Travel

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.

We love to travel here at Terradrift. And we’ve spent enough time exploring Europe now to definitely have our favorite spots for outdoor adventure. So if you’re headed to (or located in) mainland Europe, definitely check out these routes, which might just be some of the best hiking trails in Europe (they’re at least some of our faves so far).

Oregon–pretty much the whole state–is a gold mine of outdoor adventure. There’s mountain biking, hiking around mountains, backpacking, kayaking, and so much more. And the Oregon Coast is no exception. Between sandy beaches, whale watching, sandboarding, biking and hiking, you’ll never run out of things to do. But if you want to avoid the crowds, follow this coastal Oregon road trip itinerary for fewer people and plenty of quality outdoor time, epic views, and moody Pacific Northwest weather.

Whether you don’t like to hike or travel solo, can’t convince anyone from your friends or family group to join you on an exploratory hiking trip, or you simply like the camaraderie and all-inclusive pre-planned schedule group trips offer, a fully guided group trip may be for you. And if you love the outdoors, chances are you’ve heard about REI Adventures trips, which are packed with hiking, camping, lodges, and plenty of other outdoorsy fun. But are REI Adventures worth it (or any group hiking trip, for that matter)? I recently joined REI on their Sedona, Arizona luxury hiking trip to see what these sorts of experiences are all about and who is sure to enjoy them (and who probably won’t).

If there’s one piece of gear we’ve come to appreciate most in the last couple of years, it’s the not-so-humble duffel bag. Versatile, durable, and endlessly useful, duffels have become essential companions for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at four rad, more sustainable duffel bags that are designed for travel and adventure.

I freaking love a good travel bag. Especially one that prioritizes organization. I travel too often to use luggage that doesn’t keep all my stuff together and in its place. So when I got a look at the Matador SEG28 travel backpack, I had to try it. Here’s what I thought.

A beginner boarder with just two lessons under her belt and maybe five days on any mountain anywhere heads to Rossland in British Columbia, Canada to find out if there is any beginner snowboarding at RED Mountain Resort, a mountain renowned for it’s world-class runs.

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.

A sturdy, dependable duffle is a beautiful thing. We compare two–the Patagonia Black Hole and the Cotopaxi Allpa–to see which is tops.