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.
May: Biking from Prague to Vienna
By bike, you can take your time to see Prague and Vienna, as well as the picturesque countryside that spans the 156 miles between the two cities. May offers optimal conditions for biking, and you'll also avoid the summer heat and tourist rush. A 10-day itinerary includes cycling through the Danube River Valley, small towns in the regions of Moravia and Bohemia, national parks, and more. Pure Adventures has put together a self-guided tour (guided options are also available), or plan your own vacation by visiting the Czech Republic Tourism cycling site.
June: Hiking Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Caribou, grizzly bears, moose, fox, and approximately 180 species of birds await visitors to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the nation's largest nature preserves. Many tour operators plan hiking-and-camping trips for June, when conditions are hospitable for exploring on foot, caribou are calving, and migratory birds are nesting. Be prepared to rough it—this truly is rugged territory, offering adventurers an off-the-grid experience in the wild. To help plan your vacation, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has put together a list of recommended tour operators.
July: Rafting Idaho's Salmon River
Summer on the Salmon River is a boon for whitewater rafters. The river snakes through the state's River of No Return wilderness area, the second-largest in the U.S. wilderness system. A rafting trip can give adventurers a glimpse of unspoiled countryside and plenty of wildlife—trout, eagles, bear, and more. Want just a taste of the river? Choose a single-day outing with a local tour guide. Can't get enough? Plenty of multi-day packages are available. July also brings the Salmon River Days Festival for those wanting a bit of entertainment when they're not on the water. Get started with your trip planning by checking the Visit Sun Valley website's list of area river outfitters.
August: Seeing the Outback with an Australia bushwalk
In August, head to Tasmania in southern Australia for a bushwalk. This one-of-a-kind adventure, conducted during the end of Australia's winter (with pleasant "wintry" temperatures in the 50s and 60s), can include excursions through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, featuring tours of Dove Lake, Cathedral Mountain, the Pinestone Valley, and more. Expect to see waterfalls, koalas, wombats, and even a real-live Tasmanian devil. Start planning your adventure with a visit to the Tourism Australia website.
September: Walking with the Maasai on a Kenya safari
As many seasoned travelers know, it pays to explore with a local. This is especially true on a Kenya safari, as the Maasai people know the savannah-lands inside and out. September offers days averaging in the mid-70s and evenings in mid-50s, temperate enough to explore on foot. Mountain Travel Sobek has put together a Kenya Walking Safari, with most treks through the Loita Hills region, where travelers may see lions, wildebeest, elephant, buffalo, and countless other creatures. To check a variety of safari possibilities, visit MagicalKenya.com, the official website of the Kenya Tourism Board.
October: Trekking atop a camel in Morocco
Exploring the Sahara by camel—what could be a more classic desert adventure? With an October visit, you can expect warm weather in the 70s and 80s for your trek. Learn about and visit with local herders and nomads, see splendid sunrises and sunsets over the sands, and experience the all-encompassing peace and quiet of the desert. Frommer's has put together a list of adventure tour operators, or plan your trip with help from the Morocco National Tourist Office, which offers a host of resources on its website.
November: Enjoying Thailand's national parks
Never thought of Thailand as a wildlife destination? You're missing out! The country is home to several national parks just brimming with flora and fauna. Possible destinations include Doi Inthanon National Park, which offers optimal bird watching and waterfall viewing through November; Khao Yai National Park, home to gibbons, elephants, tigers, and even more birds; and Kaeng Krachan, Thailand's largest national park, which boasts more than 400 bird species. Get more information on the websites for Tourism Thailand and the Thailand National Park, Wildlife, and Conservation Department.
December: Skiing Japan's finest slopes and trails
Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island, has become the country's premier ski destination. December kicks off the ski season, and there are a plethora of resorts to choose from throughout the region. Both cross-country and downhill options are available for skiers of all levels. Additionally, while skiing is a big draw, Hokkaido is relatively quiet compared to other Japanese tourist destinations, so you may find you have the slopes all to yourself. Get acquainted with the region, and all the possibilities available for your wintry adventure, by visiting Skiing-Hokkaido.com.
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