Outside's Best Adventures For 2009

We're a few months into 2009, but that doesn't mean it's too late to select the best travel destinations for the year ahead. That is exactly what Outside Magazine did with their Best Adventures for 2009 list. The list is broken down by region, with the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, New Zealand and Australia, Asia, and Africa all represented. Sorry Europe, there aren't any adventures left on your boring continent. ;)

As you would expect, the list is filled with some really great trips, provided you have the time and money. Staying close to home, here in the States, Outside suggests paddling the Upper Owyhee in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada, or heading to Alaska for a couple of unique adventures. Canadians can stay in country, and go paddling on Hudson Bay or biking in the Rockies, for plenty of outdoor, active adventure.

And if staying in North America isn't exciting enough, there are some great suggestions on the other continents as well. For instance, head to Guyana for unspoiled wilderness like no where else on Earth, or trek the Larapinta Trail in Australia. Want something a bit more demanding? How about climbing volcanoes in Indonesia? Or taking any number of amazing safaris across Africa.

2009 is going to be the best year for travel deals that we've seen in some time. With the economy still in the doldrums, and many people watching their pennies, the opportunities to save on adventure travel are about is good as they'll ever get. If you have the money and the urge to travel, then I suggest taking advantage of it while you can.

What Makes Top Adventurers Tick?

Outside Online had a cool article up, which also appears in the April print edition of Outside Magazine, in which they ask 15 top adventurers why they do the things they do.

The list of people they asked this burning question to is quite impressive, with some of my favorite adventurers giving insights into what makes them tick. People like polar explorer Mike Horn, who simply loves the challenge of facing the elements in the places he visits. Dean Karnazes admits that he likes the honesty that comes with suffering, while Ed Viesturs says he loves the payoff he gets at the end of a climb, having put months of planning and preparation into an expedition. Long distance rower Roz Savage admits that she's learned that nothing worthwhile comes easy, but what she does inspires a lot of people.

Sadly, one of the men that Outside spotlighted was Shane McConkey, who passed away recently in a terrible BASE jumping/ski accident. Shane tells us that he simply loved catching big air, and what he did was "ingrained" in his DNA. With his passing, the adventure community lost a great person, but shane was living the life he wanted and going after his goals.

There is al of wisdom and inspiration in the words of these adventurers. Each of them as a little something to share with us all.