5 minute read
Experts in Adventure
Four of the world’s most daring adventurers share their tips and experiences to inspire your next epic trip.
By Dominique Lamberton
Mike Horn
PROFESSIONAL WORLD EXPLORER
In May, Mike Horn set out on his latest multi-year environmental expedition, What’s Left, aboard his 115-foot icebreaker sailing yacht, Pangaea. The Swiss-South African explorer is also bringing adventure to Explora Journeys passengers as a brand ambassador, developing itineraries, hosting onboard talks and leading hikes in places like Paamiut, Greenland.
Q&A
How do you deal with challenges in high-stakes situations?
Overcoming challenges requires resilience, adaptability and a strong mindset. When faced with difficulties, I draw strength from my experiences and the knowledge that adversity is an inherent part of exploration. The passion for what I do, combined with a deep sense of purpose, fuels my determination to push forward.
From the Amazon to the Arctic, you’ve seen more of the world than most: What still amazes you about it?
Despite having circumnavigated the globe multiple times, the planet never ceases to amaze me: Witnessing the resilience of nature and the interconnectedness of ecosystems is a constant reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. The planet is a source of infinite inspiration and reminds us of the incredible wonders that exist beyond our daily lives.
Mei Zhang
FOUNDER, WILDCHINA
Mei Zhang founded luxury and adventure travel company WildChina in 2000. When the Harvard Business School alum is not speaking on sustainable adventure tourism or adventuring herself, she is working on her PhD on the feasibility of turning the ancient Tea Horse Road, in the Chinese province of Yunnan, into a hiking trail and national park.
Q&A
What’s your favorite adventure destination?
My home province of Yunnan is my top recommendation for all types of adventure. It is such a diverse province geographically, botanically and culturally. There are opportunities to forage for mushrooms in the wild, scale snow-capped mountains that look out over Tibet, experience animals like the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, which is found nowhere else on earth, or trek the ancient Tea Horse Road.
And your top tips for adventuring sustainably?
First, interact with locals: Have a chat with a local person, learning more about them and sharing about yourself — this type of cultural exchange is so important to travel and sustainability. Second, respect the place you are in; treat it as if it were your home because it is home to someone else. Don’t only leave no trace but leave it better than you found it. Finally, support the economy by working with local guides, drivers, suppliers and artisans.
Brenya Green
ADVENTURE SPECIALIST, ADVENTURE CANADA
Brenya Green has worked at family-run Adventure Canada, a small-ship expedition cruise outfit, for six years — in that time, she’s participated in 18 expeditions aboard the 198-passenger iceclass vessel Ocean Endeavour. During operating season, which runs from June to October, Green takes on multiple roles on expeditions, from onboard adventure specialist and program director to Zodiac driver.
Q&A
Why should everyone take an adventure trip?
I believe that adventure travel leads to a level of personal growth that can’t be achieved in our day-to-day lives of schedules, routine and responsibility. When you are looking to turn your brain off and relax, book a vacation. When you are looking to understand more of the world, look inward and challenge yourself, book an adventure trip.
What’s the biggest mistake adventure travelers can make?
The beauty of adventure travel is not knowing what’s around the corner. Going into an adventure with rigid expectations will lead to disappointment because, most likely, things will not go entirely to plan — but sometimes plans B, C or even D are even better. Maybe plan B leads you to an incredible whale sighting, or plan C lets you witness a calving glacier. I promise you, when you let go and go with the flow, you will fully experience the unique power of adventure travel.
Bruce Poon Tip
FOUNDER, G ADVENTURES
Bruce Poon Tip founded small-group adventure travel company G Adventures, a community tourism trailblazer, in 1990. Since then, he’s launched G Adventures’ non-profit partner, Planeterra Foundation, penned two books and been lauded as an innovative leader who champions social entrepreneurship and is changing the travel industry for the better.
Q&A
How do you define adventure travel?
Adventure is a spirit. It’s having the desire to go off on the road less traveled. It can be active, but it can also be adventurous by destination, because you’re going to remote places. It’s not defined by demographics, but it’s a mindset of people who want more out of life and more out of their holiday time.
What’s your advice on taking adventure trips as a family?
Just do it, because it’s the most enriching education you can offer your children. I started traveling with my kids when they were very young, and we began taking active trips to places like the Galápagos and India when they were five and six years old. As they’ve gotten older, they have a real global view — they’re comfortable being anywhere and fitting in with any community and culture. That’s a gift you can’t get from school.
