If you really want a challenge, have you thought about taking on trekking tours at high altitude? Popular destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Nepal and Peru’s Inca Trail. Here are some unusual trekking destinations that you may never have thought of, at 4500m – 6000m.

You need to consider health and safety while trekking at high altitude as everyone’s acclimatization is different.  If you have never been to high altitude, you need to arm yourself with knowledge.  Start with BenefacTours’ blog for a bit more on this issue.

Ethiopia – Simien Mountains Trek – 4543m, 13 days from $3230 CAD($2529 US). The dramatic skyline of peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over the highland plateaux of the Simien Mountains compete with rugged gorges and deep gullies to form what is, arguably, the most awe-inspiring landscape in Africa. As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land. We may come across large troops of Gelada baboons foraging on the escarpment; and, with luck, spot Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves.

Ecuador  – Avenue of the Volcanoes – 5897m, 15 days from $2960 CAD ($2318 US). Ecuador is liberally sprinkled with some of the world’s highest peaks. Our acclimatization starts with the Pinan Trek in the highlands of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve before we head south to discover Otavalo Indian market and relax in the hot springs, ready for our first climb of Imbabura Volcano. Ice skills practice on Cayambe’s glaciers will prepare us for the tough (but optional) ascent of Cotopaxi, the world’s second highest active volcano. On Cotopaxi we climb with a ratio of one guide to every two trekkers to maximize our chance of summiting.

Peru – Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit  5030m max. 13 days on sale now $1844 CAD ($1444 US). Select Departures June 20 – Jul 31,  Expires in 28 days. Take in the glacial alpine scenery along the Huayhuash Circuit, challenge yourself conquering the high-altitude mountain passes, sleep in tents under the stars in the remote wilderness.

Chile – Patagonia Trekking – 10 days from $3770 CAD ($2952 US). Visit South America and travel to Patagonia to experience the ‘W’ Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Experience Chile and Argentina’s best wilderness on this trekking adventure.

France – Mont Blanc Ascent – 4810 m, 8 days from $3800 CAD. Looming over the climbing mecca of Chamonix, the majesty of Mont Blanc has captivated climbers for centuries and calls all would-be explorers to join them atop of Western Europe’s highest peak. Attempted over three days, this itinerary is designed to give you the very best chance of reaching the summit.

Contact us for information on these and any other trekking destinations you are interested in.

Are you interested in volcano treks? Intrigued by the sight of lava flowing or the idea of hiking over a trail where volcanic eruptions in the past have changed the geography of an area? Is it the view from the top or at a distance that gets your spirit adventuring? There are many countries with active volcanoes, where you can hike partially or all the way to the top in order to peak over the rim into a crater. Did you know that to be considered active, a volcano has to have erupted in the last 10,000 years? Below are a handful of sites, known for their volcanoes, to be explored, hiked, viewed or amazed at.

Costa Rica – Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica in the district of La Fortuna.  The Arenal volcano measures at least 1,633 metres (5,358 ft) with a crater spanning 140 metres (460 ft).

Ecuador – Avenue of the Volcanoes – is a 325 km. long valley between the major Cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. They also provide mountaineers a rare opportunity to achieve very high altitudes without technical difficulty. Volcano climbing offers an exciting, unforgettable challenge.

Iceland – has a high concentration of active volcanoes due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Of the 30 volcanic systems, the most active is Grimsvotn. In the past 500 years, Iceland’s volcanoes have erupted a third of the total global lava output.

Nicaragua – Nicaragua has one of the most impressive volcanic chains in Central America. It features more than fifty volcanic cones of which seven are active.

Sumatra, Indonesia – Mt. Sibayak is a small stratovolcano overlooking the town of Berastagi in northern Sumatra. Geothermal activity, in the form of steam vents and hot springs, remains high on and around the volcano.

For more information on these or any tour, contact us.

Cycle a little or a lot – cycling holidays can be experienced all over the planet.  Here are just a few examples. Other destinations not listed here, that include cycling, are in Nepal, Tibet, France, Switzerland, Namibia, Morocco, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Iceland and more. Contact us for more ideas on where you can add some cycling.

Cuba 8 days from $1299 CAD ($1040 US)  Cycle through pincushion hills, sample Cuban rum at the distillery, hear Cuban salsa music float through the streets of Havana, walk across one of Cuba’s famed white-sand beaches, gaze out across the crystal-blue Caribbean.

Thailand Hike, Bike and Kayak 12 days from $1520 CAD ($1218 US)  Jump aboard an active tour of Northern Thailand. Visit Bangkok, explore Chiang Mai, take a hilltribe trek and kayak down the historic River Kwai.

Italy 7 days from $1449 CAD ($1161 US) Cycle through Tuscan countryside and stone-walled hill towns, visit quaint Pienza and medieval Montepulciano, learn traditional recipes and eat delicious Tuscan cuisine.

Danube: Vienna to Budapest  8 days from $1050 CAD ($841 US) Ride through the beautiful and peaceful scenery that links these two historic cities. Meander back and forth from the river bank through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills.

Spain 8 days from $1549 CAD ($1249 US) – cycle through glorious countryside, learn about Catalan culture and customs, savour tapas and local wines.

Turkey Turquoise Coast – 8 days from $1050 CAD ($841 US) On this active cycling holiday we cover dry single tracks, forest fire track trails and some country roads provide a modest challenge for novices, whilst providing a more relaxing break for the experienced rider.

Burma 14 days from $3849 CAD ($3083 US) Bike around the villages and gardens of Inle Lake, visit the ancient cities of Ava and Amarapura, cycle around the incredible stupas in Bagan, hike through limestone caves at Pindaya, marvel at the pilgrimage site of Mt. Popa.

Contact us for more information on these tours or others around the globe.

 

 Here are some travel tips to consider before you head out on your next adventure.

•  Carry-on bag restrictions. Here is some clarification.

• Packing tips – fit a ton of stuff into one small bag.

• Need help picking a seat on a flight? Check out Seat Guru for the best seats and seat pitch (distance between rows of seats) before you book a flight. The more legroom, the better.

• Be aware of some common tourist scams. 10 worst tourist scams

• 17 rules of Airplane etiquette – ie. give both armrests to the person in the middle, etc.

• Aeroplan Flight Rewards – where can you travel using your points.

• 50 top cities to visit in your lifetime.  From Bagan to Varanasi, which ones are still on your list?

• Be sure to find out if you require a visa ahead of time. Some countries allow you to buy your visa upon arrival.  Check your country’s travel reports.

 

Exotic Asia Tours – experience the multitudes of cultures on this exotic continent.

Bali
Beautiful Bali – Travel to Bali and experience this exotic oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali’s Ubud, Mt Batur, Lovina and Bedugul provide the perfect island escape. 9 days from $1015 CAD, on sale now $812 CAD ($652 US). Includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, snorkeling, climbing, cycling and other activities, Guesthouse (2 nts), Hotel (6 nts).

Bhutan
Bhutan Adventure – Travel along mystical mountains, visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas, trek along scenic nature trails, experience the ‘Dragon Kingdom’ with cultural interactions at a local farm, take in stunning Himalayan mountain views. 10 days from $2999 CAD. Includes 2 day trek,  9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners. (Allow USD100-150 for drinks not included), hotels/guesthouses (7 nts), camping (1 nt), farmhouse stay (1 nt), private vehicle, walking, tours and activities.

Burma
Classic Burma Adventure – Explore intriguing Yangon, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, stroll Mandalay’s temples, float down the Irrawaddy River, experience the ancient ruins of Bagan, relax at Inle Lake. 14 days from $2499 CAD. Includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch. (Allow USD250-350 for meals not included), hotels (12 nts), simple guesthouse (1 nt), private bus, public bus, plane, boat, bicycle, walking, tours and activities.

China and Mongolia
Envision ancient times at the Great Wall of China, live like a local in an Inner Mongolian ger, marvel at the Hanging Monastery of Datong, stare down the Terracotta Warriors, learn traditional Chinese painting in Pingyao. 12 days, book by Feb 12, select departures Apr 23 – Jun 12 for 15% off at $1274 CAD ($1022 US). Includes 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner. (Allow USD200-260 for meals not included), train, private van, public bus, walking, guide, basic hotels (7 nts), traditional ger (1 nt, multi-share), sleeper train (3 nts).

Philippines
Trek through remote villages, visit World Heritage rice terraces, explore hidden waterfalls and caves, savour Filipino cuisine. 9 days book by Feb 12 for $1104 CAD ($886 US). Select Departures May 01 – Jun 04. Includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner. (Allow USD150-200 for meals not included), Private bus, public bus, guide, hotels (6 nts), homestay (1 nt), overnight bus (1 nt).

Thailand and Laos Adventure
Explore Bangkok’s canals, discover Buddhist temples, float down the mighty Mekong. 14 days, book by Feb 12, for from $1444 CAD ($1159 US). Includes 10 breakfasts, 2 dinners. (Allow USD265-350 for meals not included.), hotels (11 nights), village homestay (1 night), sleeper train (1 night), train, local bus, air-con bus, boat, songthaew, cyclo, plane and activities.

Tibet, China and Nepal
Visit incredible monuments and palaces, explore the bustle of Beijing and hike the Great Wall, ride the rails on the Trans-Tibetan railway, experience monk debates in Sera Monastery, set eyes on Everest Base Camp. 15 days Beijing to Kathmandu, on sale for $2699 CAD ($2166 US) departure April 5. Includes  4 breakfasts. (Allow USD225-325 for meals not included), train, private bus, guide, hotels (11 nts), guesthouse (1 nt, multi-share), sleeper train (2 nts).

Contact us for more details on these or any tours. Currency conversions are current as of 5 Feb, 2015 on Oanda.com.