salmon River flows through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area.The river flows through a steep canyon with 7000’ of vertical drop, making it deeper than the Grand Canyon. Last summer, I joined a dozen other ladies, soon to be friends, on a week long rafting and boating trip down this remote, untouched absolutely stunning wilderness where there is no electricity, no cell phones, not even a road or building for more than 2 million square acres! It’s just us, a dory aka paddle boat for those who choose not to raft, and three rafts for those that do, plus four very skilled female guides and a supply raft with two crew. So picture this: it’s just us and the pines, the canyons and the eagles, and of course the river. Get the inside scoop on what you need to know before you raft one of the world's best whitewater rafting runs! Complete Show Notes and a FREE Travel Planner can be found HERE Get more details, see photos and videos of this remarkable rafting adventure! Active Travel Adventures podcast  Adventure Travel Show podcast Instagram parks.kit   Twitter@Kit_Parks   Facebook Group: Active Travel Adventures   ATA Facebook page

Hike the Dolomites Today we head to northeastern Italy to the magical Dolomites for an adventure that our world adventure traveler, Annie calls the ‘perfect’ adventure travel vacation. We cover: Where are the Dolomites How to get there Things to do in the Dolomites Hiking and cycling in the Dolomites Via ferratas – what are they and are they safe Best time to visit the Dolomites Fully guided hiking tour of the Dolomites Get complete details and download the FREE Dolomites Travel Planner on the Show Notes. https://activetraveladventures.com http://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com Connect with Kit: Get the FREE Monthly Newsletter Instagram  parks.kit   Twitter @Kit_Parks Pinterest Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures ATA Facebook page

Jenny , an Active Travel Adventures listener lives in Flagstaff and shares her love of her beautiful adventure paradise on today's show – in fact after we chatted, she wondered if she should just keep Flagstaff a secret!  Located in northern Arizona on the southern part of the Colorado plateau, Flagstaff has a metro population over 130,000 which means it's large enough to support great culture and restaurants, yet small enough to retain a community feel. Flagstaff sits next to Mount Elden at the south end of the San Francisco peaks, Arizona's highest mountain range.  Surprising to most, Flagstaff has a higher elevation than Denver at over 7000′.  This means you can have wonderful adventures year 'round in this high and dry desert landscape, from hiking and biking in the warm months to all of the winter sports in the colder months.  Skiers and snowboarders will love the 108″ average snowfall!  Unlike much of Arizona, it rarely exceeds 88 degrees F in the summer, and the normal annual range is 19°F to 81°F – perfect!   Be sure to Download the FREE Checklist available on the website!   https://activetraveladventures.com http://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Instagram parks.kit   Twitter@Kit_Parks   Facebook Group: Active Travel Adventures   ATA Facebook page

Learn how to choose the best travel tour company for your next vacation by using my 12 point system to evaluate tour companies and their tours. Don't make an expensive mistake that could ruin your trip! Check out the Show Notes  Be sure to Download the FREE Checklist available on the website!   https://activetraveladventures.com http://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Instagram parks.kit   Twitter@Kit_Parks   Facebook Group: Active Travel Adventures   ATA Facebook page    

One of the great bucket list items many of us have is going to the ends of the Earth. You’re in luck in this episode because host, Kit Parks, takes you all the way down to the South Pole to Antarctica. Interviewing a world traveler, Kit guides us to an entirely new Antarctic expedition—cruising and kayaking the South Pole together into the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Discover some of the great things about touring on a ship that stretches far from its great amenities to delivering an unforgettable experience with wildlife as well as with the people. Follow the adventures and experiences in store such as visiting Shackleton’s grave and the whaling station, seeing the sea ice, and crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Tune in for more special experiences in this Antarctic expedition.

Show Notes Top 25 Travel Podcasts of 2020 Episode 062 of the Active Travel Adventures podcast In this episode, you learn the best travel podcasts for: * Destinations *Travel tips *Travel hacks *Travel stories *Budget travel *Female travel *Women of color travel *Culture *Adventure travel *Walt Disney World *Humorous travel tales See the complete list at Active Travel Adventures(ATA). Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know so I can check it out to see if it belongs on next year’s list. You can contact me here. Subscribe to the FREE Monthly Newsletter to get this list in a PDF with active links in next month’s letter, and get all subsequent free travel planners and downloads automatically in future monthly letters (no spam promise!). Links Mentioned in today’s show: Kit’s interview on Amateur Traveler about the Crystal Coast Kit’s interview on Cheap Alaskan Cruises with Zero To Travel Kit interviews Phil from World Nomads about travel insurance (World Nomads is an affiliate of ATA. Please use this link whenever you purchase travel insurance. It’s a no cost way to help support the program - thanks!) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

Kit interviews Janet Hanpeter from Planet Janet Travels about her experience walking the El Camino from France.  She loved it so much that she returned to do the section she hadn’t done.  You can learn about that here.  We learn about the Pilgrim Passport, how to stay at the pilgrim hostels, the people you’ll meet and things you’ll see and what to expect when you hike OR bike the El Camino de Santiago.  This episode first aired in the fall of 2017.   Here’s the link to more details and photos about today’s episode and get the FREE Travel Planner for this adventure.   Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest

In Part II of Adventure Travel in Bolivia and Peru, we now cross the Peruvian border into Bolivia. Kit Parks continues her conversation with Susan Brickey and Richard Pope about their exciting adventure. Here, we learn about the Inca civilization and local people of the Andes mountains and the magical Uyuni salt flats and Isla de la Luna. We also find answers to why there is a massive train graveyard and how come tourists stay in the San Pedro prison, the cities of La Paz and Copacabana. Discover so much more about this adventure and understand why serious world travelers, Susan and Richard, put this trip in their top five!   Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

Peru and Bolivia are captivating countries famous for its natural wonders and cultural heritage. People never miss visiting the famous Machu Picchu. Our guests, Susan Ricky and Richard Hope, chose to travel off the beaten path and experience what outdoor adventures Peru has to offer, and they were not disappointed! Susan and Richard recall their exhilarating experience in Lake Titicaca to the daily celebration in Cusco's main square. Their visit to the different fortresses, ruins, and terraces was a great opportunity to experience the local life. Catch their tips on how to handle the altitude in this region and the best time to travel to Peru and Bolivia. Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/peru-bolivia Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

Experience remote ruggedness, Alpine Lakes, and impressive forests in this seldom visited range in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Mummy Range. Get away from the crowds and experience pristine wilderness where you might not see anyone but your hiking mates for days! This challenging section of the Rockies showcases beautiful alpine lakes, meadows, lodgepole pine forests, and epic views. We climb to about 11,400 feet and hike both on and off trail. If you want to do the same, be sure to hire a guide unless you are an experienced backcountry hiker! The journey begins in Estes Park, followed by a hike in the broad river valley before climbing ever higher elevations across the Tundra fields of the high Mummy Range. You'll see snowcapped mountains and, on a clear night, the Milky Way! It's not uncommon to see a large herd of elk and sometimes moose. If you've been yearning to witness true wilderness, consider trekking the Mummy Range! Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/backpack-mummy-range-colorado-rockies Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

In today's show, we head to the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico via Cabos San Lucas. We explore the cool town of Todos Santos and glamp on the island Epiritu Santo where we do all the fun water sports like kayak, snorkel, swim, SUP, and even learn how to surf! We take a great hike across the island and even swim and play with sea lions. In addition to this adventure, we take a horseback ride along the surf, explore the quaint town of Todos Santos where we also get to participate in the amazing Day of the Dead Celebration, Dio de Muertos, a colorful and joyful national holiday where people come out to remember their loved ones (be sure to see the photos below!). We'll learn what to do in Baja, when to go there, and more! Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/baja-day-of-dead Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

The Wind River Range in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, is the mountain range that inspired Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia clothing) to spend his life climbing mountains. Breathtaking in beauty, this remote and rugged mountain range is not nearly as well known as the Tetons, but is just as striking, and not as crowded. Where is the Wind River Range located? The Wind River Range is a couple hour drive south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Most people fly in to the beautiful Jackson Hole airport. Try to allow a couple of days to explore this great town, as well as some days hiking and playing in the Tetons just outside of town. You can listen to the Teton podcast episode and see more photos here. The Wind River Range runs about 100 miles in a NW-SE direction, including about 80 miles of the Continental Divide following the crest of the range. The Wind River mountains include Wyoming's highest peak, Gannett Peak at 13,804′ (4207 m). The range includes two large national forests and three wilderness areas.  The entire Wind River Range is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Part of the range falls within the Wind River Indian Reservations. There are about 600 miles of hiking trails in the Wind River Range and many consider this are to have the most beautiful mountains in Wyoming.  Our guest today, Paula Talbott, trekked the Wind River Range with my affiliate Wildland Trekking. WIldland offers seven treks of varying difficulty, including some that are llama supported, meaning you only have to carry your day pack instead of a backpack and all the weight. Paula did Wildland's most difficult adventure, the Boulder to Green River Lakes 7 day trek. Here is a list of Wildland Trekking's Wind River Range treks. Note that they offer all of these treks as a custom hike, so you can choose whether to hike with just your own group, or hike to meet other like minded folks who love the wild. Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/hike-wind-river-range-wyoming/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network of trails in Japan traces its roots back 1000 years to when emperors and samurai would trek these forested rural paths to Japan's most important sacred shrines and temples. This beautiful trek is a UNESCO World Heritage trail, the only such trail besides its sister trail, the El Camino del Santiago in Spain. It is a challenging hike with significant ascents and descents. Each evening, you stay in a local traditional Japanese inn, partake in the ritual evening bath, and enjoy the outstanding local cuisine. In today's show, we interview world nomad and fellow travel blogger Sherry Ott of Ottsworld.com about her five-day trek of the Nakahechi trail. An avid worldwide hiker, Sherry puts the Kumano Kodo trail in her top 5 trails! Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/kumano-kodo-trail-in-japan Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

Thailand has always been a go-to travel destination, and tourists are drawn to its capital, Bangkok. Instead of going that route, Emily Sedgwick and her husband chose to explore the rural parts of Northern Thailand through a cycle tour from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. They enjoyed every part of their guided tour going through hills, riding narrow boats through mighty rivers and visiting local villages. Emily and her husband got to see the best Northern Thailand has to offer like ethical elephant sanctuaries and sumptuous local dishes. Since they were exploring Thailand by bike, they got to observe the local people and their surroundings even more. Through their journey, Emily realized that Thailand has something for everybody, and she shares how you can have an amazing trip to Thailand as well. Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/cycle-tour-northern-thailand-from-bangkok-to-chiang-rai Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

The majestic Teton mountain range offers adventures galore: hike, bike, paddle and horseback ride as you explore one of the US most famous national parks. Lorna Miller, an adventure enthusiast, shares why she loves Teton National Park and invites people to the area’s wonderful sites. Just like any natural park in the US, there are many activities that you can do at Teton. Lorna explains what hikers can enjoy and what trails are waiting for them. She also shares vital tips on understanding the wildlife in the area, knowing the weather, and what items to bring with you. Don’t just take Lorna’s word for it. Discover why Teton National Park in Wyoming is one of the top ten US national parks visited each year! Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/teton Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

Acadia National Park is one of USA's most famous national parks and the only one in New England. Over 3.5 million people visit Acadia National Park each year, and Kita Roberts of Pass the Sushi and Girl Carnivore shares her adventure there. Stating how Acadia must be part of our bucket places to go, Kita describes Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Mount Desert Island, Isle of Haute, Schoodic Peninsula, and the Loop Scenic Drive, as well as the hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing, horseback riding, and boat tours you can enjoy there. On top of that, she gives her advice on the best time to go there and the essential wearables you need. Click Here for the Show Notes: https://activetraveladventures.com/exploring-acadia-national-park/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Active Travel Adventures Community: activetraveladventures.com Active Travel Adventures Facebook Page Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Active Travel Adventures Twitter Active Travel Adventures Instagram Active Travel Adventures YouTube Kit Parks LinkedIn

Most Popular : USA Lake Jocassee at Devil's Fork State Park, SC Join my 93 year old Mom and I as we explore Mom and my late father's favorite getaway.  This is mainly a water adventure along the MASSIVE 90+ mile shoreline.  There is a cool trail on the summit nearby for hikers.  Perfect for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboard (BYO) and boating.  There are boat tours and kayak tours, and once you leave the dock, you are surrounded by pristine wildness.  Less than 40 homes on the shoreline! Book early and get a waterfront cabin.  Affordable and nice!  There's a campground both at the park and on a nearby island (rustic and accesible only by boat). Jocassee Episode : Listen now and/or get more pics and info Most Popular:  Canada  Banff National Park and Lake Louise   I interviewed John, whom I met while hiking in New Zealand.  He lived in the Banff area for years and gives us the scoop on one of Canada's most popular national parks. What CAN'T you do in Banff?  You can day hike, backpack, bike, paddle, boat and chill out is a cool town.  No car needed! This is a great year 'round adventure destination for those that don't mind the cold and love winter sports.  Plus you just might see the Northern Lights from a hot spa!   Banff National Park Episode : Listen now and/or see more pics and info Most Popular South America Machu Picchu Peru One of ATA's most popular epsiodes of all time.  Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise come up through the Sun Gate.  Sure you can take a bus to the site, but to REALLY EARN your view (plus you also get there before the crowds!).  It's tough and A LOT of steps, but worth is and on many hiker's busket lists. Machu Picchu Episode : Listen now and/or see more pics and info Most Popular : Europe Mont Blanc through Switzerland, Italy and France The Mont Blanc episode runs neck and neck with the Machu Picchu for the title of the most popular Active Travel Adventures podcast.  Ironically, this episode is an interview of Linda, who is married to Harry from our Machu Picchu episode.  Too funny!  I plan to do both adventures in a single year and will see which one I prefer. Mont Blanc Episode : Listen now and/or see more pics and info Most Popular : Central America Costa Rica This show has special meaning to me as I took my sister, Terry, on her first adventure travel holiday and we had a BLAST!  We also climbed Costa Rica's tallest mountain, Chirripo at over 12,500' - my highest ever.  It was a tough climb almost straight up 12 miles with 7000' elevation gain.  We got up at 3am so we could do the last three miles and reach the top at sunrise - magical!   The whole trip was a blast!  I also loved our two day stay in the rainforest where we rafted the Pacuare river - one of the most scenic in the world! Great hiking, fabulous landscapes and wonderful wildlife.  An epic trip! Costa Rica Episode : Listen now and/or see more pics and info Most Popular Oceana  New Zealand (Three part series) My most favorite adventure of all time!  What didn't we do?  We hiked the iconic trails, mountain biked, kayaked and rafted as we explored this magical country with such diverse landscapes.  There is no 'ugly' in New Zealand!  The locals are super fun, friendly and welcoming.  We visited the South and the North Island and if you go, make time to do both!  Well worth the long flight!!! New Zealand Episode Part I South Island         Part II South Island con't           Part III North Island Listen now and/or see more pics and info on the links above Most Popular Asia Vietnam/Cambodia by Bike After this interview, this trip shot up to the top of my Bucket List!  What a great way to see this part of Southeast Asia:  Karen and Norm were on a guided and van supported bike tour, so they got to see a lot and really mix with the locals.  BONUS:  They also got to tour Angkor Wat in Cambodia by bike so they also got to avoid the crowds.  Don't be surprised to hear my own episode of this adventure in the next year! Vietnam/Cambodia Episode : Listen now and/or see mor pics and info Most Popular : General Adventure Information Building Your Bucket List Chase offers us some great insights in to how to think about and then build a bucket list.  He offers encouragement for us to then take the next step and actually go after and DO THEM!  Certainly one of the most inspirational episodes on the Active Travel Adventures podcast! Bucket List Episode : Listen now and/or see more pics and info How To Add Adventure Travel to Your Life   There are FIVE STEPS:   1. Choose a Destination and ActivityA great way to get ideas is to poke around the Directory Page for this podcast.  DREAM.   Figure out the best time for you to get away for your adventure.  When is the best time of year to do your adventure? Are you an adrenaline junky?  Or are you like me who likes to hike for 'pretty'?  I will hike up and hard mountain to see a gorgeous view or landscape.  Do you want to test your mettle?  How about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone by visiting another culture where you can't speak the language?  I encourage you to +1 outside your comfort zone.  That's where you'll get the greatest satisfaction!   3. Budget : Adventure doesn't have to be expensive! Pay yourself first.  Have a certain amount automatically withdrawn and sent to a special Travel Savings Account.  THEN try to cash flow it as much as possible (pay some of the bills as they come in veersus pulling from your Travel Savings Account. Often you won’t miss it!  Really!  Whatever amount you think you can save, add 20% to it.  You may find yourself surprised that your honestly CAN live without that money - seriously!  Change your mindset that savings is deprivation and consider it as a TREAT for yourself.  You work hard and deserve this! Many adventures cost about the same or less than home except for the travel:  Example: Pisgah National Forest Episode, Gas money $100, brought my own food and drink. Ice and a map Total: $125 Example:  Jocassee Lake  Gas money $100, Cabin $140/nite slept 5 and plenty of room for air matresses or sleeping pads. Full kitchen so can bring food or cook, same as home.  Go with five friends and you pay $180/wk.  Save money by getting a cheaper flight.  Learn how on the Adventure Travel Show Podcast Episode 007 on Cheaper Flights. Camping not your thing, think hostels, especially outside of North America.  Adults are allowed in most.  Some are super nice and you can get a private room.  I also like hostels for socializing as sometimes I get lonely when I travel solo. Prices run the gammit, but significantly cheaper.  I use and book with the Hostel World app to locate highly rated hostels. Space out the expense:  Sometimes you don't have to pay for it all at once.  Tours often just require a down payment and then you can save up for the rest to finish the payment before you go.  Most times the balance is usually due 60 days or so ahead of time. 4. Train for your adventure! You will enjoy your adventure more if you are properly trained for it.  If you are going with a group, you are also being considerate of your aventure mates if you are fit enough for the challenges you face. Training should incorporate strength, endurance, using the muscles you will need most, flexibility and balance. Not sure where to begin?  Get a FREE phone consultation with my affiliate Marcus at Fit For Trips.  He can custom design a training program for you whether or not you belong to a gym.  He offers videos so you practice with good form.  It's affordable and you can save 10% by using the Coupon Code ATAKIT10.  You'll also be supporting this podcast at no additional cost to you - thanks! You can listen to my interview with Marcus and learn more about Training here. 5. Get Travel Insurance!  As much fun as adventure travel is, sometimes things go wrong.  And when they do, it can get REALLY expensive, especially if you are in a remote area or in a foreign country and need transport to a hospital!  Many travel insurance companies do not cover adventures SO READ YOUR POLICY!  I recommend my affiliate World Nomads because they understand adventure, and I can't think of one adventure that I've covered on this program that would NOT be covered under their standard policy. Travel insurance also helps (again read your policy) in case your trip gets interrupted or cancelled, you or a close relative gets sick (or dies), if your luggage gets lost or delayed and many other inconvenient and often expensive problems.  A good policy will offer medical emergency care and evacuation to a good hospital. When I travel to developing countries, I beef up the medical evacuation coverage just to be doubly safe.  If you use my links, you'll also be supporting the show at no additional cost to you - thanks!       QUESTIONS MOVING FORWARD: Does this show make a difference in your life?  Have you made plans based on this show, if so what?  Have you taken the trip? Can you please email me and let me know.  Better yet, use the recording app on your phone and email me your message so I can include it on a future show.  It really brightens my day when I hear from you.  Email me your FEEDBACK on the program please. Europe gets a disproportionate amount of episodes.  Are you cool with this or do you want more exotic locations? I lean towards hiking and it shows on the episodes,  Do you want more biking holidays? Those that fill out my online survey on the website indicate that you aren’t that much into paddling, so I haven’t done many epsidoes there.  However my early whitewater rafting of the Colorado river with Mike is a consistent hit, and I can’t recommend more strongly doing the water fun I had in New Zealand. It seemed that every time I turned around I was in a wetsuit, yet never was I cold.  And lookign back, my fondest memories are my paddling activities, probably because that and the mountain biking were my least confident activites.  I would like to build our community via the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group.  Online we can connect. So please join me in helping to build our adventure community!  Get our MONTHLY Newsletter      Subscribe to Active Travel Adventures     Check out Adventure Travel Show Podcast Complete Show Transcript This is a machine transcribed transcript, so there will be boo boos in it.  However, you might find it helpful so I include it. Kit: (00:00) Welcome to the act of travel adventures podcast. I'm your host kit parks and today is a really special day for me. It's the 50th anniversary of this show, meaning 50 episodes, obviously not 50 years, but currently there are over 700,000 podcasts. Most folks like me who start a podcast have absolutely no idea what they're getting themselves into, how much time it's going to take, etc. So the vast majority of new podcasts succumb to something they call pod fade. The majority don't make it to eight episodes period. So 50 is a big milestone both for me and for the industry. Kit: (00:34) Okay. Kit: (00:36) In fact, of all the podcasts listed, only 18% have released an episode in the last three months and less than 40% have put out a show in the last year. So this pod fade is a big deal. I don't want to bore you with all the stats and things like that about podcasts in particular, but I just wanted to let you know why I'm so excited that I did make it to the 50 and I continue to feel like we're going strong and we're doing something with this show. Just to give you a few more stats, so so far with the 50 episodes, I probably have put out more than 50 hours of podcast content and at the time of this recording you guys have listened to over 25,000 hours of Kit. Very humbling. I'm very honored and I hope that you are getting something good out of it. I know I'm having a blast doing it and I hope you're getting as much out of it as I am. Kit: (01:27) Okay. Kit: (01:28) Each show takes me about 30 hours to produce even though you only see an hour of it. There are 21 different software things involved in the production of the show, the marketing of the show, putting them together, the the website itself, the travel players, all these different things that go together. So it's a lot of moving parts and I'm spinning plates constantly to try to put out a good show by myself. Although I am now hiring somebody to help do some editing in the future cause that's one of the time consuming things that I feel comfortable letting somebody else take out the ums and the Ahs and things like that for me. So I am trying to get a little bit of help there. But nonetheless for somebody who's not very techie to learn the 20 odd different softwares has been a big deal as well. I am still working on getting the tech right. I still have some bibles with this software and 70 equipment and all that, but I'm working on that. I'm also working on trying to speak a little slower. I know you're not seeing that very much, but I do get some feedback that I talk very fast and I will try to slow down a little bit in the future. I think I've improved, but I've got a way to go. Kit: (02:37) A lot of heavy podcasts users will speed up the time. You can play a podcast, you can do it like one and a half times or two times. That would be really hard with my shows. And like I said, I am speaking a little bit slower, but here is from a recent episode, which I thought was kind of funny at two times. Speed. Okay. Everybody can shut up, not just New Zealand, but the world's tallest commercially inevitable waterfall in the world. 21 feet. Thanks man. You'd get a headache listening to my show at two times speed. Kit: (03:07) So when I've spent all day fighting the technology, when the webpage won't load up or sometimes it's just disappeared or doing some funky things, the thing that gives me joy is when I hear from you and I get an email from you and tells me where you tell me, Oh, you've taken this trip because you heard about the Cotswold on the show or you got the confidence to try pushing yourself outside your comfort zone because of the people you've heard about on this show. So those really rock my boat and I encourage you to send me emails and tell me what's going on in your life. Tell me about your travels, et Cetera, at kit, at active travel, adventures.com I absolutely adore getting your emails in the 50 episodes. I still have not improved my pronunciation. I probably will never get very good at that. I'm just a little clunky with the tongue and I just will continue to do the best I can and I'll put the spellings and all the show notes so you can find some of the locations that I'm butchering. Kit: (04:05) Looking through the different episodes. I find it really funny that the two most popular episodes to this date, even though the show has grown dramatically in 2019 like doubled in just the last couple of months, still to this date, two of my earliest episodes, the month long, and also Machu Picchu, each one done by a spouse, Linda Cohen. Dickens told us about her Montblanc adventure and her husband, Harry told us about their Machu Picchu adventure. Those two ironically run neck or neck for the most popular episodes downloaded. And if you haven't listened to them, I would encourage you to do so. They're great shows and in fact I think I'd like to in a single year do both of them myself and let's put it to the test and see which one becomes the most popular. I think that'd be pretty cool. So in we break out the different areas that we've gone to on this show. Kit: (04:58) We've only been to four locations in the United States and the recent late Joe Cassie state park has been a standout. That was a great episode showing you that you can have a very inexpensive adventure sometimes right in your backyard or something that's easy to get to and you can have a base and then do each day, whatever you feel like doing. And by having that one base planted people of different skill levels and desires and it makes for a nice family or group adventure holiday where everybody doesn't have to be in the same physical level, which is kind of cool. Kit: (05:34) And Africa, we only went to one place, but those were really popular because it was Kilimanjaro. And in fact that was my very first multipart series and that remains a favorite and still a big inspiration. Cindy was a couch potato who got it in her head that she was going to climb Kilimanjaro, so she lost 50 kilograms and seven months managed to train herself to get up that mountain. Really Sydney, we've been lots of places in Asia recently and most popular. Again, I think things are skewing a little bit towards the latter episodes because we have more listeners now the Vietnam and Cambodia by bike, which is something I'm really super keen on trying out myself next year. I was so inspired. That was a great episode. Courage you to listen to that Canada between Banff and Quebec Bamf is certainly shooting to the top. That is been one of the most popular episodes to date and that is also high on my list. It just sounds like the perfect spot where you can be based in one location if you want to and have all sorts of adventures. Really cool Kit: (06:37) in Central America. Our Costa Rica trip was the number one and that was a really fun and memorable for me because that's when I took my sister on her first adventure holiday and we climbed Chipo, which was a massive accomplishment. That's Costa Rica's, tallest mountain. Who knew they had tall mountains. It's actually the 38th highest mountain in the world and that was quite a challenge. I'm going to talk a little bit about that later so I won't go more into that. In South America, here we come with Machu Picchu as number one and that's the one we talked about earlier where Harry talked about his trek to Machu Picchu to be there to look at the sun gate at dawn. Super, Super Fun. Really cool. Kit: (07:15) Yeah. Kit: (07:16) In Europe, we've been to Europe lots of times in the last 50 episodes, and Linda, Harry's wife talking about their man block adventure rises far and beyond as number one of all of our European adventures. Although the Dolomites in the Italian lakes are trying their hardest to shoot for that number one slot. The Montblanc circuit, if you're not familiar with it, you're actually hiking through three countries and she did this with active, so they actually threw in a couple other activities as most of the active trips are not just hiking, they're predominantly hiking, but they usually throw on some kayaking or biking and give you an off day two in generally an adventure town where you can do all sorts of things. They pair of glided there, for example. Kit: (07:59) Okay. Kit: (07:59) Down under, we did an episode in Australia and the New Zealand series and the New Zealand series by far has been a hit and I hope if nothing else you listened to third part of that series that came up in this very last episode. So you hear about some of the adventures that we did in the water and some of my final thoughts in New Zealand. That was bar none. The best trip I ever took in my life. It was fabulous. In addition to covering destinations. We also had a couple episodes on general information about benefits of venture travel, dealing with the fears of adventure travel training for adventure travel, and then the number one of the general information was the bucket list episode that's been super popular and everybody that's giving me feedback on their deck, they were so shocked because chase, the guy that I interviewed was pretty young but he's packed a lot of life in his young years and he was very wise and it was a good episode. So I encourage you to listen to that if you haven't done so already. I'm going to put links to all of the number one of each category in the show notes so that if you haven't listened to the whole series of the active travel adventures podcast, these are ones that you can cherry pick to get started and see what are some of the hits. Kit: (09:16) Okay. Kit: (09:16) And like I said, because we've seen such explosive growth here in the last few months, a lot of the number one hits of each continent are the latter releases of that continent because more and more people are finding the show and I want to thank you for helping them find the show because it's because of you podcast or discovered mainly word of mouth. You can advertise all day long. You could do Facebook and Instagram and all that stuff, but people find a podcast because a friend has recommended it. So you would do me the greatest honor by sharing this podcast with your friends and helping them learn a little bit more about adventure travel and adding some adventure to their life. Kit: (09:57) Yeah, Kit: (09:57) all of the shows that we did in the last 50 episodes make me want to go there if I didn't do it already myself, but the one that appeals to me the most, most recently is that Vietnam, Cambodia by bike. I just thought that was such a cool trip. And what a great way to see the area. I liked that you had two guys as well, so you're getting a lot of the cultural interaction just with your own guides and you can cover a lot more territory because you're on bike versus by foot. Even though I'm an avid hiker and that's generally been my modus operandi. I think that next year I'm going to try to focus more on some of the cycling holidays and I'm interested in doing that. Vietnam, Cambodian, if anybody liked to join me, hit me up, send me an email and I'm going to try to coordinate. Kit: (10:38) Alexa, not hosting the trip. I'm just going, but I think it would be great to go with fellow active travel adventure listeners, so if you're interested in that trip, hit me up and let's try to coordinate something. I think there'd be a lot of fun. I also want to do the same thing with India, Karen and norm who I interviewed for Vietnam and Cambodia and then Emily who I interviewed about northern Thailand that hasn't been released yet. Both of them first found are to bicycle trips, their tour company by taking their Rajistan India trip. And they raved about it and I was like, oh shoot, I've always wanted to go to India. Little bit twitchy on that, but it sounded like a great introduction to India. So I'd like to add that to my list to do late fall, early winter next year on that. So if anybody's interested in joining me on that also hit me up by email. Let's see if we can coordinate something. That'd be great. Kit: (11:33) And as much as I want to inspire you to lead a bigger life through adventure travel, it truly has been you that inspires me. When I talked to you about your adventures, it makes me realize that if you can do it, I can do it. But conversely, if I can do it, you could do it too. So if you're listening out there and you haven't done it already, I mean, I'm just a 50 almost 59 year old widow. I didn't discover the outdoors until 10 years ago and adventure travel a few years later and has changed my life. And that's what I want to help you do as well. I think us reinforcing each other and giving each other confidence builds this loop of us increasing our self confidence and I just think it's super cool. I've talked to several of you on the phone and I think it's really cool to how quickly we seem to bond like we're old friends because somehow this common bond of loving the outdoors and loving adventure and with this medium on the podcast, that is a very intimate medium. Kit: (12:32) We're able to find our people. We indeed are friends even if we haven't met yet and whenever we do finally meet in person or on the phone, it's like we had this instant bond and I just think it's fantastic and I love chatting with you, not just the emails. If you're ever open to a quick phone call, use the link that I put in the show notes and on the website or via email and let me know. I'm going to put a link to my calendar on the show notes and on the website. So if you'd like to, to have a phone chat, sign up on my calendar and I'll give you a holler. That way you can schedule a time that's convenient for you and I'm just want to ask you about yourself. Find out what you'd like to do, find out what you like about the show, what you don't like about the show we just talked for about 15 minutes. Kit: (13:18) I think that'd be kind of fun. The reason I do this podcast is because it helps me lead a bigger life and I want to help you lead a bigger life too because I really believe that adventure travel is a great conduit for us to do so. So my goal is to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone. The way the people I'm meeting and talking to are inspiring me to do the same. Neuroscience tells us that we're already pre wired to seek adventure. Yet when you think about it, how many of us actually have adventure in our daily lives? Not Too many of us. Kit: (13:59) Dopamine, that's that feel good drug that our body creates. Whenever we get excited or curious about something that's a natural byproduct of going on an adventure. As your body is churning out this dopamine, it helps give you encouragement to tackle whatever your upcoming challenges such as that 21 foot waterfall. I rafted it over my last episode and the thrill of doing that waterfall just gave me the biggest high and your body's also releasing dopamine. Just when you think about your exciting upcoming adventures, that's yet another reason to add a venture to your life. So whenever you make it to the top of a mountain that you worked really hard to get to. When you've earned that view, your endorphins are just coursing through your body like a hit of opium and in fact it is a bit of opioids that we are producing and that's what's giving us that high. Kit: (14:51) So when people like me or Paula, who I interviewed yesterday tells me I don't have an addictive personality, but I am addicted to adventure travel. I totally agree. The same thing happened to me and it also happened to my sister Terry when we went on our Costa Rica trip and you can hear it in the voices of my interviewees. There's just no turning back. Once you experience adventure travel for yourself, I also like how adventure travel changes me and makes me a better person and a more disciplined person. Right now I'm training for my upcoming Middle East hiking adventures and in the course of my weekly training, there's two things I really don't like to do running, I don't like doing period, but now I'm running with interval training and then also I've got to do a bunch of steps because I live where it's flat and I have no place to train for any kind of inclines except for steps, so it's super boring. Kit: (15:50) However, I'm training for this upcoming adventure is mentally easier for me than it has been any other previous trip. Why is that? I think that adventure travel and taking on challenging trips build your grit bone so you get better at better at doing the things you don't want to do and don't feel like doing because you know there's a great payoff in the end. And if there's something in my training for that matter, even my life scheduled today, that must be done. It must be done in a certain day. I believe it's this grip bone that I'm building through adventure travel that's helped me to build the discipline I need to get these mandatory unfun things out of the way first so then I can get on with the business of my day. And you know, as I do, most people don't do that. They procrastinate. And so most people never get to where they want to go because they blow off all these necessary steps that they need to in order to get there. Oh, I'm going to start tomorrow. I'm going to do up Monday, but tomorrow never comes. However you and I do take these steps and that's what makes us different. And Dare I say special Kit: (17:02) now only does adventure travel. Build your grip bone but also flexes your courage muscles. With each new adventure you get more and more comfortable being uncomfortable, particularly if you do what I call plus one and your adventures so that each time you push yourself just a little bit more outside your comfort zone, you're starting to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Your greatest growth and satisfaction comes from literally making yourself do the things you're not a hundred percent confident you can do. And the thing is you can do it and once you see that you're capable of far more than you gave yourself credit for you almost drown and all that dopamine and endorphins we were talking about earlier and it's a seriously happy, drown, a great self confidence. And yet I know there's some of you listening that are inspired to try these adventures. They've never done anything like this before. Kit: (17:57) Okay. Kit: (17:58) So what I've done is I've started a new podcast called the adventure travel show podcast that comes out on alternate Thursdays to this show. And the goal of this new show is to give you the information and the tools that you need. So you'll have confidence to go on these adventures, regular adventures. I think we'll find some helpful information in each episode as well. Kit: (18:20) Some of my early episodes in the show teach you how to choose load and pack your backpack, how to choose a water treatment system so you don't have to carry so much heavy water. Now, water is heavy. It weighs like eight pounds a gallon or kilogram per liter. So it's a great show if you like to hike, but don't want to be lugging around any unnecessary water weight. I'm covering nutrition and training and much more. So if you haven't checked out the adventure travel show podcast, please do so and I sure encourage you to subscribe to it. I want you to trust me and try adventure travel. And if you're already a committed adventure, one to introduce somebody who's not, it's going to give you the greatest joy to see the look on their face when they conquer their first challenge. My sister Terry did her first adventure with me in Costa Rica on day two. Kit: (19:12) We got up at 3:00 AM to summit Costa Rica's, Tallest Mountain Chitty Pole. We hiked virtually straight up nine miles the day before to the base camp and then we did the final three miles before dawn so we could catch the sunrise on top of the world, or at least on top of Costa Rica's world. You could not wipe that smile off our faces. I'm going to post the picture on the website. It was an extremely challenging hike at over 12,500 foot with more than 7,000 foot elevation gain in just 12 miles. Huge. I was, like I said, it was like straight up and you had to deal with the altitude as well. Kit: (19:50) Okay, Kit: (19:52) so to this day when my sister Terry faces some kind of a daunting challenge, she tells herself, I climbed Chitty Pole, I can handle this, and that's what adventure travel can do for you. It gives you that confidence in yourself and gives you something fun as a fun way to do it as well. My goal for the future is to continue to bring new, some amazing adventures from around the world. And of course I'm gonna be covering my upcoming Middle East adventures in Jordan. My guide is the first Arab woman to hike the seven summits, which is the highest mountains on each continent. And I actually signed up for this tour just to meet her. I have no desire to hike any of those mountains. I don't do altitude very well and some I like 8,000 below when possible. But I am impressed that anybody's able to do this and I especially wanted to meet her in particular, Michelangelo once said, the greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and miss it, but then we aim too low and we reach it. And to that I would add and settle for that low bar. Don't you want to kick ass life? I know I do and I'm going for it. Kit: (21:09) Think about that. So even if you try something, let's say I tried shooting ball as some of the my travel mates did and didn't make it to the top, I still would be proud of myself because I worked darn hard to get up there. And the guys that didn't make it, they still pushed themselves above their normal activity level. So good on them. And the New Zealand trip, I didn't do so well on the mountain biking. So what I pushed myself and I know I'll do better next time. I build my confidence even when things don't go the way I thought they were going to go. And I believe that especially when you expand your horizons and step outside your comfort zone, that's where you get the self esteem and that's where your boldness will grow. I want to encourage you, not just in your travels, but in life to always try to plus one outside your comfort zone and get a little bit more comfortable being uncomfortable. It's going to make a huge difference in your quality of life and your joy of life Kit: (22:10) for the umpteenth time. Somebody said to me today, oh, they wish they could go on some of these cool adventures I've been doing guys. There's nothing special about me. Anyone can do this. The difference is I actually take the steps to do it and you can too. The first thing you got to do is choose your adventure, figure out. Do you want something? Are you an adrenaline junky? I'm not, but a lot of people are listen to Manny, Carol from New Zealand. They just love things that make you scared to death. I don't do that. I just hike for pretty, so for me, I look for something that's going to be what's beautiful. I want to see the incredible places that sometimes you can only see if you've got to work for it. You got a backpack to it or hike up to it. Sometimes I want to do an adventure that's going to test and push myself. Sometimes I want to explore a completely foreign culture to step outside my comfort zone that way and see their country and the people through their landscapes. So I figure out what kind of events you want to do and pick something. Kit: (23:14) Use the search bar@actortraveladventures.com on the directory tab or just browse through the different destinations we've covered on that page. Kit: (23:25) You can do it by category, time of year activity, all sorts of different ways. So if that makes it really easy to help narrow down what to do. And then the second thing you do is block off the time someday is not a day of the week. I don't know who said that, but that is so true. So pick time. You want to do it, figure out what's the best time of year. And you can look through the travel planners that I produced to all own all the different adventures to find something in the month that you can get off or whatever the timeframe is. You can get off and then commit to that time frame and then back into it and figure out how you're gonna pull it off. Mark that time in pen on your calendar and make it happen. When your dream and your goal is concrete and you have put it down the counter, this is what I'm going to do, this is what I'm going to do it. And you start telling people, tell them at work, tell them at home, tell your friends, make it real to them and to you. Kit: (24:20) And in the meantime, consider doing some micro adventures on your weekly time off, whether it's the weekend or the nights. There's something somewhere where you live that's a little bit different for you. And it doesn't have to be a climbing or hiking. It could be just exploring a different cuisine or different music scene or just something different that's different. That's unusual for you to step outside your comfort zone. Get practice doing that in little ways too at home and all sorts of different ways. It'll help you get out of your Rut and it's going to make a happier, healthier you. And since most adventures are exercise and disguise, you're going to have more energy. Like for example, I'm training right now for this fall trip I told you about and it's taken me like an hour and a half to two hours a day. Normally only exercise about an hour a day. Kit: (25:10) However, I decided because I put on what I call my podcast Poochie, it was 10 pounds. Now it's gone up to 15 pounds since I started this podcast is since I spend so much time behind the computer now instead of moving around the way I used to, I decided I'm going to combine my training with trying to get myself truly in shape physically and get back to the way I used to be and I'm like, how on earth am I going to pull off this time? But the thing is is that because I'm focusing first thing in the morning, bang it out, get it done. I have so much energy that I'm still as productive as I was, even though I'm working an hour less each day. So no more excuses when I get back from that trip. I'm going to keep up this intensity because I cannot believe that I can get my body back the way I want it and still get my work done. People, oh, I don't have the money. Adventure doesn't have to be expensive, but the single thing that you can do to make it happen and afford it is to pay yourself first. When you get paid, don't even touch it. You just slide it right into a savings account that you dedicate to travel. Well, I don't care if it's 20 bucks to start with whatever it is, stick it in your travel savings account, preferably on automatic draft. Kit: (26:33) Okay. Kit: (26:34) And obviously you want to put as much as you can afford so that you'll have more options for your travel. And I think you might find yourself pleasantly surprised at how much you can save. Pick a number that you think, oh, I can afford this amount. I'm kidding. Let's, let's say $100 put in 120 instead, 20% more than you think that you can afford. I'll bet you don't miss the difference. I know that that's how I started saving and I was like, oh my gosh, I don't even miss it. So every January I actually give myself a raise because I figured when I save is what I've actually, that's my real earnings, not what I get paid. It's what I save. And so now my travel budget goes up. Everything all across the board, all my savings buckets all go up and I love it. Kit: (27:16) And it's, it's amazing how quickly it could accumulate. You won't miss it cause you live off of what's left. When I was younger, I thought of savings as deprivation. Now I think of it as a reward, big difference, a big mental mind shift. And then the second thing is when certain things come in that may not be as expensive, try to pay for those not out of your travel savings account. That way your travel savings account keeps building and building. So on like on this Middle East trip that I'm doing, it's that massive trip. Very, very convoluted. Lots of bills here and there and deposits here in final payments here and taking a train there and all that. Yes, the tours were expensive. I had to take those out of the travel budget. However, all the incidental things I had to buy, I've been able to cash flow because I've been working on this plan for about seven, eight months now, so I haven't really missed most of the expense of this trip. Kit: (28:11) So anyway, so set up your savings account, do it automatically so you don't have to think about it. Treat it like a bill tin, like it's a utility bill that your mental health bill as far as I'm concerned. And then try to cashflow the little stuff so that way you let that account build and build and not all adventures have to cost a lot of money. If you look back at episode number 22 on Pisgah national forest on a national forest, that trip costs me maybe a hundred bucks in gas and then you can camp for free in the National Force. I did a camp ground one night, but I didn't have to, I could have stayed in the forest the whole time. I brought my own food and drink, so all I bought was ice and a good map. So for about 125 bucks, I had a wonderful vacation. Kit: (28:54) Same thing when I took my mom too late. Your Kasey there? We rented a cabin on the lake. It's a two bedroom cabin that would sleep five but there's gobs of room that with air mattresses and sleeping pads and sleeping things, you know, easily six to eight people could have gone and get in same hundred bucks for the gas. The cabin was 140 bucks a night and if you split that up over the course of a week and bring your own food and drink good, you got to eat anyway. You could do that for less than $200 a person for whole week, let's say camping's not your thing, thank hostels outside of North America. Hustles are a big thing and a lot of them are really nice and you can even get a private room in some of them and they're not just for kids. I as I thought, it wasn't until I met some ladies that were hitchhiking in Rica about 10 years ago. I was like, you can do that. And so often I choose hostels because I liked the going to the community room or the common room and chatting with people from all over the world. It gives me some socialization since I'm now traveling solo and I love it and I get people to go out to dinner with and I've actually kept up with, I'd say three or four people I've met in hostels that I keep up with it to this day. Kit: (30:06) Okay? Kit: (30:06) So hostels are a very inexpensive way to sleep at night. Kit: (30:09) Okay? Kit: (30:10) You can save money on flights. If you go to my companion podcast, adventure travel show podcast, episode number seven, I teach you how to get cheaper flights. I'll put links to that in the show notes as well. Kit: (30:23) Okay. Kit: (30:24) And a lot of times too, let's say you're doing a tour that that includes all your combinations and all that. Many of them just required deposit to hold the space. And then you've got, if you're planning for in advance, you've got months to pay for the rest of the trip. So you can break it out into monthly payments or save it in your savings account and then finish off the balance before you have before the deadlines, usually like 60 days ahead of time and most cases. So so far we've chosen our adventure. We blocked off the time, we figured out how to pay for it. Now you've got to train for it. Kit: (30:58) Okay. Kit: (30:59) And did you, so first you've got to assess where you are physically and where do you need to be in order to be successful at your adventure? And this is expecially true if you're going at the group because it's not fair to just show up untrained because then knew be dragging down the rest of the group. It's okay to be at the back of the pack. I'm often at the back of the pack on the non hiking things. Hiking, I'm usually in the middle or or the front, but in the biking I'm doing a pretty much count on me being in the rear. However, I'm fit enough that I'm not holding anybody up and say that's gotta be your goal Kit: (31:31) and if you want to make sure that you are ready for your trip, I have an affiliate relationship with fit for trips and you can get a 10% discount using the Promo Code Atta Kit 10 a t a k I t 10 I will put a link to that in the show notes as well and Marcus will give you a free phone consultation, kind of assess where you are and then he'll come up with a custom plan that you will get online and some videos and all of that so that that way you'll have the confidence that you can do the adventure that you've set your sights on. Kit: (32:01) Don't forget too, to get insurance and adventures. You know sometimes things can go wrong and you want to make sure that if something does go wrong or for some unexplained reason you can't go on the trip. Let's say somebody gets sick or God forbid dies, you want to cover all that stuff. So I always recommend getting travel insurance and if you're doing adventures I would recommend world nomads, which is also another one of my affiliates. I will put links to that in the show notes too and if you use them you're also helping to support the program, which I would appreciate as these costs of keeping this program going is starting to climb up a little bit. So anytime you can I would appreciate you using my links because often they are affiliate and do help support the program at no additional cost to you. So it's a win win for both of us. Kit: (32:45) Okay Kit: (32:46) Sal, we've trained, we've got her insurance negative, forgot what kind of gear do you need so think ahead, start collecting or buying what you need. I am putting together a lot of these on the new show and I'll have more as things come along newest. Nice. But it doesn't have to be new. Lots of stuff you can buy used online. So what if it's a couple of seasons old? Most of it's still pretty darn good. Like I said, I'm going to be building up the gear guides on this site and hope to have that up sooner rather than later. Kit: (33:21) And the thing is usually don't need as much as you think you do. You want to pack light Lao. These companies will try, oh, you need this, this, this and this. Hogwash. And a lot of it. So you want just the bare bones so that way you're enjoying it, not lug extra stuff you don't necessarily need or want. And this is really super important too. Don't just show up with your gear of tag still on it, test it, know how to use it before you go. In fact, before my first backpacking trip, every Tuesday night for two months, I don't care what the weather was, rain or shine, hot or cold, I camped in my own backyard. That way I was able to set up camp, tear it down. I don't care what the weather or the temperature was that way I already developed my habits. I knew at night, where do I keep my chap stick? Where do I keep my head lamp? And so I had a system before even when of my adventure. Then when I was on my adventure, things are automatic. The habits were formed. So we are ready to go on the adventure and go, just go. And that's whenever I ask anybody on the shows that when I interviewed them I was like, what advice will you give? I don't think anybody has said anything, but go. Just go because they are so much fun. I got some questions for you moving forward. Kit: (34:37) Mm. Kit: (34:39) Does this show make a difference in your life? Have you made any plans based on this show and if so, what? Where have you taken the trip? Please email me. Let me know. And better yet if there's a recording or a voice memo app on your phone. How about sending me an audio email? That way I might be able to put it on the show and that others here. I think that'd be cool. Kit: (35:08) Give me some feedback. I know I talk too fast. Does that bug you? Do you need more pauses and I get excited and that makes me have like a diarrhea of the mouth. I'm sorry about that. I'm working on that. Let me have your feedback on the show. Is My talking too fast bother you? I've got one. One person said they actually liked it cause I didn't waste their time. But is it hard for you to understand me because I talk so fast. Let me know. Also, I cover an awful lot of Europe, almost disproportionate the amount of the episodes I put out. Are you cool with this or do you want more exotic locations? Also, I tend to lean towards hiking and it also shows the choices of the episodes I put out. Do you want to see more biking holidays? I know that people that have taken my online survey, lot of them indicate they're not really into the paddling, so I haven't done too many episodes there. Kit: (36:00) Nonetheless, one of my early episodes on Whitewater rafting, the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon has been a consistent hit and I gotta tell you I can't recommend more highly all of the water events I did New Zealand. It seems like every time I turned around I was in a wet suit again, even though I was never called cause I hate the cold. I was always comfortable. Even when I was in the river when the guide, I was doing a rafting trip and the guides would go ahead and jump in. The water is like wet, it's freezing. I was perfectly comfortable and looking back I would have to save. Most of my fondest memories of that trip were my paddling activities that and the mountain biking. And that's probably because I was the least confident in my abilities in those. And I did it and it was fun and I felt good, felt good about the activity. Kit: (36:50) I felt good about me. And lastly, I'd like to build our community, the active troubled ventures community via the Facebook group. And I know I have been really bad at it. My plate has been so full these last couple of years trying to get the show off the ground. I still have my regular paying business, which is a full time job. So adding another 30 hours a week to do this show. It's a, it's been a lot. It would be a great place for us to get together and meet other people like us. Like when I was talking to Paula yesterday, she said, you know, my friends and family think I'm crazy. It's like same here. I don't know anybody in my class. There's nobody in my immediate circle that does this kind of thing. And she and I were just chatting like we'd known each other forever and I'd like to see us do that in the Facebook groups. Kit: (37:37) I'm going to commit when I get back from the my Middle East trip in middle of November, I would like to get really active in that Facebook group that I've been really slack on and I apologize and I'd like to see you and meet you there too. And let's do this. Let's get to know each other. I have met some amazing people in this last two years doing the show and you're out there. You're all out there. But we're scattered and we're scattered over 136 countries. I find that incredible. I think it would be so cool to meet each other and get to know each other in the group. Active travel adventures would not be here without you. And I think we're building something really special here and I cannot wait to see what the next year and the future episodes bring. So here's to our next 50 episodes. I'm super grateful to you for listening through all these shows and cheering me up when I need it and giving me feedback and being on the show, all the things that come together to make this what has become, and I'm just so grateful. Please email me your thoughts@kittatactivetraveladventures.com I look forward to hearing from you. You bright my day every time I get a letter. Thanks for sharing the 50th anniversary with me. Until next time, this is kit parks adventure on. (C) Active Travel Adventures

Part III - New Zealand Adventure Series : The North Island The last two podcasts focused on the South Island, including Milford Sound, Mt Cook/Aorika, Queenstown, Kaikora Pennisula, Pancake Rocks and much more.   My original plan was to spend one week exploring solo, join Active Adventures (one of my affiliates) on their two week 'Rimu' tour and then continue solo once more for my final week in New Zealand.  However, I had so much fun with Active and my group, that once I found out that several of my tour-mates were going to catch the back half of Active's North Island 'Kauri' tour, I decided to scrap my plans (and prepaid accomodations and flight) and book the tour to join them.  Best idea I've had in a while! Many people just explore the South Island, but seriously, make the time to head north!  It is completely different in landscape and feel, and isn't as crowded.  It was the perfect finale to an EPIC holiday! Links Mentioned in this Podcast: New Zealand South Island Part I New Zealand South Island Part II Costa Rica Adventures Australia Adventures Visit Te Aroha, hike to Wairere Waterfall Our guides, Jo and Andy, picked us up in Auckland and we headed up the coast.  After a short bit, we stopped in Te Aroha, a cute town famous for its soda waters and Mokena geyser.  Jo said we were going to take a 'wee' hike.  Her idea of 'wee' and mine are quite different, as the trail through the moss covered trees and over several bridged covered rivers was a bit steep. Well worth it when we reached the base of the Wairere Falls, where we were not only treated to a great view of the waterfall, but also a panoramic view of Auckland down below. On our way down, we took a swim in a river to cool off, and while we saw several other hikers, we had the river to ourselves. Once back in town, Jo fixed us a wonderful picnic lunch that we ate in the town square.  Then we headed up to Rotorua, the spiritual home of the Maori people (the original people ("tangata whenua") of the land who came over by canoe from Polynesia ).  Rotorua is considered the heartland of the Maori people (pronounced something like MOUWRDEE, not MAYOREE, as you might think). The town of Rotorua is ALIVE!  And not just with folks on adventure on the land and lake:  The tectonic plates below the surface have slid under each other and the steam vents from the soil all over the place!  You'll see steam curling up someone's fence, or next to a garage, etc.  It's cool and looks like a nuke bomb oddly went off sparing the people and the buildings.  A bit surreal! There are hot pools and mud pools all over the place along this lakeside town, then lake itself a collapsed caldera filled with water. Mountain Bike Whakarewarewa Forest  I step outside my comfort zone and go 'REAL' mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa  Forest.  We arrive at the bike rental shop that has a cool coffee food truck outside, so we can enjoy a cup while we are getting fitted for our bikes.  Nice bikes.  Very expensive bikes.  Do they realize that my only experience mountain biking is on a $15 yard sale bike?  Apparently not, so after our guide gives us instructions in the parking lot and we get to ride in circles, we head out to the equivalent of the 'Bunny Hill' for him to assess us.  Our group does great and we quickly move up the skill level to intermediate.  The Whakarewarewa Forest is pretty close to Rotorua making for an easy to get to, fun outing!  The forest features over 130 km of well-maintained trails for all skill levels.  You can also hike and trail run these pretty well maintained paths suitable for beginners to expert.  You can even bring your horse! Get a guide or a map and the trails intersect each other.  This is world class for mountain bikers.  Te Puia Geothermals In the afternoon, we checked out Te Puia in the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley.  I thought we saw a lot of steam in town - NOPE!  THIS place has A LOT of steam.  Plus mud pools, hot pools and geysers to boot.  Interpretive signs help us to understand how come the land is erupting.  Hot mud pools and natural baths are used by the Maori people (some of the really hot ones - over 200 degrees are off limits to non-Maori). Back in town, if you have time, check out the Rotorua Museum to learn more about this land, its people and history.  The architecture of the massive Swiss Tudor-like building looks a bit out of place in this town of steamy fissures.   Maori Cultural Visit and Hangi (Traditional Pit Steamed Dinner) Be sure to take time to explore the fascinating Maori culture and the various tribes that came over by canoe from Polynesia in several waves from around 1250 -1300.  They developed distinct language and traditions still practiced today. While in Rotorua. attend a Meeting Hall ritual where you will experience a 'Welcome' offered to guests and the warrior dance.  To intimidate guests, the warriors bulge their eyes and stick out their tongues. Afterwards, the women demonstrate a ball and string dance and chant, and then ask for female volunteers.  I went up and did my best to do the twirling and clacking balls as instructed.  Afterwards, you'll have a traditional hangii dinner which has all sorts of delectable meat and veggies in a buried pit that is pretty much steamed, offering a healthy dinner.  They put out a massive buffet not only of the hangii foods, but a huge assortment of western foods and seafood. Active Adventures (similar name but different company than Active Travel Adventures), the company I did much of my visit with in New Zealand, is an affiliate of ATA.  Please use my links if you decide to use them, and at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support this podcast and website - Thanks!  Kit Hike Rainbow Mountain, hike to Huka Falls  Just when I think  it can't get any better - it does!  My group hikes pretty fast and we conquered Rainbow Mountain, named for its multi-colored layers of exposed soil, and Huka Falls pretty quickly.  The vegetation is starting to re-establish on Rainbow Mountain, but you can still see the beautiful colors.  At the top, you'll see forest as far as the eye can see.  Once the largest specialty timber forest, since replanted.  You reach Huka Falls after following the ice blue Waikato River upstream (New Zealand's longest river).  Once the main means of transport, now you can take a Jet boat up, or walk up as we did.  As with all glacial water, the sediment suspension gives the water an unnatural crystal blue look. From here, we coast over to a hot spring for a dip. This is cool not only because it is nice to soak in a hot spring, but also because a regular cold river meets here so you can go back and forth between the hot and cold waters for a refreshing break.  There's a changing room so you don't need to hike in your bathing suit all morning. Because we are ahead of schedule,  Jo and Andy ask us if we want to raft the world's tallest commercially navigable waterfall, the Tutea, located on the Kaituna River.  We say "YES"!  Not only is going over a 21' waterfall super fun and exciting (and less dangerous than it sounds - you plunge into a deep, rock free large pool, so even if you fall out, as I did, there's nothing to get banged up on).  You float through a beautiful rainforest with several falls and rapids.  My best rafting trip EVER and I've don't the Pacuare in Costa Rica and the Tulley in Australia. Tongarino Alpine Crossing  New Zealand's favorite day hike!  Epic in grandeur.  Located in New Zealand's first national park, the Tongarino National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this approximately 20 km hike starts out easy enough before you start hiking up to the ridgeline where you'll see remnants of previous eruptions and several glacial lakes with their eerie crystal blue or teal colors.  Like much we've seen on the North Island, steam vents abound!  Always hike prepared for all climates as the weather can change rapidly without notice.  You end the hike back down under tree line in a magical rainforest.  Allow about seven hours and bring PLENTY of water - though you'll see lakes and rivers you cannot drink out of them, even if you treat it. TRAVEL INSURANCE Not all travel insurance companies cover adventures!  World Nomads, the company I use and trust, understands adventure travel and automatically covers MOST adventure activities.  Use my link to help support this podcast at no additional cost to you - thanks! Train for Your Adventure Make sure you and your body are ready for whatever adventure you have planned.  With Fit For Trips, you can get a customized training schedule with regular phone consultations to make sure you are on track to enjoy your adventures.  Use ATAKIT at checkout for a discount, plus at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the podcast - thanks!

New Zealand Adventures As we continue our exploration of the South Island of New Zealand, we bike to the popular adventure town of Wanaka, indulge in a free day of amazing adventures in Queenstown, kayak Milford Soundand hike the Routeburn Track, the Kepler Track, Mueller Ridge and check out Mount Cookfrom a sheep farm at Braemar Station.  If you missed New Zealand's South Island Part I,you can check it out here.   Links Mentioned on this Episode: New Zealand South Island Part I Adventure Travel Show Podcast   Bike Hawea to Wanaka We start by mountain biking a modest trail with a couple of steep inclines from Hawaeato Wanaka, second in adventure only to Queenstown in New Zealand.  The trail is a bloom with lupines and foxglove gone rogue.  It's a stunning site of pastel color washing the fields next to the trail.  We eventually make it to Wanaka Lake in time for lunch by the sea. The bike ride is vehicle supported allowing for flexibility in how long you hike (or even whether you hike).  We were lucky to have much of the trail to ourselves to enjoy the view of the lake with a backdrop of snow capped mountains. In total, we biked 24 km (15 mi) with an elevation gain of 80m/260'.   Queenstown THIS is the town for adrenaline junkies and adventures.  Queenstown has it ALL - they even invented bungee jumping.  If there is any kind of exciting activity, from jet boats, paragliding, luge runs, paddling, hiking, horseback riding and cycling, Queenstown has got it covered!   The charming harbor is loaded with restaurants and shops, so if you just want to people watch and eat, there's lots of places to chill.  This is a very walkable town, but you can grab a convenient bus that runs up and down the lake for a modest fee (or buy a pass). The mountains jut up from Lake Wanaka, the impressive lightning bolt shaped lake  that also frames The Remarkables, a mountain range that runs due north to south (it and the Rockies are the only ranges that do so).  Looking at them, you would think their beauty makes them remarkable, not just their positioning!   I was a guest of my affiliate adventure tour company, Active Adventures (similar name to ATA but a different company)for part of my month long adventure.  I had so much fun with them that I signed up for another week on my nickel - HIGHLY recommend!   Active Adventures, based in New Zealand, offers several adventure tours of their country, so you can find the right tour for your time and degree of fitness.  They even let my roommate Rachael join our group mid-tour and then I tagged along on the back half of their Kauri North Island adventure along with three others in my group.  Super easy to work with and they do an outstanding job of showcasing their amazing country!   Routeburn Track One of the most popular treks in New Zealand is the Routeburn track, which you can access near Queenstown en route to Milford Sound.   We hiked a 6km/3.7 mi section to Summit Keywith an elevation gain and loss of 450m/1475'.  I was glad I always carry my rain jacket and thermal jacket because I got to use both on this one hike and stayed comfortable.  It was misty in the forest before the climb to the alpine meadow on top of theseSouthern Alps, and once we were exposed, it became chilly.  What a beautiful view we had - the pictures don't do it justice of course (see the photo where guidesLianaand MJphoto bombed).   Milford Sound On the way to Milford Sound, you go through the famous Homer Tunnel.  As we approached the tunnel, Liana explained that the walls are the original pick axed and dynamited granite, so you don't see any man-made structure sheething the glistening walls along the 3/4 mile tunnel.  It took them 19 years to build it! We stopped to take a peek before we entered the tunnel and were greeted by the friendly Kea birds, their cold tolerant native parrot. This tunnel is the only access to popular Milford Sound, which is actually a fjord, not a sound, as are the other dozen or so fjords.  Once the error was realized, rather than changing the name, the Kiwis simply renamed the area"Fjordland National Park". Once our eyes adjusted to the light inside, Liana told us to close our eyes until she said to open them.  She was playing dramatic background music, and as it built to a crescendo, she said "NOW!" and when we opened our eyes, we were treated to MASSIVE granite peaks jutting from the valley, all awash with waterfalls from the recent rains. There are only two lodges at Milford Sound, so most visitors have to catch a bus between 3-5am to make the 4 hour journey where they take a quick boat tour and the bus back to Queenstown.  We were lucky that Active got us in the lodgeso we weren't rushed and got to spend much more time there.  And instead of just taking a boat tour, we kayaked the Sound. The winds were too high for us to go out too far, so ended up in this cool cove called the Devil's Den(see eerie photo below).  At one point we banded together as a group on the water for stability. Our guide was sharp and suggested we return early. Another group had a boat bring them back in. I wish we had also taken the boat tour, as this would be my only change from my three weeks touring with Active.   Hike Mueller Ridge and/or Hooker Valley Glacial Lakes On our way to Braemer Station, the historic sheep farm where we stayed (in the shearer's shed), we were lucky enough to see the full view of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak at over 12,000'.  Little did I know that when I laid on my bed the next two nights, I would see Mount Cook just by gazing out the window! This sunset shot was taken with my iPhone one night and is not retouched! It was incredible!!! In the morning, we went to Mt Cook National Parkand then most of us chose to hike up toward Mueller Ridgewith over 2000 steps - yes REAL steps up over 500 m!  Difficult, yes, but once on top, you get an unparalleled panoramic view of New Zealand's highest peaks, glaciers and glacial lakes. The photo of the FREE Travel Planners of my roommate Racheal at the top. If you don't want to hike up that steep mountain, then you have the option of hiking to the Hooker Valley Glacial Lakes.  This was very crowded, and I would encourage you to train to hike up the steps. The view was fantastic!   Active Adventures New Zealand Adventure Tour I loved my "Rimu" two week South Island adventure tour with Active Adventures!  We did a ton of hiking, we kayaked and mountain biked and got a full tour of the island with fun guides Liana and MJ, who not only helped us to understand the history and stories of the island, but also kept us well fed and comfortable.  A less rigorous tour Active offers is the "Kiwi". In order to see the South Island, you necessarily spend a fair amount of time on the van, but Active made sure to break up the drives with hikes or village visits.  And the thing about New Zealand is, they have NO UGLY scenery! It is as varied and beautiful as any country I've seen. You can be hiking in a temperate rain forest yet see glaciers up above.  I thought Active wouldn't be able to top the South Island, but next up, you'll find they do when I head with some of my group on the back end of the "Kauri" tour of the North Island. Wherever you travel, please use my links.  Many are affiliate links --and  at no additional cost ot you-- are a way to help support the program and keep the show ad free.  Thanks!

EP040 : Show Notes St. Olav’s Way with Sherry Ott of Ottsworld   St. Olaf’s Way is a series of seven long distance pilgrimage paths through rustic Norway, away from the crowds.  Just 1000 people complete the paths each year compared to over 200,000 for the El Camino in Spain.   Our guest today, Sherry Ott of the popular travel blog, Otts World, describes her experience hiking a section of one of the St. Olaf’s Way trails.  A nomadic traveler and avid long-distance hiker for over a decade, Sherry says that this trail ranks in her TOP THREE of all time!   Links mentioned in this episode: 15 Benefits of Adventure Travel El Camino (Spain) Annapurna (Nepal) Kungsleden (Sweden) Packing List   Sherry’s Blog Post on St. Olaf’s Way Maine Hut to Hut hiking or skiing   TIME STAMPED SHOW NOTES: 00:00   Intro 00:20   The problem of over-tourism 04:27   Meet Sherry Ott of Ottsworld.com 05:01   How Sherry got in to adventure travel 08:58   St Olav Ways as a pilgrimage, for personal growth or mental/physical health 11:20   Going solo 12:32   Lodging 15:56   No luggage transfer at this time:  carry everything 18:13   The landscape and how it is harder than the El Camino 20:00   Hiking sticks 20:26   When to go 21:34   Are the trails well signed 22:18   Paths and planning 22:58   What if you can’t speak Norwegian 24:16   Meeting locals and other hikers 26:13   Trondheim at the end of the paths 27:22  The other paths 28:45   St Olav - who was he 31:50   Sherry’s favorite memories 33:32   What Sherry wished she’d known beforehand 34:41   How to dress 35:12   How Sherry compares this hike to other long distance hikes she’s done 35:50   Ottsworld.com 37:29   Sherry to hike Japan 39:20   Kit’s take   WHERE TO FIND SHERRY: Ottsworld Website https://www.ottsworld.com/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OttsworldTravel/   Twitter https://twitter.com/ottsworld   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ottsworld/   Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ottsworld/   Overtourism article:  https://www.responsiblevacation.com/copy/what-is-overtourism   FOR MORE Active Travel Adventures (ATA): Directory of Podcast Epsiodes Facebook Group   Subscribe to the podcast   Contact ATA Twitter@Kit_Parks Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures Instagram:  parks.kit www.ActiveTravelAdventures.com   © 2019 Active Travel Adventures          

Episode 039 Hike Italy : The Italian Lakes District   Hike and Kayak the most beautiful lakes in the world*   Located in the Italian alps, the Italian Lakes District has spectacular pristine lakes surrounded by the majestic alps!  No wonder so many celebrities like George Clooney, Madonna and Sir Richard Branson have purchased homes here.   On today’s Active Travel Adventures podcast, we interview Christine Jenkins, who went on Active Adventure’s ‘Dolce Vita’ fully guided ten day adventure travel holiday.  Christine explains that each day, she thought if she had to go home that day, her expectations were exceeded, and still every day got better still!   She hiked stunning trails overlooking the lakes, and kayaked on Lake Como and Lake Orto (the latter being her favorite since it is less crowded).   Of course, in Italy, all the food and ample wine was divine - and plentiful!   Here is the Dolce Vita itinerary: Day 1:  Arrive Milan Malpensa, visit Sacromonte Varallo Day 2: Hike to Rifugio Crespi Day 3 — Hiking the Walser hamlets of Valsesia Day 4 — Hike down to Pella, boat to Orta San Giulio Day 5 — Sea kayak Lake Orta Day 6 — Hike the Mottarone mountain range Day 7 — Hiking Val Grande National Park Day 8 — Journey to Lake Como, hike to Vezio Castle Day 9 — Sea kayaking Lake Como Day 10 — Back to Milan Malpensa   Links mentioned on today’s show: Ep 28   Annapurna Nepal with Stan Ep 35   Mont Blanc hike through Italy, Switzerland and France Active Adventures fully guided 10 day hike and kayak of the Italian Lake district Podcast web page www.ActiveTravelAdventures.com Host of the Active Travel Adventures podcast   Twitter@Kit_Parks Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures Instagram:  parks.kit   Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:00   Intro 02:13   How Christine got in to adventure travel 02:30   How switched from regular travel to adventure travel 03:30   Making new friends on adventure travel holidays 03:55   Why chose the Italian Lakes vacation 04:58   What makes Active Adventures different 05:32   How difficult was this adventure 06:11   Adventure travel as team building 06:24   Where were fellow travelers from 06:47   How did she train 07:33   Is elevation an issue 07:59   Landscape 08:47   UNESCO Valsesia   09:48   Favorite memories 10:20   Refugios 11:45   Hike into Alagna 12:06   Alagna 13:06  Breakfasts 13:47   Italy does food right 14:49   Dinners 15:48   Typical daily activities 17:36   Describe the lakes 19:21   Describe the landscape 20:35   Visit to the glacier 20:57   When did Christine go 21:42   Using hiking sticks 22:06  Surprise lake swim 23:16  Christine describes her group 24:32   The trip exceeds all expectations 25:53   Mont Blanc and Annapurna (Nepal) 26:58   Celebrities at Lake Como 28:28  Played hooky 29:38   Using a local guide 30:02   Paragliding 31:57   Naked boaters at dinner 33:30  Christine’s guides 35:15   Fresh foccacia 35:49   Accommodations 37:25   What she wished she’d known 38:19   Traveling solo 39:23   Advice to anyone considering the Italian Lakes 40:20   How Christine chooses where to travel 42:15   ATA and affiliate partners 43:13   How to get the FREE Travel Planners 43:29   A shout out to Pat 43:37   Reach out to Kit   Time Stamped Show Transcript   Christine: 00:00I said to my roommate, my neighbor, I said, you know, if I have to go home tomorrow, I'm still ecstatic. I've had the best time ever. So each day was like a bonus day... it just can't get any better, and it kept getting better. That's all I can say.   Kit: 00:21'Dolce vida' the good life, the sweet life. Today we're going to explore the sweet life in Italy. We're going to the Italian Lakes district, an area of Italy you may not be familiar with. Welcome to the Active Travel Adventures podcast. I'm your host Kit Parks, and if you're listening to this podcast, you're not interested in an ordinary life. You want a bigger life, one filled with excitement, adventure, interesting people and challenges. You want to explore the world and different cultures. You want to stretch yourself. You get your jollies off a conquering a difficult feat, and you love how adventure travel can propel your life forward. At the Active Travel Adventures podcast, website, and community, our number one mission is to provide you with the information and tools that you need to take on these adventures. Each show explores an exciting new destination to see if it's something you're interested in and you'll be learning what to expect from someone like you who's actually done it.   Kit: 01:11If the destination piques your interest, then head over to the website where you can see photos, get more detailed itinerary information, and other important information on the website. Also, you can download the free printer friendly travel planner. The planner has all the important links and recommendations you need to actually plan your adventure, or you can wait for the beginning of the month when I send out a monthly and note, I say 'monthly' newsletter that includes all the new travel planners along with other tips and deals. I'll never sell your email or spam you, I promise.   Kit: 01:41 So today we're going to be going to the stunningly beautiful Italian lakes district. Our guest today explains how she enjoyed the good life in the Lakes District of Italy. So let's get started. If you could start by just introducing yourself and perhaps telling us your age.   Christine: 02:01My name is Christine Jenkins and I am 66 years old.   Kit: 02:05 And how did you first get into adventure travel?   Christine: 02:08I probably started a good 15 years ago. I've always wanted to travel. I've always wanted to see the world. I think I got that from my mom who never had that opportunity, so she always was encouraging. And I also love the outdoors and I just connected my two loves.   Kit: 02:28 How did you make the leap say, okay, I want to do that kind of travel versus the tour bus or go to the cities and all that? And so what, what was the thought process or how did you finally say, okay, this is what I'm going to do? And then what did you do?   Christine: 02:40Well, I actually, I have done the bus tours. I did two with my mom and then one day I, and this was before the Internet was really popular, I knew there was a hiking trip in Nova Scotia, Canada and I decided to sign up for that and flew Halifax in Nova Scotia. And my husband was a little worried about me going by myself, so that was my first test and I loved it ever since. I love the outdoors. I love the sounds when you're by yourself. I love getting off the beaten track. Usually you're with a group of likeminded people. I've met some fabulous people on all my hikes.   Kit: 03:22 That's one thing I, that's a recurring theme in this show is that you meet people... That usually each trip I make one or two lifelong friends from that trip.   Christine: 03:32I still keep in touch with two people. In fact, one couple lives in North Carolina. Actually, no, it was my second trip. It was to Newfoundland and there's a couple, both doctors, and they're in Raleigh, North Carolina. And I still keep in touch with them.   Kit: 03:47 And today we're going to be talking about the Italian lakes. So, of all the different trips that you've taken, what made you say that's where I'm going next?   Christine: 03:55It's actually a kind of a funny story. I knew, you know, I was looking around to see where I wanted to go next. I happen to be on Facebook and one of my Facebook friends kept saying, you know, he liked Active Adventures, so I thought, -- and he's kind of an outdoors guy... he teaches physical education... he's a kind of a historian... So I decided, I'm going to checkout this Active Adventures.   Christine: 04:21So I checked it out and I saw the different hikes, but the one that really drew me was Italian Lakes District, I think partly because of the length of time it was 11 days, which was really nice. We could fly in from Toronto to Milan. So it was a direct flight. It was easy to get to, but I think the kicker was we got to kayak for two days, which broke up the hiking. And I love kayaking and it was perfect. I asked my neighbor, "Do you want to come?" She said, "Sign me up," and away we went.   Kit: 04:50Perfect. Yeah, that's, that is one thing I like about Active is it's usually not just hiking. They usually mix in some cycling or paddling or something like that, so multisport, but predominantly hiking.   Christine: 05:01That's right. Predominantly hiking and if you didn't want to hike in a day, that's fine too. We had a lady who had a a meniscus issue and she had a torn meniscus. She had come in from Iceland. She was a photo journalist and so they accommodated her and so she got to do what she wanted to do during the day. So they were very accommodating, very flexible   Kit: 05:24 And how difficult is this, because you know, there's different degrees of difficulty for some of these adventures. On a scale of one to five, where would you place this particular adventure?   Christine: 05:33I would probably put it, I'd say between three and four. I mean I've certainly done more challenging hikes, but there were a few days it was challenging, like our very first full hiking day, you know, because where I live we don't have mountains to climb, so yeah, it was, I thought it was challenging, but it wasn't beyond... none of us had to say, "I can't do this. I give up." We all did it. We all pulled together and we had a great time.   Kit: 06:02 It's almost like a team building experience as well.   Christine: 06:05It was. It was and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. And trust me, when you got to hike through some of these beautiful alpine valleys, it was worth it!   Kit: 06:16 And that's one thing that we really didn't tell folks exactly where the Italian lakes are... And this is in northern Italy. So you're in the Alps?   Christine: 06:24You are in the Alps. When you land in Milan, you can actually... It doesn't take long for you to leave Milan and you can see the Alps in the background. And a couple of places where we were, Switzerland was across the lake, so that's how far north we were.   Kit: 06:39 Wow. Wow. So what kind of training did you do to prepare for this?   Christine: 06:44I kayak because I live near a lake, so I did a lot of kayaking. I try to walk, I have two dogs. I walk them everyday, so that's seven kilometers. And I did small day hikes in my area. I've always had good cardiovascular health and so I didn't really find it a problem. I just keep active in the winter. I snow shoe and I cross country ski so I always had my heart rate up and I think that's the key. And pacing yourself, you know. Pacing yourself, if you pace yourself too, you don't have to feel like you have to be at the head of the line all the time. If you do, not to say slow, but a, a steady pace, it works out.   Kit: 07:25 Was elevation an issue for you or for any of the other hikers?   Christine: 07:30No, not here. I've had it in Peru, but no. I did not experience it and I don't believe any of my other fellow hikers experienced it, or, they didn't mention it at all.   Kit: 07:42 Okay. So most of the higher mountains are surrounding you, is that right? I'm trying to get a visual. Tell us a little bit about the landscape so we can kind of get a picture what it looks like.   Christine: 07:50Well, at the beginning, like I said, in our first full hike, you know, we went up through the alpine meadows. There was snow up higher in the mountains. You went through these little lush valleys. It's just like a picture postcard you would think of as a for Switzerland, but you were still in Italy. And you come to a little hamlet in the middle of nowhere and the people were lovely.   Christine: 08:14We'd have our lunch at a refugio somewhere. We'd have local meats and cheeses and you're just looking at the mountains and the waterfalls, and all you can hear when you're hiking is a bit of a breeze. The cow bells, because all the cows have bells around their necks and it was... there was no other manmade sound. So it was, it was beautiful, priceless.   Kit: 08:38 Very cool. Now in that first valley you go to as a UNESCO World Heritage site and I'm going to say this wrong, I say everything wrong, Valsesia, something like that.   Christine: 08:48Valsesia. Yes. I believe that's how it's pronounced.   Kit: 08:51 Can you tell us a little bit about that?   Christine: 08:53It was nice because as far as landscape, it was stunning. I'll probably use that word a lot in my descriptions, but everything was stunning... spectacular. At the main center was Varallo, and it was beside a river. And we hiked up to a UNESCO world heritage site and there's a monastery there. And you can come out over edge and looked down over the town of Valsesia.   Christine: 09:17Yeah, and yeah, it was incredible. Incredible. Some of the oldest religious structures in Italy are located there in. It's on the side of the valley.   Kit: 09:27 I see here in my notes that the Franciscan friars built that in 1491. For those of us here in the States we are like, "Whoa, that's old. Right?"   Christine: 09:36That's the year before Columbus sailed the ocean blue.   Kit: 09:41 Well seeing that sounds like a great way to start your adventure. Any other favorite memories from that day?   Christine: 09:45You know, it's funny, one of the memories I have is looking at the ledge over the town below and we could see this thunderstorm, this huge thunderstorm coming down a valley across the way. So that was really kind of neat to see and you could see it approaching us. And the thunder in the mountains, you know, they bounce: the echoes of the thunder bounces off the mountains. So it's sounds a lot louder than it was probably was.   Kit: 10:08 . You mentioned refugios. For those that may not be familiar with that term, can you explain that please?   Christine: 10:17It's a small hamlet or a refuge, I guess would be the English way. We went to a couple of them for a couple of hikes and one in particular we had to hike up to this place where we were going to have our lunch, and it was uphill and it was a, it was a challenging hike and it was by this really wildly raging river. Anyway, we get to this refugio. It's like a little hamlet there.   Kit: 10:43 Okay. I need some more clarification there. I think of refugio is kind of like a mountain hut.   Christine: 10:48There was, there were several huts, so you could actually, I think stay there, but I don't think they're privately owned and they had this restaurant. And there's no road in and the food was outstanding, like it was just, you know, you couldn't believe like you could have fresh cheeses and meats from the local valley.   Christine: 11:13There was fresh rabbit, there was fresh fish. Nothing was deep fried. Like in North America, we would not hike or walk our way to a restaurant like that. If we did, people would complain, but everything would be deep fried. Everything here is fresh and you could sit out in the patio and look at the mountains and the rivers and it was beautiful. Just beautiful.   Kit: 11:36 And so after your lunch, then what did you do?   Christine: 11:39Well, we had a bonus because we get to go downhill the whole way and we hiked all the way back into Alagna and that's where we stayed for three nights in Alagna. And actually one of our guide's, Andrea, he was from Alagna. So he was able to give us the inside scoop on Alagna.   Kit: 11:58 So tell us a little bit about Alagna.   Christine: 12:00Alagna, it looks like a little Swiss town, but you've got to keep reminding yourself that you're in Italy. There's all little cafes, shops... Where we stayed - at the hotel Monterosa - it was right beside the church and the church rings the bells every hour and a half hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But it was a beautiful little hotel where we stayed. The town was old. Alagnal is sort of off the beaten track for North Americans to go over, especially in the winter. But English wasn't... It wasn't difficult to get by when you were talking to a shopkeeper or in a little cafe, you were understood or you figured it out. But there were all little side streets. There was a beautiful little river going outside of town, which we could hear from our hotel. And yeah, it was a lovely time. We were there for three nights. Fabulous breakfast in the morning. Yeah, it was great.   Kit: 12:57 And so what, what kind of foods do they have for breakfast? And from my notes, it looks like that whole area was populated by German people that moved there in like fifth century AD or something.   Christine: 13:08Yeah, the Valser people. Yes. Well the hotel we stayed at for the three days are actually owned by some, a couple from Sweden and think that's been a couple of generations in their family. But in breakfast we had fresh fruit, Granola, homemade breads, homemade jams, coffee, tea, yogurt. Really good yogurt. You didn't starve. That's all I can tell you. It was probably the best Granola I've ever had in my life.   Kit: 13:37 Probably freshly made and everything. And they do food right!   Christine: 13:40It's all fresh. I can tell you that whole trip I did not have... We did not have one bad meal anywhere. It was hard to come home.   Kit: 13:50 We could sure learn how to do food better from the way they do things we do. We do. And they eat seasonally to. They wouldn't think of having strawberries in the middle of winter. They eat what is locally produced and available then.   Christine: 14:01They do eat seasonal and the other thing they do is they eat as local as possible, so you may get... If we had a prepared lunch, like maybe our guide, we had two guides, Andrea and Jo, and they might prepare, pick up some stuff, at little stores or grocery stores and they put out this fabulous picnic lunch with cheeses that were from that valley. That was the only place you could get it or salamis... That type thing. Breads, fresh fruit and yeah, it was. It was incredible. The wine, of course we had wine at lunch.   Kit: 14:37 Nice. Nice. And what about dinner?   Christine: 14:39Well actually I was going to say that was one of the things that was outstanding for this trip was the food. All our meals were covered and nothing was skimped on. We ate the best you could possibly have. We had wine with lunch. Usually we had wine with dinner, but what was interesting is after we'd finished our hike for the day or our kayak, we go back to our rooms, change, meet for dinner. We'd always have an aperitivo, which is like... it was a tray brought out and the had meats and cheeses and crackers and add wine. Then I'd think, "Oh, that's our dinner." No, it's not dinner, and then we'd still go to a restaurant. And so I'm really glad that we were hiking because I'm sure I'dve come home about 10 pounds more than I normally am.   Kit: 15:27And you're in Italy so you know everything's going to be good.   Christine: 15:31Oh yeah. Everything was beyond my expectations. Everything was fresh, nothing was processed. It was awesome.   Kit: 15:39 Very cool. So now you're using this as your base camp. So what kinds of things did you do each day?   Christine: 15:44If we didn't do hiking, we did the kayaking on the lakes: Lake Orta and Lake Como. We didn't kayak on Maggiore. There was one day we decided as a group -- and we had a small group that was just five hikers-- so that was kind of nice, and we decided one day we didn't want to hike and were in Stresa, which is on Lake Maggiore. So we went and walked into town. Some went to the islands and we did a little bit of shopping. So we just, like I say, the guidess were very flexible, and like I said, we decided we didn't want to hike that day.   Christine: 16:19On the days we went kayaking, we'd be out by the water's edge at nine in the morning and then there was a gentleman by the name of Juliana who came up from Genoa, Italy. He brought the kayaks first time, most all the people had kayaked before, so that was good. But he gave us safety instructions. We got fitted with life jackets and we were usually by 9:30, we were out on the lakes. We stop about maybe 10, 30, 11 at a little village and stop for an espresso and then we get back in our kayak, kayak a bit more and then stop it another village and maybe have lunch or stop at a beach. And our guides would put lunch out. In between that we go swimming in the lakes. And then in the afternoon we might stop about 2:30 or 3:00 in another little village and have gelato. It was very civilized. It was, yeah. It was very civilized.   Christine: 17:19And swimming: The lakes were clear and it was... It was hard to believe you weren't at the ocean. The colors of the lakes were beautiful.   Kit: 17:28 So tell us about the lakes itself. What is it? The fact that the lakes are surrounded by mountains or the lakes are particularly pretty in and of themselves? I'm trying to get a feel for what it looks like.   Christine: 17:39Well, the lakes are, they are like jewels. And there was this one day we did hike to the top of one of the mountains , and we could see Orta and Maggiore on both sides. So we had a really good view. Orta is the smallest, then Maggiore, then Como. The lakes were like a blue color, like a aqua blue color. Very clear. Especially in Como. The sides had these old Italian homes that have probably been in families for generations.   Christine: 18:10You know, there's the Piazza's nearby, and I think George and Amal Clooney live on Como, (but we didn't see them). But very steep sides to a lot of the lakes, but there are some beaches. Two of the lakes are Lake Como and Lake Orta are what they call 'crypto depression' and that's the one word I took away... my takeaway from that trip. Crypto depression means the bottom of the lake is actually below sea level and there are a few other ones in the world. Actually the Finger Lakes up in New York state. And actuallyOrta is not a crypto depression. Maggiore and Como are crypto depression, so they're below sea level and the lakes are usually long and narrow and their shores are very steep.   Christine: 19:06I think it was in Maggiore that they believe Mussolini hid his gold and it might be lying at the bottom of the lake. He had a hideout on Maggiore, on one of the islands on Maggiore. So that's the legend. That's a local legend   Kit: 19:12 OK, so when you're doing the hiking, are you in pastures, forests, or what are you hiking through?   Christine: 19:17We're doing it all. There were pastures, forests... There was one day we went through a whole, for about an hour and a half, all it was was chestnut trees. And it was quite a challenging hike. It was steep and it was very hot, but it was so, it was so pretty and so quiet. And we came out to pasture area, and then we had to go under some fences. So yes we had a real variety of landscapes for. hiking.   Christine: 19:57There was another day when we went up in a gondola and then we went up on a series of three gondolas, too. We actually got up to where the glaciers were, and that was an interesting day. It was cold and there was a lot of ice hikers, they had the crampons on their boots and they were doing some ice hiking. But we had to take three sets of gondolas to go higher and higher and higher. And if you have a fear of heights, you may not want to take it. I found that kind of a challenge, but you know, it was very barren landscape, which is a rock and ice and we'd be going along and you'd think that the gondola was going to hit the side of a rock face and then suddenly it will go up and then you were in your station where you get off and walk to the next one and keep going higher up. That was quite incredible.   Kit: 20:33 Did you get to walk on the glacier or just look at it?   Christine: 20:37Yes. We got to walk on the snow. Yes, we did. That is so cool. It was down below. It was probably in the upper eighties, low nineties up (there). It was a bit of a reprieve.   Kit: 20:49 And so what month did you go?   Christine 20:50 July   Kit: 20:52 July. Okay. So you're in the heat of summer.   Christine: 20:53Oh yes. Yes. But apparently it was very warm there in June. They had a trip in June, so I understand it was warm then, but you know what? It wasn't a really oppressive heat. It wasn't really humid. It wasn't really dry, but it was manageable. If you're dressed appropriately, I would strongly recommend a sun hat, especially to cover the back of your neck and your face, I would. That's the one thing. And the other thing I would suggest to people is to take hiking poles. Some people didn't. I think that they're really is helpful for, steadying yourself and, and pulling yourself up on steep parts or giving you some stability.  And when we're on the way down the mountain.   Kit: 21:33 Well I like poles too, for going downhill because they take a lot of pressure off my knee. Yes. And also I'm clumsy. I cannot tell you how many falls they've stopped by having that extra appendage to me or crossing a river or creek. They give you that little extra stability. I don't think I've ever fallen in a creek. I don't want to jinx myself though.   Christine: 21:50No, I haven't either, but one never knows.   Kit: 21:54 Of course. Now I will. Now that I've put that out in the universe. Any other special memories from that area?   Christine: 22:00Well, one of the days I have that sticks out in my mind was on Lake Orta and we went over to San Giulio Island and it's... There's a monastery there and abbey and you could... It's very easy to walk around this little island and there's several spots where you looked down like the old cobblestone streets.   Christine: 22:20Very narrow. In fact, I don't even think there was vehicles on it. I don't even recall any vehicles anyway that you could go swimming. So our group (Jo left us, she had to do some things), so our group, we went down the small passageway to the lake and four of us didn't have bathing suits on, but they were in our pack sack, so we lost all modesty. Just went into just a little dip in the wall, threw caution to the wind, stripped down, put on our bathing suits, dove in the lake, and we thought, well, if there's cameras out there, there's cameras out there. So be it. But the water felt so beautiful against your hot skin. It was...it was beautiful. It was just the most incredible feeling. You can feel yourself cool down and we were laughing like crazy, yet we felt like kids.   Kit: 23:07 That was fun. In your group, you said there's a small group of five: men, women or a combination?   Christine: 23:12All women. My neighbor came, and then there was a lady from San Diego and a lady from Manhattan, and a lady from Rochester.   Kit: 23:21 And what would you say the age group range was?   Christine: 23:24I would say the age group would have been maybe 52... The lady from San Diego was in her fifties, early fifties and to about in the upper seventies. And these ladies -- all of them are really in great shape -- they did their age group proud. They had nothing to be ashamed of . We had the lady from Rochester who was in her seventies and she was fabulous. She was in fabulous shape.   Kit: 23:55 Wow. Those are my role models. In fact, I interviewed a guy by the name of Stan on the Annapurna episode, which I'll put a link to in the show notes. He's in his seventies and has already planned an adventure for two years out. Unbelievable! Cool. That's how I want to age.   Christine: 24:07Wow. That's good for him. Well, I'm planning to go to Mont Blanc next year. I've already booked my trip.   Kit: 24:16 Alright, so any other, any other thoughts about that area before we go to the Val Grande National Park?   Christine: 24:22All I can say... I'll just reiterate just the whole atmosphere. You know, it's funny, I was thinking about it last night: thinking about what I was going to say each day of that trip, the whole trip and combination each day. I, I remember saying to my roommate, my neighbor, I said, "You know, if I have to go home tomorrow, I'm still ecstatic. I've had the best time ever. So each day was like a bonus day, a bonus day. It just... it can't get any better, and it kept getting better. That's all I can say. This has been no doubt, the best hiking trip I've ever had, and I've been to a lot of places. There was nothing I have to say bad about it. Nothing.   Kit: 25:10Wow. And that sure says a lot.   Christine: 25:12Yes. And I'd actually consider going back again in two years... Do it again.   Kit: 25:17 Yeah. It hadn't really even been on my radar, but then I started doing some research, and I thought, that looks really nice. I think that's now on the radar.   Christine: 25:23Well, it hadn't been on my radar either. I mean I have looked at other places. I've looked at Scotland, I've been to Scotland before. I thought about Iceland and I do know Active Adventures does Iceland now, but I was supposed to go to Mont Blanc with another company two years ago, but I badly broke my arm so that put a caboosh on that. So anyway. But anyways...   Kit: 25:46 In fact, the Mont Blanc episode is probably one of my most popular ones.You'll want to take a look at that? That's episode number 35, and I forgot to mention that Stanley, the guy that I said in the seventies that did Annapurna in Nepal, his was episode number 28. Anytime you want to look at an old episode, just go to ActiveTravelAdventures.comslash the episode number, so it'd be slashed 28 or 35, or if you forget, just go to the Directory Page, and then you can either use the search bar or just scroll down and see what rocks your boat.   Kit: 26:15On the website. You can either directly download and/or listen to the podcasts.Plus, you'll also find more details on the trip itself, including itineraries, tons of photos, often videos, and there's just a lot of information there. If you need either even further details, you can download -for free- the travel planners that have clickable links that can get you directly to the information or places that you need in order to plan your trip. And those come automatically with the monthly -- and note that I say monthly-- newsletter. I do not spam you or sell your name. Or you can download them as you need them from the website. Let's go back to the interview.   Kit: 26:50I know from the pictures that you sent, and from my research that the Italian Lakes area is absolutely gorgeous. But to put that in prospective, residents have included George and Amal Clooney, Richard Branson, Madonna.. These are folks who can buy and live anywhere: where money is no object. Yet, this is where they choose. That demonstrates how beautiful it is there.   Christine: 27:13There are some beautiful mansions and you can tell they've been in families for a long, long time and they're old architecture but so beautifully maintained and what was really neat is the boat pulls into a garage at the side of the cliff. It's like a boat garage, you know, and these beautiful old wooden boats. Oh yeah. Fabulous. Fabulous. Obviously this is a ritzy area, very private, very exclusive, especially at Como and. But you'll also see a lot more North Americans there too. Like eEnglish is extremely common, and British and British accents or North American accent. So on my flight over to Milan, there were people... That's where they were going to Bellagio on Lake Como,   Kit: 28:04 A Huffington Post article once ranked the Italian Lakes district as the most beautiful lakes in the world.   Christine: 28:10Oh, I can understand that! Orto is not as busy a lake. It's the smaller of the lakes. I preferred that lake just because it was less busy.   Kit: 28:21 So let's switch gears and now you're going to the Val Grande National Park. an you tell us a little bit about that?   Christine: 28:24Yeah, that was the one day... We actually that day we did not do that. That was the day we decided not to hike. That was the hookey day. So a couple of us walked into Stresa, which is a small village, beautiful little boardwalk from where we were staying, all the way into Stresa. And some of these beautiful old hotels along the lake side, you know, something you would see from the 1920's-30's. I'm sure they're wildly expensive and then there's three islands on the lake and you could take the boats to them. And we all met on this one island for lunch.   Kit: 29:02 But it sounds like that was a well worth it Hookey Day.   Christine: 29:04It was well worth the hooky day. So no, and everything was fine. We enjoyed our day so I can't comment on Val Grande National Park except to say apparently there's a lot of hiking trails in there. And they suggest you have a guide or a proper map because there are people who have gotten lost and they have never been found there. So that kind of struck the fear of God into us.   Kit: 29:30 So I think to a lot of times when you're hiking in some of these particularly remote areas that it's good to have a guide with you.   Christine: 29:37I think it is too. I mean you learn so much too. Especially somebody local, right?   Kit: 29:41 Yeah. The flora and fauna as well. You might see an animal. You have no idea what it is or a pretty flower and it's just something you take a picture of where they can tell you, oh, that's a little, little whatever it is.   Christine: 29:52Yeah, exactly. Exactly.   Kit: 29:54 When people ask you, "Oh, how was your trip?" What's the story that comes to mind?   Christine: 29:57Well, I did something on the trip that was accommodated for me and for the lady from San Diego. We were able to do it. It's not so much funny, but it was fun. We were able to do it, I think, because we had a small group and we went paragliding.   Kit: 30:17That sounds fun.   Christine: 30:19Yes. So, and that was in Alagna. So two of us went paraglidingone morning. When we went with a pilot -and we went separately- and we had to take a gondola up to the site is about at 8,800 feet. And we were up for about 20 minutes and then you could come in. And we landed over in Alagna and I remember the pilot saying to me, "Do you want to touch the steeple of the churches as we go by?" I said that I'd pass on that one.   Kit: 30:47Oh brother, I don't know if I'd have the nerve to do that!   Christine: 30:52So that's wasn't in the plans. And and I don't think if they had a big group that they could do that, but they accommodated, us. And we were able to do it because we could do it early in the morning and the weather was right, the window was right, that type of thing.   Christine: 31:07So the other things we did that was a lot of fun is we went down, it's called LP Land and it's on Mottarone Mountain and it's up at the top. You start at about 1,490 meters and it's a go cart, and you go down the mountain in a go kart by yourself (or with somebody else) and it zigzags down and you can reach some pretty high speeds. That was, you know, you get a beautiful view of the lake, although you're trying to not scream as you're going down, so not die and hope hang onto your water bottle or if you know. But um, that was fun.   Kit: 31:47 Any funny story come to mind?   Christine: 31:49Oh, okay. I do have a funny one. Actually. We were on Lake Orto. We were out for evening dinner. One night we were at arestaurant right on the lake. Beautiful meal as usual, and w see this boat going by. And there's three naked men in it, and they're raising their glasses of wine to all the patrons of the restaurant. So everybody's kind of stunned and we thought, well, we'll wait for them to come back. We'll have our cameras ready. But they never came back. But we all had a good laugh over that one. That was. Yeah, that was funny. That was funny.   Kit: 32:21 And Europeans have a different mentality about nudity than North Americans.   Christine: 32:25You know what? And that's the other thing too, is I really like. You're absolutely right. I saw a lot of ladies who would be in their fifties, sixties, seventies, and they were wearing bikinis. And I thought, "Good for you!" In fact, I almost thought about buying one for myself, but Jo our one guide, she said that their attitudes over here are so different. And yeah, I thought: it is what it is, and they were out there in their bikinis.   Kit: 32:54I'm surprised they had tops on, but maybe that's just the south of France.   Christine: 32:58I saw all with tops if they were standing up or sitting up. But their men folk were attentive to them. They were draped in gold jewelry and all that.   Kit: 33:08That's so interesting. Yeah. And France, most of the women didn't have tops and it didn't make a difference what shape your body was in skimpy bathing suits.   Christine: 33:17I know, I know. And we have a lot to learn in North America.   Kit: 33:23 Any other things you want to tell us about your Italian lakes adventure?   Christine: 33:27 I want to tell you that we had two guides and I really want to mention our guides, Andrea, who is from Alagna, Italy and Jo.Jo was originally from Wales but lives in Auckland, New Zealand now. Those guys were outstanding. They were knowledgeable. They were patient, they were flexible. Andrea, he was a really good van driver. He navigated all these little narrow roads. Sometimes we go through these little villages where the road was barely wider than the mirrors of vehicle and yeah, he, you know, we always felt safe with him. Jo was funny. We gave her a nickname. We called her '10 minute Jo' and the reason was, if we'd be hiking a particularly challenging day,she'd go, "Well there's a refugio up ahead." "Well, how far is that, Jo?" "Oh, it's about 10 minutes," and then a while later we'd be thinking. Well, it's been 10 minutes. She'd then say, "Oh, it's another 10 minutes." Everything was 10 minutes with her, so we ended up calling her '10 minute Jo'.   Kit: 34:29That reminds me when I was doing a two week section hike of the Appalachian trail with my girlfriends, Gerry and Jane. And I had the elevation map and so I would always know exactly how many more hills we had to climb, but as we're getting tired at the end of the day... Everybody's pooped., ready to find a camp site and all that. I'd be like, "Come on, you can do it. This is the last hill, I promise! This, the last hill!" And we'd get up over that hill, and of course there'd be another hill. I was like, "Oh no,really, THISis the last hill." So I'm not sure what they called me behind my back, but I doubt there were as kind in calling me "10 minute Kit". Sometimes to make it to the end, you've just got to fib.   Christine: 35:03Yeah, I know.   Kit: 35:07 Anything else about your guides or transit?   Christine: 35:09 Well, one of the other little things I have to tell you about is Giuliano, who was the gentleman... He would drive up from Genoa twice with all the kayaks. And the second time he came up he brought us some foccacia from a local bakery. He left at 5:00 AM in the morning from Genoa to get up to the Lakes ,and he had this fresh foccacia. And it was actually still a bit warm when we had it at our break. That was memorable, and it was so good.   Kit: 35:36Oh, how sweet and thoughtful.   Christine: 35:39Yeah. Very thoughtful.   Kit: 35:42 And I forgot to ask you accommodations. Are you in guest houses or are your camping? I know you said you were at one place for three days. Tell us a little bit about where you stayed.   Christine: 35:49We stayed in hotels. The first three nights and we were in Alagna. It was a beautiful old hotel run by a couple from Sweden and I love the wooden shutters because they could open up, you know. And clean, clean rooms. In Stresa, all the rooms were clean and had air conditioning. Yeah, there was nothing too. ..There was absolutely no complaints about the accommodation. It was close to everything. If we wanted to walk somewhere, the one place we stayed at, and I can't think of the name of the town, but they would mostly have balconies or a little doors that open up, although we didn't because it was quite warm. Yeah, it was. The combination was excellent. Excellent.   Kit: 36:30 I'm surprised you had air conditioning. That's great.   Christine: 36:32I know, I know. The one thing, over in Europe, if anybody's ever traveled there, the elevators are very small, so if you know, maybe two people get on with one suitcase each. No more than that. So that's the one adjustment. The other adjustment is a lot of times in Europe they don't use face cloths, so you might, if you, if you are big on using a face cloth, you might want to bring your own face cloth, that type of thing. But other than that it's um, you don't want for anything. I mean, if you need a toothpaste, it's easy to get. If you need wine, it's easy to get. So it's not like you're in a third world country. But little tips like that.   Kit: 37:16 Is there anything you wish you'd known beforehand that you could share with us?   Christine: 37:23No. The only thing I know in the guide -our gear guide- they suggested bringing is a hat and gloves and long underwear. We definitely did not need to pack that. It was too hot. So that took up room and maybe they have a standard gear list they give to everybody, but if I was going in June or July to the Italian Lakes District, definitely don't worry about that. You wouldn't have to worry about that.   Christine: 37:51But I would strongly. I've mentioned earlier, I would strongly suggest poles.   Kit: 37:55Yep. That's a given for me.   Christine: 37:56I know some people don't like them, but I. Yeah, that's a given for me too as well.   Kit: 38:00Yeah. I don't hike without them anymore. I don't care where I'm going and also keeps my rhythm.   Christine: 38:04Oh, it does! Yeah, it does. And it really does. And it gives you a bit of an upper body upper body workout to.   Kit: 38:11 One final thing. You say you travel solo. Usually you will pair up with a group or something like that. I just finished an episode, in fact, I just finished editing it this morning on solo travel. Do you have any thoughts on solo travel?   Christine: 38:23It's how I usually travel. I happened to ask my neighbor. We have traveled once before together and she's a great traveler. We had gone to Point Reyes national seashore in California. We went for a week with a group.   Christine: 38:37I prefer... I like solo traveling because I can, in the evening if I want to go to bed earlier, if I want to read till 1:00 in the morning, I'm not disturbing anybody. You meet some great people traveling solo. I used to be really nervous about traveling solo. Not anymore. There's a lot of women out there that travel solo now. A lot more than one would think. And, and if you find there's other solo travelers, you just kind of end up connecting and looking out for each other. And that's the other thing too, as a group, you spend that much time together. You do become a big family and you do look out for one another.   Kit: 39:16 Two final questions for you. Number one: Somebody says to you, "I'm thinking about going hiking in the Italian lakes." What do you tell them?   Christine: 39:25I say, I'll give you the name of Active Adventures. You will have the best time ever. I promise. I promise you. In fact, I'll go with you.   Kit: 39:34 My last question for you. Where's next?   Christine: 39:38Next year in Switzerland, Italy where you fly into Geneva. So I'm going to do that with Active Adventures. That's my next one. And then in 20,20 I always say I want to go back to the Italian Lakes, but there's so many places to go in this world. I've been to New Zealand but I've never hiked in New Zealand. So I mean there's always that option. There's so many places, so little time, you know, and you want to do those things when you're healthy.   Kit: 40:07And I mean this is not an ad for Active Adventures, but we're both fans. Do you now, when you're picking out which trips are you looking at their website and say where do I go next from there? Or how do you pick your next trip?   Christine: 40:20Well, like I said I had wanted to go to Mont Blanc two years ago and was I had already booked it and I was actually going with my neighbor, the one who went on this one, but I had broken my arm. She went on ahead so it was always in the back of my mind and I was going to go with another company, but I saw through Active Adventures they did Mont Blamc but they also do a kayaking day, which I thought I liked that it kind of changes things up a bit, so that's why I'm going with Active. I've put my deposit down and I'm ready to roll next June.   Kit: 40:51Cool. And so is that how you choose your trips?Is by looking to see where they go now that now that you're a fan or do you follow what I'm saying? How do you choose your next trip? Are you looking at their website to see where they go and choosing from there or do you pull from different areas are or how do you pick your next destination?   Christine: 41:09Oh, so if I was going post 2019, I would see if they have any changes in what places they want or new additions. If there was a particular place I want to go, let's say I wanted to go to Croatia or I wanted to hike in Portugal. I may look online and see about other hiking companies or if it's doable, so I kind of explore. I kind of explore a bit, but to see what others have to say. And like you say, the only reason I found out about Active Adventures was through a friend on Facebook who his Active Adventures kept coming up. So I said, you know, yJo Blow likes Active Adventures. I thought I'm going to have to look into this because I know this guy and he wouldn't just say that. So that's how I got onto it.   Kit: 41:56Well thanks Christine for your time. It's been great and we sure loved learning about the Italian Lakes with you. We'll have to have you back on when you do your next adventure.   Christine: 42:03Alright, for sure.   Kit: 42:05 I love how adventure travel doesn't always mean that you're getting in the mud and all that kind of stuff. Sometimes you can even go to luxurious locations like the Italian Lakes District and live the good life.   Kit: 42:15Regular listeners will know that I don't accept any advertising at all for this program so that I can keep it commercial free. However, I do have affiliate partnershipswith companies that I have selected that I truly believe in, that I recommend to you and with these affiliates at absolutely zero cost to you. Sometimes I'll either get a discount or I might make a commission or sometimes I'll get some bonus travel and such like that. And I want to mention that Active Adventures, even though their name sounds very similar to Active Travel Adventures, we are two totally separate companies, but Active Adventures is one that I highly recommend because my friends and I are true believers that It's just a great company.   Kit: 42:51The people just really spend their time trying to give you a trip of a lifetime, so if like Christine, you want to explore the Italian Lakes District with a guided tour company, I would recommend Active and if you do so, please be sure to let them know that I sent you either by using any of my links or just by letting them know when you book. Using any of my links is a great FREE way for you to show your support of this program.   Kit: 43:13 To get the FREE Travel Planners, be sure to sign up for the newsletter. You can do so by going to the ActiveTreavelAdventures.com website and then clicking on the newsletter tab, or you can just write me a Kit [@t] active travel adventures.com and ask me to put you on. I'll be happy to.   Kit: 43:29 A special shout out to Pat.Pat did just that, and then it wasn't long before we were on the phone chatting. And before you knew it, we're going to be roommates on a great trip to Egypt this fall. I can't wait!   Kit: 43:37 Reach out to me.I'd love to hear from you and I'd like to make this a two way conversation. Until next time, I'll be back in two weeks with another great adventure. This time we're going to go a little bit further north. We're heading up to Norway, which I can't wait to share that with you. Until then. This is Kit Parks, Adventure On.   *According to the Huffington Post      

Rota Vincentina Walking Holiday on Portugal's SW Coast The group that manages the magnificent trails along the stunningly beautiful SW Portuguese coast of Alentejo takes care of about 450 km of trails along some of Europe's most well preserved coastline.  It's too hot to hike these trails in the summer, so plan to go between late September and late April(November and December are the wettest months, but it doesn't get too cold here). These well marked trails include:   The Fisherman's Walk Walk along the coastal trails used by the local fishermen and villagers, to see incredible cliffside vistas!  However, this is not a trail for someone with vertigo or fear of heights. These impressive and often imposing cliffs can be tall!   But so worth it: This 125 km trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world!   The trail is well blazed to hike in either direction from Porto Covo to Odeceixe and then as part of the Historical Way, to Cabo de San Vicente.   As in all nature, but particularly with the Atlantic ocean battering the coastline, the cliffs are in a constant state of change and are affected by erosion, so each person who walks this trail can see a different landscape as the coastline changes over the weeks and months.   Always running along the coastline, the Fisherman's Trail follows the trails used by locals to get to the beaches and 'hot' fishing spots.   The Fisherman's Walk is made up of five sections with four adjacent circular walks, which today's podcast guest,  Julianna Barnaby of The Discoveries Of blog. recommends that you detour to take as often as time permits.   Each section is a day's walk apart.  There are accommodations at the end of each section.   Julianna says she never felt unsafe while hiking the trail, but said the cliffs can be quite tall so you have to watch your step.  Often one of the hardest parts is when you are walking directly in the sand, since it requires more effort to lift your feet. I give this a difficulty grade 3 out of 5 for this reason (you will be on sand 60-70% of the time, with one of the days being particularly challenging).  Also, note that since you are directly on the coast, winds can be strong.   This is a popular 'pedestrian only' trail.  It is too hot to hike the Fisherman's Trail in the summer, so walk it from fall through spring.   The Fisherman's Trail connects with the Portuguese ‘Historical Way' pilgrimage trail in Porto Covo, Odeceixe and Arrifana.     The Portuguese 'Historical Way' to Santiago While not as well known as the Spanish pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela, the Portuguese Way is another important pilgrimage route from the Middle Ages.  The Rota Vincentina folks have recreated the historical path from Santiago do Cacém to Cape St. Vincent on a path that takes you through multiple villages where you can visit the churches and old country homes, meet the townspeople and others also on the pilgrammage.  You will be able to see the sea from the Sierra summit. The Historical Way trail in Portugal is made up of twelve sections over 230 km.  Each section is a day's hike and there are accommodations at the end of each.  It interconnects with the Fisherman's Trail a couple of times so you have the opportunity to walk a bit of both if you want as you pass through the Vicentina Natural Park. Unlike the Fisherman's Trail, this path is open for both pedestrians and mountain bikers(as is the Spanish Way- see Episode 006 of the Active Travel Adventures podcast).   This trail takes you through towns and villages, through oak forests (including cork oak) and eucalyptus, mountains and valleys, and over rivers and creeks - stunning!   This trail is not only beautiful, it adds a cultural and often spiritual dimension to your adventure.  Go in the spring to see the most wildflowers.   Portugal is known for its cork, as the magnificent cork trees cover 8% of the land.  And on this land, Portugal produces over 50% of the world's cork!   In 2016, this trail was awarded the title of a Best of Europe Leading Quality Trail by the European Ramblers Association.   Circular Paths In addition to the two trails above, you can also take some circular routes that are off shoots from the main paths.  There are eight circular routes from which to choose. You can either walk or mountain bike these trails. Walking takes a half day or less for each.  The total distance for all the circular trails combined is 89 km.   Julianna recommends taking as many as you can, as they all offer something special.   Or, if you don't have time for a long distance hike but want to get a taste of the beautiful SW coastal region of Portugal, then a great optionis to do one or more of these circular paths.   You don't have to worry about transfers as the trails start and end in the same place. On these trails, you will see the 'yin and the yang' of 'progress vs history' in SW Alentejo:  historical farming balanced against preservation.   As with the Fisherman's Trail and the Historical Way paths, there is an abundance of wildlife, especially birds, to observe amongst the interesting native flora.   The eight circular routes are:Almograve, S. Luís, Troviscais, Santa Clara, Sabóia, Odeceixe, Bordeira and Carrapateira, that complete the classic trails: the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail.   The Discoveries Of Travel Blog I first found Julianna by reading her blog.  In our interview today, Julianna tells us about her hike of the SW Alentejo coast of Portugal on part of the Fisherman's Trail, the Historical Way and some of the Circular Routes. You can follow Julianna and her adventures here: Facebook    Instagram Twitter   Pinterest Blog Best Hikes of Europe         Alentejo Portugal Travel Spots   The Discoveries Of www.thediscoveriesof.com Author of The Discoveries Of www.facebook.com/thediscoveriesof www.twitter.com/discoveriesof Instagram @thediscoveriesof Julianna's Other Recommendations: In the podcast, Julianna made a couple of recommendations for anyone planning to hike in SW Alentejo: For a real treat, stay at Paula's Figuerinha Ecoturismo. This ecotourism lodge is an exquisite escape and respite from your hike! Bird lovers will love staying at Frank's Quinta do Barranco do Estrada.  With any luck, you can join Frank on a birding tour! Get more of Julianna's recommendations on her blogpost on Alentejo Portugal Travel Spots   John Hayes Walks blog A nice blog post on hiking the SW Alejetoarea is on John Hayes Walks. John was also kind enough to share some of his beautiful photos with us - thanks, John! Here is John's itinerary and you can read more atJohnHayesWalks.com. The excellent Rota Vincentina websitecan help you plan your own itinerary to suit your tastes and timeline.   Day 1 - to  Vila Nova de Milfontes on Rota Vicentina Day 2 - Rota Vicentina to Almograve Day 3 - Rota Vicentina to Zambujeira do Mar Day 4 - Rota Vicentina to Odeceixe Day 5 - Rota Vicentina to Aljezur Day 6 - Rota Vicentina to Arrifana Day 7 - Rota Vicentina to Carrapateira Day 8 - Rota Vicentina to Vila do Bispo Day 9 - Rota Vicentina to Cabodo San Vicente   Take a Rest Day! If you've got the time, plan to take a rest day or two so you can spend more time soaking up the local culture.  Here are a couple of great townsto spend an extra day or two:   Santiago do Cacém   Visit Portugal's second largest town where you can see the coast from its highest point at 346 m.  Wonderful crafts of wood, wicker, cork and ceramics. For more things to do, visit the tourism board website.   Vila Nova de Milfontes It's hard to believe that such beautiful natural coastline is not overwrought with tourists!  Enjoy the cobbled streets, whitewashed villas and outstanding food and wine!   Interested in other Walking Holidays? Cotswold Way in England West Highland Way in Scotland UK's Best Walking Holidays El Camino de Santiago Spain Active Travel Adventures Podcast Directory   Time Stamped Show Notes 00:00   Intro 01:30   Julianna Barnaby gets into Adventure Travel 02:45   Overview of the Rota Vicentina series of trails 04:00   Accommodations 05:05   Do you need to bring your day’s water 05:30   Best times to go 06:10   Portugal is relatively affordable 06:44   How to get to the trail heads 07:41   Do you see many people 10:00  Is the Way like the El Camino 11:00   Landscapes and cliffs described/ cork trees 13:10   How harvest the cork 14:25   Mediterranean plants you’ll see 15:55   Wind sculpts the landscape 16:28   How well is the trail blazed (signed) 17:15   What if you can’t speak Portuguese 18:05   Can you go solo 19:32   How difficult is it 20:06   Walking in deep dune sand 20:19   How exposed are you 21:15   Birding 22:46   Good ‘rest day’ villages 25:05   Luggage Transfer service   25:47   Advice for hikers 26:48   Take some Circular Routes 27:25   Must plan accommodations in advance 29:30   Julianna’s most striking memory 30:37  Julianna meets a fisherman 32:09   How this trip compares to others 33:15   The Discoveries Of blog Julianna writes 35:13   Julianna explains “Discerning Travel” 36:13  Final thoughts: GO! Review the Active Travel Adventures podcast please!  

The Crystal Coast of NC has it all: perfect beaches, loads of history and charming fishing villages with lots of fun active things to do. Here's the scoop.

Seven Reasons to Solo Travel There are lots of reasons you might travel solo: Maybe youcan't find anyone to travel where you want to go, when you want to go.  If you want to go, but aren't comfortable going completely on your own, considersmall group travel.  Be aware of any single supplements and look for companies that pair you with someone if you don't want to pay extra to travel alone. ATA affiliate, Active Adventures,is one such company. You need some time to yourself to just THINK!If you need to figure some things out in your life, consider taking a long distance hike or cycling trip.  You'll have all day to yourself, but will meet people along the way for when you could use a little company.  Check out my West Highland Wayand Cottswold Waylong distance walking holiday adventures for some inspiration.  You want to develop your'Grit Bone' or what Jackie calls her"Courage Muscles". There's nothing like adventure travel, and in particular, solo travel to test your mettle and to expand what you think possible for yourself!  It's a great way to boost your self esteem and self reliance, too!  If you want to feel empowered, try adventure travel, and in particular SOLO Adventure Travel!  It's easier to meet new people when you travel solo.  Locals are more likely to come up to introduce themselves when they see you alone, so you'll havemore local interaction.  You'lldevelop better problem solving skills.  When it's just you, YOU have to figure out what to do when something goes awry.  You'll learn that you are quite good at finding a solution, no matter how clumsy it is, when you know that you simply HAVE to!  You'll discover what you really like and dislike:  when your schedule is completely your own, you have to make ALL the decisions, from what time to wake up, to what, when and where to eat, to how to spend your time, etc.  If you go someplace and decide you've had enough, you can simply leave without conferring with travel mates, or you can spend all day in a museum that rocks your boat, but would bore your normal partner.  Traveling solo can sometimes be lonely, soeven introverts learn how to strike up a conversation (my go to questions is,"So how was your day?"  You'll always find other solo travelers at the bar next to a hostel, so head there at cocktail hour to find others that would love to chat.  For that matter, consider even staying in a hostel so you can meet folks in the common areas.  Many offer single rooms so you don't have to sleep dorm style.   Alternately, stay at an Airbnb where the people live there as well and the comments from previous guest indicate that the hosts like to be social with guests.  Consider Couchsurfing.  Also sign up to do a Walking Tour or other group activity to meet others.  See if there are any interesting Meetupsgoing on while you're in town and reach out to the group organizer to attend. Solo Travel Tips and Rules I've been traveling solo for five years now and I've come up with some rules that help keep me safe and reduce stress (in no particular order): When 'winging it' while traveling, I make sure that I know where I am going to sleep before noon. Whenever possible, I make sure that I arrive at the night's accommodations before dark. When out, I never leave my food or drink unattended. Don't drink too much or do any drugs.  Get back to your room at a reasonable hour. Be careful of overly cautious locals who might be setting you up... does someone on the bus or train act like your best friend and rush to try to share a cab with you?  This could be a setup: the cabbie could be a partner in crime.  Check theUS State Dept Travel advisoryfor the country you are visiting to see what the current local scams are.  Register your trip with theSmart Traveler Program. Ask your hotel to call you a cab or take highly ratedUber or Lyfts to avoid rogue cabbies.   Ask a local to circle bad areas on a paper map.  Be mindful of your surroundings at all times and have an exit plan.   Hold onto your luggage, going so far as to bike lock it to yourself should you be on a long train or bus where you might sleep.  Make sure someone knows where you are supposed to be and what time you are supposed to arrive AND when to sound an alarm should he or she not hear from you.  Episodes Mentioned in this Show: Galapagos Dolomites Kilimanjaro Part I Kilimanjaro Part II Machu Picchu Annapurna Travel Safety Tips   Tour Company Mentioned in this Show:   Active Adventures Active does NOT require that you pay a Single Supplement.  If you want, they will try to match you with a same sex roommate, but if they can’t, you are not required to pay the supplement, so may end up with a single room anyway.  However, if you want to make sure you have your own room you CAN pay a supplement to ensure it.   Active Adventures, while a similar name to Active Travel Adventures, is a completely different company, although as an affiliate, I highly recommend them and may receive a small commission or discounted travel if you use my links - at NO additional cost to you.  Using my links is a great no-cost way to help support the show - Thanks!  Kit   Budget Minded Traveler Podcasts and Posts: Budget Minded Traveler Website BMT Solo:  https://www.thebudgetmindedtraveler.com/find-your-courage-through-solo-travel/ BMT Solo Women:  https://www.thebudgetmindedtraveler.com/solo-female-travel-a-dangerous-business-with-amanda-williams/ BMT Cycle Danube Solo: https://www.thebudgetmindedtraveler.com/danube-bike-path/   Traveling Jackie: On Loneliness: https://travelingjackie.com/even-superwoman-gets-lonely/   Connect with Jackie:  Community - Podcast - Instagram   Connecting with Kit and the Active Travel Adventures Community:   When you get back from your solo adventure (or indeed any adventure), be sure to post some of your pics in our Active Travel Adventures Facebook group so others can be inspired and live vicariously through you!  I look forward to getting to know you in the Facebook group. I'd love to learn more about what you’re looking for when you travel or any other insights as to how I can offer you more help at Active Travel Adventures (podcast and website). Email me or tag me and reach out on your favorite social channel. Thanks and never hesitate to email me if I can help in any way. Adventure On!  Kit www.ActiveTravelAdventures.com Host of the Active Travel Adventures podcast   Twitter@Kit_Parks Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures Instagram:  parks.kit        

Classic Bucket List trek of the Tour du Mont Blanc through three countries:  Italy, France and Switzerland.   The Mont Blanc Trek is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world! This adventure can be done as a guided trip, as our guest, Linda Cohen Dickens did with Active Adventures,an affiliate of Active Travel Adventures (but two different companies), as a self-guided trip or you can plan the whole thing on your own and according to your budget.  See the webpagefor more details.  Other links mentioned in this broadcast: Episode 005 Sweden’s Kungsleden Trail Episode 007 Mont Blanc(original episode)  The Active Travel Adventures podcast curates epic multi-day adventures from around the world.  On each adventure, you have to hike, bike, paddle and/or horseback ride or otherwise MOVE from one destination to the next.  The bar is set that this relatively fit 58 year old body can do these adventures and so can YOU!    The shows will tell you all about the adventure plus provide tips and insight to help you plan your amazing adventure!  Be sure to check out the Podcast Directoryto see previous episodes.  When you get back from any of your adventures, be sure to post some of your pics in our Active Travel Adventures Facebook group so others can be inspired and live vicariously through you!  I look forward to getting to know you in the Facebook group. I'd love to learn more about what you’re looking for when you travel or any other insights as to how I can offer you more help at Active Travel Adventures (podcast and website).  Thanks and never hesitate to email me if I can help in any way:  It’s easy to use the Contact Us form on the website. Adventure On!  Kit www.ActiveTravelAdventures.com Host of the Active Travel Adventures podcast Twitter@Kit_Parks Facebook Group:  Active Travel Adventures Instagram:  parks.kit

Many people visit Quebec City for its 400 year old architecture and historical charm, but did you know it is an amazing outdoor adventure travel destination.  You can hike Quebec's hundreds of miles of trails, bike Quebec province for miles upon miles of dedicated trails (including the Blueberry Trail),  you can paddle in Quebec's stunning fjords plus challenge yourself on the via Ferrata.  Quebec takes adventure seriously and has an amazing array of experiences for you to explore! Multi-Sport Adventure Travel Quebec Province Hike Quebec: Quebec province has HUNDREDS of miles of hiking trails in its STUNNING National Parks Bike Quebec: North America's longest cycling network with over 5000 km of bike trails and paths Kayak Quebec: Sea kayak the Saint Lawrence river or through the Sagueney fjord Whitewater Raft Quebec: Jacques Cartier river Horeseback ride Quebec: on a ranch or even along the International Appalachian trail Plus ALL the winter sports! Quebec Province National Parks The Quebec province is blessed with absolutely stunning landscapes and showcases them through its well maintained National Parks. Be sure to allot time to explore Jackie Noure's (our guest) favorite park:  Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.  Here's a link to more park info. Quebec Adventure Travel Itinerary Jackie recommends renting a car so you don't waste precious time going back and forth each day from the city.  She suggests the following intineray: Day One:  Explore Quebec City Day Two:  Day trip from Quebec - bike to Mt. Morency Falls Day Three through Six:  Charlevoix  Day Seven and Eight:  Saguenay National Park and the fjords Montmorency Falls Jackie recommends taking a day trip biking to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City. It's a great place for a picnic! You can readily rent a bike, so no need to pack your own. Jackie Tackles her Fear of Heights Need an adrenaline rush? Consider one of the Quebec area's eight via ferratas! A via ferrata is a rock face that you climb using metal supports.  You are harnessed in and use carbunkles so it's pretty safe, even though your heart pounding will tell you otherwise. Choose from beginner, intermediate or advanced via ferratas. We first learned about via ferratas in our Dolomites episode of the Active Travel Adventures podcast.  Check it out here. Build Your "Grit Bone" in Quebec! Here at Active Travel Adventures, I encourage you to push yourself...  to do a  "+1" of your previous experience to help grow your Grit Bone (and Jackie calls her Courage Muscle"). Areas you can push yourself include longer distances, slightly more challenging heights or elevation gains.  You can also challenge yourself by perhaps roughing it more than you are used to. Every time your stretch yourself, you build your self confidence and feel an exhilerating empowerment, all while enjoying spectacular landscape and wildlife. Quebec's Annual Music Festival : July If you love the music scene, Jackie recommends timing your visit to coincide with the music festival held each summer. You'll most often find Jackie hanging out on Instagram at Traveling Jackie, a travel and lifestyle blog. Be sure to follow her incredible adventures!  @travelingjackie  Jackie's other portal is her Budget Minded Traveler blog and podcast. Here you'll find all sorts of practical travel and money saving tips. Be sure to subscribe - it's one of my fav's! Jackie's Budget Minded Traveler Facebook Community   Here's a great place to ask questions and makes friends with other travelers.   Other Resources: Here are some other good resources to help plan your trip. Quebec Tourism Board [Quebec Region] Quebec Province Toursim Board Quebec Adventure Outdoor I'd love to learn more about how you like to travel so I can provide the most helpful information  Could you please spare less than three minutes to take a quick, ten question multiple choice anonymous survey ?  Thanks!!! Thanks and never hesitate to email me if I can help in any way. Adventure On!  Kit www.ActiveTravelAdventures.com Host of the Active Travel Adventures podcast Twitter @Kit_Parks Facebook Group: Active Travel Adventures Instagram: parks.kit Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-parks-82b99498/

The Cotswold Way footpath is an enchanting walking holiday through England’s bucolic countryside filled with stone cottages, thatched roofs, medieval villages, pastures and gardens.

One of my most favorite trips was a hiking, backpacking and cultural adventure in Nicaragua.  It is imperative that you use a trusted guide service at this time as there have been incidents of unrest in recent years and you want to go with someone familiar with the current situation, for your own safety.  I also recommend visiting this State Dept link for the latest updates. Contact me if you would like to reach out to my local guide (Marjorie and her team was fantastic!!!). Visit the SHOW NOTES for more information and to see photos of this adventure. The Podcasts: https://activetraveladventures.com https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com   Subscribe to the Podcasts: Active Travel Adventures Adventure Travel Show CONNECT WITH ME! Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group Twitter YouTube MeWe MeWeGroup

Today we talk with Stan Jacobson, a 72 year old adventurer who trekked in Nepal's incredible Annapurna Mountain range with Active Adventures.  We hear his story about his unforgettable adventure travel holiday.

Check out these common questions and misconceptions about adventure travel - YOU can do it!  Let me help.