Twelve adventures for twelve months
— -- At SmarterTravel.com, we pay attention to seasonality—and there may be no vacation type more susceptible to the seasons than adventure travel. With their dependence on the great outdoors, these rugged getaways should be scheduled for when conditions are at their most ideal. Thinking of going on safari this year? Or perhaps taking that long-awaited Galapagos trip? Here's a handy breakdown of some popular adventures, organized by their best months.
January: Cold comfort in Antarctica
With sub-freezing temperatures 10 months of the year, Antarctica's tourism season is indeed short. January is the region's mid-summer season, with longer days and (somewhat) hospitable temperatures. This month also features two main draws—the hatching of baby penguins and the birth of seal pups. InfoHub.com has a good listing of Antarctica vacation providers to help plan your next trip.
February: Dogsledding in Norway
Great wintry adventures await travelers to Norway in February: Choose from dogsledding in the Taiga Forest, Olympic alpine skiing in Hafjell, trailing real reindeer at Gabba Reindeer Park, and much more. You may even catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights on a clear winter night. Start your trip planning at VisitNorway.com.
March: Seeing wildlife on Belize's Hummingbird Highway
Lauded for its ecotourism practices and stunning vistas, Belize's Hummingbird Highway showcases all kinds of wildlife, citrus farms, the Maya Mountains, and the Caribbean. An adventure vacation here could include hiking, canoeing along the Belize River, snorkeling, and (of course) bird watching. March is a great time to see all the region has to offer, with its pleasant temperatures averaging in the high 70s and very little rainfall. Get more information on the Belize Tourism Board website.
April: Critters and adventure in the Galapagos
Travelers have been intrigued with the Galapagos Islands ever since Darwin reported back on his revolutionary findings. April is an ideal time to visit, as the rainy season tapers to its close, the albatross arrive for their nesting season, and sea lion pups are born. Turtles also are in the throes of their mating season, so you may see a few on the prowl. Additionally, the ocean is a bit steadier than other times of year, so adventurers prone to motion sickness may find this month especially appealing. To plan your Galapagos trip, visit the Galapagos tourism website, part of the Ecuador Tourism Board.
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