101 Reasons to Travel Now: Get Active
We've scoured the globe in search of hidden gems to experience around the world. Here are the best experiences to get you moving.
From the October 2015 issue of Traveler magazine
Reasons to Travel Now: 14-24
14. ZIP-LINING OVER JODHPUR:
Combine a thrill ride with Indian history via Flying Fox’s zip-line course above sites such as the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort.
15. WILL WORK FOR WINE:
We can’t think of a better locale to try our hand at WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) than on a vineyard in Australia’s Barossa Valley.
16. BEYOND THE BLUE LAGOON:
Hot springs and a cold river converge at Hveragerði, in southern Iceland, the perfect spot for a soak after a hike through ancient lava fields and around bubbling mud pots.
17. CLIMBING HUAYNA PICCHU:
That green Peruvian peak backdropping all those Machu Picchu photos allows only 400 hikers a day. Book early. The views are worth it.
18. ICE BIKING BUFFALO:
Pedal the Canalside ice rink on an ice bike with one wheel and one blade. It’s all part of a waterfront revitalization in this upstate New York city.
19. OMS AND SUDS:
During weekly Bend & Brew classes, Asheville’s Travelling Yogini leads sun salutation sessions at different breweries around the North Carolina mountain town, followed by beer tastings.
20. HIKE THE LYCIAN WAY:
Passing sleepy villages, beekeepers making honey, and ancient tombs carved in the rocks above, this ancient off-the-radar Turkish trail skirts the Mediterranean.
21. SURF PERU:
Catch the longest left-hand waves in the world from Peru’s northern coast, with its white-sand beaches and laid-back resorts. Find surf shops in Máncora and sleepy Punta Sal.
22. SKY BIKE BUILT FOR TWO:
At Mashpi Lodge, in Ecuador, ride a tandem “bike” suspended from a 656-foot-long cable above the Andean cloud forest.*
23. WATER THAT GLOWS:
In Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, nighttime kayak trips glide through glittering water at the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.
24. SLEDDING FOR GROWN-UPS:
“Sledging” down Swiss slopes on steerable sleds with runners is the latest Alpine craze. Try it in the cul-de-sac village of Arosa.
*Mashpi Lodge is recognized as one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World.
More from 101 Reasons to Travel Now: Embrace your inner nature lover (#25-33) >>
Go Further
Animals
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
Environment
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
History & Culture
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
- The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
- Heard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followersHeard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followers
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?
Travel
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico
- Follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood ForestFollow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
- This chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new directionThis chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new direction
- On the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migrationOn the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migration
- Everything you need to know about Everglades National ParkEverything you need to know about Everglades National Park