Browsing: Hiking

Scattered across the waters of the South Pacific, Vanuatu stands as one of the world’s most captivating yet underexplored destinations. This Y-shaped archipelago of 83 islands offers visitors an authentic Melanesian experience wrapped in pristine natural beauty, active volcanoes, and some of the most culturally diverse communities on Earth.

Vanuatu lies approximately 1,080 miles east of northern Australia and 310 miles northeast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific Ocean. The nation stretches across roughly …

The best way to see the National Parks during the busy summer tourist season is simply not to do it. Stay home. Come back in the fall, when there are fewer visitors and lower temperatures. But if summer travel is your only option, as it was for my husband and me, follow these tips to beat the crowds— and the heat.

Start Early: Many National Parks actually close their parking lots during the day, either …

It’s only 10 p.m., but everyone has retreated to bed except the five of us playing cards in the hostel dining room.

“Deal another round,” I say, “I’m staying up all night.” Sleep seems unlikely when the temperature is plunging towards minus 12 degrees C (10 deg F), there’s no hot water for showers, and six people are sharing each room where the beds are blocks of salt.

I’ve discovered that you can’t enjoy the …

From a vertical challenge to rocky and winding trails, dense and lush vegetation to tranquil river and waterfall oases, exploring the enduring forests of the Caribbean remains an incredible connecting doorway to the interior green worlds of this region. Some such treks are for the fit, agile and those with stamina, other such outings are shorter and easier on the endurance – but all provide that same magical ingredient in the encounter with terrain and …

There may be no more diverse destination on the planet than Hawaii.  Not only is the terrain amazingly varied – deserts, beaches and lush rainforests, mountains and oceans, deep valleys, and soaring volcanoes – but the climates there range from sub-arctic to tropical.  The available activities are almost without end. The culture is a mix of Polynesian, Asian, European, and American.  But perhaps the most varied aspect of the Islands is the way that this …

With almost perfect temperatures the whole year, the Canary Islands are a popular getaway for travelers. Particularly Tenerife, the most populous island in the chain. Picturesque sand beaches stretch along the coasts surrounding cloud-covered mountains, and small villages once lost to volcanic explosions have been born anew. A flourishing culture with art, delectable food, and tasty wine… the Tenerife life is rest and relaxation immersed in naturally stunning views with a healthy helping of adventurous …