10 Great Places that Veer Off the Beaten Path

Aug. 19, 2008— -- The Dog Days of August are upon us. Does everything seem a bit blah, a little "been there, done that"? Shannon Stowell, president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and co-author of the new Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean: A Guide to 50 Extraordinary Adventures for the Seasoned Traveler, may have the cure. He shares his list of favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.

Just a short boat ride from the coastal town of Ventura, Southern California's Channel Islands are home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals — and the waters around them teem with life, as well. "Kayakers can view thousands of sea birds, dolphins, sea lions and even spouting whales," Sowell says. The islands also feature hiking trails, diving and snorkeling coves and tide pools. 805-658-5730; nps.gov/chis

Located in the northern heartland of Brazil, the Jalapão region is one of South America's "hidden gems," Stowell says. "I love this area for its incredible scenery, friendly people and diverse flora and fauna. Here you can take guided excursions through the jungle wilderness — a land where panthers, anacondas and capybaras (the largest living rodent in the world) roam free — starting or ending with a stay at a comfortable safari camp." braziltourism.org

If you read Jack London as a kid and never quite got it out of your system, this may be just the destination for you. "Boarding a custom-designed riverboat in Whitehorse, you can cruise through more than 370 miles of Yukon wilderness to Dawson City," Stowell says. "It's a great opportunity to view wildlife, meet locals and explore historical and geological sites." 800-661-0494; travelyukon.com

The islands off Kenya's north coast feature some of Africa's most ancient historical sites. "A visit here will give you wonderful insight into that history," Stowell says. "You can sail to the islands in a traditional dhow and explore the ruins up close." Tours can include kayaking through lush mangroves, visiting a turtle-breeding project, snorkeling pristine coral reefs and kicking back on palm-fringed beaches, with nights spent in comfortable safari-style camps. magicalkenya.com