Top 7: Adventure Mistakes

Here's a great little list from Adventure Journey. It's the latest in their series of "Top 7" lists, and this one is the Top 7 Adventure Mistakes.

We've all been there. Off on some far flung adventure when we over, or under, estimate something, or we're not paying attention to directions, or horribly distracted by the wonderful scenery forcing us to make some silly mistake that we wish we hadn't. For example, number 6 on the list is "Getting Ripped Off". Who hasn't been over charged for something they purchased while abroad or taken to the cleaners by a taxi driver who threatens to never return you to civilization if you don't pay his exorbitant fees.

Other items on the list include not learning a few phrases of the native language of the place your visiting, not reading a bit of history on the location, and not getting out of the cities and seeing there real countryside. Quite honestly though, these never been issues for me, as they are always included in my travel planning.

Quite frankly the items on this list are not really ones that a seasoned traveler, especially an adventure traveler, would make. They're more like common mistakes for beginners. Still, they are a good list to remind us all of things to keep in mind before we head out somewhere. After all, you wouldn't want to take off on that dream vacation and have something go horribly wrong because you forgot to learn how to order beer in the native language. That one is very important, no matter where you are going.

Top 7: Adventures In The Air

Adventure Journey is back with another one of their "Top 7" lists, this time it's the Top 7 Adventures In The Air.

As you can guess by the title, this is all about slipping the "surly bonds of Earth" and getting some altitude while taking in some amazing scenery or getting the thrill of altitude. As usual, you'll find some great suggestions on the list, such as number seven itself, which is a helicopter ride over New Zealand's White Island Volcano. Several of the adventures involve hang gliding, para-gliding, or sky diving, and usually in some unique and exotic local. I won't spoil #1 on the list, but lets just say it isn't really open for everyone.

Number six on the list is taking in the Serengeti while in a hot air balloon, which would be an amazing way to go on safari. While I was in Tanzania last year, we actually saw a balloon over the Serengeti one morning while we zoomed around in our Land Cruiser. The sun was just coming up, and it was a beautiful morning, and I couldn't help but wish I had been up there. I'm sure the scenery was great, and you could easily spot wildlife from a long way off. Definitely worth looking into the next time you head out on a big game safari!

Top 7: Adventures In The Dark

AdventureJourney.net has posted another one of their fun Top 7 lists. This time it's the Top 7 Adventures In The Dark with the focus being on those deep, distance places, where the Sun's light doesn't reach.

You'll find a number of unique adventures on the list, which begins with Hammerfest, the Northern most city in the World and a place that is steeped in darkness for months of the year. Other places to make the "Top 7" include the lava tubes of Hawaii, a night hike in Zion National Park, and a deep sea dive at night into the wreckage of the S.S. Yongala, a sunken ship off the Great Barrier Reef.

I won't spoil the number one spot, but it's a very cool "dark adventure" to be sure. Something I wouldn't have thought of, but definitely an item to put on your list of life's adventures. Another great list from Adventure Journey.

Top 7 Adventure On (In, Along) The Arctic Ocean!

Are you one of those travelers who isn't big on spending time at the beach? Have you already been to the four corners of the World, but yet still yearn for a new adventure? Well, never fear, as Adventure Journey is back with an all new Top 7. This time it's the Top 7 Adventures On (In, Along) The Arctic Ocean.

As always, there are some great suggestions here. For instance, #7 is a visit to Deadhorse, Alaska. They mention that this tiny little oil town is a great place to witness the Northern Lights and an abundance of wildlife, but also warn that there are few visitors to the place, and accommodations are sparse. Still, for getting off the beaten path, it's hard to beat a place called "Deadhorse".

From there you can head over to Churchill, Canada, in the province of Manitoba. It makes #5 on the list, for being the polar bear capital of the World. If that doesn't do it for you, how about their #2 suggestion. Deep sea scuba diving in the Arctic Ocean! Of course, there are plenty of other choices, with more details on each, so if you're looking for a get away that's a bit cooler than most, be sure to take the advice of AJ.

Personally, I'm not much of a beach guy. I can handle an afternoon of chilling on the beach from time to time, but I'd much rather be off to the arctic, than hanging out in the Bahamas. Yeah, I know, I'm kind of crazy that way.

Top 7 Ways To Bring Adventure Home

As I mentioned yesterday, Adventure Journey is back up and running after months of silence, and they're filling in more content all the time. Things are shaping up quite nicely, and I was happy to see the return of their "Top 7" lists. This time it's the Top 7 Ways to Bring Adventure Home with some great tips for keeping a little adventure in your life, even after you've returned from your latest expedition.

There are some great, simple things on the list, as well as some larger, more involved suggestions. The ideas range from finding an adventure hobby, such as scuba diving or climbing, to decorating a room in your home as an "adventure galleria". They even take the opportunity to pimp their new online community by suggesting that you go to ajhub.com to register. Unfortunately, that site doesn't have anything up and running just yet. Perhaps I'm poking around too much behind the scenes.

In the end, their best suggestion is number one on their list, which is to get involved with a good cause. They suggest something that keeps you connected to the places you visit, and you'll almost feel like you are there, even while planning your next escape. Besides, it never hurts to be involved in a good cause, no matter the motivation.

Top 7: Signs You're an Adventure Traveler

It's the first of the month, which means it's time for another edition of Top 7 from our friends over at Adventure Journey. This month it's the Top 7 Signs You're an Adventure Travler. Amongst my favorites are "You Don't Plan Your Vacations to Relax" (I'm so guilty of this one!), "Cruises Don't Appeal To You" (Yep! Got me there too!), and "The Florida Keyes Don't Call to You; Siberia Does." (Uh-huh!) I have a feeling I just might be an Adventure Traveler. :)

Top 7: Himalayan Treks

The latest issue of online magazine Adventure Journey is up, and that brings us another edition of their Top 7 lists. This time it's the Top 7 Himalayan Treks, with such classics as trekking to Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. But you'll also find some lesser known treks such as trekking to the Kingdom of Mustang and Nanga Parbat, which is number one on the list. They all sound amazing. I think I've added another seven items to my life to-do list. :)

Adventure Journey: Top 7 Crazy Desert Crossings!

AdventureJourney.net, that wonderful online magazine on adventure travel, has posted another Top 7 lists. (Top 7?) This time it's the Top 7 Crazy Desert Crossings. On the list you'll find such famous deserts as the Sahara and Atacma, and more obscure places like The Simpson Desert, or Chang Tang--Taklamakan. A quick and fun read, as usual.

Ultimate Travel Library

A few days ago I posted the list of Top 7 Adventure Novels compiled by Adventure Journey. Well, if that didn't offer enough to whet your reading appetite for the summer, then you need to check out The Ultimate Travel Library brought to us by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. On the list you'll find dozens of great books focused on every region of the planet, including the Polar Regions. There is even a list of Classic Travel books. So, if you're planning a trip somewhere, or just wish you were, I'm sure you'll find something on the list to appeal to you. Looks like my Amazon "Wishlist" just got a lot longer...

Top 7 Adventure Novels

It's time for another Top 7 list from our friends over at Adventure Journey. This time, it's the top seven adventure novels with some really great books on the list. I particularly like Kim by Rudyard Kipling, Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days and Into the West which is a popular asian tale. There are a few on the list I haven't read yet, so I guess I can pick a few up for some light summer reading.

Top 7 Volcano Climbs!

Adventure Journey has updated their Top 7 column, this month naming the Top 7 Volcano Climbs. There are some excellent options here, spread out across the planet, so if you're looking to add a little adventure to your next trip, and would like to climb a volcano, give it a look.

On a side note, I really like Adventure Journey. The website is well designed, and there are always interesting things to see and read there. I do sense that they are going through some growing pains, as the site has been down a few times when I've tried to reach it, but the writing and content are top notch, and very interesting to read.

Adventure Journey: Top 7 Adventures on Water

Sticking with Adventure Journey today, they've also updated their "Top 7 Adventures" secion as well. This time it's The Top 7 Adventures on Water. The list includes rafting the Grand Canyon, diving the Great Barrier Reef, and my personal favorite, Canoeing up the inside passage in Alaska. Although I'd prefer to do that one by kayak, thank you very much.

Top Seven Adventure Destinations!

Adventure Journey Magazine, which is quickly shaping up to be an insightful and interesting source of news on adventure travel, has a cool little article called Top Seven, in which I presume they will be listing their Top Seven list each month on a different topic. This months topic is Adventure Destinations.

Every location on the list is definitely a place that I would like to visit, including their top spot, Peru. In fact, one of my dream trips is to hike the Inca Trail, ending in Macchu Picchu. If you're someone looking to get into adventure travel, or have had a yearning to put some adventure back into your life, perhaps this list will give you some ideas. I completely approve! Not that anyone was asking! :)