Latest news with #adventureTravel
Globe and Mail
02-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Adventure Out Loud Features New High-Impact Safari Travel Options Across Africa
Brisbane, Australia - July 2, 2025 - Australian social enterprise Adventure Out Loud announced a renewed focus on high-impact safari & adventure travel experiences throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. This initiative reflects the company's mission to integrate transformative travel with social good, as 50% of its profits continue to support education and conservation initiatives across the continent. Founded in 2015, Adventure Out Loud offers tailor-made and small group trips that combine luxury adventure with charitable engagement. These curated Africa vacations span iconic Big Five safaris, mountain treks, and cultural immersions, while also enabling travelers to connect directly with local communities and charities. This unique blend of exploration and impact positions the company as the leader among safari travel agencies serving international clients, especially those seeking meaningful ways to travel. 'Travel can be a force for good,' said Nathan Taiaroa, founder of Adventure Out Loud. 'Our travelers see the real Africa, not just through game drives and landscapes, but through the eyes of the people they meet and the projects they support.' Adventure Out Loud's approach to impact travel has already achieved substantial outcomes. Since inception, the company's travel-driven contributions have funded over 880,000 hours of education, supported 136 students through high school and tertiary education, and raised more than $600,000 for nonprofit partners. The company currently collaborates with eight charities across Africa, and each trip includes opportunities for travelers to witness the results of their contributions firsthand. Adventure Out Loud designs private and group itineraries throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, and East and Southern African destinations. The itineraries accommodate different travel interests, incorporating various activities but not limited to guided wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, mountain expeditions, golf-focused travel, and cultural experiences. The expanded scope aims to meet increasing demand for personalized travel across the region. With the announcement, Adventure Out Loud reinforces its position within the impact travel movement, a growing sector among ethical and luxury travel providers. The company's transparency in reporting social contributions and its dedication to sustainable tourism further distinguishes it from other safari tour operators. Adventure Out Loud's team of Africa travel specialists continue to prioritize personalized service, working closely with clients to craft bespoke journeys. These experiences not only offer personal rejuvenation and adventure but also align with global calls for more responsible tourism practices. To learn more or plan a journey that blends exploration with purpose, visit: About Adventure Out Loud Adventure Out Loud is a Brisbane-based travel social enterprise that curates high-end, tailor-made African travel experiences with a focus on charitable impact. With 50% of profits directed toward education and conservation initiatives, the company's model empowers travelers to make a difference while exploring Africa's most iconic destinations. Media Contact Company Name: Adventure Out Loud Contact Person: Nathan Taiaroa Email: Send Email Phone: +61 432 822 652 Country: Australia Website:
CTV News
02-07-2025
- CTV News
Vacation Week: Trending destinations
Ottawa Watch Lorraine Simpson tells us about some great adventure travel destinations you can check out this summer if you're looking to book a last-minute getaway!
Associated Press
19-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
MT Sobek Appoints Seth Heald as New CEO to Lead Adventure Travel Expansion
EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MT Sobek, the pioneering name in adventure travel since 1969, proudly announces the appointment of Seth Heald as its new Chief Executive Officer. Heald, a seasoned leader with over two decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience in active travel and wilderness exploration, is set to guide MT Sobek into its next phase of growth and innovation. Heald's deep roots in the adventure travel industry include founding and leading Arizona Outback Adventures for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the company became a nationally recognized name in adventure travel, employing nearly 150 staff and delivering exceptional experiences across the American West before its acquisition by REI in 2019. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, Heald has also successfully launched and operated four other thriving adventure travel companies. Most recently, prior to joining MT Sobek in 2023, he served as Director of North America Operations for REI's Adventure Travel division. 'Seth brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial vision, operational expertise, and deep industry roots,' said Tom Lee, MT Sobek Chairman. 'He's built successful adventure travel companies from the ground up and knows what it takes to lead with integrity, creativity, and a customer first mindset. We have known and worked with Seth for 25 years and we're thrilled to have him at the helm of MT Sobek.' Heald succeeds Massimo Prioreschi, who successfully guided MT Sobek through a period of significant transformation. 'We're incredibly grateful for Massimo's leadership through the lean years of COVID and beyond. He leaves a foundation and team that is the strongest in MT Sobek's 56 years. We are extremely appreciative of his hard work and commitment to MT Sobek and our guests. We wish him well in his retirement,' added Lee. 'I'm honored to lead a company as iconic and values driven as MT Sobek,' said Heald. 'This is a brand that's always stood for bold, immersive, and authentic travel experiences. I look forward to working with our passionate team and expert guides to keep that spirit alive—and take it even further, building on MT Sobek's legacy of global adventures, cultural immersion, and guided expeditions.' For more information about MT Sobek and its award-winning adventures, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mountain Travel Sobek
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Forbes
5 Must-Visit Places for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2025
The great outdoors are making a comeback. U.S. National Parks set record numbers for visitation in 2024, and adventure travel continues to be a top-growing sector of the global travel market here in 2025. In this way, Americans are seeking adventurous travels here at home, and abroad as well. So where should one go to experience nature on their next trip? The options are seemingly endless, with a wide variety of terrains to choose from, including mountains, lakes, oceans, and even volcanoes. Below is a sampling of some of the destinations I love, each offering something a little different, special in their own way and each worthy of a visit, but for different reasons. Many people go to Hawaii each year, but the majority (52%) focus their visit on the island of Oahu. By comparison, only 15% of Hawaii's visitors go to the Big Island, or Hawaii Island. Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii has been erupting frequently in 2025. On June 11, the lava fountains reach higher than the crater rim, over 500 ft tall. You can often view the lava fountains from the observation areas in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo by M. Zoeller. Why so comparatively few people visit the Big Island is a matter of logistics and infrastructure—not because there's nothing to see or do. The Big Island lives up to its name; it is, in fact, bigger than all the other islands combined, and its landscape is quite varied: It contains 8 of the world's 13 ecosystems, as well as several active volcanoes. The Big Island of Hawaii is a haven for mountain and ocean activities. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers the chance to visit the summit of an active volcano (which has been erupting frequently as of late), while many other natural and cultural parks offer hiking, snorkeling, and, of course, beaches to rest on after a full day of exploration. While the small town of Kailua-Kona can be bustling during the summer months, the Big Island is typically chill. With so much land, a small population (approx. 200,000), and relatively few visitors, you'll often find yourself away from the crowds on the Big Island, especially in outdoor areas. For a relatively cheap international adventure, head to the northern part of the Rocky Mountains in Banff, Canada, where world-class wilderness and discounted opportunities await. The small town of Banff sits within Banff National Park, offering beautiful views and quick access to the outdoors. The town of Banff is located inside Banff National Park, the mountain peaks looming above its charming streets. Opportunities for outdoor adventures, like hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and skiing, are located in every direction, and it only takes a few minutes to get out of town and into your own world on the trail. In town, Banff provides a range of accommodations, with many restaurants and conveniences for families and travelers looking for an active hub. The Canadian Dollar is weak compared to the American Dollar right now, meaning that your trip could be more affordable than you think—as of this writing, the exchange rate presents about a 25% discount on posted prices. Missoula often slips through the cracks in outdoor circles, probably because it 1) is really isolated and 2) has been outshined in the media by other Montana destinations, like Big Sky and Bozeman. View of Missoula from Mount Sentinel. Missoula provides access to numerous rivers and wilderness areas in a university setting. But don't be fooled. Missoula sits at the confluence of four rivers (the Bitterroot, the Blackfoot, the Clark Fork and Rock Creek), making it a haven for fly fishing and river sports, and also serves as a gateway to myriad national forests and wilderness areas (Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness, for example). Hiking, camping, fly fishing, mountain biking, and river sports (kayaking, floating, tubing) are all easily accessible from Missoula, often just outside of town. Stay awhile and you might be surprised at all Missoula has to offer, given its remote location and small population (approx. 80,000). The university town sports an impressive array of music venues, including the riverside KettleHouse Amphitheater, as well as a world-class ceramics scene, which can be appreciated in the local art galleries. If Jackson was physically located inside Grand Teton National Park—and not just next to it—it would be a perfect American comparison to Banff up in Canada. Both have small populations (at or less than 10,000), both have a wide range of accommodations and conveniences (including bougie options), and both provide immediate access into stunning national parks. Schwabacher's Landing in Grand Teton National Park. Jackson, Wyoming, provides immediate access to the Park as well as mountain-chic nightlife. Jackson is the largest of several small towns that make up the valley of Jackson Hole. The entrance to Grand Teton National Park is only about 10 miles outside Jackson, and Yellowstone about 2.5 hours to the north. This presents many opportunities for adventures, from accessible day hikes to scenic road trips and wildlife viewing in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, which all converge in this region. Jackson has become a pricier destination in recent decades, but its appeal is easy to see. It's one of the few destinations north of Salt Lake City to provide such a respected and wide level of offerings, including high-quality restaurants, bars, and hotels. The alpine views from town are scenic and the daytime vibe still outdoorsy, even if mountain-chic is often the vibe at night. Summer is the time to visit Traverse City in northern Michigan. Here, one can find pristine forests, craggy lakeshores, and sand dunes to explore, while local breweries and peaceful lakeside parks set the tone in town. The path at Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City, Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a unique area with several hikes and scenic lakeshore views. Traverse City has a population of about 15,000 and could never be described as being on the way to something. Its remote location helps keep it natural and relaxed and provides easy access to numerous ecosystems. The lakeside Sleeping Bear Dunes, for example, are less than an hour away, and other natural areas, like Manistee National Forest, Miller Creek Nature Preserve, and the Sand Lakes Quiet Area are also easy day trips. Many activities happen on the water, of course, such as sailing and kayaking. The Manitou Islands, located not far offshore, provide a unique opportunity for hiking and camping. Summer is upon us, and there are many outdoor-focused areas you can visit. Don't overthink it. Regardless of whether you're planning an extensive trip or simply a long weekend, there's a destination that can accommodate, and perhaps it's not on this list. Perhaps it's looking for jaguars way down in the Pantanal of Brazil, or simply around the corner, closer to your backyard. Either way, the trip is sure to be rewarding—just pick a spot that works for your timeline, your budget, and your interests.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why remote Svalbard is best explored on an expedition cruise
The world is at its quietest and most awe-inspiring in the planet's remote reaches, where wildlife reigns and the planet's stark beauty is on display. Located some 580 miles from the city of Tromsø in mainland Norway, Svalbard is an archipelago comprising nine main islands, the largest being Spitsbergen. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this wild environment is on an expedition cruise, where you'll glide past imposing glaciers, noisy walrus colonies, cliffs dotted with sea birds and families of polar bears. In the summer months, Svalbard enjoys constant daylight — making it an ideal time to see these pristine landscapes in all their glory. Here are five reasons to go on an expedition through this otherworldly archipelago. For any visitor to Svalbard, the chance to see the King of the Arctic in his natural habitat is the stuff of wildlife-spotting dreams. Roughly 3,000 polar bears call Svalbard home — more than the human population here — and as the largest of all the bear species, there's a high chance of spotting one of these mighty carnivores from a ship or tender. Polar bears are often seen navigating ice floes, stalking birds perched on cliffs or paddling alongside desolate beaches. These bears can disappear out of sight as quickly as they appear, so having an eagle-eyed guide makes all the difference. The chalk-white humps of belugas swimming in a procession; the breach of a huge humpback; or the tall fluke of a sperm whale slowly dropping below the ocean's surface, signalling the start of a deep dive — these are just a few of the wondrous wildlife moments you may encounter while exploring Svalbard. This Arctic landscape is where hundreds of walruses gather on rocky beaches to snort out a chorus, while herds of reindeer forage for moss along the tundra. Elsewhere, you can spot seals warily navigating the sea ice, or ogle thousands of sea birds — including guillemots, glaucous gulls and fulmars — nesting on vertical cliffs. During the summer months in Svalbard, when the North Pole is angled closest to the sun, the archipelago experiences perpetual daylight. The sun never quite dips below the horizon, casting a pink hue across the sky from dusk until morning. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, only adds to the wonder of travelling through these islands. You may lose track of time in the brightness of near-constant daytime, but this means any moment offers the chance to take in the astonishing scale of a glacier or watch as a whale exhales plumes of breath into the sky. Naturalists, marine biologists, geologists and experienced expedition staff are the human elements who make an adventure to Svalbard exceptional. The most fulfilling journeys through this archipelago bring the region's history, landscapes, marine life and conservation efforts to life through onboard lectures and presentations. On an expedition here, you are likely to have the opportunity to mingle with staff and ask them questions to develop a deeper understanding of this distinctive dot on the map. Journeying around Spitsbergen (the only inhabited island in the archipelago) feels much like moving through a documentary of your own making. This is where the Arctic's colour palette is most vibrant, visible in the dark granite seams of snow-topped mountain peaks, the glaciers that appear to glow turquoise and the steely blues of rippling ocean waves. Former whaling stations and hunting cabins made of wood and stone mark a history of human habitation — but it's the enormous whale bones lining the shore that are the most striking reminders of our past. This is paid content for Trailfinders. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
