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Jul 26 2019 
Is Mount Everest Really the world’s Highest Mountain?
Mount Everest is known for the being the highest mountain in the world. Almost 1000 people attempt to conquer Everest’s summit annually. Coming in at 29,029 feet tall, it’s no wonder why not every one of those people are able to make it to the top.
Is Everest really the highest?
Technically… it’s not! The world’s tallest mountain is actually located in Hawaii, and its name is Mauna Kea. Over one half of this beast is submerged underwater causing a lot of controversy whether it should be considered the tallest or not.
See above image to understand how much of the mountain is underwater.
Mauna Kea towers 13,796 feet above sea level. Compared to Everest this doesn’t seem too high, but 19,700 feet of Mauna Kea stays hidden below the Pacific Ocean. Totaling about 33,500 feet tall, it is technically the tallest mountain in the world. Mauna kay is actually an inactive volcano. If measured from the bottem of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is about a mile taller than Everest.
Unlike Everest, Mauna Kea is easily accessed. You can access the summit by car, but once you reach Hale Pohaku basecamp, it is required to have a 4×4 vehicle to proceed to the summit. Mauna Kea requires a 30-minute acclimatization stop at the Onizuka Visitor’s Center. The visitor center is at 9,200 feet and allows your body to adjust to the altitude.
Mauna Kea is arguably the best stargazing location in the world. The summit provides the perfect vantage point to watch its famous sunrise or sunset above the clouds. Mauna Kea’s clear thin air, little precipitation, lack of light pollution and high altitude makes for an unforgettable experience for anyone who has the privilege to visit.
Some of the world’s best telescopes are located here at the summit. Mauna Kea’s landscape makes you feel like you are in another galaxy or on another planet. (You can see why in the picture above.) Looking off in the view on a clear day you can see Maui in the distance. This, on top of everything else, makes for the perfect training for NASA’s astronauts who train here.
Before sunrise or sunset, there are free stargazing programs at the visitor center. You can also purchase guided trips through Inclusive Excursions. The guided Inclusive trips include hot meals, drinks, transportation, and a professional astronomy educator with a laser pointer to explain clusters. Truly a magical experience.
Would you plan a trip here?
If you are planning a trip to Mauna Kea, make sure to come prepared. Wind speeds can reach up to 150MPH at the summit. This causes sleet, dirt, and sometimes even rocks to fly close to this speed as well. Make sure you prepare for the dropping temperatures. The temperature at the summit can drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 4 hours, so dress properly and enjoy.
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Jul 12 2019 
How Can I Be A Van Life Nomad?
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to quit your job, leave your ordinary life behind, and travel? Well, like they say, “anything is possible.” You can travel the country or even a lot of the world and live out of a van! I know it seems like it’s impossible, but it’s really simple.
Some business ideas that allow you to do so could be to create a blog and market it, create a marketing agency, travel agency, and a great one that truly allows you to be free and enjoy your travels to the fullest would be photography or videography. Any of these can be scaled to a massive size with just one laptop, WiFi, and some determination. I know its easy to say, “I don’t or won’t have time to learn all of this, let alone make it happen.” If you are traveling in a van you won’t have as many distractions as you would in an ordinary day in the life. We all have the same 24 hours in a day 7x. That’s a lot of time to learn something new. Other people can do it and are doing it, Why can’t you?
Maybe you’re not into the whole idea of freelancing or entreprenuership. That’s fine too! There are tons of jobs that allow you to work from home. Why not make “home” your van or RV? There are lots of business owners that even pay bonuses to an employee with a “Home office.” Take advantage!
Life is too short to work more than half of your life away. You should strive for something bigger and better! Create a life where you are free! These work from home jobs are mostly choose your own hours, and if you choose to be a freelancer, you are the boss! Society is taught to go to school, get a job and work a 9-5 for the rest of your life, until one day you may be fortunate enough to retire and then if you are still in good health, and can afford it, then you can be free. At this point in life you will have a stack of excuses why you can’t do this. Family, funds, health, etc. Even though there is no excuse for living the life you desire, unfortunately, society says otherwise.
Make sure whatever you do is something you truly enjoy. Maybe you aren’t cut out for life on the road and that’s fine! Still though, if you are spending more than half of your life doing something you dread every day, odds are you aren’t living your best life.
There is no time like the present. If you have an idea, do it! Live your dreams. Live your best life, and don’t let anyone else influence your dreams. Remember this is your life, make it the best one. You never know what tomorrow brings, and you never know if you will even make it to tomorrow let alone retirement, so live every single day like your last. Follow your dreams!
Where can I camp when living on the road? – Van Life
- Walmart
- Campgrounds
- Churches
- Rest Areas and Truck Stops. – Lots of truck stops have showers too which you do have to pay about $12/shower.
- Sealth Camping (Camping discretely in a parking lot or neighborhood) – look for other cars parked overnight to stay hidden in plain sight.
- BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and USFS (United States Forest Service) – allows boondocking which is the act of remotely camping outside developed campgrounds.
- Make friends along the way or if you know friends in different areas, crash with them for a night or two.
What to do if you get that dreaded midnight knock:
- Stay calm and be honest. For the most part the officer or security gaurd is not looking for any trouble. He or she is just doing their job.
- If they ask to search, remember as long as you are on U.S. soil, you have the right to decline.
- If you are sure you are parked legally, you may want to keep quiet and play it out. Just remember to keep your doors locked.
What happens if I break down far from a service area?
- It is always a good idea to have your tools ready and spare parts.
- Make sure you have your manual handy and try to troubleshoot.
- Stay calm. Don’t freak out, and you should be able to get through it.
- Always make sure your fluids are filled to the required amount by checking them regularly.
- Make sure you have good tires and a good spare that is filled to the proper PSI.
Where can I get Wifi?
- Starbucks
- Dunkin
- Panera Bread
- Mcdonalds
- Gyms
- Restaurants
- Public WiFi areas and Parks
- Hotels
- Phone hotspot or WiFi hotspot, which you can purchase from your phone provider. You’ll pay around $200 for the device itself (or cheaper with a two-year contract, but then you are locked into paying a monthly fee for that time period)
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Mar 15 2019 
Spring Break Adventure Safety – Have Fun!
For those who are looking forward to spring break, it’s a time to be free from the confines of the classroom and the face of the computer. Weather your Skiing in the Alps or exploring the beaches, it is always wise to assess the situation before making decisions. Before you adventure away though, it’s always important to keep safety in mind. Spring Break safety is important when setting off on your adventure… get wild, but be smart. Time for an exciting week ahead.
We ourselves like to be spontaneous with our adventures, but while adventure does often involve risk, make sure your choices are well-planned. Jumping from balcony to balcony on spring break often makes the news. Unfortunately though, this is usually to note a fatality, and we don’t want that to be you! Even the best of adventurers use safety equipment. Ropes and harnesses are purposeful–to keep you safe and alive. Use them on the slabs, but hold off from those balcony jumps.
Looking to dive into unknown waters? That sure will be fun, and what a photo opp! Please first consider though the underwater dangers that can bite you. Are there rocks or even crocs? Read signs and pay attention.
Speaking of taking pictures…beware of selfie dangers. Don’t get too close to the edge of that cliff or the mouth of that snake. Be aware of what’s around. No selfie is worth your life.
Many sites offer safety information while traveling, but perhaps one of the most important is to maintain the buddy system wherever you go. Stay accounted for and travel with a buddy. From hotel reservations to outdoor locations, always let a friend or family member know where you are going. Save social media updates for once you’re home…(You’re there to enjoy the moment after all). Keep your cell phones charged and carry a portable charger.
In terms of hotels, ask for a business card with the hotel address and number. When traveling abroad where language may be a barrier, you can hand the taxi driver the card with the address.
Emergency services such as 911 are not available in all countries. Plan ahead. Before you travel, research your destination for similar services and store them in your phone.
With Spring Break around the corner and fun-filled adventures planned, keep safety a priority, so that you can live to tell the crazy adventure experiences you had. We advise all of our adventure clients to purchase travel insurance. You never think it will happen until it happens. Be prepared.
Be smart. Be aware. Be safe. And most importantly, be adventurous! Enjoy Spring Break.
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Sep 20 2018 
If today were your last day, would there be any regret?
If you had one last day on Earth, what would you do; where would you go? Tomorrow is not always a guarantee. Don’t wait until it’s too late to check off your list of travels and adventures. Start planning your bucket list today!
Remember the movie The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman? Great movie…definitely worth seeing. The story though is one we can all relate to…having a bucket list of our own.
Do you have a Bucket List? Have you thought about what should be included on that list? Ideas may range from laughing until you cry to pushing your limits beyond what you thought possible. Bucket Lists will be individualized to each person, but the bottom line is that your list will have challenges to conquer.
In the movie, the two stars brainstorm and write their lists. That’s the best way to start a list of your own…just brainstorm. Outside of careers, what life experiences have you dreamed of accomplishing? Were they to go on a cruise to the Bahamas or to ride the wild rapids in Colorado? Were they to go on an African Safari or climb the pyramids in Mexico? Were they to explore the Amazon or ride a hot air balloon? Maybe your list includes trekking Machu Picchu or simply hiking to some waterfalls in Western North Carolina.
Your bucket list should include all the places you’ve wanted to see and things you’d like to do. Inspire yourself. Be specific and hold yourself accountable, so that it’s not just a dream. Maybe get yourself an accountability partner as they did in the movie. This makes the possibility of you completing your list increase dramatically.
For those of us who don’t take the time to write a Bucket List, or shall we say a list of goals we want to accomplish, too often our days go by like leaves in the wind with no destination. The leaves land somewhere, but wouldn’t it be better to land with a plan. We can’t hit a target that we don’t have! Bucket Lists are goals for a better future. Having a Bucket List reminds us of what is important in our lives and helps us to maximize quality of life. Work to live, don’t live to work.
To get you started, answer these questions:
- What countries have you wanted to see?
- What accomplishments have you wanted to achieve?
- What physical challenges have you wanted to overcome?
- What experiences have you dreamed of pursuing?
- What activities have you wanted to try?
- What is it that intrigues you? …inspires you?
- What pushes your limits and puts you outside your comfort zone?
- Answer these questions on your own….just start writing ideas to your list.
Try not to pass this blog by, and continue on to scroll through social media. Grab a pen, and start jotting your list. You will thank us in the future.
A Bucket List is customized to you and shouldn’t be limited to a certain age. Begin your list now so that you can reach the goals you deserve. Be inspired. Make it happen today.
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Sep 13 2018 
What is the best camera for adventure travel?
Here are a few of the best cameras for adventure travel:
There are so many amazing cameras out there today, how do you choose the right one?
- Quality
- Size
- Price
- Capabilities
- And of course, settings
If you travel frequently, you probably want to invest in a nice camera. The cameras these days are unreal! They shoot amazing quality without the bulk you used to have to lug around. Adventure Travel usually requires a good bit of physical activity. The last thing you want on a vacation is to be limited because of your camera. Slide it in your pocket and go!
These cameras aren’t much bigger than the average point and shoot, except they offer huge 20x or 30x zoom lenses.
Here are the top 10 cameras to travel with for 2018….
#10: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- In-body 5-axis image stabilization for blur-free stills and smooth 4K video
- 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Image Processor
- 4K 30P video plus HD 120 frames per second high-speed video
- Timeless, easy to use body design. Compact & lightweight with 2 dials, arrow pad and a Shortcut button
- 3.0″ tilting LCD monitor with intuitive touch screen operation and touch AF one step shutter release
- Cost $699 with carrying bag
- www.Amazon.com
#9: Nikon D3400
- SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity
- 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 4 Image Processor
- No Optical Low-Pass Filter. Bluetooth Specification Version 4.1. Wi-Fi Functionality-Eye-Fi Compatible
- Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting. Compatability information: C firmware v. 1.10 and later ( released August 31, 2016 )
- Average cost: $446.95
- www.Amazon.com
#8: Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
- World’s Fastest AF acquisition speed of 0.03 sec. Optical image stabilisation technology developed by Sony is valuable for handheld still and movie shooting, especially in low light or at the ultra-telephoto end of the zoom range up to 600 mm
- 315 phase-detection AF points covering Approx. 65% of the frame. Light Metering Mode- Multi Pattern, Centre Weighted, Spot (Standard/Large), Entire Screen Avg, Highlight
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm3 f.2.4-F4 ultra-zoom Lens
- 20.1MP 1″ back Illuminated Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor w/ DRAM. Dimensions (W x H x D) (CIPA)-5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches, 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 1/8 inches (from front of lens to monitor). Weight-2 pounds 6.7 ounce(Battery and SDXC Card included)/ Approx. 2 pounds 5.1 ounce) (Body Only)
- 24 Fps4 continuous shooting up to 249 Frames5 with AF/AE tracking
- Average price – $1698
- www.Amazon.com
#7: Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
- 40x optical zoom with zoom framing assist
- 20.3 Megapixel^ CMOS sensor
- Digi 6 image processor
- Average cost $379
- www.Amazon.com
#6: Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90
- 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 30x Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens (24-720mm), plus 5-axis Hybrid o.I.S. (Optical image stabilizer).
- 0.2-Inch 1, 166k-dot EVF (electronic view Finder) with eye-sensor for easier viewing under sunny outdoor conditions. Shutter Speed [Still Image]: Artistic Nightscape (Approx. 30 sec)
- 4K QFHD video recording (3840×2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking feature.
- Lens barrel mounted control ring enables quick, intuitive operation of important functions.AC/USB travel charging port
- Wi-Fi plus a 180 degree front flip-up touch feature-enabled screen simplifies selfie photography, and framing for unusual perspectives.
- Average cost $397
- www.Amazon.com
#5: Sony Cyber-shot HX90V
- LCD Screen Protector 3 Pack, Ultra-Compact Digital Camera Deluxe Carrying Case
- 64GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card, Hi-Speed SD USB 2.0 Card Reader
- Flexible Mini Table-top Tripod, NP-BX1 1600MAH Battery Pack
- High Speed micro-HDMI to HDMI A/V Cable – 6 Feet, Micro Fiber Cloth
- Average cost $269.91
- www.Amazon.com
#4: Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / TZ70
- LUMIX 30X Travel Zoom Camera with Eye Viewfinder
- Enhanced low-light sensitivity for improved sharpness even without a flash
- Built-in eye viewfinder eliminates outdoor glare on sunny days
- Intelligent Zoom 60x
- Lens:12 elements in 9 groups
- Average cost $199
- www.Amazon.com
#3: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
- 24-200mm F2.8-F4.5 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- World’s fastest (0.03 sec) hybrid AF system (contrast + phase)
- Battery life:Up to 330 shots / 165 minutes
- In-the-box: Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, AC Adaptor, Micro USB cable, Wrist Strap, Strap Adapter
- Average cost $1,198
- www.Amazon.com
#2: Panasonic Lumix ZS100 / TZ100
- Large 1, 20 Megapixel sensor delivers brighter, more colorful photos with fewer image artifacts
- 10x (25-250mm) LEICA DC Lens optical zoom performance with a wide F/2.8-5.9 aperture for impressive background defocus effects
- 4K Ultra HD video recording plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus photo capture features
- Eye-level Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and touch-enabled LCD for a wider viewing experience
- Lens-mounted control ring brings DSLR-like exposure control to a compact point-and-shoot camera body
- Average cost $547.99
- www.Amazon.com
#1: Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
- [Larger 1 Inch Sensor] 20.1 Megapixels large sensor for brighter and more colorful photos (12800 Max ISO).
- [LEICA DC 15x Lens] Leading class optical zoom performance with a bright F3.3 – 6.4 aperture for soft defocus background effects. (24-360mm, 5 Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+)
- [Creative Control] Scene modes, filter modes, adds creativity while traditional aperture and shutter priority modes allow for background defocus or eliminate sports motion blur.
- [4K Features] 4K Video 30p, 4K PHOTO, and 4K Live Crop turn 4K frame capture into photography.
- [Electronic Viewfinder] plus a touch-enabled LCD for greater control and easier image viewing.
- Average cost $797.99
- www.Amazon.com
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Aug 30 2018 
Backpacking the Presidential Traverse
Backpacking the Presidential Traverse…located in the White Mountains near Randolph, New Hampshire, rated 5 stars by many and known for its scenic views–is one of the most strenuous yet exhilarating hikes in the northeast, and certainly not one to miss during the spectacular fall foliage. There are a total of 11 peaks in the Presidential Range Traverse – Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Clay, Mt. Washington (the tallest at 6,288.2 ft), Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, and Pierce, Jackson, and Webster.
New Hampshire is a huuuge tourist destination for the fall colors. Visitors flock here from all parts of theworld. Instead of being in the crowds and stampedes of people looking at the forests and mountains from a distance, why not go into the heart of it all? Get away from all the hubbub and commotion, and go deep into the mountains. Experience the fall color from the highest mountains in the North East, where you may only see a few other people on your whole trek. (Mt. Washington is usually crowded, but worth the view.)
If you are the kind of person who enjoys pushing your limits or wants to start, this is the perfect hike for you. The Traverse in October involves just enough struggle and endurance to make it that much more enjoyable. Hikers will experience chilling temperatures, and being above the tree line in the balds, make for strong wind gusts. This is just Mother Nature letting you know this is a real adventure. When that special camp spot turns up, it is one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment… “I earned this!”
Be prepared with a liner and a windbreaker to stay warm and shielded from the wind. Make sure to packlight, smart, and prepared. Don’t unpack the essentials to save weight, but you also won’t want to pack that grand piano you wanted to bring
Named after seven presidents for its seven peaks allover 4,000′, this is not an adventure for inexperienced.
With an elevation gain of 9,000′, the 24-mile Traverse is physically demanding. There will be times when hikers may pace at one mile per hour. For this reason, even though many do the trek in one day, it is recommended to plan for camping and to complete the hike in two to three days.
Weather can be unpredictable and some places may even be icy in October, but the above treeline views make meeting the challenge well worthwhile. Bring your trekking poles and best hiking shoes. This is one amazing hike you won’t want to miss.
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Aug 22 2018 
Mountain Biking in South Africa
Mountain Biking in South Africa:
Are you looking for a new thrilling destination to shred some mountain bike trails? Well, it must be your lucky day! This article explains why South Africa is becoming one of the most sought after MTB destinations in the world. If you think about it, South Africa offers almost every kind of terrain. From massive mountain ranges, grasslands and meadows, to the undeveloped oceanside with beautiful rock ledges, you can see why South Africa is such a growing trend for mountain bikers today. Picture that image in your head for a brief second… now picture yourself riding these trails with this scenery… pretty awesome right?
South Africa has quite the diversity when it comes to outdoor activities. With near perfect environments and excellent weather, mountain biking in South Africa has exploded and become a top destination for enthusiasts around the globe. With carefully planned trails built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers, South Africa has become a prime recreational and racing mecca.
Beautiful mountains tower over historic towns, with single
track to rolling hills to epic climbs to fast flats and of course with world renowned game viewing, there’s too much to include in one article. For those yearning for the ultimate mountain biking challenge, the South African experience will take your search above and beyond your expectation.
Ride through Sabie to Misty Mountain to Kruger National Park, Silvermine Nature Reserve, the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park and on to Tokai Forest. Tokai has a bit of everything. Featured in Red Bull’s “Keeping it Pinned with Olli” on Red Bull TV, it talks about Tokai’s iconic downhill trails. Tokai offers flow, while still having the technical rock gardens, and even a jump line for some added fun.
Here you will experience South Africa first hand. Some of these trails are said to be among the best in the world. It has also been said that the best way to see the world is on a bicycle. We can’t think of a better way to experience South Africa than on a mountain bike. What are you waiting for?
