Finding Your Inner Explorer
By Karl Kannstadter
Finding Your Inner Explorer
By Karl Kannstadter
A guide for first-time adventure travelers.
Embarking on your first adventure travel experience can be daunting. The trip may take you out of your comfort zone. Getting in and out of Zodiacs (what’s a Zodiac anyway?). Being outdoors for much longer than you are used to (what if it’s raining?). Seeing a unique way of life, hearing a new language, or eating food that you are not familiar with. For some, the mere thought of these activities can be off-putting. But it needn’t be. Access and comfort are not mutually exclusive.
Adventure travel, or exploration travel, has come a long way. As a matter of fact, we are at the intersection of exploration and luxury travel. You can still expect to get hot and sweaty while gorilla trekking, or feel a cold wind on your face in Antarctica. The difference these days is that many comforts await when you get back to the lodge or to the ship. Take a hot shower (or a cool dip). Have a hot coffee (or a cold drink). You can access some of the most remote places on earth, and be comfortable.
Cruise the Galápagos
with Celebrity Cruises
Imagine a place where the wildlife seems as curious about you as you are about them. Now imagine that you are just a few feet away from these creatures. Imagine an open-air living history museum. That’s the Galápagos. And Celebrity Flora will take you there, allowing you to come face-to-face with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and penguins. Snorkel among sea lions or hike over lava fields. This cruise offers a blend of comfort and adventure, making it an ideal starting point for the budding explorer.
Cruise the Galápagos
with Celebrity Cruises
Imagine a place where the wildlife seems as curious about you as you are about them. Now imagine that you are just a few feet away from these creatures. Imagine an open-air living history museum. That’s the Galápagos. And Celebrity Flora will take you there, allowing you to come face-to-face with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and penguins. Snorkel among sea lions or hike over lava fields. This cruise offers a blend of comfort and adventure, making it an ideal starting point for the budding explorer.
Chasing Northern Lights in Iceland
with MT Sobek
The dance of the Northern Lights defies description. And because seeing is believing, Iceland is one of the best stages in the world for this natural light show. With MT Sobek, you’re not just a passive observer; you’re an active participant. By day, explore geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. By night, hunt for the aurora borealis in remote locations, far from the light pollution of the city. This journey is a compelling mix of activity and tranquility, under the vast, starlit sky.
Chasing Northern Lights in Iceland
with MT Sobek
The dance of the Northern Lights defies description. And because seeing is believing, Iceland is one of the best stages in the world for this natural light show. With MT Sobek, you’re not just a passive observer; you’re an active participant. By day, explore geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. By night, hunt for the aurora borealis in remote locations, far from the light pollution of the city. This journey is a compelling mix of activity and tranquility, under the vast, starlit sky.
Cultural immersion in Morocco
with Abercrombie & Kent
Morocco is a land of contrasts. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert. A Moroccan journey with Abercrombie & Kent will take you behind the scenes in style and comfort. Wander through ancient medinas, savor traditional Moroccan cuisine and spend a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp. Morocco promises a sensory overload (in a good way) and a deep dive into a vibrant culture. It’s a perfect adventure for those seeking to blend exploration with cultural enrichment.
Cultural immersion in Morocco
with Abercrombie & Kent
Morocco is a land of contrasts. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert. A Moroccan journey with Abercrombie & Kent will take you behind the scenes in style and comfort. Wander through ancient medinas, savor traditional Moroccan cuisine and spend a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp. Morocco promises a sensory overload (in a good way) and a deep dive into a vibrant culture. It’s a perfect adventure for those seeking to blend exploration with cultural enrichment.
Polar Bear Expedition in Churchill
with Natural Habitat Adventures
There’s something humbling about coming eye-to-eye with a wild animal. Especially if it’s a polar bear! Natural Habitat Adventures can make that happen with an adventure to Churchill, Manitoba, the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. This is Nat Hab’s signature trip for good reason. Observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat from the safety and comfort of specialized tundra vehicles. The bears don’t stick around Churchill too long before heading onto the ice, so this trip sells out fast.
Polar Bear Expedition in Churchill
with Natural Habitat Adventures
There’s something humbling about coming eye-to-eye with a wild animal. Especially if it’s a polar bear! Natural Habitat Adventures can make that happen with an adventure to Churchill, Manitoba, the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. This is Nat Hab’s signature trip for good reason. Observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat from the safety and comfort of specialized tundra vehicles. The bears don’t stick around Churchill too long before heading onto the ice, so this trip sells out fast.
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
with Tauck
Japan during cherry blossom season is a vision of ephemeral beauty. Delicate pink blooms transform entire cities and the countryside alike. With Tauck, a journey to observe the sakura (cherry blossoms) is elevated into an exploration of Japan’s deep cultural heritage. From the streets of Kyoto to the bustling heart of Tokyo, you’ll experience the country’s stunning contrasts and traditions. Participating in hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is an experience not soon forgotten.
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan
with Tauck
Japan during cherry blossom season is a vision of ephemeral beauty. Delicate pink blooms transform entire cities and the countryside alike. With Tauck, a journey to observe the sakura (cherry blossoms) is elevated into an exploration of Japan’s deep cultural heritage. From the streets of Kyoto to the bustling heart of Tokyo, you’ll experience the country’s stunning contrasts and traditions. Participating in hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is an experience not soon forgotten.
Each of these trips offers a unique gateway to discovering the world and your inner explorer. Wherever your first experience takes you, adventure travel has the power to transform. Pack your bags, open your mind, and embrace your adventurous self.
The Sound of Adventure
Volume up. Listen closely. Adventure is calling.
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I have had the pleasure of being a senior executive in several top travel companies over the past 30 years and learned all sides of the travel business from the inside out. With my passion for travel, insider knowledge, my connections and understanding of how to create unforgettable experiences, Insider Luxury Travel was created.
The definition of luxury travel to me is to have a new experience and immerse oneself in a destination.
The mode of travel and type of accommodation used can vary from a 5-star hotel or a boutique property to an eco-style lodge but the common theme is that the experience is a special one.
I deliver seamless and personal service helping you to plan and then enjoy authentic, quality experiences that will be long remembered.
I am a travel coach, that will help you to get the best value for your travel dollar. You may enjoy searching on the internet for travel inspiration (I do too!), but when you would like sound advice and someone who will provide you wit ...