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Often when explaining what we do here at iExplore, the topic of adventure comes up. We frequently debate how to define adventure.  Surely everyone's definition will vary. There are those who think taking the family truckster off the safety of the highways without GPS or with only an out-of-date map is an adventure where others need to scale El Capitan to tap into that sense of adventure.

Merriam-Webster defines it both as "an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks" and "an exciting or remarkable experience".  I look at adventure as being closer to the latter; I think of it as a state of mind.  To me, an adventure is an experience that reminds you that you are alive. An experience that challenges you in some manner be it experiencing the diversity of a new continent, or learning about new cultures or new skills.

Monika Petrillo, star and director of the documentary Flyabout, shared with me one of my favorite quotes on adventure saying, "The difference between an ordeal and adventure is your state of mind."

iExplore aims to change the state of mind for each one of our clients with every trip they take. We offer challenges, be they physical, experiential or intellectual that encourage genuine growth on the part of the traveler. Our greatest success and satisfaction comes when a client returns from an iExplore tour breathless with excitement; with an unshakable sense their lives have been enriched and almost disbelieving their experience actually happened.

As we build our 2010 itineraries, it is with these ideals in mind that help us define each and every itinerary we offer.  We'd love to help you come back different.  Ask us how or start looking for your next adventure.

The team at iExplore prides itself in finding once in a lifetime travel experiences for our customers.  The Elephant Experience in Botswana is a perfect example of a unique travel experience iExplore offers for our clients.  Guests on our iExplore Botswana Experience & Moremi Reserve Tour have the option to spend a day with three amazing semi-habituated elephants.  Two of the elephants, Jabu and Thembi, were orphaned in a Kruger National Park culling operation more than 20 years ago.  Doug Groves adopted them back then and has been caring for them ever since.  He adopted a third member of the herd, Morula, after she was orphaned in Zimabwe.  He uses his organization, Living With Elephants, to "foster harmonious relationship between people and elephants".

Your morning starts by meeting Doug and the elephants out in the wild.  Leaving the confines of your 4x4, you walk into the bush to meet these amazing creatures.  Fear not walking freely in the wild floodplains of the Okavango Delta, you have a trained and armed guide with you at all times.  You will be introduced to Jabu, the proud bull who serves as alpha elephant of the herd, Thembi, the baby of the herd and the center of attention, and Morula, a mild-natured and sensitive elephant.

You will watch the elephants graze while Doug tells you all about these magnificent animals. During Doug's talk, the elephants gradually get comfortable with your presence as you gain comfort standing next to such massive creatures.  You will then be invited  closer. As you slowly approach these animals you will see details you have never noticed before about elephants such as the thick hairs protruding from their trunks, the long eyelashes and their massive tongues.  As you get more comfortable you will be given a chance to feel their tusks, peer inside their mouths to see some of the largest teeth you will ever see and even feel the massive weight of their trunks.

Much of the day is spent walking with the elephants as they go about their morning routines. That may mean grazing, bathing in a mud wallow, or drinking from a nearby stream.  In a short amount of time you will begin to see that each of the three elephants has their own distinct personality and place within the herd.  Doug will continue to share his extensive wealth of knowledge on elephants and his life living with them.

At the end of the day you will enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild while your elephant companions enjoy an afternoon snack of their own.  You are guaranteed to walk away from this experience with photos of a lifetime and with a new appreciation for these gentle giants. If you are interested in learning more about the one of a kind Elephant Experience contact, one of iExplore's specialists today.

This weekend I spent a few hours each day snowshoeing through the parks with my wife and my dog.  I noticed the two winter activities that appeared to be most popular here in Chicago were snowshoeing and cross country skiing.  The skiers outnumbered the snowshoers by a 2:1 ratio.

I did a little research to determine if either activity provided a better workout. From the research I found the calories burned were the same, although I am sure the muscle groups worked varies a bit.

I have focused on snowshoeing over cross country skiing as of late because it is easier for me to bring my dog along when I have more freedom of movement than I do with skis.

What is your favorite winter activity?

You really haven't experienced world class hiking until you have hiked through the Canadian Rockies.  Particularly, the Bow Valley between Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, a short 90 minute drive from Calgary airport.   There are well-groomed trails for people of every experience level, from novice day trippers to experienced mountaineers.  But, there is one trail I want to highlight, the hike to the summit of Mount Rundle, one of the favorites in the park, which I did with my best friend James.
 
Mount Rundle is the tallest point in all of Banff National Park, at just under 10,000 feet of elevation.  It is a grueling 5,000 foot elevation gain to the summit, taking over 10 hours to complete the round trip (so get started early!!).  Not appropriate for beginners, it is an intermediate level day-hike that only requires a good pair of hiking boots and a set of walking sticks to deal with the steep walk up and down its lose scree slopes. Worth mentioning again, walking sticks are a must!!  Less so for the uphill climb, and more so to help you get down the steep, rocky, exposed slopes from the summit.  
 
The trail starts from behind the golf course of the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and almost immediately turns straight up hill through dense forest.  After about two hours, and a series of switchbacks, you will finally clear the tree line and get your first impressive view of the region.  But, there is no rest for the weary, with another three hours of climbing over lose scree trails to the summit, endlessly uphill the entire way.  For those of you that can deal with the seemingly endless uphill scramble, you will be rewarded with absolutely stunning views of the Bow Valley, the distant Mount Assiniboine (one of the tallest peaks in Alberta at around 12,500 feet) and the town of Banff below.  And, did I mention looking down the 5,000 foot drop-off over the far side of the summit!!??
 
When you get back down (fully spent after your full day of hiking), I highly recommend driving over to the Vermillion Lakes near Banff, to get a postcard-worthy shot of Mount Rundle, reflecting in all of its glory over the still waters.  Quite a thrill to look back up to the summit and say, "hey, we were just all the way up there!".
 
This was my fifth trip to the Canadian Rockies, and it certainly ranks as one of my favorites.  I highly recommend it to all you peak baggers out there.  You will not be disappointed.