Gear Closet: Travel Tech From iClever

As someone who travels frequently for his job, I'm always on the look out for new items that can help make my life on the road more convenient and enjoyable. That often takes the form of some new tech gadget that is designed specifically with travelers in mind. Recently, I received a number of products from a company called iClever that definitely meet that description, delivering some great features at prices that are very affordable. Here's some thoughts on what I tested.

USB Wall Chargers (Prices Vary)
When traveling these days we usually carry a variety of tech gear with us. Everything from smartphones to tablets to digital cameras, not to mention portable game systems, e-readers, GPS devices, and host of other items. While each of them are wonderful for helping us to stay informed and entertained while on long flights or spending time in a tent, those gadgets are only useful as long as they can hold a charge. Fortunately, practically everything these days is charged using USB cables, and iClever offers some excellent wall chargers to help keep your technology up and running.

I received the 4-port BoostCube and 2-Port BoostCube, both of which function pretty much identically, other than the number of gadgets they can charge at the same time. Both of the chargers have SmartID technology that automatically detects the fastest speed your device can be charged, and adjusts the wattage provided accordingly. They both also have the ability to provide 2.4 amps per port, which means your gadgets will be powered up as quickly as possible. Similar devices from competitors often split the power between ports, increasing charge times as a result.


Both models of the BoostCube offer great build quality and feel great in your hand. They're also durable and include foldout power plugs for inserting them into wall outlets. They are also priced perfectly, with the 4-port model selling for $17.99 while the 2-port version is just $10.99.

Additionally, iClever also has a single port version called the BoostCube Quick Charge, which has the ability to power up a device up to four times faster than regard chargers. It uses a special process that is safe for your gadgets, and can power them up to 80% of their full charge in as little as 35 minutes. When you need to get your phone up and running as quickly as possible, this is the charger you'll want. And at $16.99, it is affordable too.

All of the chargers come with a full year warranty and work great. In fact, I've gotten to the point where I leave my devices' OEM chargers at home and just carry iClever's versions with me instead. Because they are small, compact, and easy to use, they make great travel accessories for sure.

Tri-Folding Bluetooth Keyboard ($54.99)
As a travel writer who routinely finds himself in a remote destination, I'm always looking for ways to cut weight from my bags. For instance, I often like to leave my laptop at home and just take my iPad along with me instead. The problem is, the onscreen keyboard isn't always the best for getting serious work done. That's where the iClever Folding Bluetooth Keyboard comes in handy.

This product is lightweight, yet very durable. So much so, that I wouldn't hesitate to take it with me anywhere I'm going. The keyboard is cleverly designed to fold up into a surprisingly small footprint, but when it is opened it transforms into a full-sized keyboard. The device actually allows me to easily get work done, using productivity apps on my tablet to write stories and articles, take notes, even compose emails.

The keyboard comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that takes about 4 hours to fully power up, but can provide up to 80 hours of actual wireless use. It can also be connected to your laptop or desktop computer via USB to serve as a standard keyboard for those devices too. It even has a fantastic backlight mode (with three different colors) that makes it easier to use in the dark. But the backlighting eats into the battery life, so I tend to work with it off.

iClever sells the keyboard for $54.99 and ships it with a soft carrying case, making it even easier to take with you on the road.

Outdoor Wireless Speaker ($29.99)
These days, Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, with plenty of good options for consumers to choose from. But iClever's Outdoor Wireless Speaker offers a few nice features that help set it apart from the competition and make it a good option for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, it is lightweight, compact in size, and offers IP65 water resistance. That's enough protection from moisture that you can even use it in the shower if you'd like.

The speaker comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can power it for up to 10 hours. It offers solid performance with clear playback of music across the full audio spectrum, even at higher lives of volume. And since it is built to survive in the outdoors, you can take it with you to the beach, a remote campsite, or for use around a hotel room without fear of damaging it.

What I like most about this speaker is that it isn't overly large or heavy, which means you can toss it into your pack without really realizing that its there. And while it offers solid battery life, I wouldn't mind getting more hours out of it so I don't have to worry about it running out of juice while in the backcountry. But the price is great and the performance is very good too, making it a great travel buddy for sure.

Find out more about all of these products and more at iClever.com.

Columbia is Looking for New Directors of Toughness

Last year, gear manufacturer Columbia set the Internet ablaze when the went in search of two "Directors of Toughness." The position promised to be adventurous, sending the two people selected off to remote areas to test gear in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. It also offered a base salary of $39,000 plus benefits for nine months of work that involved lots of long days in the field. In exchange, the directors would blog about their experiences, video their adventures, and generally serve as online ambassadors for the Columbia brand. Sound like a dream job? If so, I've got good news for you. Columbia is hiring once again!

If you're interested in potentially becoming a Director of Toughness, you'll first need to register online to take part in a potential interview. Currently interviews are scheduled to take place on Mt. Hood in the state of Oregon, but future sites include somewhere on the East Coast of the U.S., as well as in Canada and the U.K. Exact locations will be announced at a future time. Follow Columbia on Instagram at @Columbia1938 for more details as to when those interviews will take place.

For more information about the Director of Toughness position visit the Application Page here. And to get a sense of what the job is all about, check out the video below.

Seems like a great opportunity for the right person. Good luck to everyone who applies!

Colorado Adventures: Fly Fishing in Crested Butte

Earlier in the week I shared a post on my recent trip to Crested Butte, Colorado where I had an amazing time exploring the mountain biking trails there. If you read that piece, you already know that CB is considered one of the birth places of mountain biking, and as such there are plenty of trails to ride. In fact, there are more than 750 miles of trail, spread out over 150 different routes. That's enough to keep even the most dedicated rider busy for awhile.

But, Crested Butte isn't just a great mountain biking destination, as it has a lot to offer other visitors too. For instance, in the winter it has excellent skiing both at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort and backcountry options for the more adventurous. There is also plenty of great snowshoeing and nordic skiing too, if you prefer your winter adventures with a bit less adrenaline-fueled downhill action. During the warmer months, the hiking and trail running routes are spectacular, and the most of the mountain bike trails can be done on horseback too. This being Colorado, there also plenty of options for camping, climbing, and paddling as well, with even some good whitewater to run.

While I didn't have the chance to try each of those activities while I was in town, I did get the chance to do a little fly fishing. And while I'm mostly a beginner at that sport, I found it to be a relaxing, yet still engaging, way to explore the local culture.

For my fly-fishing experience we drove about 20 minutes outside of Crested Butte to reach the Three Rivers Resort, located in the small town of Almont. Three Rivers not only has a some wonderful rooms, cabins, and houses for visitors to rent, it also offers some active day-trips for those looking for some adventure. In addition to guiding rafting and kayaking excursions, travelers can also book stand-up paddleboard sessions, and skiing and snowboarding outings during the winter months. They also have a knowledgable and friendly staff in a well-stocked tackle shop for local and visiting anglers, as well a guide service that can get you out on the water and reeling in fish in no time.


We dropped by one morning to find out what fish were biting (trout and salmon it turns out!) and to hire one of the guides to take us out on the Taylor River. His name was Patrick, and he brought years of experience and excellent knowledge not only about the best places to fish in the area, but the different ways of setting up your pole to try to land a few big ones. As someone who has fly fished before, but is still relatively new to the sport, he proved to be an invaluable asset out on the water.

For those who have never fly fished, there is a bit of skill involved with learning to cast, letting your line drift, setting the hook, and bringing a fish to shore. All that can be picked up fairly quickly however, and after a brief refresher course, I soon found myself casting relatively efficiently. Patrick provided good tips on how and where to cast our lines, and he gave plenty of encouragement as we stood hip-deep in the refreshingly cool river.

It is often said that fly fishing is a bit of a zen-inducing activity, and after spending a couple of hours out on the water, I began to understand why. There is certainly a skill to getting the casting motion down, and the patience required to lure in a fish requires a sense of calm. Add in a dramatically beautiful back drop like the ones found in Gunnison County, and you have all the ingredients for a great day. Standing in the middle of that river, watching salmon swimming upstream around you, while learning to cast efficiently was an amazing experience, and even though we didn't end up landing any fish that day, it was still a terrific way to spend the morning.

That isn't to say we didn't have several bites. On more than one occasion our lures were stuck hard by a salmon or trout, and just like that we found ourselves with fight on our hands. On some occasions, the fish would leap clear out of the water in an effort to free themselves from the line, while others escaped just before we could get them into the net. Considering this was a catch-and-release stream, we didn't end up minding too much, and half the fun was just getting them to strike our lures in the first place.

One sure sign that you're having a great time on any outdoor adventure is when you look at your watch and are shocked to see how much time has passed. That was exactly the case during our fly fishing excursion. Before I knew it, several hours had gone by and it was time to move on to another activity. But, after even that brief time in the water, I think it's safe to say I'm hooked (ha!) and I'm already looking forward to my next opportunity to give it a go again. It will be tough to match the landscape I was immersed in while visiting Crested Butte though, as the surrounding mountains looming overhead were exactly what you'd expect for a fantastic fishing trip.

If you're headed to CB and you're looking to take a break from mountain biking or hiking, or you're simply looking to go fly fishing while you're in the area, the Three Rivers Resort will certainly do a great job of helping you land some fish. Even if you don't hire one of their guides to lead you out on the water, drop by their tackles shop to pick up any items you might need, and get some hints and tips on where to go and what is biting. They'll be more than happy to help you out. Check out the resorts website here.

After my all-too-brief fly-fishing experience, it was time to move on to more mountain biking. Obviously that was not something that I would object to, but the next time I visited Crested Butte, you can bet that fishing will be back on the agenda. If you're headed that direction, it should be on yours too.

Video: Walking the Roads of Argentina

In 2016, a pair of travelers visited Argentina, exploring both the Salta Region in the north, and Patagonia in the south. Along the way, they shot some very dramatic video footage, which has now been assembled into this beautiful clip which not only reveals the roads of Argentina, but plenty of other breathtaking images of landscapes and people too. This well crafted short film is a joy to watch, and will get your wanderlust going as well.

 ROADS OF ARGENTINA from Guillaume JUIN on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: ASAP Dash - The Fastest USB Battery Charger On the Market?

For me, one of the most life-altering pieces of technology that has appeared in my lifetime is the smartphone. Sure, mobile phones existed before the iPhone and Android appeared on the market, but those devices, coupled with great mobile operating systems and a creative app ecosystem, have fundamentally altered the way we work, play, and communicate on a daily basis.

But if those gadgets still have one fundamental flaw, its the with their battery life. As we use them throughout our day, they can run out of charge very quickly, ending up useless. Fortunately there are a wide array of portable USB battery chargers on the market that give us a quick boost of power when we start to run low. The downside of most of them however, is that they are yet another device that we need to keep charged, and if you've ever used one, they can take awhile to gather power too.

Enter the ASAP Dash, a portable USB charger that promises to be the fastest charging battery pack the market. The device is currently in the crowdfunding stage, but is well on its way of achieving the $30,000 goal that its designers need to get it into production. What sets the Dash apart from the competition is that it can save enough power to recharge an iPhone in under five minutes, or completely fill its 5000 mAh battery in just 15. That means you don't have to wait long for it to be ready, which is different from most other battery packs that I've used, which can often take hours to fully charge.

So how does it do it? Well, unlike most other portable chargers, the Dash doesn't rely on a slow micro-USB port to provide it with energy. Instead, it ships with a high capacity adapter of its own, which is capable of filling the internal battery in a matter of a few minutes. The final product will even ship with a car adapter so you can fill it up while on the road too.


In terms of design, the ASAP Dash is sleek, small, and light. It is also very rugged, and has been build to survive a drop of more than one meter, with its anodized aluminum shell keeping it safe from harm. That makes it great for travel, where weight and durability are always an issue.

I got the chance to test an early prototype model, and came away very impressed. The actual build quality of the Dash is quite nice, and it looks very classy. My model didn't quite charge as quickly as the final version, but it was close enough to get the idea of how it will function once everything is finalized. Is it fast? Most certainly so. My test unit came with a half-charge, and I was able to fill it up completely in well under ten minutes. That's not something I can say about any other charge I've used in the past.

Its clear that a lot of attention was put into the details of the Dash. For instance, in addition to the adapter charging port, there is also a micro-USB port as well, which will allow you to charge it the old fashioned way, albeit at a much slower pace. The standard USB port that is used for charging your devices is also of the smart variety, which means it auto detects the fastest speed your smartphone or tablet is capable of gathering a charge, and tunes its flow of power accordingly. And since it has 3 Amps of power, it can recharge your devices very quickly too.

That's not to say there isn't room for improvement in the ASAP Dash. For instance, I would have preferred to have two USB ports for charging rather than one so that you and a friend can use it at the same time. That's fairly standard on most chargers these days. And while the 5000 mAh battery is capable of charging most smartphones up to three times, it will hardly put a dent in the battery life of a tablet. I'd like to see a higher capacity Dash at some point down the line so I can share the rapid-charging love with my iPad too.

The Indiegogo campaign for the Dash has been underway for a few days now, and it is already more than 80% of the way towards its goal. If you order one while in the crowdfunding phase, you can get the charger for just $69. When the Dash hits retail in June it is expected to sell for $119, so this is a real bargain.

Find out more at ChargeASAP.com and in the video below.

Video: Meet the Nomads of Mongolia

Life on the Mongolian Steppe is hard, but it is also steeped in tradition. The nomadic people that live there have been wandering that part of the world for centuries, and while modern amenities have made their life a little easier, they still very much continue to live as their ancestors have. In this beautiful video, you'll travel to the Steppe, where you'll get an up close and personal look at these nomads. They are an amazing people living in an amazing part of the world.

Nomads of Mongolia from Brandon Li on Vimeo.

Nat Geo Shares 15 Unexpected Places to Go Skiing

Winter is here, and if you're lucky you have plenty of snow to play in. But, if you're one of those winter warriors who is always on the lookout for new places to ski and snowboard than National Geographic has some suggestions you may not have considered in the past. In fact, they've assembled 15 of the most unexpected ski areas that you'll want to put on your radar.

Some of the suggestions include Malam Jabba in Pakistan, which is the only ski resort in a country that is filled with impressive mountains, and Masikryong, North Korea, which falls behind the veil of secrecy and propaganda that permeates that nation. And if neither of those are unusual enough destinations for you, give Riksgränsen, Sweden a shot. It is home to the northern-most ski area in the world, a full 200 km (125 miles) above the Arctic Circle.

Whether you enjoy skiing remote backcountry or unique resorts, this list has something for everyone. Ranging from Lebanon to Afghanistan, to Alabama, you'll find a ski area to fit your needs, including some in the most unexpected places.

Check out the full list here.

Video: A Two-Minute Journey Through Beautiful South Australia

If you're looking for an escape to some place exotic, but just don't have the time to get away at the moment, perhaps this video from National Geographic can help. It takes us to South Australia where we get a glimpse of some of the stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and wonderful people that can be found there. It is a two-minute journey through one of my favorite places.

And when you're ready to go see what Australia has to offer for yourself, check out the tours of that country that Mountain Travel Sobek has to offer.

Video: Adventure Highlights From 2015

Now that 2015 is squarely behind us, we can look back at the year that has passed an think about some of the amazing adventures that took place over the course of those 12 months. There were some amazing expeditions, challenges, and accomplishments for sure. In this video, Redbull reviews their own very adventurous year with some great clips of climbing, BASE jumping, mountain biking, and so much more. It is a good video retrospective of some of our favorite activities. Here's to another adventurous year in 2016!

Video: Miles Away - Exploring the World Through Trail Running

Exploring the world around us on foot is nothing new. Man has been doing it for ages. But in this video, trail runner Alicia Hudelson pontificates on the joys of exploring a new place while running. Along the way she takes us to some truly beautiful locations across Europe, including Switzerland, Catalunya, and elsewhere. This is adventure travel at its purist. Just heading out to a trail and running across some spectacular landscapes.

Miles Away from Dave MacLeod on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Osprey Manta AG 28 Daypack

If you're a regular reader of my "Gear Closet" stories here at The Adventure Blog, you probably already know the I have a habit of going on at great length about the product that I'm writing a review for. That is likely to be the case with the Manta AG 28 from Osprey as well, but for those of you who would rather get to the bottom line on this bag, I thought I would save you some time. So, for those folks wondering whether or not this pack will get a good review, let me just tell you now. It is amazing. Go buy one. Thank me later.

For those of you who are still around, we can now get into the details.

The Manta line of packs have been a part of the Osprey catalog for some time. But this pack, which was released this past spring, adds a nice new dimension that truly helps to separate it from the crowd. The "AG" in the bag's title stands for "Anti-Gravity" which is the name given to Osprey's innovative suspension that not only helps the pack to sit more comfortably and naturally on your body, but it can effectively carry more weight over a longer distance too.

The Anti-Gravity suspension was first introduced on Osprey's Atmos series, which is designed for backpacking and adventure travel. But now, it has trickled down to these daypacks as well. The suspension really does make a noticeable difference, and the integration of the mesh backpanel plays a big role in keeping you cooler and drier while hiking.

I have to say that I was a bit skeptical that the AG system would have as big of an impact on a daypack as it does on the larger backpacking models. But, after putting this bag to the test in the field, I can honestly say that my doubts were unfounded. The suspension is remarkable, and I think you'll find yourself coming off the trail at the end of the day feeling much better than you would with a traditional daypack without AG integration.


The Manta comes in three sizes – 20L, 28L, and 36L. (There is also a women's specific model called the Mira that comes in 18, 26, 34-liter models.) For me, the 28L version is the sweet spot for a daypack, offering plenty of room to carry everything you need, without getting so large that its starting to infringe on the small backpacking pack level. Of course, your particular needs may be a bit different than mine, but I found the 28L Manta to be just right.

As you would expect from a pack from Osprey, the Manta comes with a wide variety of pockets to store all of your gear. From its cavernous main chamber to the front pocket with mesh organizational sleeves – complete with key fob – this pack has plenty of ways to keep all of your important items organized and close at hand. There are also two surprisingly large pockets on the hipbelt as well, which I always appreciate for storage of small items such as snacks or my phone.

In terms of staying hydrated, the Manta comes with dual water bottle holders that can be found on each side of the bag, as well as a dedicated hydration sleeve. Osprey even throws in a high-quality 2.5 liter hydration bladder, which is a nice addition considering many companies require you to buy one separately. Considering the price of this pack, and all of the features it brings to the table, it was really nice to open the hydration sleeve and find the bladder tucked away inside.

That isn't the only nice little detail that Osprey has included on this pack. It also comes with its own integrated rainfly, which should be a common practice these days, but surprisingly isn't. There is also a helmet attachment loop for when you're cycling or climbing, and stretch mesh front pockets for quickly storing away extra gear, including a spare pare of shoes. Of course, Osprey has made always been good about paying attention to details, but it is nice to see that tradition continue here.

All of these features aside, the best thing about this pack is just how comfortable it feels when you're out on a hike. I can load it up with just a few small items, or stuff it to the brim with way more gear than I'll need, and it not only happily swallows up everything I throw at it, it feels good on your back too. The AG suspension is a true revelation, and a welcome addition to the daypack line. And of course, this being Osprey, the pack is very durable too, but still comes backed with the All Mighty Guarantee, which says the company will repair or replace the bag for its lifetime. You can't ask for better coverage than that.

As if all of that weren't enough, the Manta AG 28 costs just $165, which is a relative bargain when you consider everything this pack brings to the table. It is filled with excellent design decisions, includes the best suspension system on the market, offers lots of carrying capacity, and it is durable enough to survive just about anything you throw at it. It also comes with a built-in rain cover and has an excellent hydration sleeve that you'll want to use in all of your other packs as well. All of that adds up to an excellent daypack that you'll certainly want to have with you on your future hikes and adventure travel excursions.

This is the best daypack I've ever used, bar none. I think you're going to love it too. But it now at REI.com, CampSaver, or Backwoods.


Osprey Packs | Manta/Mira AG™ Product Tour from Osprey Packs on Vimeo.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tips #2 - How To Prevent Jetlag

A few weeks back I posted the first in a new series of videos in which our friend Richard Bangs shares travel tips that will sure come in handy for any of us who hit the road on a regular basis. In that first video, he shared tips on how to avoid getting the dreaded "traveler's tummy" and in the second video he tells us how to avoid jetlag. If you've ever experienced severe jetlag, you'll appreciate any options that help alleviate the problem. It can be a brutal to overcome, but if you follow Richard's advice you might be able to get through your next bout with out too much trouble.

Video: The North Face Presents - Lost Gringos

This video is definitely for those who enjoy a good story with their beautiful clips of mountains. It follows ski mountaineer Sam Smoothy – and friends – as he travels to the Andes mountains in Bolivia to follow in his father's footsteps. Year's earlier, Sam's dad went to the mountains to make some first ski descents, and now his son is doing the same. The story is both inspiring and touching, with some great scenery as well. Get comfortable for this one, you'll want to watch it all the way through.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tip #6: Home Safety While You're Away

Who hasn't left home for an extended trip, only to wonder if we remembered to lock the doors and turn off the stove. Adventure travel expert Richard Bangs is back this week with another travel tip, this time offering some suggestions on home safety while we're on the road, something he learned the hard way on a trip to North Korea.

Off on a Brief Canadian Adventure

I wanted to share a quick updated with Adventure Blog readers for what is to come this week. Tomorrow I leave for Quebec, Canada for a few days of winter fun. My adventure up north will include some dogsledding and snowshoeing, while exploring some of the great outdoor environments that Quebec has to offer. To say I am excited about the trip would be an understatement. 

I'm told that we'll have Internet access at various times while traveling, so if possible I will share some of my experiences as they are happening. It should be an incredibly fun excursion filled with lots of interesting activities and destinations, and I hope to provide some insights into what it is like there during the winter. 

As for the weather, the forecast says it is going to be cold. Like -15ºF/-26ºC cold. The region has also had in excess of 5 meters (16 feet) of snowfall so far this winter. That means it should be well suited for the activities that we have planned. It also means that I should get plenty of chances to test some gear while I'm there, so look for a slew of reviews to follow my return. 

I hope everyone has a great week filled with some adventures of their own. I'll be back before you know it, and sharing stories, news, and info. 

Majorcan Adventures: Hiking and Driving the Wild Coast

Yesterday I returned home from my all-too brief visit to Majorca, Spain's beautiful and enchanting Mediterranean island paradise. If you've ready my previous two articles about that experience (Part 1 and Part 2 here) was a relaxing one, during which my traveling companions and I enjoyed camping the local food and wine, while soaking up plenty of history and culture as well. But, it wasn't all just about eating and drinking while basking in the Mediterranean sun. We also enjoyed some active escapes as well, including hiking and driving some of the most scenic coastlines I have ever encountered.

For our trip to Majorca we enjoyed a stay in an amazing villa located in the town of Pollença. Our accommodations for the trip were provided by Travelopo, a website that specializes in providing luxury villa rentals not only on the Spanish island, but in other amazing European destinations as well, including France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal too. Our particular villa served as a comfortable base camp for our trip, and it was nicely situated close to town, so we could walk into the village each night for dinner at any number of wonderful restaurants. It was definitely a great place to stay, and one that were reluctant to leave at the end of our trip.

As fantastic as our villa was however, we weren't content to just hang around there for the entire stay. We ventured out regularly, with visits to nearby towns, wineries, and beaches luring us to a variety of locations on the large – but still very drivable – island. In fact, the roads are well maintained, clearly marked, and easy to follow, making it a simple affair to find the various places you are looking for. In the smaller towns, like Pollença, the streets can get quite narrow however, so we often found it better to park and wander on foot whenever possible.

One of the highlights of our trip was exploring some of the local markets, which take place in different villages on different days. For instance, Pollença holds its weekly market on Sunday, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and hand-crafted goods for visitors and locals alike.  It is relatively small however, when compared to the Wednesday market held in the village of Sineau. While walking the streets of this town, you'll not only discover plenty of good food and wine, but also leather goods, clothing, sweet treats, and custom-made art. You'll even see live animals such as chickens, goats, dogs, rabbits, and a variety of colorful birds for sale, right alongside knock-off electronics and more.


These open-air markets are colorful and chaotic, with lots to see and do. Wandering through one, you'll find locals and foreigners alike haggling over the price of goods, while jamming the streets in all directions. For those of us who are use to dropping by a conveniently placed, and well-stocked, grocery store, it is quite an experience, and one that any visitor to Majorca should have on their schedule.

Of course, visitors should also be sure to take in some of the island's natural wonders too. For instance, we spent one morning visiting the Parc Natural die Mondrago, which is a nature preserve located along the south coast. The park has several hiking trails – all of which are relatively easy and well marked – that take visitors along the edge of the water for some stunning views of Majorca's coastline. Here, the water is a turquoise color unlike any you'll find just about anywhere else. It is clear and blue, and incredibly inviting. If you visit the park, be sure to bring your bathing suit, as there several beaches that provide access for a dip in the Mediterranean.

We found the park to be an amazing place to take photos, with high cliffs towering above the azure waters, while the beaches provide access to the sea itself. And while we didn't get the chance to kayak along those rocky walls, I imagine it would be a great way to explore this section of coast, which even had some intriguing looking sea caves to wander in and out of. While hiking the trails, we also stumbled across an old machine gun nest left over from World War II that overlooked the coast. It was a surprising discovery along this idyllic coast, and provided yet another glimpse into Majorca's history.

Mondrago isn't the only place to explore the islands beautiful coastline. Heading to the other side of Majorca you can take a drive up an even more dramatic and awe-inspiring section of the coast. Follow highway Ma-1110 out of the capital of city of Palma until you reach the town of Valldemossa, which is situated on the towering hills and cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean. The village, which is home to about 2000 people, was founded in 123 BC and sits 500 meters (1640 feet) above the water, providing some spectacular views of the area. You'll also find several quaint little coffee shops and bars if you find you want to stop for a beverage and enjoy some tapas. Considering the town's rich history, that would be completely understandable.

Continuing further down the road on Ma-10, you'll find a similar experience in the even smaller village of Deià, which is even more enchanting than Valldermossa, although more difficult to find parking or even a place to stop to take photos. But, the views spotted from the road are utterly spectacular, and well worth the effort.

Driving this wandering highway is a bit of an adventure in and of itself. It is incredibly narrow, and it twists along the side of the mountain, often obscuring on-coming traffic until the very last moment. That isn't so bad since most of the vehicles on Majorca are small cars. But it only takes a chance encounter or two with a tourist bus to have your life flash before your eyes. That said however, the drive is a fantastic one, with all the passengers being treated to some of the most beautiful scenery you'll find anywhere. The drive on the other hand will need to keep his or her eyes on the road at most times, making it a bit more challenging for them to soak it all in. But, since most of the trip occurs within the wonderful Serra de Tramuntana World Heritage site, you know that it must be grand.

As the old saying goes, "all good things must come to an end," so too did our wonderful escape to this Spanish setting. After spending more than a week on Majorca, my friends and I began the long journey home, but not before spending a lovely night in Madrid first. Out flights the following day didn't go exactly as expected – a common occurrence it seems in modern travel – but we made it home at last with some amazing tales to share with our other friends who were not lucky enough to join us. What we discovered on Majorca was a place filled with natural and cultural beauty. It was also a destination that offers plenty of relaxation and comfort to go along with its history and unique charms. I don't think any of us will ever forget our experiences there, and I'm sure we'll be laughing about some of the stories we now share for years to come.

If you haven't been there yourself, and are seeking a magical escape to the Mediterranean, I can't recommend Majorca highly enough.

Big thanks to my friends at Travelopo for providing such a fantastic place to stay while we were there. The experience was simply lovely, and that was in no small part due to the great villa we stayed in. It was a rare treat to say the least, and everyone enjoyed it immensely.

Video: A Spectacular Journey Through Mongolia

Filmed over a three month period this past fall, this video takes us to Mongolia, where we get a look at the amazing landscapes, wildlife, and people that live there. From the bustling towns, to the remote mountains and desert, this is an amazing look at a country that remains wild and diverse, even in the 21st century.

MONGOLIA from Nessim Stevenson on Vimeo.

On the Road Again - Backpacking Bryce Canyon

It seems I've been home for an all-too-brief stay, but its time to go on the road again. This time, I'm headed for Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah where I'll be backpacking for the rest of the week with the fine folks at REI Adventures. This trip was actually organized by the REI retail team, so over the next few days I'll be joining some other outdoor writers in testing some of the latest and greatest gear from that company.  That means I'll be off the gird for the rest of the week, with no updates to The Adventure Blog in the meantime. But, I should be back at it next week. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing Bryce, a national park I haven't visited yet. I'm sure I'll have a story or two to share from the experience as well.

Video: Official Trailer for Crossing Bhutan - Ultrarunning in the Himalaya

A few years back, four endurance athletes set out on a month long journey through the heart of Bhutan, a tiny kingdom in the Himalaya that is as rugged and stunning beautiful as any place on Earth. Their journey would cover more than 485 miles on foot, going border to border in a place that is unlike any other. This video gives us a glimpse of that journey and serves as a trailer for a full-length documentary about the project. Check it out below, and you'll be eager to see the entire film.

 CROSSING BHUTAN Trailer from Crossing Bhutan on Vimeo.

Nat. Geo Offers 10 New Trails to Explore in 2016

Still looking for a new challenge in the New Year? Why not let National Geographic Adventure help? The website has published a list of 10 long distance hiking trails that can be found all over the world, many of which have only been conceived and designed over the past few years. These new trails take hikers into remote areas, serving up amazing views and a healthy dose of cultural immersion along the way. And they just might be your new favorite destination for 2016.

Amongst the new trails that make the list is the Alpe Adria Trail, which opened in 2011 and stretches for 260 km (162 miles) across Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Broken into 43 individual stages of roughly 19 km (12 miles), the trail has been designed to make logistics a non-factor. Most of the stages take just one day to hike, although they link into one another in such a way that through hikers will have no problem pushing forward. Each stage also ends in a local village where hikers will find places to stay and resupply as well.

Other new hikes on the list include The Bigfoot Trail in California, which stretches for 579 km (360 miles) through six wilderness areas and the Redwood National Park. It's joined by Scotland's John Muir Way, which opened in 2014, and the Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Historical Trail in Africa, which runs for 805 km (500 miles) along a route that crosses through Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda in Africa.

I'll leave the remainder of the trails on the list up to you to discover, but it is safe to say there are some great hikes on the list that I haven't even mentioned yet that will be of interest to many of you. Because most of these trails have only opened in the past few years, they remain relatively unknown, which means they'll also be most empty too. Go before the crowds and enjoy these wilderness areas as they are meant to be – pristine, tranquil, and mostly unexplored.

View the whole list here.