Adventure Travel News: Fly to the North Pole, El Nino Ski Tips and More

Air Berlin will fly passengers to the North Pole in 2016.  Air Berlin

Each week we bring you the latest news, commentary, and special deals from the world of adventure travel. Here are some stories that may be of interest from the week ending November 13, 2015. 

Fly to the North Pole in 2016
Do you enjoy traveling to remote places where few people have gone before? Than you'll definitely want to sign up for Air Berlin's special flight planned for April of 2016. The company, which normally operates flights to 138 destinations across the globe will make a special flight to the North Pole, complete with champaign and special certificates commemorating the arrival at the top of the world.

The flight is fairly reasonable as far as polar travel goes, setting customers back just €499, or roughly $540, with departures from Dusseldorf. The actual flight takes about 12 hours to complete. For more information, click here. 
 

See the World with Intrepid Travel in 2016 Instead
If flying to the North Pole isn't your thing, than perhaps you'd like to spend 2016 exploring the rest of the world instead.

Intrepid Travel is now offering an exclusive trip that circumnavigates the globe, visiting 34 countries in a single 365-day itinerary. The trip includes stops in Alaska, Mexico, Ecuador, South Africa, Kenya, Antarctica, Bangkok, Beijing, and a host of other places. The cost of such a trip? $75,000, which works out to about $205 per day. Find out more, and sign up for the trip, on Intrepid's website. 

Men's Journal Offers Tips for Skiing El Niño
If you're a skier or snowboarder itching to hit the slopes this season, you probably already know that many places in the American west are now expecting better snowfall this year thanks to a Super El Niño that is already one of the largest ever recorded.

In preparation for the impending weather event, Men's Journal has created a special guide for skiers to prepare for what could be an epic season ahead. Tips include what to expect in the major ski areas across the U.S., with some looking to have much better seasons than last, while others will still be short on powder.

There are even suggestions on where you can ski right now. 

Are There Hidden Chambers in the Great Pyramid?
After more than 5000 years of history, the Great Pyramids at Giza continue to reveal mysteries. Earlier this week Egypt's Minister of Antiquities, Mamdouh El-Damaty, announced that a team of archaeologists and researchers have discovered an "impressive anomaly" inside the largest of the pyramids, which was once the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu. According to National Geographic, this anomaly could be a long-hidden chamber that could reveal lost treasures or insights into how the structures were built. The news comes not long after a similar discovery was found int he tomb of King Tut, which some believe could be the long-lost tomb of the Queen Nefertiti. It is hoped that both discoveries could help jump start the flagging Egyptian tourism economy. 

​Upscape Launches New Trip to Patagonia
Every adventure traveler knows that Patagonia is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, offering all kinds of opportunities for exploration. Now, a company called Upscape is offering new itineraries to that wild place. The new "Lake District Bike Adventure" and "Wild Patagonia" expedition are multi-sport itineraries that offer travelers a nice blend of active excursions, culture, and relaxation. Visitors will pedal past snowcapped mountains, past pristine fjords, and down hidden country roads in a place that is practically the very end of the world. 

Faster Inflight WiFi is on the Way!
Not exactly adventure travel specific, but who doesn't enjoy good inflight WiFi from time to time? Gogo Inflight Internet has been testing much faster hardware and networking protocols that promises to revolutionize the speeds that are available while on properly equipped planes. Just how fast are we talking here? Up to 70mps, which is fast enough to stream Netflix, HBO Go, and Youtube, at the same time. Engadget had the opportunity to take the new service for a test flight (Ha!) recently, and shared their thoughts. While it sounds like Gogo still has some kinks to workout, to say that the test run was promising is an understatement. 

Explore the British Museum without Leaving Home
Obviously the joys of travel involve actually going to a destination to see it for yourself. But when that isn't always possible, the Internet can help satiate your wanderlust, at least to a degree. For example, if you've ever wanted to visit the British Museum, but still haven't had the chance to cross it off your bucket list, Google might be able to help. The Internet search giant is bring 4500 artifacts and works of art from the museum online as part of its Cultural Institute. You can even virtually stroll five floors of the museum using Google Street View. It just might be the next best thing to actually being there. 

Gear Review: Timbuk2 Aviator Convertible Travel Backpack

The Aviator Convertible Backpack from Timbuk2.  Timbuk2

About.com Rating

For those of us who like to travel light, finding the perfect bag that enables us to hit the road with a minimal amount of gear and bulk is imperative. That bag has to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, while still allowing us to pack everything we need for a few days on the road. It should have a simple design, offer plenty of options for keeping our important items well organized, and provide easy access to those items while on the go.

That is exactly what the Aviator Convertible Travel Backpack (2015 edition) from Timbuk2 provides, making it one of the most versatile carry-on bags that I've ever seen. 

Upon first glance, it isn't easy to see just what the Aviator brings to the table. It is a boxy shaped backpack that appears rather mundane, with little to set it apart from the competition.

But upon further inspection, you'll quickly see that it not only has a number of thoughtful design elements that are sure to please any frequent flier, but it is particularly handy for those of us who like to hit the road with a minimal amount of gear in tow. 

The Aviator not only exhibits Timbuk2's trademark high quality construction, but it is made from durable fabrics that are built to withstand the rigors that come along with frequent travel. This conveys the impression that this is a pack that you can carry with you on numerous adventures without it showing much wear and tear at all. In fact, while testing it for this review I carried it on several trips, and my pack continues to look completely brand new.

 

In terms of storage options, the Aviator has a lot to offer. Not only does it have zippered pockets across the very top and the front of the pack, there are also twin water bottle holders on either side as well. A spacious internal compartment and another large pocket under the pack's lid are where the bulk of your items will go, including clothing, shoes, and small personal items.

Those two chambers can be joined together simply by unzipping a dividing layer of fabric on the inside of the pack. This provides more versatility in terms of packing, while giving travelers options in terms of how they like to keep things organized. 

Timbuk2 hasn't forgotten about those of us who need to carry a computer with us when we travel either. A hidden laptop sleeve can be found inside a zippered chamber located along the back of the Aviator. This very well padded compartment provides plenty of protection for your precious notebook, and is large enough to accommodate computers that are up to 15" in size. 

This travel bag has the unique ability of being able to convert from a backpack to a duffle within a moments notice. The comfortable shoulder straps of the Aviator can be stuffed away in yet another hidden compartment, effectively turning it into a bag that you carry by hand rather than throwing it over the shoulder. Handles on either side, and the front mean that you never have to search for a way to pick up the pack either, no matter what angle it is sitting at. And when you need to travel faster, simply pull out the shoulder straps once again, put the pack on your back, and off you go.

Extending the duffle bag concept even further, the Aviator's front panel zips open, allowing full access to the interior of the bag. This makes it incredibly easy to locate the items you're looking for, not to mention load the pack with all of the things you want to take with you when you hit the road. I was constantly impressed with the level of access that this pack provided, even though you do have to go through a number of zippers and clasps to do so. 

The Aviator is built to be a stand-alone pack that provides everything you need in one compact package. But if it has one drawback, it is probably that it is a bit too large and bulky to serve as a complimentary carry-on bag to other luggage, and it is a bit too small for trips that are longer than just a few days. But for those who need a backpack/duffel for those kinds of trips, it is absolutely perfect. I know that it will certainly be my go-to choice for short term travel in the future, as it provides the capacity I need for a few days on the road, without having to compromise in any way. 

Available in black, brown, and gray, the Aviator sells for $189 on the Timbuk2 website. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty that ensures your investment is well protected in the future. 

5 Epic Bike Tours for Adventure Travelers

Cycling int he shadow of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.  Global Cycling Adventures

It's no secret that cycling tours have grown massively across the travel industry in recent years. In fact, it is not uncommon for many tours to now include a cycling component that can range from a short city tour by bike, to a full itinerary of riding that can last for days at time. Many of these trips are designed with the casual traveler in mind however, allowing them to have a unique experience before returning to a more typical style of travel.

But adventure travelers looking for something that will challenge them in unusual ways will find plenty of options too. Here are five such trips that will test you both physically and mentally, while taking you to some of the most spectacular places on Earth. 

The Napoleon Bike Tour ($15,539)
Want to explore Europe from the back of a bike?

The Napoleon Bike Tour from Ride & Seek just might be exactly what you're looking for. It crosses through seven different countries as travelers journey from Paris to Moscow over the course of 43 days. Along the way they are treated to amazing food and wine, as the route wanders through the Champaign region of France, into southern Germany, onto Poland and the Baltic states, before passing into Mother Russia itself. This is a cycling adventure that offers culture and history, along with some amazingly scenic rides, all wrapped up in one unforgettable package. 

A Patagonia Offload Adventure ($2995)
Sacred Rides has been leading mountain biking excursions to far-flung corners of the globe for years, and their tours are some of the best around.

Take for example the 9-day journey through Patagonia, one of the most shockingly beautiful destinations on the entire planet. Travelers get the opportunity to ride (and paddle) through the wild and remote landscapes of southern Argentina, while staying in rustic lodges while the Andes Mountains make a dramatic backdrop.

Singletrack trails offer a true sense of exploration, while pristine mountain lakes and snowcapped peaks line the route. 

Explore New Zealand ($5098)
Adventure travel company Backroads specializes in bike tours to all kinds of different destinations, but their 10-day trip through New Zealand is one of the best. The route takes riders past massive glaciers, through mountain passes, into rainforests, and along the Tasman Sea. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and exploring it by bike is the absolute best way to take it all in. This trip gives you that opportunity, and a whole lot more. 

Tanzania by Bike ($6875)
Ever wanted to go on a safari? How about by bike? That's exactly what Global Cycling Adventures offers with their Tanzania Bike Tour, a 16-day excursion that takes riders from Moshi to Zanzibar, passing through the shadow of Kilimanjaro, and on to some of the top wildlife destinations in the country, including Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and beyond. Along the way, you'll get the chance to spot wildlife, including Africa's famous Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos.  

Ride to the South Pole ($70,000)
TDA Global Cycling just might offer the most adventurous bike ride in the world – and the most expensive. Their "Last Degree" excursion challenges riders to pedal for 18-days across the frozen expanse of Antarctica, covering the final degree of latitude before reaching the South Pole. The first ever departure for this tour is scheduled for December of 2016, at which time adventurous travelers will climb aboard their fat-tire bikes to begin the ride to the bottom of the world. It just doesn't get more remote or challenging than this. 

If these cycling tours sound like they are a bit too adventurous for your tastes, there are of course countless others to choose from. Perhaps you'll want to start with something a bit simpler first, and then expand your options over time. After getting one or two other rides like this under your belt, these might not seem so daunting. 

Happy pedaling!