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Summer Vacation with an Edge: Skiing the Andes

July 15, 2008 at 12:35 PM | 0 Comments

The summer months don't exactly scream skiing and mountaineering, but if you head to the Andes Mountains in Chile that's exactly what the summer is all about. Just wait until you get back home and tell all you friends about the world-class ski trip you took over Labor Day Weekend.

ChileMontaña offers a tour of Portillo, El Arpa, La Parva and Valle Nevado over a week. You'll start off in Santiago and you'll return there at the end of your summer/winter vacation. Each ski area offers something different--huge mountain peaks, steep and deep terrain and even a 3,000-foot decent at El Arpa.

The trip offers opportunities for both skiers and snowboarders alike. You'll spend your evenings in high-end accommodations, and cultural interaction and cuisine are also on the agenda. The tour will set you back $2,800 per person, but that price does cover pretty much everything including airport transfers, dinner and lift tickets. All you need to do is get your flight and pack a pair or two of skis.

Related Stories:
· ChileMontaña [Official Site]
· Ski Resorts in Summer: Skiing Edition [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ChileMontaña]

Summer Vacation with an Edge: Storm Chasing

July 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM | 0 Comments

If you've been paying attention to the news you may have noticed that there's been a sharp increase in the amount of tornadoes in the US this year. Just yesterday, another storm pounded a town near the Canadian border in North Dakota, damaging about 15 homes. Blame it on global climate change, chalk it up to coincidence or do something about it--and go check it out yourself!

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Summer Vacation with an Edge: Oh Lord, What a Hike

July 2, 2008 at 12:46 PM | 2 Comments

Ever wished for divine intervention amidst a particularly hard climb? Such invocation isn't required to hike a new path following the footsteps of Jesus Christ in Israel; on holy land all bets are off.

The 65-kilometer Jesus Trail in northern Israel takes hikers to New Testament landmarks from Nazareth to the Mount of the Beatitudes and the Jordan River over four hot days. What gives this the edge is not only the desert heat but also the schlepping: Organizers suggest carrying 5 liters of water per person, per day.

Follow the Jesus Trail by yourself with GPS directions or use one of the suggested tour guides.

Related Stories:
· Suggested Itinerary [Jesus Trail]
· Windsurfing Where Jesus Walked [Forbes]
· Swimsuit Issue Travel: Is '08 The Year For Israel? [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: B & R Folsom]

Summer Vacation with an Edge: Meeting Your Ape Relatives in Rwanda

June 30, 2008 at 3:00 PM | 0 Comments

Walk in Dian Fossey's footsteps and see your genetic descendants up close: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of only five international parks where you can see mountain gorillas up close. If you manage to snag one of the coveted park passes--40 are given out each day--you could be within Frisbee-throwing distance of the mighty quadrupeds.

Tourism in Rwanda is on the upswing despite several years of civil war and internecine conflict with surrounding countries. We might have been skeptical when Travel + Leisure turned the spotlight on the country in 2005, but these enormous and fascinating creatures deserve a closer look.

Related Stories:
· Rwanda Tourism's Gorilla Trekking Guide [Official Site]
· See Gorillas up Close in Rwanda [AP, via Yahoo]
· Rwanda, the T+L Way [Jaunted]
· Rwanda Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: extremeboh]

Summer Vacation With An Edge: Stick To Your Ribs In Oregon

June 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM | 0 Comments

Don't bring ketchup to this sauce show: Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs may get all the glory when it comes to competitive eating for its Fourth of July contest, but in order to get to New York City you'll have to out-eat your neighborhood at one of several qualifying events. (It's like "American Idol" for the stomach!)

Bragging rights come easier at one of many other events sponsored by the International Federation of Competitive Eating, like the Chinook Winds World Rib Eating Championship held in Oregon on July 13.

In rib-eating contests, contestants are judged by the amount of meat consumed in pounds when their pile of bones is accounted for. Nathan's defending champ Joey Chestnut will be there to strap on an industrial-sized bib. (Prepare yourself: He ate 8.4 pounds of meat at the contest in 2006).

Even if you don't win, you can still chow down at the Smokin' at the Ocean event at Chinook Winds all weekend. Related Stories
· World's Easiest Event Registration Page [IFOCE]
· Smokin' at the Ocean Rib-Eating Championship Belt [Flickr]
· Nathan's Famous and More at Coney Island [Jaunted]

[Photo: donita-reason]

Summer Vacation with an Edge: Cool Off in the Quetico

June 23, 2008 at 3:15 PM | 0 Comments

In these days of rampant global warming, the edgiest thing may be to head north and shun rising temps: Canoeing in the Quetico, Canada's side of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area, is often chilly even at the height of summer. Luckily, the wildlife doesn't seem to mind.

You'll paddle alongside loons and moose instead of motorboats, which are banned in most areas of the park. Many of the park's lakes and rivers are not accessible by road, and carry-ins are tightly controlled to keep the backwoods pristine.

Shop around for an outfitter who has experience in getting the right permits to make sure no one bothers you as you live your voyageur dreams.

Related Stories
· Quetico Provincial Park [Ontario Parks]
· Switzerland by Bike. Or Foot. Or Canoe. [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: nothgierc]

Summer Vacation with an Edge: Over Hill, Over Dale

June 18, 2008 at 1:45 PM | 0 Comments

The advent of summer weather may be an inspiration to you to take up a new exercise routine, either to fit into that bathing suit or to get some fresh air. But no novice runner should start with the Green Mountain Relay, a 200-mile race that goes over the hills and through the woods of Vermont.

It's designed for a team, but the high-altitude course, above, is still no slouch, even if you have the maximum competition allowance of 12 runners. (That's still more than a half marathon per person, albeit over two days.)

It's too late to sign up for this year's Green Mountain Rally, but if you hang out in Bennington this weekend cheering on the racers (and buying them pasta dinners), maybe you'll get some tips for 2009?

Related Stories:
· Green Mountain Relay [Official Site]
· Adventure Travel coverage [Jaunted]

Summer Vacations with an Edge: Booming B.A.S.E., Phobics Need Not Apply

June 11, 2008 at 3:30 PM | 0 Comments

If this video whets your appetite to take a short leap off a tall object, you're probably not as afraid of heights as we are. Base jumpers leap from buildings, antennae, spans and earth with special suits, parachutes at the ready but unopened.

There are plenty of videos of jumps gone awry on YouTube, but the right shots capture a pure surge of adrenaline like nothing else. Do it safely by taking a three-day course with APEX Base in Twin Falls, Idaho, where they'll help you get the blood pumping safely.

Related Stories:
· APEX Base [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

Summer Vacations with an Edge: Biking the Maze

June 6, 2008 at 4:00 PM | 0 Comments

If our previous biking suggestion didn't get your tires spinning, maybe something more challenging is in order? Canyonlands National Park is chopped up into a number of different sections, the least accessible of which is The Maze. A bike tour here is way more edgy than a ride around Paris.

But don't try it alone. If you're headed into The Maze, go with Escape Adventures. Their tour takes riders down Flint Trail and curves along the canyons to The Maze Overlook. You'll then hop off your bike for a bit as you and the group hike through the heart of this deserted outback. The journey ends at Lake Powell, where your tour guides will get you back to base with a flight over the country you just crossed.

Last year, Escape Adventures started using vegetable oil-powered support vehicles, but we don't think the flight back is powered by Crisco. The tour will set you back about $1,200 and includes just about everything.

Related Stories:
· Escape Adventures [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]
· Biking coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: James Gordon]

Summer Vacations With An Edge: Climbing the Grand Tetons

June 5, 2008 at 4:00 PM | 0 Comments

Jackson Hole is famous for being the adopted home of VP Dick Cheney, being on the fringe of Wyoming and not having a home for sale for less a couple million. While these three facts may deter some, it's also a mecca for American climbers and average people who want to be guided to the top of the Grand Teton, one of North America's coveted mountains.

Lucky for those with little or no climbing experience, Exum Mountain Guides has been in business in the Jackson Hole area for 79 years, offering more expertise and successful summits of the Grand than anyone else. This isn't for the faint of heart or those inspired from watching those Everest reality shows. If you decide to tackle this in your lifetime it's time to take out your polishing cloth and get those cojones their shiniest.

Trips up the Grand can be arranged in private or group trips, and the Exum guides are always mindful of your skill level, safety being their top priority.

Related Stories:
· Exum Mountain Guides [Official Site]
· Climbing coverage [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Adam Dale]

Summer Vacations With An Edge: Be Your Inner Freddie Mercury

June 4, 2008 at 2:04 PM | 0 Comments

Inflict some extreme ear damage on yourself this summer at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where your counselors are members of famous rock bands, writing your own song is the new making your own lanyard and there are no swim tests.

Your basic option is a day camp that includes a concert you play (as the opening act to a real band), but you can also choose to go "on tour" with the camp for five days, being a camper in each city and hanging with Elliot Easton of the Cars on the (no doubt wild) days off.

Some campers last year got to play at BB King's in Times Square and rock out with Paul Stanley from KISS! Be in the first class at rock school when Fantasy Camp kicks off July 9 at the Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma.

More money but less time this summer? Book yourself now into camp in London this November, which traces the Beatles' early years with jam sessions at Abbey Road Studios and a performance at Liverpool's Cavern Club. Your $13,000 fee doesn't include lodging, though, so jog over to HotelChatter to beat the Euro.

Related Stories:
· Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ewbeyer]

Summer Vacations with an Edge: Even More Bear Watching

May 29, 2008 at 4:30 PM | 0 Comments

So checking out the wildlife at your local ski resort doesn't do it for you? That's where Great Bear Tours comes in.

The swanky outfit has its own floating wind-and-solar-powered lodge, which you can only reach via seaplane. On arrival, you'll be whisked away to your room--surprisingly complete with private bath. Depending on how much you want to see and how much you have to spend, you can stay for up to seven nights.

Each day you'll head out in a small group with a wildlife expert. You'll check out estuaries by kayak and inlets by boat, all in search of Yogi and friends. Best of all, when you return each night you'll be pampered with fine food and wine--no "pick-a-nick" basket meals here.

You have to get in touch for pricing info so you can bet your trip won't be cheap. But isn't it worth paying those professionals a little extra when wild animals are within striking distance? Better start listing your teddy bears on eBay now to fund your adventure.

Related Stories:
· Great Bear Tours [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations with an Edge coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: chascar]