Out of your Comfort Zone
(and into the Wild)
By Karl Kannstadter

Out of your Comfort Zone
(and into the Wild)
By Karl Kannstadter

The call of the wild is irresistible.
It’s like a whisper from the earth urging us to leave behind the familiar and step into the extraordinary. For those who hunger for the thrill of remote frontiers and the beauty of untouched nature (without forgoing too many creature comforts), adventure awaits in the most inaccessible corners of the globe. Whether it’s traversing the icy expanse of the Arctic with the power of an icebreaker, or a self-propelled trek in the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon, these experiences promise to push your limits and enrich your soul.

Canada’s Most Intimate Polar Bear Encounters
Head north to Churchill, Manitoba, where exclusive small-group expeditions—capped at just 16 guests—allow you to witness the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears as they gather in anticipation of the Hudson Bay freeze-up. Get closer to the bears aboard the latest Polar Rovers, featuring expansive windows and a transparent steel outdoor viewing deck that gets you right into the action. As night falls, embark on a tundra excursion under the stars, where a clear sky might just reveal the breathtaking aurora in this frozen wilderness. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers alike, this journey offers an intimate, immersive encounter with one of nature’s most majestic spectacles.

Canada’s Most Intimate Polar Bear Encounters
Head north to Churchill, Manitoba, where exclusive small-group expeditions—capped at just 16 guests—allow you to witness the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears as they gather in anticipation of the Hudson Bay freeze-up. Get closer to the bears aboard the latest Polar Rovers, featuring expansive windows and a transparent steel outdoor viewing deck that gets you right into the action. As night falls, embark on a tundra excursion under the stars, where a clear sky might just reveal the breathtaking aurora in this frozen wilderness. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers alike, this journey offers an intimate, immersive encounter with one of nature’s most majestic spectacles.
Cruising to the North Pole
Imagine cruising into the heart of Arctic desolation aboard PONANT’s state-of-the-art icebreaker le Commandant Charcot, where luxury meets raw wilderness. This expedition invites intrepid travelers to witness shimmering ice fields and elusive polar wildlife in an environment where nature reigns supreme. Ideal for seasoned explorers and those with a taste for high-end adventure, PONANT’s North Pole cruise offers comfort amid the extremes of the polar world, making it a perfect blend of expeditionary spirit and refined indulgence.


Cruising to the North Pole
Imagine cruising into the heart of Arctic desolation aboard PONANT’s state-of-the-art icebreaker le Commandant Charcot, where luxury meets raw wilderness. This expedition invites intrepid travelers to witness shimmering ice fields and elusive polar wildlife in an environment where nature reigns supreme. Ideal for seasoned explorers and those with a taste for high-end adventure, PONANT’s North Pole cruise offers comfort amid the extremes of the polar world, making it a perfect blend of expeditionary spirit and refined indulgence.

Wildlife and Culture in “The Jewel of Africa”
Step into the heart of Zimbabwe with African Travel, Inc. and experience a safari that brings you face-to-face with the continent’s renowned wildlife amid expansive savannahs. This journey offers thrilling game drives, intimate bush walks, and culturally immersive village visits, all designed to reveal the authentic beauty and rich heritage of Zimbabwe. Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and action-packed safari, this expedition combines the exhilaration of wildlife encounters with the chance to connect deeply with Africa’s vibrant landscapes and traditions.

Wildlife and Culture in “The Jewel of Africa”
Step into the heart of Zimbabwe with African Travel, Inc. and experience a safari that brings you face-to-face with the continent’s renowned wildlife amid expansive savannahs. This journey offers thrilling game drives, intimate bush walks, and culturally immersive village visits, all designed to reveal the authentic beauty and rich heritage of Zimbabwe. Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and action-packed safari, this expedition combines the exhilaration of wildlife encounters with the chance to connect deeply with Africa’s vibrant landscapes and traditions.
With Jaguars in Brazil’s Wetlands
Discover the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland through the lens of Abercrombie & Kent. This expedition uncovers a landscape teeming with life, where jaguars stealthily prowl amidst lush marshes and vibrant birdlife colors the sky. Merging luxury with adventure, this journey is best suited for travelers who desire an exquisite blend of comfort, exclusivity, and raw natural beauty. Ideal for discerning adventurers and wildlife aficionados, this trip offers a chance to engage with Brazil’s wild side while enjoying the impeccable service and attention to detail that Abercrombie & Kent is renowned for.


With Jaguars in Brazil’s Wetlands
Discover the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland through the lens of Abercrombie & Kent. This expedition uncovers a landscape teeming with life, where jaguars stealthily prowl amidst lush marshes and vibrant birdlife colors the sky. Merging luxury with adventure, this journey is best suited for travelers who desire an exquisite blend of comfort, exclusivity, and raw natural beauty. Ideal for discerning adventurers and wildlife aficionados, this trip offers a chance to engage with Brazil’s wild side while enjoying the impeccable service and attention to detail that Abercrombie & Kent is renowned for.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike
For those who seek an unforgettable terrestrial challenge, the Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim-to-Rim Hike with MT Sobek is the ultimate test of endurance and spirit. This six-night expedition guides you through one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on earth, where every step takes you deeper into the canyon’s timeless grandeur. Best suited for physically fit, adventurous souls eager to push their limits, this hike offers a transformative journey through rugged terrain, intimate encounters with ancient rock formations, and the chance to reconnect with the essence of wilderness.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike
For those who seek an unforgettable terrestrial challenge, the Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim-to-Rim Hike with MT Sobek is the ultimate test of endurance and spirit. This six-night expedition guides you through one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on earth, where every step takes you deeper into the canyon’s timeless grandeur. Best suited for physically fit, adventurous souls eager to push their limits, this hike offers a transformative journey through rugged terrain, intimate encounters with ancient rock formations, and the chance to reconnect with the essence of wilderness.
Each of these adventures beckons to those willing to step out of their comfort zones and into nature’s embrace. Whether you are drawn to icy polar expeditions, the raw thrill of African safaris, or the challenging beauty of the Grand Canyon, the world’s wildest places await your discovery.

Want to keep reading?

Hi, I'm Frank, founder of Ascensus Premier Travel. I help busy, discerning travelers reclaim their free time by designing custom, hand-crafted vacations. Whether you are looking for a fully customized independent itinerary, the perfect premium river or ocean cruise, an active adventure tour, or a slow-paced all-inclusive resort, I design each journey to fit your unique style. I translate a lifelong passion for global history, international culture, and active exploration into highly professional, stress-free travel designs.
I handle the heavy lifting of travel planning—from research to operational execution—with the same level of care, precision, and meticulous attention to detail I’ve honed throughout my career. Whether you are planning a milestone getaway, a premium weekend escape, or a cherished family gathering, I ensure your travel investment is protected and your itinerary is expertly coordinated for true peace of mind.
I don’t just book trips; I help you navigate the world by ...