The New Year is just around the corner, which means now is the time to start planning where to go in 2014. If you need a little help getting the wheels spinning, then check out our list of 10 bucket
list worthy adventures, which will have you looking for lemurs in Madagascar, heli-skiing in the
Colorado Rockies and relaxing in an over-water bungalow in Bora Bora.
Adventure #1: Off the Grid in Madagascar
For travelers seeking a truly unique and off the grid adventure, Madagascar is where to go. After more than five years of political instability, the country appears to be getting back on track. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2013, and if successful could be the start of a democratic era. From spiny octopus trees to thousand-year-old bobble head baobabs, mangrove swamps and rock spindle forests to big-eyed lemurs and fuzzy tailed sifakas, the world’s 4th largest island is like no other place on earth. Cast adrift from Africa 165 million years ago, this Noah’s Ark in the Indian Ocean has been evolving on its own terms ever since. Visiting Madagascar is a trip-of-a-lifetime for most, and while the travel isn’t easy a trip here is worth the effort. Now is the time to visit, before the rest of the world shows up.
Adventure #2: Experience Carnival in Trinidad
The double-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most underrated tourist destinations. At the southern edge of the island chain, just north of Venezuela, it features an enigmatic multi-cultural population that knows how to throw a fantastic party. Come for Carnival in Port of Spain, Trinidad – the celebration is taken so seriously the parties begin in June. Trinidad’s beaches are nothing special, but sister island Tobago’s are sublime – think palm fringed stretches of sugar white sand, and calm, clear water that sparkles a myriad shades of blue and green. Best of all, the “limin” (local slang for hanging out) vibe and soca music party continues on this laid-back island, where tourism is still very much DIY. Don’t expect five-star hotels or super club all-inclusive resorts, but for a new cultural experience your friends won’t necessarily have tried, it is bragging rights material.
Adventure #3: Learn to DJ in Mayan Riviera
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at mixing music, head to the all-inclusive ME Cancun (www.me-cancun.com) in the Mayan Riveria, which launched its “DJ Lab Sessions” package – where house DJs teach guests the mash-up basics – last year and attracts a sophisticated, professional adults only crowd. Not only is the hotel that once hosted the cast from MTV’s Real World Cancun tastefully designed on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, it also features excellent, and varied, restaurants for an all-inclusive resort, plus Cancun’s classiest night club.
Adventure #4: Return to Zimbabwe
Considered the jewel of Africa until the late 1990s, Zimbabwe fell out of favor after Robert Mugabe’s stranglehold on his people began taking a horrible toll. Although the dictator is still in power, a switch the US dollar has helped improve the economic situation and eliminate problems with food and fuel shortages. Today the roads are well maintained, restaurants are fully stocked and the country is open for business. Start Harare, one of Africa’s most safe capital cities then take a bus across the country to Victoria Falls. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss a white-knuckle white water trip down the Class V Zambezi River that divides Zimbabwe from Zambia. Finally finish up with a safari in either Hwange National Park, or across the border in Botswana’s magnificent Chobe National Park.
Adventure #5: Overwater bliss in Bora Bora
An oldie but goodie, staying in an over-water bungalow in Bora Bora is just one of those things every traveler should try before they die. Legendary not only for lush beauty but also hedonistic decadence, Bora Bora is a fairy-tale creation of jagged volcanic peaks juxtaposed against crystal-clear aqua lagoons. One of the world’s quintessential dream destinations, the island lures with a Pandora’s box of guilty pleasures. You can either stay on the mainland – the best spots are around Matira Point – which will offer more eating and drinking options beyond your hotel. Or out on the Motu, which is perfect for seclusion but also more expensive. For the overwater bungalow experience, the InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa or Hilton Bora Bora Resort & Spa are excellent choices. Visit www.jetsetter.com for more choices.
Adventure #6: Rediscover Italy’s Amalfi Coast
With colorful Moorish hilltop towns perched on cliffs tumbling into a clear blue sea, the Amalfi Coast, in Italy’s Campania region, is one of Europe’s most dramatic coastlines. Although the area hardly undiscovered, its popularity is not unjustified. What is new, however, is the region hosting the UN’s fourth Universal Forum of Cultures between April and July. Fashionably romantic Positano is my favorite place to sleep. Walk around the cliffs to reach one of the best beaches in the region, Spiggia del Fornillo.
Adventure #7: Wet and Wild in Montenegro
Croatia has been on the radar for a number of years now, but the former Yugoslavia’s hottest up-and-coming destination is Montenegro, which travel planners at Jetsetter.com have also seen more requests for this past year. From beautiful beaches along the country’s Riviera to the untamed wilds of the interior, Montenegro is perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with some rugged hiking or mountain biking.
Adventure #8: Hobbit Style in New Zealand
Even before the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movie trilogies began making New Zealand’s landscape famous, Kiwis knew they lived somewhere special. Don’t miss the Bay of Islands, Taupo and the Central Plauteau Mountain region, which is known for fantastic fly-fishing, hot spring pools and the jaw dropping Huka Falls. Bucket list-worthy highlights include a helicopter trip over Milford Sound that lands on a nearby glacier for lunch. Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital surrounded by drop dead gorgeous alpine scenery, is a great spot to end your trip.
Adventure #9: Heli Ski the Rockies
Heli-skiing is no longer reserved solely for the Richard Bransons of the adventure world. Thanks to Telluride Helitrax guided trips, even budget thrill seekers can afford to check riding virgin powder above the tree line off their bucket list. Called the Bear Creek Descent, the guided trip is affordable because it makes use of a remote yet easily accessible area right outside town and includes only one run. One is all you need, however. After the bird leaves you hovering at 13,200 feet on a ridge of Silver Mountain, take a few minutes to admire the views around you. You’ll be able to see nine fourteeners in Colorado. Then it’s time to shred down 4,300-vertical-feet – you need to be an expert skier – directly into downtown Telluride.
Adventure #10: Check Out Nicaragua, the “New” Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been popular for decades, so if you’re looking for a new Central American destination to brag about visiting before your friends, check out Nicaragua. Begin in Granada, a handsome colonial town, then head north to the still-empty beaches on the country’s wild Pacific coastline – there are some killer surf breaks here too. Make the quaint fishing village of San Juan del Sur your home base for exploring the area.
