Have a question about adventure travel? Want the scoop on the latest travel regulations? Looking for the hottest destinations? Need help solving a travel problem? Send your questions to the Wild Pair, and look for your answers online. Let's hear from you!
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Q: Can you recommend a few National Parks that are lesser-known and still spectacular? I live in New Jersey, but am willing to travel anywhere in the country.
A. Every year millions of people pack up and head for our National Parks to take in the spectacular landscapes preserved there. Unfortunately, that can mean that you'll be sharing your nature with far more people, cars and crowds than you were counting on. You're smart to seek out the lesser-know parks where you can still enjoy the scenery in relative solitude. But, the National Park System is vast, comprised of 391 areas covering more than 84 million acres in every state (except Delaware), the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. So, we asked Dan Austin and Peter Grubb of Austin Lehman Adventures and ROW International - people who specialize in crafting off-the-beaten-path adventures - for their suggestions.
Dan Austin, Austin Lehman Adventures: One of my all time favorite National Parks is North Cascades National Park in the North Central corner of Washington State. While the more known parks such as Yellowstone NP received some 3 million plus visitors, Northern Cascades NP typically sees approximately 30,000 visitors annually. Almost 400 miles of trails and vast undeveloped wilderness allow visitors to experience nature with minimal human-caused intrusions. 684,000 acres make up the park.
Peter Grubb, ROW International: The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a very unique National Park comprising of 38 actual sites along the trail that the Nez Perce tribe followed in 1877 while trying to avoid conflict with the US Calvary on their way to Canada. The sites are all located in remote parts of Idaho and Montana and you can take a road trip that follows the path. It's a moving story and takes you through some of America's most dramatic landscapes. Learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/nepe/. There are a number of unique B&Bs, ranches and inns along the way for accommodation, as well as camping sites. One well-located place is River Dance Lodge on the Clearwater River. (http://www.riverdancelodge.com/)
*In addition to National Parks, there are National Monuments. One that is little-known is Idaho's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. This "lunar landscape" is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. It is best visited from April through October and is filled with many wondrous landscape features. Learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/crmo/
Q: My husband has been wanting to go to Machu Picchu and Cusco for about a decade, but I am nervous about the altitude. What can you recommend to minimize the chances of altitude sickness?
A. We can appreciate your husband's desire to see Machu Picchu. Experiencing the sprawling ruins of Machu Picchu, the fortress city of the ancient Incas and UNESCO World Heritage site, is an experience of a lifetime. Don't be afraid of high altitude, but be well informed and take precautions. Definitely give yourself as much time at altitude as possible before doing too much. At least two days around Cusco would be our suggested mimimum. You can also help yourself acclimate by getting plenty of rest and drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day and researchers advise participating in mild exercise on the day of arrival to higher altitude. For example, if your plane lands in Cusco on your way to see ruins, do some walking around that evening. Basic, easy exercises help your body adjust quicker to the altitude.
Dan Austin of Austin Lehman Adventures offers this advice: Take your time traveling to higher altitudes. When you travel to a high altitude, your body will begin adjusting right away to the lower amount of oxygen in the air, but it takes several days for your body to adjust completely. If you're healthy, you can probably safely go from sea level to an altitude of 8,000 feet in a few days. But when you reach an altitude above 8,000 feet, don't go up faster than 1,000 feet per day. The closer you live to sea level, the more time your body will need to get used to a high altitude. Plan your trip so your body has time to get used to the high altitude before you start your physical activity.
Sleep at an altitude that is lower than the altitude you are at during the day. For example, if you ski at an elevation of 10,000 feet during the day, sleep the night before and the night after at an elevation of 8,500 feet.
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water!
Talk with your doctor about taking acetazolamide (Diamox) or nifedipine to prevent altitude sickness (although there is no guarantee it will help). Avoid alcohol or depressant drugs, such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills, as this can make things worse.
The "locals" of Cusco swear by coca and coca tea. In fact they will often greet you with your first cup upon arrival.
Interesting that several of the major hotels in Cusco actually have piped in oxygen into the rooms to make sleeping easier.
*Austin Lehman Adventures offers an exclusive 11-day lodge-to-lodge adventure following the ancient Salkantay Route along the spectacular Cordillera Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu. Click here to learn more.
Q: Do you have any ideas for great off-season destinations? My friend and I like to travel when prices are lower and there are fewer tourists.
A. There are pros and cons to off-season travel. On the one hand, you can save you money and afford you the opportunity to enjoy a more relaxing vacation without the crowds. Alaska, for instance, might not be an obvious wintertime choice. But it's an awesome time to visit, boasting once-in-a-lifetime dog sled adventures, top-tier skiing, natural hot springs and the best time to view the Northern Lights. Conversely, high-season usually equates to a destination's prime weather and natural beauty. Try leaf-peeping in New England off-season, for example, or good luck enjoying that Caribbean hot-spot during a hurricane. That said, good times, and considerable savings, can be had nearly anywhere off season. Here are a few tips from Trusted Adventure experts to steer you in the right direction:
Peter Grubb at ROW International advises:
Everyone goes to Jamaica in the spring, but December is also a lovely time to explore this island. In the first few weeks of December before Christmas, prices are considered "off season" and the weather is lovely. In addition to the traditional beach resorts, some outfitters are now offering more adventurous trips that take you to the real Jamaica. One to check out is ROW's Jamaica MultiSport that includes hiking the Blue Mountains, mountain biking, bird watching, rafting and of course, some lazy time at the beach.
Also, river rafting in the western USA is at its peak from June through August. But going in September you'll find few others on the rivers while weather is typically still fantastic. Trip sizes tend to be much smaller as well, so instead of 16-24 other passengers, you're more likely to be on a trip with just 4-10. The water is cooler so swimming is less inviting, but daytime temperatures are typically still in the high 70's and 80's, and nights are comfortable.
Rene Hoeve at Euro Bike & Walking Tours says:
Italy, Southern France, and Spain offer spectacular travel in April or late September and October. The weather is great for outdoor activities (actually better since the heat of summer can be overwhelming) most of the tourists have gone home, and you can enjoy sites, culture and food with the natives! Here are some great trips to consider:
France:
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/provence.html
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/tasteprov.html
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/bordeaux.html
Italy
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/Tuscany.html
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/tuscoast.html
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/italia.html
Spain
http://www.eurobike.com/biketour/2008/rioja.html
Thanks! And safe travels from The Wild Pair!!
