The holidays are coming up, and while I’ll be spending some quality time with my fluffy pup and my overwhelmingly large Netflix queue, many others will be jet setting to the go-to classics: Paris, London, Rome, and the like. The Eiffel Tower is amazing—don’t get me wrong—but keep in my mind that the trip of your life might be a little off the beaten path. Here are 5 off-the-grid trips for you to keep in mind when planning holiday, spring break, or even summer adventures!
Coastal Nicaragua
The idea of an epic surf trip has remained at the back of my mind ever since the movie 180° South came out. I stuffed snacks into my mouth as I watched Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins trek from Mexico to Patagonia along the west coast. Well-known destinations like Australia and Hawaii can be pretty pricey (especially when you’re just there to surf—or to watch hot guys surf.) This is where Nicaragua becomes the winner—although you have to be pretty adventurous to make the journey. The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua is strewn with little surf resorts just steps away from rolling waves, and a small villa for four can be rented for only $100 a night. Make sure to be cautious—as you always should in a foreign country—and enjoy laying out at the beach, hiking up dormant volcanoes, and exploring exotic jungles!
Nepal
I can’t think of many things cooler than hiking through the Himalayan mountains and taking selfies with tigers in Nepal. Nepal is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries in the world, with sweltering valleys leading into snowy mountains, and centuries old ruins and temples melting into skyscrapers and highways. Help give an elephant a bath in the Great Rapti River, navigate street markets in Old Kathmandu, or see incredibly well preserved ancient Buddhist temples in Patan.
Istanbul
Istanbul sits in the middle of Europe and Asia, and also encompasses both ancient and modern traditions. Centuries-old mosques and spiraling minarets sit next to sleek skyscrapers on the Istanbul skyline. Turkish baths, classic ferries, and colorful markets offer so many interestingly unusual activities.
Iceland
With a captivating cultural heritage, bustling festivals, modern retail stores, and outlandish museums, Iceland has much more to offer than igloos and glaciers (although those are pretty cool, too). Go whale watching, gaze at the Northern Lights, or check out geothermal pools and spas. Iceland is perhaps one of the most mysterious countries in the world, because its history and culture are rarely discussed, but trust me—it’s there! The people are friendly and welcoming, and the adventures are one-of-a-kind.
The classic Euro-trip is always a safe-bet, but every once in a while taking a chance and traveling off the grid might get you out of your comfort zone and into a real adventure.
Photo Sources:
http://www.interestingfunfacts.com/files/2012/02/facts-about-himalayas.jpg
http://www.gmu.edu/org/nsa/kathmandu.jpeg
http://www.liophant.org/conferences/2014/wams/pic9.jpg
http://onebigphoto.com/uploads/2012/02/iceland-blue-lagoon.jpg