Originally published in Crave Magazine
By Hannah Parnaby
The news can often feel overwhelming, focusing on global challenges and uncertainties. But beyond the headlines lies a world rich with warmth and hospitality, where vibrant cultures and open hearts are eager to welcome you.
This is an invitation to look past the noise, to discover hidden gems and familiar favorites alike, and to experience firsthand the incredible kindness and connection that awaits in welcoming corners around the globe, promising enriching encounters and unforgettable memories for those ready to explore.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure: Gondwana Ecotours invites travelers to delve deeper into the wonders of Rwanda with its newly expanded 10-day Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & National Parks Adventure. This meticulously crafted journey offers unparalleled wildlife encounters alongside rich cultural experiences and exploration of Rwanda’s stunning natural landscapes. The centerpiece of this adventure remains the awe-inspiring gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guests will have the extraordinary opportunity to hike through the park’s lush Afromontane forests, home to approximately 12 habituated gorilla families.
Witness Cycling History: The 80th edition of the Vuelta a Espana will commence in Piedmont, Italy – the first time the cycling race has ever started outside of Spain. The grand departure will take place in Turin, Italy’s former capital, with the stunning Reggia di Venaria Reale as the starting point. Tourissimo is offering an exclusive Piedmont-Vuelta 2025 Bike Tour from Aug. 22-28, 2025, providing a unique opportunity to witness the excitement of the first two stages. Imagine experiencing the majestic views of the Alps as the backdrop while the world’s top cyclists compete. The tour includes accommodation in four-star hotels, professional tour guides, support vehicles and more.
Darwin’s Amazon + Galapagos: Embark on an 11-day adventure seamlessly blending two of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions – the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. Explore Isabela and Santa Cruz, cruising to nearby islands from comfortable bases at Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel to witness iconic wildlife like giant tortoises. Then, from the exceptional Sacha Lodge, delve into the Amazon jungle on guided excursions to encounter a rich array of birds, reptiles, monkeys and more.
Supporting Maasai & Serengeti Conservation: Gondwana Ecotours is offering a 10-day Great Migration Serengeti Safari into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness. This adventure transcends the typical safari experience, offering travelers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration while actively contributing to the preservation of local communities and the environment. This tour is designed for those who seek not just adventure, but a meaningful connection with the land and its people.
Turkey’s Untouched Coast: Join Peter Sommer Travels and cruise Turkey’s Carian Coast – largely untouched by mass tourism – over eight days aboard a traditional wooden gulet for an enthralling blend of archaeological marvels and stunning seascapes. Between Göcek and Bodrum, step back in time at sites like Knidos with its double harbor, Kaunos and the long-forgotten ruins of Lydae, accessible only by boat and walking. With local wine tastings and traditional meals, it’s a journey not just through history, but into the heart of Carian culture.
Machu Picchu Multisport: Travel from Cusco, Peru, to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on a nine-day multisport tour with Adventure Life, enjoying active excursions and accommodations at lodges along the way. Hike to the ancient Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo archaeological sites, kayak or paddleboard at Lake Piuray, bike from Maras to Ollantaytambo, go ziplining or horseback riding in the Sacred Valley, then ascend to and tour Machu Picchu itself and take in its rich history and breathtaking architecture.
Cruise and Cycle Europe: On an eight-day itinerary with Boat Bike Tours, pedal from Amsterdam through the countryside of Zeeland and western Flanders to UNESCO-listed historic center of Bruges, using a comfortable barge as your floating hotel along the way. Beyond the world-famous cities, visit a Dutch cheese farm, take in the windmills of Kinderdijk, dine out in Antwerp, enjoy a canal cruise in Ghent, stop in charming villages and ride through the magnificent natural landscape of the delta formed by the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers.
Bryce & Zion by MTB: Soaring red stone spires and ancient citadels of rich Navajo sandstone give way to haunting hoodoos and curving arches of rock — a geologist’s dream and a mountain biker’s paradise. The rides on this 6-day Escape Adventures tour offer swift lines that wind and wend through deep Alpine meadows and Aspen forests only to spill out onto yawning mesas and buttes. The world-famous trails of Red Canyon’s Thunder Mountain, Cassidy, and Casto Canyon, symbolize but a few of this tour’s many highlights.
Montana Whitewater Rafting: This overnight rafting trip with Flying Pig Adventures combines the thrill of whitewater with a peaceful night under the stars, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of Yellowstone’s ecosystem with experienced guides who take care of everything you need. The trip includes three meals, canvas wall-tents, bath houses with running water and electricity, and the adventure of a lifetime.
U.S. Road Trip 2.0: Nothing is better than jumping in your car and heading out on a road trip. AdventureGenie is the world’s first AI-powered, end to end system for planning road trips. It offers the most immersive, innovative, and intelligent adventure travel planning tools available. Whether starting from a curated GenieTrip or creating a fully customized and personalized journey from your own ideas, AdventureGenie’s got you covered.
Since 1992, we at Escape Adventures have been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Each successive season, our passion for adventure grows through memorable moments with our guests. Fresh air, faith, fitness and friends are the building blocks for our ventures, the treasured experiences that keep us moving forward. For those of you who have trekked and traveled with us over the past quarter century, Heather and I express our sincerest gratitude. The memories are priceless.
