Five Adventures That Top My List For 2013

As the calendar marches towards another new year, I found myself dreaming about destinations for 2013.  Now that America is moving “forward,” I thought so should I, especially with travel. And yes, that does include leaving the country.

Here are five destinations and experiences that top my list for 2013. Of course all is subject to change, but these places have been on my list for some time and I think 2013 is the year.

Puebla, Mexico

Source: Pola Henderson of JettingAround.com

Mexico always makes my list. And I know I’ll return south of the border next year, but I wanted to explore a new place especially after my two recent adventures, attending ATMEX in Veracruz and the train trip through the Copper Canyon. So, where to next?

Puebla. Yes, Puebla.

Even though I called Mexico City home for nearly 18 months, I never visited the neighboring state or it’s capital city. Strange I know and even stranger as New York City is also nicknamed “little Puebla” (in some circles). So, as I search for new destinations, Puebla seems to top of the list, especially when I am hungry for some Mexican Cuisine.

Northern lights

Source: Paul Reiffer Photography

The destination is not as important as the show. I am not sure where the best place to see the northern lights is, but I understand it means traveling north in the winter. So yes, it will be cold, real cold. But, I plan to warm myself by viewing this incredible spectacle.

Although I don’t know what causes the northern lights, I do know with the sunspots at a high this winter (in the northern hemisphere) some of the best viewing opportunities are expected. Now is the time to realize this dream.

source: Jiyeon Juno Kim who just completed her dream of seeing the northern lights this week.

More South America – (Bolivia and Guyana)

On my career break, I traveled to South America and spent nearly three months on the continent. But at the time, I decided to stay in one place and “live.” To travel like a local. I selected Buenos Aires and have NO regrets.

source: provided by Liliana Velasquez

But, I’ve always wanted to return to the continent. And I’d like to explore another part of the continent.  My thoughts are to visit Bolivia, the center and perhaps the heart of the continent and (or) the unknown country of Guyana and especially travel to Kaieteur falls. Both countries always intrigued me. They  seem relatively unknown and untraveled – perfect destinations for someone who plans to Stay Adventurous.

Namibia

Definitely an adventurous destination and one I know, but after spending one week in Namibia I know there is so much more to see and experience. And with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) conference schedule to be hosted in Namibia for October 2013 I decided 2013 is the year to return.  Actually, my goal is to speak at the conference, but I’d also like to spend an afternoon in Spitzkoppe or taking a nature walk in the Namib Desert.

I think I could hike the sand dunes again...

 An Island Paradise – Hawaii or more Caribbean

I visited my first Caribbean island in over a decade earlier this year and what did I learn? I learned I miss the relaxation of the islands. The chance to sip a cocktail at sunset and essentially do nothing is actually something I want to do.

a Caribbean sunset

Ok, well maybe some of the adventures available in Hawaii are a a great option too. But if I can’t make it that far west, well another island in the Caribbean for a few days sounds like a win to me too.  After all the Stay Luxurious side of me needs to come out a little too.

source: photo provided by Emjay Carlos; a Hawaiian Adventure

Where do you want to go?

stay adventurous, Craig

Photography Source:  Puebla is by Pola Henderson of JettingAround.com; the first Norther Lights is by Paul Reiffer at Paulreiffer.com , the second Northern Lights photo is from Jiyeon Juno Kim of RunawayJuno.com; the Bolivia photo was provided by native Bolivian Liliana Velasquez; and the final photo of Hawaii is from my friend from the islands Emjay Carlos of Emjay’s Travels