iExplore Adventure Consultant Rosemary Burki was a guest on the KPAM Portland Travel Show this past week.  With Egypt in the news after President Obama's travels there, the host had a variety of questions about traveling to Egypt.  Cultural Tours of Egpyt have historically been one of our most popular destinations and Rosemary enjoyed sharing her expertise and travel trip on the destination. We invite you to take a listen.

KPAM Portland Travel Show - Egypt Interview with iExplore's Rosemary Burki

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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.

South Africa is a destination that is regularly in iExplore's Top 10 Best Selling Tours list.  Travelers continually select South Africa for the range of experiences available in one destination.  Whether it is exploring Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities, touring the lush Cape Winelands, immersing yourself in the country's history and culture or seeking the Big Five on a safari there is something for every traveler in South Africa.

Our words could not do justice to this destination so check out our South Africa and learn why you should visit South Africa on an iExplore privately-guided tour.