First Post for Calling All Explorers

2020 was a roller coaster, and 2021 seems to be following a similar path so far. Because nature and movement keep me sane, I’m hoping for a calmer, more travel-filled latter half of 2021. In this hopeful anticipation of a return to normal travel, here are the three locations I want to experience (or re-experience!) in the next 18 months:

Costa Rica

For this trip I’m not envisioning the country’s famous beaches; I want to head for the cloud forest and volcanoes. Monte Verde is top of the list, where we can zipline through the jungle canopy by day and enjoy guided hikes through the cloud forest by night (an unrivaled opportunity to see a hidden world of frogs, kinkajous, and other bright-eyed creatures.) The Aguti Wildlife Reserye is a great Monte Verde spot for hiking. Once we leave the cloud forest and head for the rainforest, we’ll go to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, for another fabulous hiking experience. You can explore the rainforest canopy on a hanging bridge, rappel down waterfalls, and splash down a churning river on a whitewater raft. Once you’re done, you can soak in their famous hot springs that are naturally heated by the volcano’s thermal energy.

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Montage Palmetto Bluff

This luxury resort in Bluffton, South Carolina is nestled among a 20,000 acre nature preserve overlooking the May River. The area offers endless ways to explore, unwind and immerse yourself in the wonder of an adventure-filled Lowcountry getaway, including hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, horseback riding, biking, and more.

Texas Hill Country

Finally, I want to take a paddling trip in the Texas Hill Country. In my limited opinion, the Guadalupe river is overrun with tourists. A much better bet is the clear, spring-fed Frio River. The more navigable portions of the river run from north of Leakey down to Concan, with Garner State Park providing great access. It can be crowded in peak summer months, so plan ahead. Rentals are available through Happy Hollow. The Medina River is another beautiful Hill Country river, but if in the middle of a drought, go for the Frio as water levels tend to be higher. For kayak and tube rentals for the Medina River, check out The Medina River Co. It is a lot less crowded and has previously been my go-to. The Bandera area also has more lodging options.