Active Travel Adventures

15/02/2024

On Part II of my Active Travel Adventures podcast on my Galapagos adventure, I go over the Pros and Cons of visiting this magical archipelago independently or on a guided tour.

You can definitely vacation there both ways, but there are distinct differences in what you'll experience (as well as the cost, of course).

Learn which way will give YOU the experience you want when you head out on a Galapagos adventure on today's show: https://activetraveladventures.com/land-based-galapagos-adventure-travel-multi-sport/

07/02/2024

Camino -- Our 'solo/together' group going in April 2025: Selling out fast! We have available one last solo room, and a space for one female in a shared room, if you are still on the fence, so it's time to decide.

05/02/2024

My sister Terry McGowan and my island hopping adventure to less touristy islands of Greece trip is featured in Boat Bike Tours blog this week. Check it out!

Link: https://www.boatbiketours.com/blog/kit-parks-greek-odyssey-a-podcast-adventure/

02/02/2024

I had fun being interviewed by Mollie Reese on her Stay In Good Company podcast!

Along with other guests, we discussed some of the extraordinary places we've stayed around the globe.

I highlighted my stay with my sister, Terry McGowan in Bolivia in the artsy hostel, Las Olas, in Casablanca, a sheep shearer's ranch, Mount Cook Station in New Zealand with Active Adventures, and my only 5 star ultra luxury stay in an utterly magnificent, made in the traditional manner (WITHOUT nails!) oasis called Zhiwa Ling Heritage in Paro, Bhutan recommended by Bhutan Gateway - money I never regretted spending:)

Check it out! Here's the link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-episode-chatting-in-good-company-with-other/id1656496384?i=1000643801357

Mollie's show is all about discovering cool places to stay along with the inn keepers who run them. A fun show to add to your podcast playlist!

01/02/2024

Around this time last year, I was snorkeling and hiking in the Galapagos. And I finally just released my Active Travel Adventures podcast on what you can see and do there. I did a land-based independent trip, and not only will you learn about these magical islands, but also the pros and cons of doing it on your own instead of with a tour group.

The wildlife in the Galapagos is absolutely AMAZING! I got to swim with sea turtles, (non-biting) sharks, playful sea lions and an assortment of fish. I also saw dozens of the ginormous land tortoises - in breeding season! A trip of a lifetime, for sure!!!

You can also hike some cool volcanos, and learn about Charles Darwin.

Be sure to check out the link not just for the podcast, but also for all the photos! Here's the link: https://activetraveladventures.com/land-based-galapagos-adventure-travel-multi-sport/

28/01/2024

Website mishap and it looks like my Activetraveladventures.com website will be down for awhile. Sorry for any inconvenience. Please DM me if you need anything before they get the site back up.

Inspiring and Empowering You to Lead a Bigger Life Through Adventure Travel

25/01/2024

Interested in doing an El Camino?

We have an interesting twist on group travel: solo, together. A small group of us will be walking the Portuguese Coastal Way along the Spiritual Route in spring of 2025.

You will have the support and companionship of the group of us walking on the same itinerary. But unlike traditional groups, each day, you can decide your own schedule, from when to set out, to where and when to break or eat, etc., thus making it your own Camino.

This will give you the flexibility to walk with new friends, or fellow group members, or solo if you want some private time. Eat with the group or set out on your own, knowing that we will have your back and will be there for you as you wish.

APRIL 20 - MAY 3, 2025, from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Spaces are limited (solo or shared room). You must be prepared to put your deposit down by next month to reserve your spot.

17/01/2024

Forget the cold, winter blahs, and think FUN! Like, how about exploring Ireland by horse???

On today's Active Travel Adventures podcast, we head to the Emerald Isle for a super fun multi-day horseback riding adventure. We ride through the forests, to see the Cliffs of Moher and tons of ancient ruins on this romantic journey through this magical country.

My affiliate, Active Riding Trips - Equestrian Vacations, offers multi-day horseback riding adventures around the world, for beginners to experienced. My listeners can save 5% with my exclusive promo code ATA5.

Here's the link to the show and to get more details and to see pics: https://activetraveladventures.com/ireland-horseback-galway-clare-multi-day-trail-ride/

10/01/2024

Looking for some travel inspiration?
My popular Active Travel Adventures podcast annual list of the "30 Best Travel Podcasts" for the new year is out and features 30 terrific shows that showcase destinations, travel tips and stories.
You are sure to find some new ones to love! Link in the comments to download from any device or you can listen from any podcast app.

https://activetraveladventures.com/30-best-travel-podcasts-2024/

03/01/2024

I was delighted to be a guest on the fun new adventure travel podcast, Adventure Travel - Big World Made Small with Jason Elkins.

We have a fun conversation about travel in general and adventure travel specifically. I hope you'll check it out and share it! On his show, you'll quickly learn why so many of us get addicted to adventure travel!

You can listen from any podcast app or here from any device: https://bigworldmadesmall.buzzsprout.com

21/12/2023

Today's Active Travel Adventures podcast features the inspiring story of Eva Simons : Building Grit and Resilience - One Woman's Story.

I know that you'll come away from it determined to be stronger mentally and with an appreciation of what's truly important in life.
Next time I have a pity party, I plan to think of Eva, embrace the suck and continue on. Good will come out the other side.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Webpage Link (or you can listen from any podcast app): https://activetraveladventures.com/resilience-grit/

21/12/2023

Six years ago, Harry and Linda Cohen Dickens inspired me to add trekking around Mont Blanc [Switzerland, Italy and France on one trek!]. Well, it finally made it to the top of my travel list!

I am booked for August 3-14, 2024 if anyone would like to join me! I am going with one of my affiliates, Active Adventures, and can save you $200 with an exclusive ATA promo code (DM me for it).

It's a tough adventure, rated 4 out of 5, but it will be sooo worth it to see this stunning landscape! We'll also get to bike and kayak, and explore beautiful Chamonix.

https://activeadventures.com/destinations/europe/trips/tour-du-mont-blanc/

05/12/2023

Scott interviewed me for his super fun and inspirational podcast Inspire Campfire. Please check it out and subscribe for more great pushes to get you outside and on an adventure. It was a blast being on the show, Scott, thanks!

05/12/2023

I am considering putting together a group to do the El Camino - Portuguese Coastal Route (probably April or October next year). It takes 15 days from Porto, Portugal to Santiago.

We would be independant, yet together: same lodging and timetable, but you would be free to hike your own hike as you see fit each day: with others in the group, solo or with new friends you meet along the Camino.

INTERESTED? Click the link below to email me or DM me your email and I'll keep you in the loop as plans progress to see if this is for you.
http://activetraveladventures.com/contact-us

30/11/2023

On today's Active Travel Adventures podcast, I interview David about his Camino doing the first couple of stages of the most popular route, the Camino Frances.

David did the French Way in HIGH season yet avoided the crowds. Learn all about it on the show to see if this is a good strategy for your El Camino.

[David booked with my affiliate Follow The Camino. They give my listeners an exclusive 5% discount with the Promo Code ATA5]
Lots of us want to do the El Camino de Compostela, so it's getting pretty crowded.

https://activetraveladventures.com/avoid-crowds-camino/

02/11/2023

Thinking about doing the Camino de Santiago? HINT: So are LOTS of others!
Learn helpful tips including how to avoid the crowds as well as about my own Camino Primitivo so you'll have a 'Buen Camino' (Good Camino) on today's Active Travel Adventures podcast.

The Camino Primitivo from Oviedo in NW Spain is considered by many to be the prettiest (and the hardest but I didn't think it was too bad crossing the mountains).

You'll hear about my own adventure, plus get a feel for the other Camino routes so you can plan the right Camino for YOU!

05/10/2023

Avoid the crowds and explore authentic Greece! You stay on a magnificent ship and island hop lesser visited Greek islands, and explore by bike! Ebikes are available on this guided small group adventure.
Learn all about taking a Boat and Bike tour of the Cyclades and Saronic Islands of Greece on this podcast and get more details and see pics at the website: https://activetraveladventures.com/greece-boat-bike-tour/

travel

21/09/2023

Notice how crazy busy most well known long distance trails are these days? Here's a fantastic and historical alternative: the Israel National Trail (INT). My guest Malia thru hiked the 680 mile/1100 km trail solo and shares her experience on today's Active Travel Adventures podcast.

On the INT, you hike through majestic mountains, to the Sea of Galilee, near Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (making it easy to visit!), to Masada, the Dead Sea, through stunning desert canyons, finally to the beach town of Eiliat and the Red Sea.

It's an epic hike that only 10,000 people do each year (compare to over 300k on the El Camino!). Most people section hike it (Malia gives tips on which sections to do), or you can take 45-60 days to hike the entire trail and see all that Israel has to offer.

I spent a month exploring Israel, and it is safe and easy to get around in public transport. English is widely spoken, and the people are friendly.

Get all the details and see pics on the podcast and website. You'll want to do this trail!!!

https://activetraveladventures.com/israel-national-trail/

31/08/2023

I’m delighted to share this post about one of my favorite affiliates! BONUS; My podcast listeners save 5% with the Promo Code ATA5. If you’ve ever considered doing the Camino, this is who I recommend. Buen Camino!

18/08/2023

I spent several months exploring the Balkans. On today's Active Travel Adventures podcast, I discuss my favorite travel tips as well as talk about fun memories, mishaps and stories.

If you want to visit Europe, but don't want to pay 'European' prices, consider visiting the Balkans! It's Europe at a discount, without the hordes of tourists, plus for history buffs, a ton to pack in. Safe, beautiful and affordable. I LOVED it!

The Balkans are on the other side of the sea from Italy, so same great coastline and weather. Check it out! Link to pics, details and the podcast in the comments, or you can listen on any podcast app.



https://activetraveladventures.com/independent-travel-balkans/

17/05/2023

Fantastic historical walking tour of ancient Athens with Walks (they do in-depth walking tours in major cities in Europe and North America). Guide Alexandros brought the ruins to life with stories and renderings of what the buildings looked like centuries ago.

It helps that we started early and beat the buses. We were leaving the Parthenon as the hourdes arrived - whew! Travel is back!

While we explored the key highlights today, my ticket is good to go see some other places on my own tomorrow, like Hadrian’s library.

I’ve been blessed with great weather- spring is a perfect time to visit! Fragrant blooms everywhere, it’s not too hot and you’ll beat the summer crowds.

21/04/2023

Iceland is an amazing country to explore. Make it even more memorable by seeing its amazing landscapes by horse on an multi-day, virtually all inclusive tour!

Learn all about it on today’s podcast!

06/04/2023

I read a cool essay in the Wall Street Journal last week about walking trips, so I reached out to the author Neil King Jr. and got him on the Active Travel Adventures podcast.

It's a fascinating interview where we talk about travel in general, walking holidays in particular, and about his excellent new book "American Ramble" - Neil WALKED from DC to Central Park! Check it out!

https://activetraveladventures.com/american-ramble-neil-king-jr/

02/02/2023

Dreaming of climbing Kilimanjaro? Learn about the route with your best chance to summit and what it's like to climb the highest mountain in Africa on today's Active Travel Adventures podcast.

See pics and get more details on the website. DM me for an exclusive Promo Code if you decide this is the way you want to go.



https://activetraveladventures.com/climb-kilimanjaro-lemosho-route/

05/01/2023

My first Active Travel Adventures podcast in January highlights the Best Travel Podcasts to check out in the new year.
Those on the list offer a great selection of travel ideas and inspiration, stories and tips. Check it out!

You can listen from any (free) podcast app on your phone or tablet, or from this link: https://activetraveladventures.com/30-best-travel-podcasts-for-2023/

Happy 2023!

16/11/2022

My group of nine hiked the W Trek in Patagonia Chile with Active Adventures. Truly breathtaking! You’ll want to add it to your bucket list.

03/11/2022

Best Travel Gifts! This year give a gift your loved ones will actually LOVE and USE! When putting together this list, I ended up treating myself to quite a few. Best of all, most are under $20! You can listen to the podcast or see the list here: https://activetraveladventures.com/best-travel-gifts/

04/10/2022

My sister and I start our Machu Picchu climb this morning - wish us luck!

29/09/2022

Part II of my Active Travel Adventures Costa Rica Camino podcast is out today! We walk from the Caribbean to the Pacific (175 miles) with a few diversions along the way. A fantastic way to explore a country! Click the link to see pics, get details and listen in the comments. https://activetraveladventures.com/hike-costa-rica-camino/