Adventure

Are expedition cruises destroying Antarctica? Depending on who you ask, yes. But also, no. The debate is a legitimate one. After all, most massive cruise ships are often unsustainable and environmentally irresponsible. And Antarctica is home to a delicate ecosystem that affects the weather of the entire world. So yeah, it’s a fair question. But like most complicated questions, the answer to whether an Antarctica cruise is a responsible choice isn’t a simple “yes” or “no,” it’s more nuanced than that.
After all, the concerns posed by folks who don’t think Antarctica tourism should be a thing are legitimate. But modern expedition cruises are also doing lots to mitigate those concerns. So what gives? And is there a clear answer? We sailed to Antarctica on the Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer to see what we could learn about sustainability on the southernmost continent and what tour operators are doing to protect it. Also, if an Antarctica cruise is a responsible choice.

Antarctica is a magical wonderland. It looms large as a dream destination for so many exploratory travelers. That includes us. So when we got the opportunity to go on the first ever Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly expedition, we were over the moon. We couldn’t wait to see penguins, whales, learn plenty about science and conservation and climate change on board, and marvel at this vast wilderness. If that’s you, whether you’ve already booked your trip or are currently in the dreaming and planning phase, it may be helpful to know what to pack for an Antarctica cruise. Specifically an expedition cruise. Here’s what we brought along.

When I joined the outdoor brand Fjällräven for their Classic USA in Colorado last summer, I had no reason to believe I’d get the chance to do it again at any of their other 7 Classic events around the world. But when they announced a brand new 4-day backpacking route in Patagonia in Chile, I was thrilled to do it all again, this time in such a remarkable trekking destination. It was certainly different than the USA Classic, but one thing that remained the same: it’s a great event whether you’ve been backpacking for years or you’ve never been backpacking before ever. Think you might want to check out a Fjällräven Classic yourself? Here’s what I learned from backpacking with 200 of my closest friends. Twice.

When I head into the mountains, either the Wasatch range near my home, the Austrian or Swiss Alps, or the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, I am always moved. Sure, I love to move fast and summit peaks as much as the next outdoor lover, but for years immersing myself in nature has been as much about the peace and calm I find there, enjoying the majestic scenery, and taking time to bear witness to the power of nature. But when I got to go to Alberta, Canada recently and spend time in the Rockies around Banff and Jasper (the tailbone of Turtle Island–a.k.a. North America), the wonder I have always felt in the outdoors was amplified each time I set out to explore with the region’s Indigenous guides. Here are 5 Indigenous tours I heartily recommend in the area.

Headed to Vegas but prefer to opt outside instead of hitting the strip? We feel you. Nightlife isn’t our thing either (though if you dig both, then you’re in the right city). Fortunately, There’s a wealth of rad hikes near Las Vegas, plus other adventurous outdoor activities within an easy drive from the city center.

We recently spent some time in Switzerland! In the Alps, to be specific. In the Engadin region, to be even more specific: In Celerina, a quiet little hamlet tucked in a valley between mountains. And frankly, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else to explore this stunning mountainous region. It’s quiet, cozy, super freakin’ chill, and adventure is literally everywhere. Here are 5 adventures in the Swiss Alps we found totally rad and think you may just, too.

I hate cruises. They just aren’t for me. I find them boring, they don’t offer the adventure I crave, and the cruise industry as a whole is supremely unsustainable. So I surprised everyone–myself included–when I agreed to go on an HX Expedition cruise to East Greenland. Here’s why I gave the line a shot, including what sustainability had to do with it (and what I thought about the experience).

The mountains are an amazing place to be. I love frolicking among wildflowers and alpine lakes surrounded by epic views, and I enjoy them more knowing these magical places were only accessible via my own two feet (and a whole lotta grit and determination). But if there’s one thing that can ruin a hiking or backpacking trip, it’s altitude sickness. Think you might have it? Wanna avoid it? Not even sure what the symptoms are? We’ve got you. Read on to find out how to identify, treat, and prevent altitude sickness.

I first learned about the Fjallraven Classic USA a few years ago. One day, I opened up my shiny new issue of Outside or Backpacker magazine (publications I now write for on a regular basis) and nestled inside was a small passport book with routes and info about the backpacking event in Colorado. Wow, I thought, this looks rad! And last month Fjallraven invited me to participate in the annual trip. I was excited and curious. What was this shindig all about? Who signed up for these sorts of things? Would I get to test any of Fjallraven’s vegan gear or clothing? What should I expect? Since I never turn down an invite to go backpacking, I obviously accepted and headed to Colorado to find out for myself. Curious? Read on.

In July, we headed to the mountains. The Tetons, to be precise. We loaded up the car, hit the road, and adventured our way all the way to Wyoming where we met up with my parents for our annual family backpacking trip, somehow managed to cram all of our stuff AND their stuff into our overloaded car, and prepared for some epic backpacking in Grand Teton National Park. Wanna go, too? Here’s our trip report, with deets, route info, and, of course, gear recommendations, to help you plan and pack for your own mountain adventure!