Top 6 Guided Tour Destinations for 2019 February 4th, 2019 • by Matt Holmes The internet is awash with lists for 2019 – from “New Year, New You” healthy living plans to the latest interior design trends. Our favorites, of course, are those that highlight the best travel experiences and most exciting emerging destinations. Recently, our staff narrowed down our own Top 5 Destinations for 2019. Read on to… Read More »
What to do in Tokyo November 13th, 2018 • by Bryan Haggerty There is so much to do and see in Japan’s vibrant and bustling capital that you could easily spend a solid week or two and not take it all in. Here are our suggestions to get you started. Tokyo is a very large city, and while public transportation is the most efficient method of travel,… Read More »
8 Best Places to Go on Vacation in April & May October 30th, 2018 • by Matt Holmes There are some places where spring is the best time of year to visit—the landscape pops with color, few other travelers share the trails and towns, and the weather is near-ideal for being outdoors. Let us help you find the perfect destination for your springtime adventure! Bhutan Why April? The mountainous areas of Bhutan have pronounced rainy… Read More »
The Spirit of Discovery: Traveling to Places Unknown October 19th, 2018 • by Matt Holmes The history of humanity is steeped in the notion that staying still is simply not an option. Traversing continents, our earliest ancestors set out to expand and adapt to every corner of the globe. This inability to remain static is responsible for the birth of culture itself, as traditions, cuisine, and belief systems grew out… Read More »
What to do in Kyoto March 8th, 2018 • by Bryan Haggerty On our Hiking the Nakasendo Trail adventure, we explore the outskirts and “old town” of Kyoto, but the city has so much more to offer if you can arrive a few days before the trip. Kyoto is very large, and public transportation is efficient and relatively easy to use compared to the rest of Japan. That being… Read More »
9 Things to Know about Inn-to-Inn Hikes February 28th, 2018 • by Matt Holmes Most people who have never been on a multi-day hiking or trekking tour don’t know what to expect from such an adventure. With five people in our office who have done this type of trip, we’ve compiled this “need to know” list for those of you who may already be reserved or are thinking about… Read More »
History of the Nakasendo Trail November 1st, 2017 • by Bryan Haggerty The Nakasendo Trail dates to the Edo Period, an era in Japan’s history spanning from 1603 to 1868. It was characterized by economic growth, social stability, isolationism, and interest in arts and culture. In the early years, there was a need to develop a communication and transportation network so the shogunate (a government ruled by… Read More »
How to Take a Japanese Bath, or Onsen Etiquette September 30th, 2017 • by Bryan Haggerty An onsen is a hot spring, and the Japanese love soaking in them. The Japanese archipelago sits at the convergence of four tectonic plates, making it an incredible location for geothermal activity. There are more than 25,000 natural hot springs in the country and around 3,000 spas where people can have a traditional onsen experience.… Read More »
How to Spend 15 Hours on an Airplane September 15th, 2017 • by Matt Holmes Of all the active adventure tours that we offer, our southern Africa, Asia, and Palau tours are the only places where you’d need a 15+ hour nonstop flight to get there. When I traveled to Asia to join our Bhutan hiking tours, I flew nonstop from New York to Guangzhou, China (16 hours), and then… Read More »
Understanding the Monastic Robes of Buddhism September 8th, 2017 • by Matt Holmes Asia is a treasure trove of unique cultures, preserved traditions, and vibrant colors. From Bhutan’s intricate thangka paintings to the brightly-lit lanterns you’ll see on our Vietnam tours, everywhere you turn, your eyes are delighted with rich hues. The monks and nuns are often the most colorfully-dressed in their eye-catching robes. Depending on the country… Read More »