|
Article Excerpt
Byline: Randy Mink Daily Herald Correspondent
Although space tourism at this point in time lies beyond the means of all but a few multimillionaires, more of us are pushing the outer limits of travel here on Mother Earth.
We're blasting off to places most people never dreamed of visiting two decades ago and undertaking adrenaline-boosting activities to test our stamina and stretch our minds.
Kilimanjaro, Everest, Mongolia, Timbuktu: Their names spell intrigue and spark wanderlust in those of us seeking distant galaxies to explore.
Not content with traditional sightseeing on well-worn tourist paths, intrepid wayfarers in the early 21st century get actively involved, preferring to pedal, paddle and hike their way through faraway lands.
This weekend adventure travelers and tour operators come together at Navy Pier for the International Adventure Travel & Outdoor Sport Show (see accompanying story). Perusing slick brochures from the growing number of high-end adventure-travel specialists, the "been there, done that" crowd salivates at tempting itineraries in Arctic waters, Amazon jungles and hidden Himalayan kingdoms.
"These trips are for people who don't just want to be shown the world - they want to participate in it. For them, sedentary days are a thing of the past," says Joss Kent, chief operating officer of Oak Brook-based Abercrombie & Kent, perhaps the premier upscale tour operator.
Many exotic offerings, including the Abercrombie & Kent Active lineup, fall into the category of "soft adventure," meaning guests can expect accommodations in hotels, inns or luxury tented camps, along with expert guides to smooth the way and perhaps even porters to carry the gear. All equipment is provided, and sometimes a support boat or van follows along to give paddlers, hikers or bikers a rest. Cast members of TV's "Survivor" should wish so much pampering.
"What we believe people really want are...
|
|
More articles from Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
Grazing through Philly's restaurant scene.(Going Places), February 17, 2002
Take the kids to Oshkosh for old-fashioned fun.(Going Places), February 17, 2002
50+ crowd leads way to Sept. 11 recovery.(Going Places), February 17, 2002
Special care is required when sick pet returns from vet.(Neighbor), February 17, 2002
The house that brides built Nothing feels better than home. And nothin..., February 17, 2002
Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.
Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication
name or publication date.
About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company
analysis or best practices in managing your organization,
Goliath can help you meet your business needs.
Our extensive business information databases empower business
professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible,
authoritative information they need to support their business
goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting,
company research or defining management best practices -
Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.
|
|
