Adventure Travel Tours: Overseas Adventure Travel

Consider Iceland and Norway!
First-World Amenities, Classic Wilderness, and Outdoor Activities Galore
By Ken Streater

International adventure travel tours offers a great deal to those who choose to venture overseas. Unique cultures, new sights and sounds, rare treasures, and more await those individuals and families seeking new and exciting vacation experiences. However, often people are wary of traveling to another country for understandable reasons, such as health concerns, social differences, language barriers, transportation difficulties, a possible lack of amenities, and so on. And although typically once these concerns are dealt with we prove to ourselves that it is safe and rewarding to travel to just about anywhere on earth, there are some international travel destinations better than others for those who have considered participating in overseas adventure travel tours but had some reservations. In other words, some countries provide more first-world amenities, without language difficulties or unusual safety issues and are thus better suited as first-time international destinations. These places can serve as wonderful first steps in a lifetime of international adventure travel trips. In particular, Norway and Iceland are two places we recommend for those wanting their first taste of overseas adventure travel tours.

While very unique and culturally quite different from the U.S., both Norway and Iceland offer creature comforts at every turn. Clean and safe societies define both of these scenery-rich, friendly Scandinavian countries. In fact, depending on where you are from or where you travel in the U.S., both Norway and Iceland are generally cleaner and safer than the good ole' United States. And, both places offer a wealth of outdoor opportunities for first-time and hardened adventurers alike. Towering mountains, geologic wonders, pristine rivers, wildlife-rich coastal waters, and more await those looking for exceptional overseas adventure travel tours.

Norway, a country roughly the size of California, hosts a population of only 4 million people. That leaves a place with tons of open space, pristine wilderness, and charming backcountry villages. Some of the best hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, and cross-country skiing in the world is found in Norway. And, as mentioned above, creature comforts abound. Different types of guided trips are available throughout the country. One such trip takes place in Jotunheimen National Park, in the heart of central Norway. Jotunheimen is the largest protected wilderness area in all of Northern Europe. It is home to the tallest mountains in Scandinavia as well as glaciers, thick forests, picturesque alpine meadows, roaring rivers, and more. A hiking trip through this wilderness wonderland can also include spending each night at charming alpine lodges or cottages, each tucked quietly in a corner of the park's pristine wilderness. In addition, each lodge is staffed or managed by English speakers who help assure that your safety and comfort are well taken care of. Above all else, you have the opportunity on trips such as these to experience a classic wilderness and culture while not missing one bit the comfort you expect when you travel in the U.S.

Another fascinating and dramatic place in Norway is the Lofoten Islands. Here, you can experience a rich sea-going culture above the Arctic circle while reaping the rewards of the comforts described above. Sea kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and cycling are all adventure activities available on the Lofoten Islands, a razor-back archipelago. Surprisingly easy to get to, with flights from Oslo and Norway's second largest city, Trondheim, the Lofotens highlight the best of Norway. The ever glowing midnight sun, powerful sperm whales, forever views, cozy cabins on the water, tasty food and delightful culture are all found in this northern Scandinavian paradise. Vacationing families thrive on this island, as comfortable cottages, easy transportation, and numerous adventure opportunities are ever present in a country that is very, very easy to deal with.

Iceland is equally easy to deal with and equally spectacular. Also known as the land of fire and ice, this tiny island sits in the northern Atlantic Ocean, halfway between the U.S. and Europe, only a five hour flight from the east coast. In addition to its fiery volcanic past, expansive glaciers, fascinating coastline, and rich heritage, Iceland is home to Keiko the Whale. While it may be difficult to see Keiko, as his release back into the wild may be just months away, there are endless other opportunities for adventuring families. And as with Norway, Iceland is remarkably safe with first-rate amenities found throughout the country.

The Icelandic backcountry offers extraordinary family adventure opportunities. Iceland is home to a treasure chest of some of the world's most dramatic natural features.including Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe; Lake Myvatn, which hosts the largest number of waterfowl in Europe; Drangey Island, a beautiful monolith that is the source of ancient Icelandic lore; and Husavik, a small northern fishing village that is the starting point for an exceptional whale watching tour. Adventure activities that are available in Iceland are plentiful. You can walk on a glacier (ten percent of Iceland is covered in ice fields!), raft a river that cuts through a geologically spectacular canyon, boat on a beautiful fjord to a mystical bird sanctuary island, sit in a natural hot spring at the end of a hike through a moon-like valley, or ride horseback through colorful meadows and over extinct volcanoes. Simply put, there is no where else on earth that offers myriad adventures in a landscape so diverse and unusual as is Iceland's.

Adventure travel tours in Iceland are easy to enjoy. It is simple to get around Iceland on paved and/or gravel roads. Virtually everyone speaks English. Cozy farmhouse lodges, trekker's huts, and modern hotels are perfectly sprinkled throughout the country. Iceland is virtually crime free. When you add to this a culture steeped in Viking tradition you are left with one of the most pleasurable family adventure settings around. There are also choices for how to adventure in Iceland. Some prefer to simply arrive in country and participate in activities on a daily basis, seeking out adventure outfitters as they go. Others opt for more structured trips that last from a few days to a couple of weeks. These trips can have either specific activities or can include a variety of adventure challenges packed into one tour. For example, multi-day hiking trips or biking tours in Iceland provide a great way to see the country, as the outfitter takes care of all your family's needs and wants as you just enjoy the fascinating Icelandic countryside. Or, you can raft, hike, horseback ride, boat, and bird watch (there are lots of puffins in Iceland!) all in one multi-activity trip that again takes care of all of the details for you, giving your family countless opportunities to marvel at beauty of this remote Arctic island.

As you can see, both Iceland and Norway offer exceptional adventure opportunities in lands of wilderness a'plenty. And, given the lack of language barriers, ease of transportation, first-rate amenities, and rich, historic cultures, it may make sense to consider going overseas to either of these great destinations for your next family adventure.

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