Issue 175 - The Best of 2024

Your Top 10 Adventures Await!

Author

Amanda Zeisset
December 27, 2024

 

ISSUE 175

 

 

In partnership with

This week’s issue is sponsored by Nike. Discover the Kylian Mbappé Collection.

 

 

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible adventures we’ve shared together through this weekly email.

From up-close wildlife encounters to remote adventure cruises and unforgettable stays, your passion for exploring the wild side of our planet has inspired every step of our journey.

For this special edition of our newsletter, we’re rounding up the 10 most popular adventures of 2024—the stories, destinations, and experiences you loved the most.

Whether you’re reminiscing about your own adventures or planning new ones for the year ahead, these highlights are sure to inspire.

Let’s celebrate the year that was and look forward to an even more adventurous 2025. Thank you for being part of our community—we couldn’t do it without you!

Here’s to exploring more, dreaming bigger, and adventuring farther!

Happy New Year!

The Adventure Fix Team

 

 

FILMS

Life in the Arctic Circle

Northern Norway is captivating, particularly in winter, boasting vast untouched landscapes, unpredictable weather, abundant wildlife, and resilient inhabitants accustomed to the harsh conditions.

Life in the Arctic, a short film, encapsulates this environment, featuring a lifelong resident from the Sami tribe, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, pioneering life in the high Arctic.

 

 

STAYS

Tufi Resort

Photo: Tufi Resort

Perched on a cliff overlooking the stunning fjords of Tufi in Papua New Guinea, this resort provides breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise waters and lush rainforest.

What makes this stay unique is its exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. This part of the world is home to vibrant coral reefs, WWII wrecks, colorful fish, sharks, and manta rays.

For those who prefer to stay above water, the fjords provide excellent conditions for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding.

Explore more:

 

 

TOGETHER WITH NIKE

Feel Your Best on the Field With Nike Kylian Mbappé Collection.

Discover the Nike Kylian Mbappé collection, crafted for players ready to take their skills to the next level. Featuring standout styles like the Vapor and Superfly, these boots combine cutting-edge technology with eye-catching designs inspired by the pros. Experience the game-changing Air Zoom unit for explosive acceleration and a responsive touch, whether you’re making that perfect through ball or striking from distance. Treat yourself to a fresh pair from the collection and dominate the pitch. You deserve to feel your best on the field.

 

ADVENTURE CRUISES

Weddell Sea Emperor Penguin Voyage

Photo: M/V Ortelius

Step on board M/V Ortelius and set course for a recently discovered Emperor penguin colony in the Weddell Sea.

Emperors are the largest and least common penguin species in the world, making this journey extra special.

The Weddell Sea is a remote ocean in Antarctica is nearly always covered in sea ice. These ice shelves make huge tabular icebergs that are incredible to see.

It’s not uncommon to see large numbers of Orcas, Humpbacks, Minke Whales, Leopard, Weddell, and Crabeater Seals.

The M/V Ortelius is equipped with helicopters, which are a true trip changer as they allow access where zodiacs can’t reach. Some possible flights include the west slopes of the Antarctic Sound where layered sandstones, lava flows, and glaciers can be found as well as Duse Bay and Seymour Island.

Explore more: 

 

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WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Spotting Coastal Sea Wolves

Photo: Seaforth Expeditions

Here's an experience to add to your North American safari list: seeing a sea wolf.

Hike through the old-growth forests of British Columbia and stroll along seemingly endless beaches to catch a glimpse of this elusive creature.

Sea wolves spend most of the day hidden within the dense forests, making them incredibly difficult to photograph.

Joining a guided tour with access to a boat will give you the best chances of spotting the wolves when they venture out to forage on fish and crustaceans.

Explore more: 

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STAYS

Namib Outpost

Photo: Namib Outpost

Deep in the Namib Desert, at the foot of a mountain, the Namib Outpost lodge overlooks a plain all the way to the red dunes of Sossusvlei and the mountains of the Naukluft.

Following extensive renovations, the lodge reopened in 2023. Each chalet serves as a secluded retreat, offering an authentic desert experience, completely out of sight from neighboring accommodations.

Located at the gateway to Sossusvlei, Namib Outpost is the ideal starting point for exploring the World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand Sea, as well as the renowned Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon.

After a long day of soaking in the sights, come back to the lodge to spot zebra, oryx, and springbok at the watering hole while enjoying a cool drink.

Explore more:

 

 

TOGETHER WITH CURRENCY EXCHANGE INTERNATIONAL

Top 7 Verified Reasons to Bring Cash for International Travel

I traveled for 14 days in Europe visiting Poland, France, Portugal, and Spain. These are the top verified reasons to bring cash while traveling internationally:

  1. Restaurant Tips: We paid by card for most meals. However, in the countries we visited, the card terminal never (99%) gave us the option to leave a tip. The only way to tip is with cash.

  2. Attractions / Experiences: Castle and museum exhibitions with onsite ticket offices only took cash payments.

  3. Street Vendors / Café: There are plenty of delicious snacks offered by street vendors all around the world. The cost can be cheap, but the vendors usually only accept cash.

  4. Shopping: Many vintage shops in Portugal had a cash-only sign, while in Poland, the shop manager was willing to negotiate the price of some keepsakes when paying in cash.

  5. Public Restrooms: In many places in Europe, public restrooms charge a small fee, typically payable only in cash.

  6. Taxi Ride: Taxi and buses may only accept cash. Make sure you have enough cash for fares, especially where rideshare apps aren't available.

  7. Prepare for Emergencies: Card terminals can fail, and credit cards can get fraud-blocked. Having cash ensures you can handle emergencies and make essential purchases without stress or worry.

Buy currency online with CXI for the quickest and most convenient way to get currency for your international travels. CXI was trusted with more than 1 million exchanges last year. Order currency in 3 easy steps to have it delivered to your home.

 

 

HIKING

Patundas Trek

Photo: Journey Era

Hidden amidst the towering peaks of Pakistan’s Upper Hunza region lies an incredible plateau, nestled between two colossal glaciers.

Flanked by the Passu Glacier on one side and the mighty Batura Glacier on the other, the Patundas ridge boasts some of Pakistan’s most breathtaking glacier views.

The three-day expedition begins with a trek across the Passu Glacier, followed by a climb up the ridge to reach Patundas Camp at 14,100 feet (4,300 meters).

From the camp, wake up early and venture towards Passu Peak to get a spectacular sunrise view.

Explore more: 

 

 

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Swimming with Orcas in Norway

Photo: Ivan Breslauer

From mid-October to mid-February, one of the largest gatherings of orcas takes place in the waters of Norway.

During this time huge amounts of herring are in the water attracting these beautiful apex predators.

While seeing orcas on the surface is already an incredible experience, imagine if you could slip into the water and see them close up.

Well, you can. Hop aboard MS Sula, a rugged vessel manned by an expert crew that makes finding orcas in the vast, remote landscape look easy.

When the timing is right, grab your snorkel and fins and see a pod of orcas in action. Best of all, no diving experience is needed.

Explore more:

 

 

HIKING

Hiking to Bogdanovich Glacier

Bogdanovich Glacier, nestled in the majestic Tian Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan, is a stunning natural wonder that attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Located near Almaty, the glacier is a part of the Trans-Ili Alatau range and offers a glimpse into the pristine beauty of Central Asia's mountainous landscapes.

Getting to the glacier involves a trek.Take a cable car up to the Shymbulak ski resort, and then on the Talgar Pass at 10,490 ft (3200m), where the hike begins.

The hike gives you great views of the pyramids of Chkalov, Pioneer, Abay, and Shkolnik peaks. After checking out the hanging glaciers Til and Ayak, carry on and you’ll get to the impressive ice wall of Bogdanovich Glacier.

Explore more:

 

 

STAYS

Ratua Private Island Resort

Photo: Ratua Private Island Resort

Dreaming of running off to an idyllic tropical island but can’t stand the awkward pampering by staff in white polos that come with resorts?

Ratua Private Island might be what you’re looking for. It’s a wild, magical place with authentic people who offer a simple yet comfortable stay in a naturally beautiful environment.

Set on 146 acres of tropical gardens and sandy beaches in the archipelago of Vanuatu. Beyond its comfortable accommodations, Ratua offers plenty of opportunities to get out and explore.

Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, hike through the rainforest, and discover mysterious blue holes. Dive or snorkel through the wrecks of the SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point, beach comb the white sands of Champagne Beach.

Not only will you relax and create lasting memories, but your stay will directly contribute to the Ratua Foundation, which helps fund education for the surrounding communities’ children.

Explore more: The Cono de Arita: A mysterious and little-known place in Salta

 

 

DIVING

Diving with Mola Molas at Crystal Bay

Photo: Unknown

If you’ve ever wanted to dive with a giant Mola Mola, head to Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida.

The dive site is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, offering visibility up to 130 ft (40 meters), making it an excellent place to encounter the majestic ocean sunfish.

These fascinating creatures frequent the area's cleaning stations within the shallow coral bay.

While the peak season for sightings spans from July to October, the possibility of encountering these gentle giants exists year-round.

Explore more:

 

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

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