For nearly 30 years, REI Adventures has brought guests to unforgettable places to enjoy activities they love with like-minded travelers. Today, the leading active travel company announces new itineraries.
“Our new trips feature the rich history and traditions of Europe, clear blue waters of Latin America, and desert wonderland known as Joshua Tree National Park,” says Cynthia Dunbar, general manager of REI Adventures. “Time and time again, our guests share how their travel changed their perspective of the world and that fellow guests are now lifelong friends. Key to their experience was our local guides’ attention to every detail and unexpected highlights from adventures that go off the beaten path.”
Europe– Four new trips, including:
England Coast to Coast Hiking: REI’s nine-day hike traces highlights of the famous 192-mile route by focusing on the most stunning landscapes, storybook castles, and quaint villages that boast local teahouses and lively pubs. With prevailing winds at their back, hikers journey west to east, starting in England’s romantic Lake District. The group heads into James Herriot country to explore the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales before crossing the purple heather-strewn moors of the North York Moors National Park to reach the wild North Sea.
Scotland Family Adventure: An activity-filled trip takes families on an eight-day journey through the Scottish Highlands where they learn about the country’s history, while enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking, geocaching and trekking with reindeer. Families also ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, learn the art of archery and explore a medieval castle on the shores of the mythical Loch Ness monster.
Latin America – Six new itineraries, including:
Baja California Hiking and Kayaking: This multisport trip ventures between the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, and it’s no wonder why the region is called an “island in the sky.” After hiking the peninsula and summiting the highest peak in the Sierra de la Laguna range, guests kayak in clear blue waters along picturesque beaches and abundant marine life, and snorkel with sea lions. A seven-day family itinerary is also available.
Belize Lighthouse Reef and Mayan Adventure: Over nine days, guests experience all that Belize has to offer: hundreds of bird and fish species, tropical plants and cultures living in harmony. Travelers first visit the Barrier Reef, the longest unbroken reef in the western hemisphere. They then snorkel and kayak around Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Natural Monument, one of the world’s top scuba diving and snorkeling sites. After four days on the reef, the group heads inland to hike and bike the mountainous terrain with Mayan archaeological sites, rocky plateaus, creeks, waterfalls and more.
United States and British Columbia – 11 new trips, including:
Backpacking Joshua Tree National Park: This expedition-style through trip covers more than 25 miles in four days. The group starts with a gentle hike in Hidden Valley, followed by the Maze Trail where guests navigate through mini slot canyons and boulder formations that are secluded from crowds. Highlights also include seasonal pools at Willow Hole that attract bighorn sheep and many types of birds, and a scramble up Key’s Mountain for an incredible view.
Late this year, REI will introduce another series of national park trips to expand its camp assortment. As the “Official Outdoor Retailer” for the National Park Centennial celebration, REI is donating 10 percent of the retail price for each national park trip to the National Park Foundation through 2016.