Gadling

Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera

Kraig Becker — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

Buying a digital camera is no easy task these days. As cameras have grown in popularity, the market has become flooded with dozens of models, all with a dizzying array of features and specs, and few ways to distinguish one from the next. Aside from minor variations in shape and color, most of them all look about the same, and it is difficult to know which one is the best fit for each of our individual needs. That simply isn't the case for the new Nikon CoolPix AW100, which not only has a unique look, but an identity all of its own. This is a camera that is built for travel, and will have a great appeal to adventure travelers in particular.

After removing the AW100 from its box, the first thing you'll notice is how solid it feels in your hands. The ruggedized body conveys the sense that this is a camera that can take a lot of punishment, which makes it a great option for those excursions that take us to the far flung corners of the planet. The AW100's tough shell keeps it waterproof to 33-feet, while allowing it to withstand temperatures down to 14ºF and survive drops up to five feet in height. Those qualities alone help to set it apart from nearly any other digital camera on the market and make it an attractive option for scuba divers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who demand a high level of performance out of their gear.

Don't let this camera's rugged body fool you however, because under the hood, it has plenty of brains to go along with its brawny exterior. This CoolPix features a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor that not only takes fantastic photos, but also manages to capture video in full 1080p HD as well. It has a vibrant 3-inch screen, an easy to use (and understand!) interface and Nikon's new Action Controls, which make the AW100 a snap to operate, even while wearing gloves.

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Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vagabond Tales: Is sandboarding better than snowboarding?

Kyle Ellison — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Skiing, Surfing, Stories, South America, Peru

Contrary to what you may believe, the ocean in Peru is not very warm. In fact, it's not warm at all. It's freezing.

Other than desert outposts in the northern reaches of the country where it's still possible to surf in boardshorts (Mancora, Vichayito, etc.), the Humboldt current--which swings northward from Antarctica--renders the water in Peru so cold that much of the coast is a seascape of lonely gray populated by neoprene-clad surfers suffering from ice cream headaches (surf slang for intense pain in the temples felt when diving beneath a frigid wave).

For this precise reason there was little part of me which wanted to surf in Peru.

But wait, Peru has some of the best waves in the world. Chicama, Pacasmayo, Cabo Blanco? These places are legendary. What's wrong with you?

Standing on the rocky shores of Huanchaco, a beachfront suburb of the colonial city of Trujillo, the thought of removing my warm flannel and thrusting my ceviche-laden body into 51° water held remarkably little appeal. That, and the waves simply just weren't that good. Admittedly, a fair weather surfer I will be.

Having already toured the ruins of Huaca de Sol and Chan Chan, ancient cities of the Moche and Chimu people who began inhabiting this coastline around 400 AD, my wife and I were simply going to have to find adventure elsewhere.

How about sand boarding?

For years I had seen photos of warm-weather renegades riding down sand dunes from Morocco to New Zealand to here on the coast of Peru. Still, I was skeptical. It's sand. Not snow. Or water. How fun can it possibly be?

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Vagabond Tales: Is sandboarding better than snowboarding? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kaikoura, New Zealand: Surfing, seals, and seafood

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Stories, Oceania, New Zealand, Ecotourism

"The chowder isn't the type you have back in the States" I am warned.

The brunette woman working the oceanfront seafood cart has detected my accent and is concerned I won't like her steaming bowl of mollusks.

"There isn't much cream, just freshly made broth mixed with massive chunks of crayfish and mussels."

Facing the kelp strewn waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula, a popular hamlet on the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, this is exactly what I was hoping for: Massive chunks of crayfish and mussels. After all, it's only appropriate for a place whose name literally translates to "meal of crayfish".

Regardless, eating anything else in Kaikoura would just feel wrong, because Kaikoura is not a processed, pre-packaged type of town. It's a place where the smell of sea salt wafts on the breeze and surfers recount that morning's early dawn session. Storefronts advertise seal swimming, whale watching, and guided eco-walks, while local scuba shops display the current water temperature and visibility on outdoor chalkboards adorned in smiling blue dolphins.

This, I realize, is what separates Kaikoura from all of the other adventure destinations and photo opportunities which lay scattered around the South Island of New Zealand. Kaikoura is different from the gorges of Franz Josef glacier or walks such as the Routeburn Track in that it has been a long time since I have traveled through a place that refreshingly feels so alive.

Sure, there are pubs with drink specials and tacky New Zealand souvenir stores like any other tourist haunt in the world, but in Kaikoura there seems to be an intrinsic harmony the town has with nature that gives it an energy not felt in other parts of the country.

Nowhere is this more apparent than ambling over limpet covered rocks beneath the peninsula walkway on Kean Point. Aside from the sandy strands of kelp which give the walk a malodorous yet authentic aroma, the shoreline teems with nesting red billed seagulls and dozens of southern fur seals lounging contentedly on the warm rocks.

Gallery: Kaikoura is alive

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Kaikoura, New Zealand: Surfing, seals, and seafood originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Oahu Island: Miracle Coast

Elizabeth Seward — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Surfing, North America, United States, Video

Oahu Island: Miracle Coast on Nowness.com.

Would you like to spend a moment reviving your spirit with a beautiful video depicting Hawaii's Oahu Island? Oahu Island: Miracle Coast, is a gorgeous little video released on nowness.com. It's a short by photographer and filmmaker Lyall Coburn. Through the video, he captures a summer spent idly on the island's North Shore. The video is certainly enough to make me want to kick back in Oahu for a summer, watching locals take nerve-rattling jumps off of cliffs and maybe jumping myself. Life, for me, is much about variation and travel satiates this need I have, as well as so many others, for an ever-changing environment. Kudos to Coburn for changing his environment and spending a summer along these shimmering, lapping waves.

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Video: Oahu Island: Miracle Coast originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exploring the diverse scenery of East Java, Indonesia

Jessica Festa — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Photos, Asia, Indonesia, Camping, Ecotourism

The area of East Java in Indonesia is home to beautiful and diverse landscapes that include beaches, volcanoes, mountains, plantations, lakes, natural reserves, and a lot more. There are also many natural, cultural, and adventure activities to partake in, like scuba diving, hiking volcanoes, surfing, witnessing traditional ceremonies, hearing folklore stories, learning the cultivation process of tea, and photographing wild animals like zebras and cheetahs.

To get to East Java you can fly into its capital, Surabaya, via their international airport, Juanda Airport (SUB).

If you'd like to explore East Java from the comfort of your computer chair, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: The diverse scenery of East Java, Indonesia

Exploring the diverse scenery of East Java, Indonesia originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mexico's safest destinations

Chris Owen — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Surfing, Festivals and Events, Mexico, Travel Health, Central America, Travel Security

Crime in Mexico has kept travelers away from some parts of the country that are riddled with the results of drug cartel operations. Everything from murder to mass graves and the acts of brutal drug lords has caused the U.S. Department of State to issue warnings against travel south of the border. Still, there are a number of places deemed safe by a variety of sources that are worth a look if not a trip to visit.

Our first five safe places to visit come from the San Francisco Chronicle's Five Safest Places in Mexico. At only 1.1 deaths per 100,000, the agricultural state of Tlaxcala is rated as Mexico's safest state followed by the Yucatán at 1.3 that has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and thousands of archaeological sites.

Up next is Puebla at 1.85 with 2,600 historic buildings, a wealth of archaeological sites, and virtually nonstop festivals originating in five distinct pre-hispanic cultures ahead of the small state of Querétaro with just 2.02 deaths per 100,000. Best-known for its role in ending Spanish rule, the state also claims three of Mexico's major wineries and maintains a Cheese and Wine Museum.

Gallery: 10 safe places to visit in Mexico

Renewed Baja California Sur, sfgate tells us, was the first flash point when President Calderón upset the drug cartels' equilibrium and has been barely touched by drug violence. Adventure travelers will find hiking, kayaking, surfing and windsurfing, zip-lines, cave paintings and hot springs here.

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Mexico's safest destinations originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teahupo'o: the world's 'heaviest' surfing wave

Jeremy Kressmann — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Surfing, Oceania, French Polynesia

Teahupo'o, site of a legendary surfer break on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, has developed quite the reputation among big-wave surfers. Due to a shallow coral reef just off shore, waves here tend break as massive, chunky walls of water, a phenomenon that has earned Teahupo'o the distinction as the "heaviest" wave in the world.

The video above, filmed at Teahupo'o, offers a first-hand view from the ocean of what it's like to ride the massive swells of this epic surf spot. Set to an ethereal soundtrack, the video follows surfers as they brave one of the biggest surfing days at Teahupo'o in recent memory, riding crushing "fists" of ocean that grow and collapse, threatening to swallow them whole at any minute. Sit back, click the play button, and let yourself be mesmerized by these awesome feats of athleticism.

Teahupo'o: the world's 'heaviest' surfing wave originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Weekend trip from Sydney, Australia: Pambula

Jessica Festa — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Food and Drink, Oceania, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Camping

Pambula is located on the Sapphire Coast of Australia and is a great weekend getaway for people who want to get out of the big city of Sydney for a few days and explore nature. The name Sapphire Coast stems from the areas clear, sparkling oceans, which you will be able to experience first-hand through adventure sports like surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and diving.

Getting in

When I went, I took a Premier Motor Service coach bus from Sydney Central Station right to Pambula, which takes about 6-7 hours. Another option is to take a Regional Express (REX) airline to Merimbula, which is also on the Sapphire Coast and only about 10-15 minutes away.

Where to stay

While there are a few hotel options in Pambula, my recommendation is to check out the Holiday Hub Beach Resort. What's great about this accommodation is that it has something to offer every kind of traveler. For people who are looking for luxury and comfort, the resort offers villas, apartments, and cabins with full linens, televisions, and kitchens, as well as an on-site spa and heated pool. When I stayed here I chose the more rustic option of camping out right next to the beach in a tent. At night, my friends and I would roast marshmallows over a camp fire, play games, and stargaze while in the morning the salty sea air and scratching of kangaroos trying to get into our food would give us a unique wake up. While cabins and villas range from $100-$220, you can get a powered camping site for about $40-$70 and a tent for around $40. The tents are a decent size and you can comfortably fit 2-3 people inside.

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Weekend trip from Sydney, Australia: Pambula originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadling gear review: Hummingbird Carry-on Zip

Kraig Becker — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Gear, Gadling Gear Review, Caribbean

Picking the right bag to carry with us on our travels can be almost as important as selecting the items we put inside of it. Our baggage must be versatile, rugged, distinctive, and now days, easily fit inside an overhead compartment. The Carry-on Zip from Hummingbird meets all of those criteria, and then some, providing travelers with a simple, but very useful, bag for active excursions. Especially ones involving water.

Before getting into what the Carry-on Zip brings to the table, it is important to understand what it doesn't. In terms of design, this is most definitely a no-frills, minimalist bag. There aren't a lot of pockets - in fact there is just one large 40-liter compartment - and the bag doesn't have wheels or feature a retractable handle. It is, for all and intents and purposes, a simple duffel bag.

But to call the Carry-on Zip "just a duffel bag" is to greatly underestimate its value for travelers. This bag is designed for those that prefer to travel light and are looking for something they can take with them anywhere they go. Made from a tough, but flexible, vinyl material, the Carry-on Zip takes a beating without showing the wear and tear that comes from frequent travel, and its large, comfortable shoulder straps make it a cinch to carry, even when packed to the brim with gear. Those same straps can be easily adjusted to wear the bag like a backpack, and its single, cavernous, compartment has plenty of room to store everything you need for weekend escapes, or even week long adventures.

The vinyl material that makes the Carry-on Zip such a tough, durable travel option also makes the bag waterproof as well. Hummingbird has matched those materials with heavy duty zippers that when locked into place, they seal the bag up tight, keeping everything inside safe from the elements. The waterproofing is so good in fact, that I recently carried this bag on a trip to the Virgin Islands, where I spent my days snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing the beautiful ocean waters there. Thanks to the Carry-on Zip, I was able to take my camera, cell phone, and laptop with me where ever I went, without fear of damaging those expensive items within. On more than one occasion, I found myself wading into chest and neck deep waters to meet a waiting boat, and each time this bag kept my gear completely dry. It was very reassuring to know that I could trust this pack with my most fragile gear, even while swimming in the Caribbean.

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Gadling gear review: Hummingbird Carry-on Zip originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vagabond Tales: The lure of Baja's Scorpion Bay

Kyle Ellison — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Surfing, Stories, North America, Mexico, Hotels and Accommodations, Camping

"Rich man or poor, surf star or surf bum, Baja all equally humbles us. Baja does not care." -Anonymous-

From the dusty confines of an open air Mexican cantina, a sunburnt American man gnawing on a $4 breakfast burrito managed to ruin my day in a single breath.

"It's been surfable every day until you got here" he smugly mused, a dribble of hot sauce inching down his chin.

We had just driven 20 hours through the desert, and we'd gotten completely skunked. We knew the outlook wasn't looking great, but completely flat and unrideable wasn't the end result we were anticipating.

In fact, before we undertook the arduous and systematic task of loading up the caravan back north of the border with gallons of water, camping equipment, emergency medical and mechanical supplies, cases of Tecate, and all other Baja desert essentials, we knew the surf was only going to be about knee high at best.

The models were showing an outside chance a swell might still develop, however, and we decided to roll the dice anyway and make the bone-jarring haul through the Mexican desert.

Apparently, we had failed.

Such is the lure of Scorpion Bay, Mexico, however. A well-known spot on any surfer's lifetime or annual checklist, dedicated wave-hunters continue to make the pilgrimage through the desert to the sleepy little fishing village of San Juanico for a shot at what many deem to be the perfect wave.

Whether it's offering up ankle biters or overhead, the wave at Scorpion Bay can be appreciated and experienced equally by everyone from full time professionals down to the regular guy just searching for a taste of endless desert perfection.

Notoriously a fickle wave prone to long flat spells, the gamble always hangs in the air as to whether or not to gamble on the journey, knowing that if you stay home, it could mean missing that connection from 3rd point all the way into town. Experience, however, tells you that realistically it probably won't play out that way.

It's that slight percentage, however, that constantly keeps people coming back.

Continue reading Vagabond Tales: The lure of Baja's Scorpion Bay

Vagabond Tales: The lure of Baja's Scorpion Bay originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Belize

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Belize, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Central America

Belize is the only country in Central America with English as the official language. The small country, measuring 180 miles long and 68 miles wide, is a popular vacation destination for tourists whose native language is English. But Belize is good for much more than just lounging in white sand while watching the shimmering teal waves roll in and out while drinks, ordered in English, are replenished. Behind the luxurious resorts and relaxing vacation packages, Belize is an adventure destination.

With the lowest population density in Central America and, simultaneously, the highest growth rate in the region, 2012 is the year to visit Belize--it's still spacious and remote in most places, but it doesn't appear as though this quality will serve Belize permanently. People everywhere are beginning to now catch onto what natives have always known--Belize is not only gorgeous, rich in history, and filled with Mayan cultural treasures, but the small country packs in a big punch with adventure and thrill-seekers. Inexpensive and lush, the untainted waters and landscapes await you.

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Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Belize originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventure vacation Guide 2012: Ecuador

Laurel Miller — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, South America, Ecuador, Camping

Most Norteamericanos are hard-pressed to locate Ecuador on the map. Those familiar with this South American country the size of Colorado usually associate it with the (admittedly) spectacular Galapagos Islands. Yet Ecuador has so much more offer besides the Galapagos, and 2012 is the year to get your hardcore on. Why? Because the country's adventure travel industry is blowing up--but it's still affordable, especially if you opt for independent travel or book certain activities through domestic outfitters or U.S. travel companies that work directly with Ecuadorean guides.

Whatever your recreational interests, budget, or experience, odds are Ecuador has it: mountaineering, glacier climbing, and volcano bagging; trekking on foot or horseback; Class III to VI whitewater kayaking and rafting; sea kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling; surfing; remote jungle lodges and endemic wildlife, and agritourism. Need more convincing? Ecuador's adventure tourism increasingly has an emphasis on sustainability. When it comes to protecting its fragile ecosystem and indigenous communities, Ecuador has become quite progressive for a developing nation, which hasn't always been the case.

If you like a cultural or culinary component to your travels, there's that, too. You can opt for an active, educational trip to indigenous-owned and -operated Amazonian eco-lodges, or play in the Pacific regions, which retain a strong Afro-Ecuadorean influence.

Agritourism is also hot in Ecuador, most notably at centuries-old haciendas, although there are also coffee and cacao plantation tours. Ecuadorean food is a diverse melding of indigenous and outside ethnic influences that's regionally influenced: be sure to patronize markets, roadside restaurants, and street food stalls for some of the most memorable eats.

[flickr image via Rinaldo W]

Adventure vacation Guide 2012: Ecuador originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxury resort harbors Tanzania's last tropical coastal forest

Kraig Becker — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Surfing, Africa, Tanzania, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism

For adventure travelers, the classic visit to Tanzania begins with a climb up Kilimanjaro, followed by a safari on the Serengeti, and is topped off with a relaxing beach experience on the island of Zanzibar. The first two items on that list are unmatched experiences that simply can't be beat, but those looking for alternative to the beaches of Zanzibar may want to consider a stay at the Ras Kutani lodge, an eco-resort that offers access to the last tropical coastal forest in the country.

Located just 20 miles from Dar es Salaam, Ras Kutani offers beautiful and tranquil beaches along the Indian Ocean. The warm coastal waters are home to a vibrant and thriving coral reef system, which is home to dozens of species of fish, and is visited frequently by dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales. This makes it an ideal setting for snorkelers, although sea kayaking and boogie boarding are also popular activities when the surf is up.

But the main draw to lodge is the spectacular coastal forest that surrounds the resort. Charles Dobie, the owner of Ras Kutani, made it his mission to save and preserve the coastal forest there, and as a result, he now owns one of the last remaining examples of that amazing ecosystem. The lodge is surrounded by 100 acres of this lush forest, which is home to more than 130 species of trees, four different types of monkeys, a wide variety of birds, as well as baboons, wild pigs, and the rare and beautiful Civet Cat.

Visitors to the lodge can stay in one of nine unique and spacious cottages, or four hilltop suites, that have been designed to mesh harmoniously with the environment. In addition to the relaxed beach activities, they are also able to take a self-guided tour through the coastal forest, where they can explore its natural wonders for themselves. Afterward, guests can enjoy the lodge's famous gourmet cuisine, and relax by the ocean, where if they're lucky, they may catch sea turtles as they hatch, and make for the sea.

To learn more about the Ras Kutani lodge, and everything it has to offer, visit the resort's website.

Luxury resort harbors Tanzania's last tropical coastal forest originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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January is California Restaurant Month

Laurel Miller — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Business, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Camping, Transportation, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel

As a native Californian and longtime former Bay Area resident, I have to confess there's no place like home when it comes to the American food/dining/wine scene (New Yorkers, feel free to sharpen your knives...).

California's always been progressive when it comes to food and drink, from the early days of the vaqueros and Gold Rush-era San Francisco, right up to today's never-ending parade of talented food artisans, chefs, farmers, and mixologists. It's only fitting then, to feature a California Restaurant Month.

In January, the second annual statewide celebration is back and better than ever. Presented by Visit California, nearly 30 destinations across the Golden State are creating special restaurant week or month-long promotions and deals, including celebrity chef, prix fixe, and wine pairing dinners, and a series of "Dine and Drive Itineraries" that map out the culinary and scenic highlights of specific regions. Included are "Wine Country Fresh," "Food Lover's Classic Coast Drive: San Francisco to L.A.," and "A Taste of San Diego." Participating regions for events include cities and counties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and Northern and Southern California.

If you're worried about the calories, California Restaurant Month also offers travel tips on where the best skiing, surfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities are to be found, regardless of your itinerary. And that's the thing about California. As my dad always said, "What other state offers so much diversity?" Whether bagging peaks, scuba-diving, camping in the desert, or having a blow-out shopping spree is your thing, California's got it.

[Photo credit: Flickr user Stuck in Customs]

January is California Restaurant Month originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Travel health gift guide: what to get the incessant wanderer on your list

Laurel Miller — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Skiing, Surfing, Business, Food and Drink, Gear, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, United States, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel

Travel junkies are a special breed. Only a very distinct personality type gets a rush from being on the road as much as possible, or relishes the discomforts and situations most people go to lengths to avoid. Homesickness is a foreign concept.

I know, because I too suffer from this malady. It started early, because I have a vivid memory of bursting into tears when I was six or seven, after we dropped a friend off at the airport.

"What's wrong?" my dad asked. "I'm sad because we're not getting on an airplane," was my reply (ironic given my aviophobia, which had its onset about 12 years later).

A paralyzing fear of air travel hasn't stopped me from roaming, however. So, whether you have a loved one who practically lives at Club Med or one actually enjoys sleeping on the ground or in janky Third World hostels rife with cockroaches...lucky you. You have a travel addict in the family or as a friend.

One experience incessant wanderers don't go looking for? Illness or injury. While not inevitable, the more time you spend abroad, the greater the likelihood of suffering from anything from an infected bug bite or Bali Belly to...worse. But as I've always said, you can get hit by a bus crossing the street.

Of course travel isn't inherently unsafe, but there are precautionary measures that minimize the odds of having health issues on the road. Below, my road-tested gift picks for frequent travelers (especially those who visit sub-tropical or tropical climes) and outdoor enthusiasts.

SteriPEN or LifeStraw portable water filter
Reasons why one of these is a worthwhile investment:

Saves money on purchasing bottled water in developing nations/places without potable water
Better for the environment (see above)
You can contract giardia or other nasties from improperly "bottled" water (trust me)
You don't have to be out in the backcountry to have a potable water shortage; owning a filtration system is good insurance you stay hydrated and healthy, even in the city.

[Photo credit: Flickr user fauxrealphotos]

Continue reading Travel health gift guide: what to get the incessant wanderer on your list

Travel health gift guide: what to get the incessant wanderer on your list originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: surfer rides 90 foot wave in Portugal, breaks world record

Elizabeth Seward — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Surfing, Europe, Portugal, Video, News

It's one thing to go to the beach to catch some waves in Portugal, but it's an entirely different thing to catch a 90 foot wave successfully, breaking a world record. And that's just what surfer, Garrett McNamara, did. McNamara broke the world record for the longest wave ever surfed when he caught this 90 foot wave off the coast of Portugal. The largest wave claimed to have been surfed before this one was 80 feet, and there's no solid documentation to back up that the 80 foot surf actually happened. Although little documentation, other than this video above, has been released regarding McNamara's feat, as far as I'm concerned, this little video clip above is pretty decent documentation. Watch this video if you'd like to sit in awe for a minute or if you're simply interested in scoping just how big some of those waves off of Portugal's coast can get.

Continue reading Video: surfer rides 90 foot wave in Portugal, breaks world record

Video: surfer rides 90 foot wave in Portugal, breaks world record originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the 2012 National Geographic Adventurers of the Year

Kraig Becker — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Skiing, Surfing, Festivals and Events, News

On Monday of this week, National Geographic announced their list of the 2012 Adventurers of the Year, bestowing the honor on eleven men and women who have pushed the envelope in their particular fields over the past 12 months. This year's group includes mountaineers, a professional surfer, a long distance hiker, a mountain biker, and more.

Several of the names on the list will certainly be familiar to Gadling readers. For instance, we told you about Jennifer Pharr Davis when she set her new speed record on the Appalachian Trail a few months back and we took note of climber Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner when she summited K2 in August, ending her quest to become the first woman to climb the highest peaks in the world without the use of supplemental oxygen. We even told you about Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa and Sano Babu Sunuwar, the two men who paraglided off the summit of Everest last spring. Others earning Adventurer of the Year status include mountaineer Cory Richards, who became the first person to climb Gasherbrum II in the winter and snowboarder Travis Rice, who rode some of the toughest mountains in the world, in style no less. To view the entire list of winners and read more about their exploits, click here.

With the announcement of these recipients, Nat Geo has also opened an online poll that allows you and I to weigh in on who we think deserves the most recognition for their accomplishments this past year. Readers are encouraged to vote everyday until the poll closes on January 18, 2012. Then, in February, they'll announce the winner of the 2012 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year Award as well. Click here to cast your vote for your favorite adventurer.

Finally, to catch these men and women in action, check out the online photo gallery that National Geographic has put together to highlight their selections. Not only are they fantastic photos, they also capture the winners in their natural habitats, namely mountains, oceans, forests, and so on.

Congratulations to all the winners.

[Photo courtesy of Cory Richards]

Meet the 2012 National Geographic Adventurers of the Year originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wanted: American couple for South Africa Tourism commercial

Kraig Becker — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Surfing, Festivals and Events, Africa, South Africa, News, Luxury Travel

South Africa Tourism (SAT) has launched their 20 Experiences in 10 Days campaign, and now they're looking for fresh faces to help spread the word. The program is designed to sell South Africa as an adventurous, romantic, and cultural destination amongst Americans and to that end, SAT is looking for a real-life American couple to star in a new television commercial that is set to air internationally.

The casting director for the new spot is looking for couples ranging in age from 24-36 who are either married or in a committed relationship. They must also be available to attend in audition either in New York (Dec. 5-9) or Los Angeles (Dec. 10-12) and if hired for the gig, be ready to travel to South Africa for filming from January 20 - February 5th of 2012.

SAT promises it won't be all work however, as the lucky couple selected will be sent off on a free, once in a life time trip to South Africa. During their ten day visit, they'll have the opportunity to experience luxurious spas, sample the country's world-famous wines, and soak up the diverse and cosmopolitan culture. They'll also go hot air ballooning, surfing in the wild waters off the coast, and spot exotic animals on safari.

For more information, check out the Visit South Africa Facebook page where you'll find the application form. The deadline for entry is Monday, November 28th. Who knows, you might just be the star of the new commercial, and get an amazing free trip as well.

Wanted: American couple for South Africa Tourism commercial originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do you travel more than a pro surfer?

Kyle Ellison — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Surfing, Stories, Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania

In all of professional sports, I doubt there are many athletes who travel more for their job than professional surfers. In fact, I doubt there are many people involved in any profession who travel more than professional surfers do on an annual basis.

Unless you are, oh, I don't know, an exploratory oil engineer, a FedEx airline pilot, or some sort of covert operative, there's a real good chance that the world's top wave chargers are circling the globe far more rapidly than you are.

So just what does the schedule of a professional surfer look like?

To begin with, the 36 surfers on the ASP World Tour compete in 11 different events that take them across Australia, Brazil, South Africa, France, Portugal, Tahiti, California, and Hawaii over the course of the year. During the 4-6 weeks between events, many of these surfers are jetting across the globe chasing swells and doing promo shoots in countries that include the expected (Indonesia, Fiji, Costa Rica), the remote (Namibia, Madagascar, Iceland), and the downright dangerous (I've seen articles on surf in Libya, and it actually looks really good).

Considering the constant demands of chasing swells that can pop up in any corner of the world, many pro surfers spend little more than a month or two at "home" in any given year.
To dig deeper into the traveling life of a professional surfer I recently caught up with a team that's been traveling with pro surfer Ian Walsh of Maui, Hawaii.

Continue reading Do you travel more than a pro surfer?

Do you travel more than a pro surfer? originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter to win a $3,000 grant toward responsible, off-the-beaten path travel in China

Jessica Festa — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Business, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, China, Hotels and Accommodations, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Internet Tools, Nightlife, News, Travel Deals, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel

WildChina is offering the chance for travelers to win a grant of $3,000 towards pushing the limits of responsible, off-the-beaten path travel in China. The aim of the WildChina Explorer grant is to help people find authentic, life-changing experiences in their travels while also working to protect and sustain local cultures and environments.

The previous winner of the WildChina Explorer grant was Canadian traveler and writer Jeff Fuchs along with British entrepreneur and endurance athlete Micael Kleinwort. Together they traveled to the most isolated section of the Tsalam in Qinghai, completing the expedition in May, 2011 entirely on foot and leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible. The mission was part of Fuch's desire to bring to light long lost routes in Asia.

Criteria for grant winner includes:

Focus on bringing to light a long lost route, cultural issue, promoting aid in a remote community, or a journey of discovery or rediscovery
An enthusiasm for exploration
Risk management plan
Incorporation of Leave No Trace principles
Low carbon travel
Skill levels that are equal to the proposed itinerary

Applications are due by November 15, 2011. For more information, e-mail expedition@wildchina.com or download the form.

Enter to win a $3,000 grant toward responsible, off-the-beaten path travel in China originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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