active travel adventures by Kit Parks

I hiked to Everest Base Camp to commemorate my 65th birthday.  In Part I of this two part series, I cover how I prepared and trained, what I packed and what I carried with me in my Day Pack, Lukla flight tips, tea houses (that's where you sleep along the EBC trail), porters, guides a bit about Kathmandu and more.  Part II covers more of the actual trek experience.  You can download it here.

Our popular annual Best Travel Podcasts lists features lots of new names in 2026 for you to check out for destination ideas, travel hacks and inspiration that is sure to fuel your wanderlust!

In Part II of our Bhutan adventure series, we dive deep into the trekking and camping experience that makes Bhutan one of the world's top bucket-list adventure destinations. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to hike in the Himalayas, stay in remote campsites, his episode gives you an authentic, first-hand look.  We take a four day hiking and camping adventure and add in several days hikes on our 12 day exploration of the mystical 'Land of the Thunder Dragon", Bhutan. 

Get the best price possible for your next flight with these important travel tips!  Finding great airfares can be tricky, but with these travel hacks, you can try to outsmart the airlines!

Discover why Bhutan—The Land of the Thunder Dragon—is one of the world's most extraordinary adventure travel destinations.

Check out these eighteen unique and affordable travel gifts for your loved ones (or yourself!)  All are under $40, and most are under $20.

Go West with Steve Silk | Cycling Adventure Across Britain's West Country

We continue our long distance walk through some of England's most picturesque landscapes in Part II of our Cotswold Way walking holiday.

Today we head to the UK to do a delightful long distance walk through some of England's most picturesque landscapes in Part I of our Cotswold Way walking holiday.

In Part II of our Camino adventure, we, as a group of Active Travel Adventures listeners, walk "solo together' to complete the Portuguese Way Camino Coastal Route with the beautiful Spiritual Way Variant.  We all had the same itinerary and lodging, but we could walk our own Camino, each day deciding whether to walk with others in the ATA group, solo or with new friends met along the way.

Today we, as a group of Active Travel Adventures listeners, walk "solo together' to complete the Portuguese Way Camino Coastal Route with the beautiful Spiritual Way Variant.  We all had the same itinerary and lodging, but we could walk our own Camino, each day deciding whether to walk with others in the ATA group, solo or with new friends met along the way.

Learn different and tasty ways to get the nutritious fuel you need to climb your next summit without running out of steam.  You'll find out when it's good to eat junk food and when you need to pile on the carbs, protein and/or fat.  Let my hiking nutritionist friend Lucy teach you proven techniques to make sure you've got the right food in your pack for your next outdoor adventure.   Bikepackers can use these tips, too!

Many of you are familiar with the disappearance of Gerry Largay, trail name Inchworm.  

Learn several ways to make sure you are getting the best price possible for your next flight!  Finding great airfares can be tricky, but with these travel hacks, you can try to outsmart the airlines!

Learn how to hike and backpack safely in bear country plus how to determine whether a bear is a black bear or a brown (grizzly).  You'll learn what to do if you are  attacked by a bear. How you respond is DIFFERENT depending on which type of bear you encounter!  

Learn what to do when you are threatened by lightning, especially if you are caught exposed outdoors including the proper safety position and what to do if someone gets hit by lightning.  You'll also learn what constitutes a safe shelter during a thunderstorm.  This is important information that could save your life!

Have you dreamed about climbing Africa's tallest mountain in Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro?  Join Kit as she interviews Damon about he and his wife and friends successful summit of Kili on the Lemosho Route, the prettiest route of them all and the one with the greatest success rate.

Learn the nuances of buying travel insurance so you're actually covered for unforeseen accidents, delays, sickness, theft and more.  Many claims are denied because people don't understand their policy. Don't make that mistake and learn what to buy.

Learn how to safely cross rivers while hiking with expert tips on gear, technique, and decision-making. Avoid one of the top causes of trail deaths with these essential tips.  Crossing rivers may not seem as frightening as bears or lightning—but it's the most dangerous part of many wilderness hikes.  

What is a Walking holiday?

Learn the secrets to choosing the best campsite for your next outdoor adventure!

Learn new ways to save money for your next adventure!

Today we learn how to avoid the dreaded solo supplements that can add up to as much as 100% of the cost of your adventure!

I learned how to backpack after the age of 50, when at the time, I didn't even hike.  Which means if I can do it, so can YOU!  I've now been backpacking over a dozen years and have compiled a system of the best practices to safely learn how to carry you 'home' on your back.

On today's episode, we learn how to build a campfire even in the rain.  Yes it's hard, time consuming and tedious, but it's doable.  You can learn how plus you'll learn how to make a fast fire when the weather cooperates!

How to Learn a Foreign Language

Kit interviews Certified Personal Trainer and Coach, Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness about what we need to know, and how to prepare for our big mountain adventures.

In today's episode, our group gets settled into our beautiful motor yacht and begin biking some of Croatia's most stunning islands, like Korčula, Mljet, Brač and Hvar as we boat and bike our way from Split to Dubrovnik.

Deciding whether to purchase a tent or tarp when you camp is one of your more important (and costly) gear decisions.  There are ten important considerations for determining whether a tent or a tarp is best for your situation.

Learn how to choose between hiking boots, hiking shoes and trail runners for your feet and adventures on today's show.  Gear is expensive and if your feet aren't happy, you won't be happy.  So get tips on choosing the right footwear for you on today's show.

Learn what features to look for before you buy a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and sleeping bag liner. Discover how to maintain your gear to extend its life. You will get tips on buying camping gear for both car campers, backpackers, bike packers and those going on kayak or canoe tours.  Gear is expensive - don't make a buying mistake!

Discover the extraordinary red rock canyons, unbelievable arches and other unique landscapes of Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks!

Don't get sick!  Learn the different ways to purify any source of water on today's show with a portable water filter system.  You'll learn the different chemical and mechanical means of purifying lake, stream and river water.  Be safe and hydrated by choosing the right water treatment system for your outdoor adventures!  I've had giardia - one of my most UNPLEASANT experiences:)  Learn from my mistake!

Backpacks can be your most expensive gear choice so choose wisely to get the backpack that is best for your body and budget.  Learn how to fit a backpack and just as important, how to properly pack it on today's show.

Emergencies can happen while you are in the wilderness.  Improve your odds of getting back home safely and with minimal discomfort by packing an emergency backpack kit. You can adapt your basic kit to whatever risks your adventure calls for.  Be sure to review your entire emergency kit before you head into the wild to make sure you are prepared in case you or someone else has an emergency and needs attention.

Learn the unspoken 'rules' and proper manners of the wild on today's show so that you can minimize your impact on the environment and leave the world a better place.

We explore Slovenia's Triglav National Park region and visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj on one of Kit's favorite European adventures!  

Hike the famous Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal - considered one of the world's most beautiful treks!

Learn practical tips and techniques to avoid being a victim when you travel.

Learn about the three pillars of sustainability:  enviromental, social and economic and how you can better reflect your values when you travel.  That way the places you love will be enhanced by your visit, rather than hurt.  

Explore Alaska's magnificent Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks by land and sea on today's exciting adventure!  

Learn how to camp for FREE on US public lands.  'Boondocking' is a great way to see the USA!  

Finally:  a fun and affordable way to explore Europe!  Join us today to learn about taking a European vacation on a boat and bike tour, where you can see some of the best destinations in Europe on a mostly all inclusive tour.

Do you know what to do if you or someone you meet in the wild gets hurt?  Some accidents require more than the rudimentary items in your backpack emergency kit!

Hike and Kayak Iceland!

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Vietnam and Cambodia : Saigon to Angkor Wat Cycling Holiday

Unspoiled Sri Lanka 9 Day Cycling Adventure

Kit interviews Umberto di Venosa, founder of Follow the Camino, a tour company focused entirely on assisting 'pilgrims' plan and execute their Camino journey.  Umberto gives us expert insight on what you need to think about when planning your El Camino.  These can also be applied to any long distance walk or pilgrimage.

Classic Bucket List Alps trek of the tour du Mont Blanc circuit through three countries:  Italy, France and Switzerland.  

How To Save Money on Travel - Part II

How to Save Money On Travel

Today we learn how why you often have to choose between comfort at night or comfort during the day when it comes to backpacking.  

Bike Pack the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany

Bikepacking and Bike Touring Adventures

Boat and Bike from Venice to Mantua 8 Day Cycling Adventure

8 Day Boat and Bike Tour of Provence - Carmargue France

Seasoned Traveler Insights with Mollie of Stay In Good Company

Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal : An Adventure For Regular Hikers (who train!)

Guided Costa Rica Camino with Homestays and Daily Luggage Transfer

Guided Costa Rica Camino with Homestays and Daily Luggage Transfer

Patagonia Part II: Hike, Bike and Kayak Argentina and Chile

Patagonia Part I: Hike the W Trek in Argentina 

Hike and Snorkel Adventures in the Galapagos Islands: Part II

The Grand Canyon is the United States' 15th national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered one of the Great Wonders of the World. Ontario-based climber Mike Grainger talks about his experience whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. He also gets to hike on the trip, and shares how a hybrid trip allows for couples and families to participate in the same adventure at their own skill and comfort level. He says this trip is worth every penny as your adrenalin is sure to be racing going through the rapids.  This popular episode was first released in the fall of 2017.

Hike and Snorkel Adventures in the Galapagos Islands: Part I

Explore Ireland by Horseback!  Galway and Clare Multi Day Trail Ride

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Improving Resilience and Grit

Grit and Resilience : One Woman's Story

Avoid Crowds on the El Camino de Compostella

25 Affordable Travel Gifts They'll Actually Want

Advice for doing an El Camino These Days plus my Primitivo Camino

England's Coast to Coast Walking Holiday

Boat and Bike Tour of the Cyclades and Saronic Islands of Greece

Hike Israel's National Trail!

YOU Did It!!!  Listener Adventure Stories

Independent Travel Tips plus the Balkans

In this Part II of my Peru adventures, we finish up our adventure travel tour with my affiliate, Active Adventures (exclusive listener promo code ATA200 to save $200 off ANY of Active Adventures epic worldwide tours!), and then my sister Terry and I head off on our own to explore other exciting places in southern Peru and Bolivia, including:

Trek Machu Picchu plus Hike and Bike the Sacred Valley of Peru

The Power of 'Yes'

Bucket List Builder

Austria Hike, Bike and Paddle Adventure

Have an amazing vacation in Banff Canada!  Hike, bike, and paddle in one of Canada's most scenic destinations.  Soak in a hot tub while you watch the incredible night sky! 

Sail the East Coast Fjords of Greenland

Explore Iceland by horseback!  On today's show, we horseback ride Iceland's dramatic landscape of waterfalls, hot springs, mountains and valleys on a multi-day adventure tour.

American Ramble with Neil King Jr

Hurtigruten's MS Fram : Expedition Ship Behind the Scenes

Antarctica Expedition including the Falkland and South Georgia Islands Part II

Antarctica Expedition plus the Falklands and the South Georgia Islands : Part I

Not everyone has a month or so to walk the El Camino.  Did you know that you can BIKE the Portuguese Way???  Yes!  One of the most popular Camino routes can be done by bike.  Whether you are interested in cycling or hiking the El Camino, you are sure to get some great insights and tips from today's show.

Have you dreamed about climbing Africa's tallest mountain in Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro?  Join Kit as she interviews Damon about he and his wife and friends successful summit of Kili on the Lemosho Route, the prettiest route of them all and the one with the greatest success rate.

Explore Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast by hiking, biking and paddling!  Start from Split and work your way to Dubrovnik on this exciting and fun adventure.

The perfect way to explore Southern Holland is by bike!  Even better, bike AND boat Holland so you only need to unpack once.