February 4, 2021 in Columns, Opinion
When I’m home for winter break, there’s nothing better than unwinding after a long day of doing nothing by watching some HGTV. For those of you in need of recommendations, some of my go-to shows include Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, House Hunters International, Flip or Flop, Hawaii Life and my latest discovery, Island Hunters.
I have to admit that I’m somewhat ambivalent about Island Hunters, the visuals and locations are undeniably stunning, and the premise is simple a perfect show to indulge in without expending too many brain cells. The host Chris Krolow takes his wealthy buyers to three different island properties with the goal of buying one for themselves. However, it gets a little more complicated. Oftentimes, his clients aren’t just searching for their own private getaways many enterprising millionaires are also hoping to establish boutique hotels and eco-resorts on these virgin parcels of tropical land.
Adventure Rider
An ADV Biker’s IMHO Guide - Part Uno
This guest post was kindly contributed by Joe Siegel (inmate @SouthAmerAddict). This is Part one of a three-part article about planning and riding South of the Border.
While in the military overseas, cobbling together a Triumph Trophy in the 1970s, and with a Wing in the 1980s, I’d always pondered doing some overseas riding after exiting Uncle Sam. During and after my second career after retiring from the military, I finally got around to it.
For context, my overseas trips not including some riding during my overseas military time in Germany and The Philippines include a mix of guided, self-guided, and solo tours. Most to Latin America, but one to New Zealand and two to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska and the Northwest Territories.
Holidays to South America
But it’s not just beautiful: some of the world’s most fabled travel adventures can be had here – whether you’re exploring the wild tangles of the Amazon jungle, or venturing across Bolivia’s salt flats in a hardy 4WD.
Every journey is rich in rewards – from the rhythms of Rio Carnival, to the magnificent Inca Trail, which weaves through the Andes mountains to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Gaze upon Christ the Redeemer, try tango dancing in Buenos Aires, or go stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
Every journey is rich in rewards – from the rhythms of Rio Carnival, to the magnificent Inca Trail, which weaves through the Andes mountains to the ancient city of Machu Picchu
The best lodges for wildlife watching, from mountain retreats in Romania to eco domes in Chile
Track down a perfect pad in paradise with one of these six amazing lodges
Pumas, condors, and armadillos can all be spotted in the park surrounding EcoCamp Patagonia
Credit: EcoCamp Patagonia
For the most ardent wildlife enthusiasts, where they stay is never as important as what they see. None the less, it can make a huge difference to the overall experience if the accommodation is as spectacular and inspiring as the scenery and animals you have come to see. Sustainability and genuine conservation credentials should always be top priorities, of course, but that doesn’t mean you have to slum it. Supreme comfort, excellent locally sourced food, innovative design and world-class guides can all be on the menu. These lodges tick all the boxes.
30 wonderful wildlife holidays for 2021
From polar bears to butterflies, these wildlife holidays put animals in the spotlight
Lions in Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa
Credit: Getty
From leopards, lions and wildebeest to flamingos, whale sharks and giant morpho butterflies, Brian Jackman guides you around the world in 30 species to mark World Wildlife Day.
1. Bengal tiger
No other image sums up the Indian subcontinent more dramatically than Shere Khan, as Rudyard Kipling called him – the ultimate carnivore, 440lb of molten copper, with curious round eyes that seem to drill deep into your soul. From an all-time low two decades ago, Bengal tigers have bounced back to about 3,000. Your best chance of seeing them is in the national parks and tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh.