If your taste in vacations runs to something more adventurous than a week at the beach or a popular golf course, you're in luck. The Appalachian Mountain Club has for years extended its reach beyond hiking in the northeastern U.S. to the most exotic locations around the world, including trips to locales as varied as Africa, Thailand, and Greece.
Climb Kilimanjaro, hike the wilds of Tanzania-or head for the exotic Asian beauty and culture of Thailand. Live and travel on a raft as you explore the lush greenery and wildlife of this tropical country, then explore, by raft, on foot, and by elephant, many indigenous Hill Tribe villages. Visit the ancient city of Chiang Mai, and even learn Thai cooking before you end your stay relaxing on one of their sunny beaches or snorkeling their clear waters.
Or explore the Greek Islands, beginning with a visit to the National Archeological Museum and Acropolis in Athens, then a ferry trip to the islands of Naxos, Santorini, and Crete, where you will be exposed to local dress and customs, as well as beautiful churches, monasteries, and other architectural wonders from many periods of Greek history. Enjoy the country's compelling and dramatic mountainous terrain and the sea's natural beauty as you absorb the traditions and friendliness of the native inhabitants.
New Zealand, Tibet, Bhutan, Romania, the European Alps, or closer to home in the Caribbean or the ski country of Canada-wherever your wanderlust takes you, the AMC is likely to have an exciting adventure for you. Just be sure to sign up soon; these trips fill up fast.
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics.