I’m really excited to announce that for the past few weeks I have had the honor of working for Point Comfort Underwriters as their featured writer. You can check in every Tuesday to read a new article based on our weekly #TRLT topics. This is the first post I made for them at the beginning of 2017! ENJOY!

10 Travel ADVENTURES AWAITING YOU IN 2017!

Has the word “ADVENTURE” been calling your name? Is your new-year travel goal all about finding the right adventure and stepping up your game in 2017? For many, the word “adventure” may be jumping out of an airplane or scuba diving through a hundred-year-old ship wreck at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. To others, it may be trying something new on the menu at their favorite local restaurant. The common thread: adventure means stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Having personally visited 111 countries so far and having my fair share of adventures across five continents, these are ten amazing adventures that I loved and hope you add to your bucket list in 2017!

1. Track Gorillas in Their Natural Habitat in Rwanda

The moisture of heavy morning fog and sweat from trekking drip from your face. It’s hard to believe you’re really in the mountainous rainforest of Rwanda, brushing plants and bugs from your path as you desperately search for the gentle giants. Sticky clods of mud weighing under your feet keep you grounded as you nearly float away with excitement as you finally stumble upon the hairy troop. The silver back male, leader and master of the group, is easy to spot amongst the rest! Nothing will feel more like an adventure than watching these endangered animals up close lounging, eating, tumbling and playing in their natural habitat.

2. ZIPTREK Zipline in Whistler, Canada

Fly through the trees at high speeds over the forest floor and sparkling river. Swing from treetop to treetop and skip across wooden suspension bridges hanging hundreds of feet in the air. This is your chance to release the child inside as you flip upside and act like a monkey!

3. Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal

The transformation of landscape is equally as drastic as the emotional and physical transformations you will experience in the mountains of Nepal. You’ll never spend a more rewarding two weeks than on natural paths and wooden suspension bridges as you trek to Mount Everest Base Camp! The incredible local sherpas and guides will have you laughing and smiling as you push your body to the ultimate heights in the Himalayas. Sitting at the top of Kala Patthar at 18,505ft you won’t believe you’re actually looking UP at the snow-capped mountains around you. Breathlessly watching the sun rise over Mount Everest will leave you in a state of awe.

4. Biking in Amsterdam!

This urban adventure will get your blood rushing more than you expect! Pedal down the designated red bike lanes as your head spins, cautious and alert. Watch out for fellow bikers, oblivious tourists on foot, aggressive taxis, undeterred trams and general traffic while also trying to admire the incredible historic architecture of this beautiful city! You’ll be completely wiped out by the end of the day, so be sure to grab a beer at one of the many charismatic cafes and bars.

5. Horseback riding Mongolia

Take a ride through history atop one of the world’s most eager beasts as you gallop across the plains of Mongolia. Imagine yourself a Mongol warrior, armed and fearless as you raid villages and cities across Asia and into Europe led by the infamous Genghis Khan!

Continue reading adventures 6-10 on originalPoint Comfort Underwriters post.