Ex Officio Gear: Clothing for Adventure Travelers

The Ex Officio Storm Logic Vest.  Ex Officio

For nearly 30 years Ex Officio has been making clothing designed specifically with the needs of adventure travelers in mind. From shirts and pants, to jackets and hats, with just about everything in between, the company has you covered from head to toe. Durable, versatile, and fashionable, Ex Officio apparel is built to take you comfortably to remote corners of the globe, or just around the corner to your favorite coffee shop.

Here are just a few items that every traveler should have in their wardrobe. 

Ex Officio Underwear ($20-$45)
It may sound surprising to start a list of clothing for adventure travelers with underwear, but Ex Officio is well known for making some of the best travel underwear around. In fact, they are so good that you really only need to carry one or two pairs with you on any journey, allowing you to pack lighter and still stay feeling fresh.

Thats because these underwear use technical fabrics that are quick drying, wick away moisture, and are antimicrobial, which helps to keep odors at bay. Available in both tops and bottoms, in a wide variety of styles, for both men and women, personally wouldn't think about leaving home without them. Want further proof? The motto for this line of undergarments is "17 countries, 6 weeks, 1 pair of underwear." That should tell all you need to know.

Storm Logic Vest ($125)
Talk about versatile clothing, the Storm Logic Vest meets that description and than some. Designed to keep you warm, and repel moisture, this vest features seven individual pockets for keeping all of your important gear – including smartphone, tablet, and passport – close at hand.

But thats not all. It can also convert into a comfy travel pillow too, making those long flights, or bus and train rides, much easier to take. Ex Officio also offers a Storm Logic Jacket for those who want more full coverage. 

Javano 1/4 Zip Pullover ($85)
Need an extra layer for a long flight or a night out on cool evening?

The Javano 1/4 Zip is perfect for those situations. Lightweight, every comfortable, and made from technical fabrics that can help keep you warm and dry, this is the type of product you throw in your backpack and forget its there until you actually need it. Than you'll be glad you have it along for the trip, as it performs well and looks great too. 

Rain Logic Jacket ($180)
Looking for excellent protection from the rain? Ex Officio has you covered with the fantastic Rain Logic Jacket for both men and women. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, this jacket protects you from the elements while also preventing you from overheating. It features a pack-away hood, and it includes four internal pockets – including one designed specifically for a smartphone – that will prevent bad weather from damaging your most important items too. Stylish enough to wear at home, but tough enough to survive life on the road, this is a fantastic rain jacket for any environment. 

BugsAway Talisman Long Sleeve Shirt ($85)
One of Ex Officio's signature line of products is their BugsAway clothing for both men and women. The fabrics in these products have been treated with Insect Shield, which helps to repel mosquitos, ants, ticks, flies, and other annoying bugs that seem to swarm around us when we travel. The Talisman shirt is one of the premiere products in the BugsAway line, offering classic good looks in an article of clothing that is easy to care for and keep clean, even while traveling for days on end. Lightweight and breathable, this is a shirt that you'll want to take with you on all of your adventures. 

SolCool Long Sleeve Tee ($60)
Another popular line of clothing from Ex Officio is their Sol Cool products, which use highly technical fabrics to protect from the sun, and keep the wearer cool at the same time. The men's SolCool Long Sleeve Tee provides excellent coverage, while wicking away moisture very quickly. It also has the ability to cool the body by up to five degrees, which may not seem like a lot, but it could come in handy when visiting warmer destinations. 

Minimo Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt ($65)
If you'd prefer a shirt that doesn't look quite as technical as the SolCool, but still provides plenty of protection from the sun, than Ex Officio's Minimo might be in order. It offers UPF 50+ protection, while looking like a stylish shirt that you'd wear just about anywhere. Designed for travel though, the Minimo packs into its own pocket, making it easy to carry in your backpack. It also wick moisture away from the body, dries very quickly, and is a great garment for hiking the mountains or around town. 

These are just a few of the great products from Ex Officio that I've been fortunate enough to test in my travels. I have come to appreciate these articles of clothing because they perform well, look great, and are versatile enough to take just about anywhere. As someone who like to travel light, those are all qualities that I look for in my gear.

With the holidays nearly upon us, any one of these products would make a great gift for the adventure traveler on your list. Or, if none of these items fit their needs, perhaps something else in the Ex Officio catalog will. Check out their entire line of travel apparel at ExOfficio.com. 

Adventure Travel News: Warnings for France and Egypt, Ski News, and More

The Eiffel Tower in Paris.  Nicolas Halftermeyer

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 20, 2015.

Travel Advisories for France
Following the tragic events that took place in Paris last week it is not too surprising that a number of countries and institutions have issued travel advisories for those visiting France.

While none of those advisories recommend not going at all, governments are telling travelers to be vigilant, listen to local authorities, and remain cautious when visiting the European country. French leaders have voted to extend the state of emergency their for three months, as they look to improve security, and seek out all of those responsible for the attacks.

Furthermore, ISIS – the organization claiming responsibility for the act of terrorism – has promised that more attacks will follow. If that is the case, it could be some time before a state of normalcy returns to France.

U.K. Issues Travel Warning for Egypt too
Following the bombing of a Russian aircraft over the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt on October 31, the U.K. has issued a severe travel warning to its citizens traveling to that country, and the Sharm el Sheikh region in particular. No aircraft are currently flying directly to the U.K. from that part of Egypt, and the British government is advising travelers to avoid Egypt due to a "high threat of terrorism" in certain parts of the country. The advisory does not cover the main tourist attractions, most notably Cairo, the Pyramids, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, nor the resort areas along the Red Sea.

 

National Geographic Announces World Legacy Awards Finalists
National Geographic has announced the 15 finalists in its 2016 World Legacy Awards, a program created to honor companies, organizations, and destinations that are striving to make a positive impact on the tourism industry. This year's nominees include Laguna Lodge Eco Resort in Guatemala, Tierra Patagonia in Chile, and Arkaba by Wild Bush Luxury in Australia.

To see all of the nominees, and learn more about the program at the official World Legacy Awards website. 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to Open on Thanksgiving Day
In anticipation of a great ski season ahead, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has announced that it will open on Thanksgiving Day. Well known for its epic snowfalls, the resort has already received 48" of snow this year, with plenty more in the forecast. Jackson Hole is considered one of the best ski destinations in all of North America, and even earned the #1 spot on Forbes' Top 10 Ski Resorts list. 

Not to be outdone, Colorado's Steamboat Ski Resort has announced that it is opening early due to unusually heavy snow for November as well. The mountain has received an impressive 3.5 feet (!) of snow this month alone, which is allowing it to fire up the lifts starting tomorrow, November 21. That means that visitors will get a little extra time in Steamboat's famous Champagne Powder this year. 

Big Bear Offering $15 Lift Tickets
Ski season is nearly upon on us here in North America, and with it comes some impressive deals to start the festivities. Big Bear Lake in California is anticipating a fantastic season ahead, thanks in no small part to a "Godzilla" El Niño that is already picking up steam. The resort is expecting heavy snowfalls throughout the year, and to celebrate it is offering lift tickets for as low as $15. But if you want to take advantage of this deal, you'd better hurry. The special rate ends today. 

Join Natural Habitat Adventures on an Antarctic Sailing Excursion
Natural Habitat Adventures has announced a new Antarctic sailing itinerary that allows guests to fly to and from the frozen continent to take part in the journey. The expedition is set to begin in December of 2016, with departures from Punta Arenas, Chile. Travelers will board a flight out of that city bound for Antarctica, skipping the long journey across the infamous Drake Passage. They will then sail for 12 or 17 days, depending on the choice of tours, before flying back to South America. This option gives visitors to Antarctica more time to explore the icy region, while allowing them to bypass what is sometimes a difficult trip by sea. Of course, the new itinerary comes with quite a price tag. The tour begins at $21,995. To find out more, click here. 

Snow Report: North American Ski Season Set to Begin

Skiing at Big Sky Resort in Montana.  Kraig Becker

Each year, the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. marks the unofficial start to the ski season in North America. Sure, there have been some resorts that have already been open for a few weeks now, but most aim to fire up their lifts just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend. Since that is now just a few days away, here is a report on snow conditions at various locations across the country. 

Killington Ski Resort (Vermont)
Killington was the first resort to open this year, welcoming its first guests as far back as mid-October when an early season snowfall dusted the slopes.

Since then, the resort has continued to make snow and now has a base of up to 12" depending on the area. It has 8 trails open and 2 lifts, with 21 skiable acres ready for the weekend. Colder weather in the forecast means that conditions should improve as the week goes on. 

Sugarloaf Mountain (Maine)
Maine's premiere ski resort is Sugarloaf, which opened its doors for the first time this season this past weekend.

It too is gearing up for a good season ahead, but at the moment the offerings are a bit sparse. Of the resorts 160 trails, just three are currently open, and the snow base is still being built, mostly by man-made powder. Things will improve as the winter wears on, but much like the rest of the eastern U.S., there isn't a lot of white stuff to enjoy just yet. 

Aspen Snowmass (Colorado)
Things out west are bit better, with heavy snow falling in certain parts of the country. In Aspen or instance the base is already at 16" of snow for the year, with 27 trails and 250 acres open for business. Over the past week, the resort received 8" of snow, which helped to get it ready for opening weekend this past Saturday.

 

Vail (Colorado)
Vail has received more than 60" of snow already this year, with 21" coming in the past seven days.  As a result it was able to open on scheduled this past weekend as well, and now has 24% of its terrain open. That equates to 63 runs, 11 lifts, 1258 skiable acres. 

Steamboat (Colorado)
Over at Steamboat the snowfall totals are up to 15" over the past week, with a season total already topping out over 50".

That gives the mountain a 22" base, with more snow in the forecast for Wednesday evening and into Thanksgiving Day. The resort has been open for several days now, and promises to be more than ready for holiday visitors. 

Big Sky (Montana)
As the largest ski resort in the U.S. – in terms of area – Big Sky never really feels all that crowded. The resort has been receiving steady amounts of snow for days now, and boasts a base depth of 30" at the top of the mountain. The staff at the resort is busy grooming the fresh powder and preparing for opening day, which will come on November 26 – Thanksgiving itself. 

Jackson Hole (Wyoming)
Also set to open on Thanksgiving Day is Jackson Hole, the resort that averages the most snow of any in the U.S. each year. The resort has already seen more than 62" of snow this season, and has a base of nearly 30" waiting for skiers and snowboarders. As usual, the mountain will have plenty to offer during the season ahead. 

Snowbird (Utah)
Snowbird is another resort that sees plenty of snowfall on an annual basis, and already has seen more than 45" of fresh powder from so far this year. With an average base of about 22" currently on the slopes, the resort has 3 lifts, but just 8 of its 169 trails ready to go. 

Alta Ski Area (Utah)
Another Utah ski resort renowned for its heavy snowfalls is Alta, which currently has similar numbers in terms of snowfall and base depth as Snowbird. It currently has 9 trail open, with 3 lifts in operation. 

Squaw Valley (California)
California had a down year in terms of skiing last winter, but with the arrival of the massive El Niño this year, there are high hopes that things will change. At Squaw Valley there is already a 23" base in place, with more snow in the forecast for the week ahead, including on Thanksgiving Day. The resort has 5 trails already open, with the hopes of more to come very soon. 

Mammoth Mountain (California)
Mammoth Mountain is gearing up for what promises to be a good return to form for California skiing. The resort has already seen 41" of snowfall this year, and has a base depth of 30" on the summit. That has allowed them to open more than 60 trails, and 14 lifts, already this year. It looks like it will be a promising winter to ski in the Sierra Mountains. 

This is just a rundown of some of the top resorts and areas in the U.S. in terms of skiing each season. If I didn't get to your favorite resort, be sure to check out its website before you head to the slopes. Most will post updated info on ski conditions, with information on their base levels, open trails, and the forecast for fresh snow. Remember, it is still early in the season, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ski in the weeks to come. 

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!

Adventure Travel News: Bike From Paris to Moscow, Ski Deals, and More

Join the Napoleon Cycling Tour from Paris to Mosow.  Ride and Seek Cycling Tours

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 6, 2015. 

 New Cycling Tour Runs From Paris to Moscow
Cycling tours has been one of the fastest growing forms of adventure travel over the past few years, with new options appearing all of the time. But a new trip offered by a company Ride & Seek just might be the ultimate European bike ride.

The aptly named Napoleon Bike Tour covers more than 2720 miles, running from Paris, France to Moscow, Russia. The trip winds its way through the Champaign region of France, into southern Germany, across Poland, and into the former Soviet Union. The entire tour takes 43 days to complete, and costs a whopping $15,539.

Individual 15-day segments can also be ridden at a price of $5478. Find out more here. 

Early Season Ski Deals and Promotions
November is here and the ski season is nearly upon us. With the snow already flying in the Rockies, it appears that we're on track to see more powder on the slopes this year. It may be early, but there are already some solid deals to be had, as the major resorts prepare to open over the next few weeks. For instance, Pronghorn ski resort in Bend, Oregon is running a special that could save visitors up to 45% when the book by November 20. Simply book a three-night stay, and buy a three-day lift pass, and you'll receive the third night of your accommodations, and your third day of skiing, free.

 

Over at Jackson Hole, Wyoming they're preparing to fire up the lifts for the first time on Thanksgiving Day, as the welcome skiers and snowboarder for the first time this season. On Friday, November 27 they'll also be offering quite a deal for Flashback Friday. On that day, all lift tickets will be just $6.

 

All season long, look for great deals on lift tickets at Liftopia.com, the largest online source for ski deals. Even though most of the resorts have yet to open, there are already some substantial savings to be had. 

Lonely Planet Launches New Travel Magazine
Lonely Planet, the largest source of travel media in the world, has expanded the empire a bit further. The company has just announced a new quarterly magazine that is available in the U.S., with the first issue now available. Lonely Planet magazine costs just $8 per year, and promises engaging stories, and great photography in every issue. Digital editions are also available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. 

Mountain Madness Announces New Trips for 2016
Mountain Madness, one of the top mountaineering and trekking companies in the world, has announced a number of new trips for 2016. Amongst the new expeditions are a climb up a 7000 meter peak in the Indian Himalaya known as Nun. This mountain is considered a good stepping stone for Everest, with climbers gaining important experience. Other new options include a skiing trip to Japan, rock climbing in Utah, and trekking trips through Patagonia. There is even a new deluxe option for climbing Aconcagua in Argentina. Find out more at MountainMadness.com. 

Win an African Safari to Kenya
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Natural Habitat Adventures have teamed up to send one lucky winner off on the trip of a lifetime. The two organizations are giving away an African safari to Kenya for two that includes airfare from the U.S., all accommodations, and meals, while in Kenya. The winners will stay in a luxury tented mobile safari on the Maasi Mara National Reserve. For more details, and to enter the sweepstakes, click here. 

That's all for this week. Come back next Friday for more adventure travel news.