With another holiday season behind us at last, it is time to start looking to the year ahead and firming up our travel plans. If you haven’t already made your preparations for 2011, and you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous this year, then perhaps we can suggest a few destinations that might meet your needs.

Last year, when we shared our list of top adventure travel destinations it was populated with a few countries that are commonly recognized as offering outstanding experiences for the adventure traveler. Places such as Nepal, Tibet, and Peru, which are widely considered to be classics of this type of travel. For this year’s list, those places have been sent to the Adventure Travel Hall of Fame, making room for some up and coming destinations to get some much needed recognition.

So, without further ado, here are my picks for the top adventure travel destinations for 2011.

This may seem like an odd pick to begin the list with, but hear me out before dismissing it. The U.S. is one big, diverse place, with plenty to offer any traveler, let alone those looking for adventure. No matter what your outdoor pursuit or adrenaline inducing addiction, you’ll find an excellent place to pursue it here in the States. Enjoy mountain climbing? Then head to Colorado where you’ll find 53 peaks in excess of 14,000 feet in that state alone. Is mountain biking your thing? Then make the journey to Moab, Utah, home to some of the best trails in the world. Into kayaking? Great! What’s your flavor? Whitewater? Flat water? Sea kayaking? It doesn’t matter, you can do it all right here in the U.S., where there are plenty of forests, deserts, mountains, and rivers to roam. If you’re coming from abroad, you may be surprised, and a little overwhelmed, with all the options. And if you’re from the U.S., perhaps you’ll be reminded of the magic of domestic travel too.

Another large and geographically diverse country, India can lure adventure travelers with a host of options. Want to spend some time on the beach or go diving and snorkeling? Then head to Goa for plenty of aquatic fun. Prefer a mountain trek? Then make your way to the remote northern region to gain access to the High Himalaya, along with its quaint mountain villages and Buddhist culture. For a different kind of hike head to the famed Valley of Flowers to experience more than 300 species of the colorful plants in one location. And for a truly unique adventure, explore the massive Thar Desert on the back of a camel.

Africa has always held a certain allure for the adventure traveler, with many headed to Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa for the classic safari experience. But there are plenty of other fantastic destinations on the continent that are worth exploring as well, most of which have a lot less tourism traffic. Take Ethiopia for example. The country is rich in history and culture and offers plenty of options for the active traveler as well. I recommend trekking the Simien Mountains, where you’ll encounter packs of rock climbing baboons en route to the medieval fortress of Gondar or make the journey to Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Stop by the holy city of Lalibela as well, where you’ll be treated to the amazing site of a series of churches carved from the rock. [Photo credit: Justin Clements via WikiMedia]

For travelers looking to go to extremes, it is tough to beat Argentina. The country offers visitors plenty to see and do while exploring a diverse number of unique landscapes. For instance, visitors can go to the Iguazu Falls region to take in the tropical rain forests and then travel south to Tierra del Fuego for a taste of the Antarctic. Backpackers and climbers will find plenty to love in the incomparable Patagonia district and paddlers will be thrilled with the whitewater options as well. The truly adventurous can test their mettle on the 22,841-foot tall Aconcaqua, the highest peak in the world outside of the Himalaya.

Over the past decade, Eastern Europe has gone from a very well kept secret to a popular destination for those seeking unique cultures, lavish history, and fantastic art. But the region has plenty to offer the adventure traveler as well, with Croatia leading the pack as the best destination for adrenaline junkies. Travelers who enjoy being on the water will love sea kayaking and sailing on the Adriatic Sea, while those who prefer to be under it, will love to dive the various ship wrecks that are just off the coast. Moving further inland, paddlers will find crystal clear rivers to run, replete with plenty of whitewater while trekkers and backpackers will enjoy the mountain trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Head to Ucka Mountain for a hike through dense forests that eventually give way to a spectacular view of Kvarner Bay.

New Zealand earned a spot on our list last year, but it is such a great adventure destination that it deserves another nod for 2011 as well. For many travelers, New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world thanks to its amazingly diverse terrain, which gives rise to some of the best mountain biking, paddling, and climbing options found anywhere. It is also home to what is quite possibly the greatest hike in the world in the form of the Milford Track, a 33 mile trail that runs through the heart of Fiordland National Park while surrounded by some of the best scenery on the planet. The winter months bring great skiing and snowboarding options as well, with Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano cone on the North Island, being amongst the most popular destinations. [Photo credit: Wikikiwiman via WikiMedia]

Often overlooked in favor of more well known South American destinations, Guyana is a great choice for adventure travelers looking to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path. Highlights include jungle canopy tours of the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve and a visit to the 741-foot tall Kaieteur Falls, which is billed as the tallest sheer drop waterfall in the world. But no trip to Guyana is complete without a trek through the Rupununi region in the southern part of the country. This remote and isolated wetlands area is home to a dizzying array of wildlife including giant river otters, black caiman, anteaters, jaguars, tapirs, anacondas and more. Birdwatchers will find the place especially alluring with hundreds of unique species on display.

There you have it. Ten great destinations that will fill your travel itinerary with plenty of adventure in the year ahead. Enjoy!

What is “Responsible Travel?”

You can enjoy adventure, nature and/or culture, and be socially and ecologically conscious. Responsible travel is about having fun, while also giving back. It is ethical travel that strives to reduce negative impacts of our journey while creating long term benefits to the environment, local people, and their communities.

“Eco-Green-Sustainable-Responsible Travel.” Really? Just How “Green” is Green?
By Peggy Lichter President, Wiser World Travel

The last time I checked, I could place my company on an online eco-directory for 0, no proof necessary as to my sustainable practices (other than professing my “green-ness.”)  As a tour operator, I can convey my environmental concern by asking travelers to offset their carbon emissions ? at their expense. How do we determine if our journeys support local communities? Are we staying in locally owned accommodations, eating in local restaurants, being educated by local guides, better insuring financial benefits to host communities? How do we know if negative impacts of travel are being minimized, that long term benefits to local people and communities will outweigh possible short term costs?

Are we being “greenwashed”? Just what is that, anyway? EnviroMedia Social Marketing says greenwashing is “when a company or organization spends more time and money claiming to be ‘green’ through advertising and marketing than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact. It’s whitewashing, but with a green brush.”

Eco Practices?

I recently attended a conference in a U.S. city.  The hotel that hosted the event belongs to a major chain, which touts its commitment to sustainable practices. They have been recognized twice as the Energy Star Partner of the Year for Excellence in Energy Management.  Yet conference attendees were wearing extra layers of clothing to keep warm in the conference rooms due to the air conditioning setting; just think what energy could be conserved if the temperature was set even two degrees warmer.

Plastic cups wrapped in plastic were replaced daily.  After using a thimble-full of shampoo and hair conditioner, the almost full bottles were removed and replaced with new ones. I don’t have to tell you how plastic and non-biodegradable products clog our earth, not to mention the waste of product.  Is a “green” hotel one that asks guests to place towels on the floor if laundering is desired and guests can choose to not have sheets changed daily? While of course a plus for conservation, are these practices suggested because they are environmentally correct or primarily because they are visible, sustainable practice that positively affect the bottom line and the hotel’s image? And does conservation become the responsibility of the customer?

Questions to Ask

How do we know if tour operators providing great “eco” trips are “walking their talk”? What questions might we ask? Does the operator have any eco-certifications? Are you staying at locally owned and operated accommodations where the employees are from the local community? Are you eating at local restaurants and being guided by local experts? If on a tour, does the tour operator support sustainability programs in the communities/regions to which they go? Do they contribute to a carbon offset program? Does the operator and the accommodations that they support recycle and demonstrate energy efficiency when possible? Are travelers educated about the local culture and environment? Are they encouraged to conserve and recycle?

The New Green

Perhaps we should do what British journalist Nick Rosen (off-grid.net) suggests regarding greenwashing, “. . . we have to adopt a new color: brown. Brown is the new green . . . Advertisers will never want to hijack such a color. Brown is a reminder of what we talk about when we talk about the Earth. It’s a reconnection with our own dirt . . .”

“Green” has become fashionable, and of course every little bit helps for whatever reason, even if it’s for financial gain. But over the long term, in order to sustain our earth with the least negative impact to it and to life, don’t we need to change our fundamental belief systems about the connectivity between all people and the earth? If we love to travel, by encouraging responsible travel practices, we can contribute to our world’s life span ? and not lose a bit of the fun, adventure, or excitement of new experiences! And if bottom lines are positively affected, it will happen.

About Wiser World Travel, LLC and Peggy Lichter, President

Wiser World Travel matches travelers to the most fitting, enjoyable, quality, and sustainable packaged and custom tours and itineraries offered by our ever-growing group of committed tour operators. We strongly believe that members of the travel industry have a responsibility to the environment and people of the world, and we intend to make sure that the travel providers within the Wiser World network meet the expectations set by our caring travelers.

Wiser World Travel was founded by Peggy Lichter in 2008. Peggy sought to use her business and entrepreneurial experience to make a positive impact on people and the global environment. Upon her travels she became enthused about sustainable tourism, and how through travel we all have the potential to contribute to the betterment of our world. Ultimately, her difficulty in verifying tour operators who “walk their walk” regarding responsible travel, combined with the lack of standardized sustainable criteria in the travel industry, led to the company’s inception.

Responsible Travel: Helping Now
By Reagen Lowrey

Scientists are no longer debating if climate change is occurring, as the devastating effects can already be seen globally. Nor is there any doubt that human activities are a major part of the problem.

So why is this important to you, fellow travelers? Well, if emissions continue to rise as currently projected, many of the places we like to visit will simply no longer exist. A 2005 study conducted by Sustainable Travel International found that the travel industry contributes about one third of the world’s climate damaging emissions. Are we saying that you should not travel? No, of course not. Not only does travel broaden our perspectives, but many economies in the developing world are dependent on it. Put simply, we believe the lesson to be learned is how to strike a balance.

Some members of the travel industry recognize their responsibility to curtail negative impacts of tourism; they are making efforts to create positive outcomes for the environment, local people and cultures, and raising awareness about the need for green alternatives and sustainability.

For the rest of us, it has never been more important to understand and implement our own responsible travel practices, and to support those travel providers and tour operators who are demonstrating such practices.

What exactly is “responsible travel”? It is ethical/conscious travel that strives to reduce negative impacts while creating long-term benefits to the environment, local people and their communities. It’s about having fun, while also giving back.

Go local. Protect the environment. Respect cultures and customs. Offset carbon emissions. These are just some of the many things you can do as a responsible traveler.

About the Author

Reagen Lowrey is a journalism graduate student at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a former intern with Wiser World Travel. She is a freelance writer who also leads international walking tours with a Georgia-based trekking company.

Responsible Travel Tips To Enhance Your Journey . . .
Before You Leave

Choose a travel provider that best meets your needs and demonstrates best practices for responsible travel and sustainability.

Request to see your provider’s responsible travel policy.
Ask relevant questions, e.g., are local guides hired, are group sizes limited (to minimize environmental and social impact)? Are accommodations they use locally owned, do they purchase locally, recycle? Does the tour operator participate in a carbon offset program?

Be an informed traveler.

Learn a few words of the local language to be polite, e.g., hello, please, thank you.
Do as much research as you can via the internet and guidebooks to learn about the local culture and environment.
- Traveling with understanding and respect earns you respect
Recycle/leave as much excess packaging at home as you can, e.g., film boxes, plastic wrapping.
Consider your transportation options. Can you take a train rather than fly?
Offset your carbon emissions (visit carbonfund.org).
If traveling to developing countries, ask your tour operator or hotel what might be useful gifts for local people, e.g., pens, pencils, writing pads.
While You’re Enjoying Your Trip

Go local.

If looking for a guide, hire a local person or participate in a group that employs a local guide.
Purchase local food and products.
Eat in local restaurants rather than international chains.

Protect the environment.

Use public transportation, hire a bike, or walk when you can.
Avoid littering.
Stay on existing trails.

Conserve resources.

Use water sparingly.
Avoid wasting food.
Re-use towels and bed sheets.
Don’t litter.

Demonstrate respect for the local culture.

Be sensitive to cultural differences, and show respect for differences in customs, e.g., dress codes.
Understand the differences in concepts such as personal space and time, and with non verbal communication.
Avoid obvious displays of wealth or handing out of money, which may result in jealousy and resentment.
Understand bargaining; know when it is appropriate and when it is not.
Upon Your Return

Provide feedback to your tour operator. We can make a difference, creating positive impact towards environmental and economic sustainability, and to supporting local communities and cultures around the world!

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

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At the heart of Indonesia’s South Sulawesi territory lies the vibrant provincial capital of Makassar. Formerly known as Ujung Pandang, the city has for centuries made its mark in Indonesian history as a bustling port. Today it’s a sprawling metropolis, still rich in history and culture – a perfect gateway from which to discover the rest of South Sulawesi and East Indonesia.

These ‘Pinisi’ can be found at Paotere sailing boat harbour, one of the points of interest in Makassar, Indonesia. Many pinisi are now used as live-aboard boats for tourism purposes in Indonesian waters, especially for diving. Photo courtesy of Ng Sebastian

Of particular interest is Tana Toraja, or “Torajaland,” a highland region that sits peacefully in the mountains more than 300 kilometres north of Makassar. This “Land of Heavenly Kings” is home to the indigenous Toraja people, who are known for their unique funeral rites, traditional houses with high-peaked roofs called tongkonan and their friendly and hospitable nature.

As a base of operations, though, the city of Makassar has something to offer to urbanites and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In town, a Makassar city tour takes visitors to see the most important cultural and historical icons, such as Fort Rotterdam, which was built during the Gowa/Makassar Kingdom in the 15th century and taken over by the Dutch in 17th century, Katangka Mosque, the oldest in the city, and Paotere Harbour, where you will find the traditional Pinisi sailboats.

The nature reserve of Bantimurung, located a short distance from Makassar, provides a snapshot of Sulawesi’s captivating natural beauty, while the Leang-Leang Caves, which can be covered as part of the same tour, opens a window into the lives of some of mankind’s ancient ancestors. Alternatively, sun-seekers can opt for a visit to Samalona Island, one of several neighbouring isles where guests can spend a day toasting under the sun on a powdery white-sand beach or go skin diving amongst thriving coral reefs. These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Makassar.

Of course, even further afield, various Tana Toraja tours allow travellers to immerse themselves in the traditional village life of the Toraja people, see the ancient graves where they bury their dead and walk through the region’s extensive, picturesque rice paddies.

A village of traditional Toraja houses, called Tongkonan houses, found in Tana Toraja highlands of Sulawesi, about 300 kilometres north of Makassar, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Ng Sebastian

The new portal to Makassar and Toraja is now proudly owned by Ng Sebastian and the rest of his team at Incito Tours, also the local connection in nearby Komodo and the Lesser Sunda Islands. The launch of www.makassar-hotels.com gives travellers direct access to Makassar and Toraja hotels for every budget, as well as insight into the best places for shopping and eating, all of which contribute to an ideal getaway experience.

“Makassar and Toraja are destinations I know well as I live in Makassar and I started my tourism involvement here back in 1987 as a tour guide,” Sebastian gladly shares. “Makassar is my home base and my involvement in tourism at the destination is far more extensive than what I started 24 years ago. My whole life since then seems to be devoted to tourism, not only as a field where I earn my living, but also where I share my passion with others to make the destination better developed through my participation in various tourism activities. Operating the Makassar & Toraja portal, I talk about tourism but also take action in serving would-be visitors through the latest tourism trend: the use of information technology in planning the trips. whl.travel provides a great platform to work with, and there is always someone to help us out.”

Makassar is whl.travel’s newest travel portal in Indonesia, adding to those for Aceh, Manado and Komodo & Lesser Sunda Islands.