Legions of the eighty million American baby boomers show a strong, proven preference for adventure travel―and now two authorities on exotic trips will guide them to 50 of the best and most varied experiences out there.
“Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean: A Guide to Extraordinary Adventures for the Seasoned Traveler” by Don Mankin and Shannon Stowell (National Geographic Books, USBN 978-1-4262-0278-0, on-sale date May 2008, $18.95 trade paper) offers dozens of travel options with the mature traveler in mind. While the free-wheeling 1960s may be gone (boomers sold their backpacks and raised families and enjoyed fruitful careers), there’s now time to for this generation to indulge its wanderlust and rediscover the fun and excitement of traveling off of the beaten path.
“Riding the Hulahula” is both a collection of experiences and a how-to guide, detailing the 50 best adventures as selected in a survey by the Adventure Trade Travel Association (ATTA) for people over 40. In-depth narratives convey the allure of 25 destinations―with first-person descriptions, anecdotes, and subjects of special interest― while third-person descriptions highlight the remaining 25 adventures. Both formats show why the experts chose each locale and lay out all the wheres, whys and hows you need to pick the trips most suited to your time and interests.
The most active possibilities include eight days in interior Antarctica, hiking Peru’s Inca Trail and canoing the lush backwaters of India. For those with more spirit than stamina, irresistible adventures still beckon: explore history, culture, and scenery in Tunisia…visit the jungle tribes of Papua New Guinea…tour Scotland’s rugged Outer Hebrides for a taste of island life. “Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean” delivers inspiration, information and ideas to put adventure-hungry boomers back on the road.
About the Authors
DON MANKIN, Ph.D., is a psychologist, business consultant, futurist, author, and long-time adventure traveler. His explorations have taken him to Africa, Asia, North and South America, Europe, and almost everywhere in between. He lives in Los Angeles.
SHANNON STOWELL is president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), which specializes in business development for the adventure travel industry. Prior to joining ATTA, he was cofounder and vice president of Altrec.com, a successful outdoor gear retailer. He lives in Seattle.