vol. 4 · of adventure travel around the world. 7 mountain summits this year, we bagged seven...

VOL. 4

2020: Let the adventure begin!

Welcome to the first Bucketlister of 2020! We hope your 2019 was as exciting as ours - and that you managed to tick some adventures off your bucket list. For us, it’s been a big 12 months, taking almost 200

lucky travellers on trips all around the world, launching

our Trailblazers first-look programme, and growing

our community of Bucketlisters.

In November we even held our first ever Bucket List

reunion at our HQ in North Devon. It was a really fun

weekend of catching up, walking on the beautiful

South West Coast Path and, of course, sharing a few

beers!

So, we start off this quarter’s Bucketlister in the true spirit

of the New Year, looking back over our adventures of

2019 (page 4) and casting an eye forwards over what is

to come for The Bucket List Company in 2020 (page 6).

If you’re wondering what you should add to your New

Year’s bucket list, we share some ideas and inspiration

- whether it’s taking the next step up from climbing

Kilimanjaro (page 10) or trying out some exhilarating

new activities in Morocco (page 14).

However, 2020 isn’t just about ticking off those

once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Now more than ever,

travellers are thinking about how their travels could

affect the lives of others - now and in years to come.

Head to page 22 to find out why ethical adventure

travel is taking over from extravagant luxury holidays

in 2020. Or, if your New Year’s resolution is to become

a more eco-conscious trekker, flip to page 12 to read

our tips on sustainable travel in Nepal.

And, of course, we have all of the usual good stuff,

including trip reports from the Great Wall of China and

Island Peak, guide bios and much more.

We hope you enjoy this issue of The Bucketlister. Here’s

to an epic year of adventures ahead!

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WHAT’S INSIDE?

4 OUR 2019 IN ADVENTUREFind out what we got up to in 2019 - from bagging more summits of Mount Kilimanjaro to exploring new destinations such as Jordan and Mount Elbrus.

SO YOU’VE CLIMBED KILI: WHAT’S NEXT?Have you ticked Mount Kilimanjaro off your bucket list? If so, congratulations! But what’s next?

A GUIDE TO ETHICAL TRAVEL IN NEPALWith rubbish on the slopes of Mount Everest in the spotlight, here are our top tips for sustainable travel in Nepal.

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WHY ADVENTURE TRAVEL IS REPLACING LUXURY

HOLIDAYS IN 2020

GUIDE BIO: YOSH

22 32 36

SOLO OR SMITTEN, TRAVEL WILL BOOST

YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. HERE’S WHY

14 Beyond the Medina: 5 Unique Activities in Morocco 16 Nepal: Island Peak

Trip Report

thebucketlistcompany.co.uk 0176 930 9007

bucketlistcompany the_bucketlist_co@Bucket_ListCo

Our 2019 in AdventureHere at The Bucket List Company, 2019 was an exciting year. It was the year that we set our sights further afield than ever before, leading new trips for the first time, announcing our Trailblazers programme to explore new destinations, and expanding our community of Bucketlisters - both those who are already ticking off adventures with us and those who were new to the game.

We even had our first ever Bucket List marriage proposal - and don’t worry, it was a yes!

Now that we’re into a new year, we thought it was only right to take a look back over the past 12 months of adventure travel around the world.

7 mountain summits

This year, we bagged seven mountain summits - including Mount Toubkal, Mount Kilimanjaro, Island Peak and Mount Elbrus. Not to mention the small-but-mighty Mount Snowdon, which some of our Bucketlisters climbed for their pre-trek training!

Over 176,000 kilometres collectively trekked in 2019

Give yourselves a pat on the back, Bucketlisters, because collectively, you hiked over 176,000 miles in 2019! That’s equivalent to more than four circumnavigations of the world!

Almost 200 Bucket List ticks

Nearly 200 of us have ticked new destinations off our bucket lists this year!

...And this is just the beginning!

SUMMITS

176,000

COUNTRIES

CONTINENTSACROSS49200

HERE’S A TASTE OF WHAT WE ACHIEVED TOGETHER IN 2019...

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40K

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5THE BUCKETLISTER VOL 4

2000 Bucketlister magazines read

In the first year of this magazine, over 2,000 copies of The Bucketlister have been read - from the Adventure Travel Show, to our climbing centre, to your homes (and maybe beyond - let us know, where have you read your copy?!)

We were shortlisted for two awards this year, but really it’s all the lovely feedback from our happy Bucketlisters that keeps us smiling!

8 new trips run

And, with our new Trailblazers trips coming up soon, there are only going to be more!

20 UNESCO World Heritage sites visited

From Machu Picchu to the Great Wall of China and lots of lesser-known gems along the way, it’s been a cultural journey as well as one of adventures.

40,000 new Facebook followers

Our online community has more than doubled this year! We’re so happy to have you with us on this journey.

Our first ever Bucket List marriage proposal

And finally, we had our first ever Bucket List proposal this year, at Everest Base Camp. How romantic!

2 Seven Summits climbed

We climbed two of the Seven Summits this year. Can you guess which ones they are?

7 languages practiced

From the “Yalla!”s to the “Namaste”s, our local guides have shared countless local phrases with our Bucketlisters.

Thank you so much for following us (or joining us!) on our adventures throughout 2019. We can’t wait to see what this year will hold. Keep reading for a little teaser of what’s to come.

2000

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SHORTLISTEDAWARDS

FOR


...We certainly do. 2019 was a whopper for us, but 2020 is going to be even bigger. Here at The Bucket List Company, we’re always looking for new ways to inspire our Bucketlisters and give them the most incredible, unique travel experiences the world has to offer.

And right now, there are so many exciting things in the works. We can’t tell you everything just yet, but here is a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2020 and beyond.

New trips for 2020

It’s always exciting to tick a new country off your list. So, we can’t wait to go off on some of our new trips this year. They’re not all to new countries,

though. In some cases we’re revisiting our favourite destinations to see what else they have to offer!

We kick off the year in style by tackling our highest summit yet. Some lucky Bucketlisters are heading out to Argentina to climb the mighty Mount Aconcagua - the highest mountain outside of Asia. At 6,962 metres, this Seven Summit is a trekking peak - but a tough one. We have no doubt, though, that it will be a beautiful journey, and an immensely rewarding summit.

Next, we’re heading out to Morocco in March to sample the white water of the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll be rafting through Morocco’s ‘Grand Canyon’, paddling past epic landscapes

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2020IN TRAVEL AT THE BUCKET LIST COMPANY

So we’re a week or two into the new year. How are your resolutions holding up? Do you have big adventures planned for 2020?

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such as Cathedral Rock, and camping Berber-style in the wilderness. (Head to page 14 to find out more about this brilliant trip!)

Then, in May, we’re off to Croatia and Montenegro to run our first Trailblazers trip! This exciting adventure will involve everything from white water rafting, snorkelling and kayaking to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik. We can’t wait!

Finally - for the new trips, anyway - we are returning to Tanzania for our Ultimate Tanzanian Experience trip. Here, we will share everything that makes the east African country so special with our Bucketlisters, from trekking to Mount Meru to helping out in a local school, visiting the Ngorongoro Crater to going on safari in Tarangire National Park.

(You can still book a place on some of these new 2020 trips - just give us a call to enquire about land-only options and lump-sum payments.)

Trailblazers launchesOf course, we will also be revealing plenty more Trailblazers trips throughout 2020.

Some of them remain to be unveiled, but if you’ve visited our website you will know that we have a Trailblazers trip to Cambodia and Vietnam being launched soon.

From exploring famous ancient ruins to learning Tai Chi on the serene shores of Halong Bay, this trip is going to be a real fusion of culture and adventure. We don’t want to give too much away just yet - but let’s just say it’s going to be something very special!

So keep an eye on the Trailblazers page of our website - and our social media. Sign up to become

a Trailblazer to be the first to know when our new first-look discounted trips are released!

Bucket List FamiliesIt’s a new year - in fact, a new decade - and so it only feels right that we’re branching out in 2020.

Here at The Bucket List Company, we are adventurers through and through, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t also normal people, with normal lives and families. One of the most common questions we get about our trips is, “Can my kids come?” and this got us thinking throughout 2019 - why not?

Well, our current trips aren’t really suitable for children for a variety of reasons, but we understand that, when travellers become parents, they don’t always want to give up their adventurous lifestyles. We also know, from our experience running overseas school trips as The School Expedition Company, that travel can be one of the most enriching gifts you can give your children.

So, we came up with the concept of Bucket List Families - trips that will be tailored specifically to families with children. There’s a lot to be said about this exciting new branch of The Bucket List Company, so we won’t go into too much detail yet, but just know that if you want to give your family the most amazingly inspirational and educational experience you could possibly share - through travel - you’ll want to keep up to date with this one!

(And don’t worry, our regular Bucket List trips will keep running and growing as usual, too!)

There’s a little insight into just a few of the developments you can expect to see at The Bucket List Company throughout 2020. We can’t wait to share the next year with you, so strap yourselves in, it’s time for take-off!


“WHEREVER YOU GO, GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART.”

Confucius

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Koutoubia Mosque Marrakech October 2019

Image by Dan Jones


For many people, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is considered the ultimate achievement. But what if you’ve already climbed Kili? What if you’ve reached the Roof of Africa and, back home and in the office, you find yourself with that restless feeling, those itchy feet that are trying to tell you new adventures must be had?

Well, I’m afraid to tell you that if this sounds familiar, you may have entered the cycle of mountaineering. Well known among outdoors folk, the ‘cycle of mountaineering’ is a state many of us get into after feeling the rush of standing on a mountain summit, and then returning to the mundanity of everyday life. All of the things that we thought we would savour back in the comfort of our homes - the cosy beds, the cups of tea on demand - all seem to disappear as the urge to embark on another adventure grows.

Before you know it, you’re looking for something bigger, better. But what’s next after Kilimanjaro? If you’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and are now looking for the next challenge, here is our guide to which mountains to tick off your bucket list next - and how to get there.

Which mountains should be on my bucket list?So you’ve reached the lofty summit of Kilimanjaro, and now you have the mountain bug. Which peaks offer a good, progressive next step? Generally speaking, we would advise trekkers to tick summits off their list in incremental form - going a little higher and a little harder each time.

Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 metres, is pretty high. But breaking through to the 6,000s is something else entirely. Kili is essentially a hard trek at altitude - it’s not snowy, it doesn’t require particular skills. So, the next step would be to either opt for a trekking peak that is higher, or one that is in a colder climate - or both.

Here are a few suggestions...

Mount Elbrus, RussiaMount Elbrus is the perfect next step from climbing Kili. It might not be the best-known mountain in the world, but Elbrus is actually one of the Seven Summits, being the highest mountain on the European continent. Climbing to its snowy summit is a brilliant introduction to roped trekking.

Elbrus sits at 5,642 metres - but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s easier than Kili just because it’s not as high. The slopes of Elbrus are steeper, the terrain more challenging, and the trek involves Alpine skills such as fitting and walking in crampons over snowfield, trekking with an ice axe, fitting a harness, and walking with a rope. In order to complete this climb, you will complete training during the trek in emergency measures such as ice axe arrests - an essential skill for mountaineers.

Climbing Mount Elbrus should be achievable for most people who have climbed Kili - but you will still need to train. This is a much more strenuous trek, and also requires more mental concentration due to the technical skills involved. However, the views over the Caucasus Mountains from the summit will make all of your efforts worth your while.

So You’ve Climbed Kili: What’s Next?

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Island Peak, NepalAnother step up from Mount Elbrus in terms of technicality is Island Peak in Nepal. However, which mountain of the two you will find most strenuous will depend on your strengths and preferences.

Locally called Imja Tse, the mountain sits at 6,189 metres high. At this elevation, oxygen levels are severely lacking, and you will feel it.

One of the most important success factors in climbing Island Peak is therefore the amount of time you spend getting there - the longer you give yourself to acclimatise, the better. That’s why we run our Island Peak treks over 15 days, giving you the best possible chance of acclimatising and thus not only reaching the summit, but also staying safe.

Island Peak is still technically a trekking peak, but it does require rope work, plus some abseiling on the way down. You will receive professional training in everything you need to do during the trek, but it is always helpful to get some practice before you leave. Why not try out rock climbing to get a feel for it?

Climbing Island Peak is strenuous and involves some technical elements, but it is achievable to those who put the time and work into preparation. The trek itself is exceptionally spectacular, with views of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Lhotse and so many more iconic peaks along the way.

How do I get there?There are several skills you should practise before setting out to climb Mount Elbrus or Island Peak. These include:

Fitting crampons and harnesses

Walking on snowfield with crampons

Hiking with an ice axe

Trekking in the cold

Tying into and walking with ropes

Basic rock climbing

Ice axe arrests

Besides these essential skills, it is important to get your general levels of cardiovascular fitness as high as you can before attempting either trek. The best way to do this is by hillwalking whilst carrying weight - as this is the closest simulation of what you’ll actually be doing during the trip. However, you can also consider running and other fitness regimes to improve your overall stamina and strength.

The final consideration for moving up from Mount Kilimanjaro to Mount Elbrus or Island Peak is getting the right kit. We provide the essential safely equipment such as ropes on our trips, but it is good to be familiar with using them before you fly out, so practising using crampons, harnesses and ice axes beforehand is a good idea.

You will also need to ensure that your clothing and sleeping equipment is warm enough to keep you safe and comfortable in the colder climates of high-altitude Russia and Nepal. It may have been chilly on KIli’s summit night, but these peaks are at a whole new level!

Those are our top tips for where to set your sights after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. However, every individual’s experience of the mountains varies, so if you’re looking for your next challenge, we strongly advise you to give us a call and discuss the options for your next adventure. After all, we’re always full of ideas when it comes to travel!

You can reach us on 01769 309 007.


When you imagine the Nepalese Himalayas, what do you see? Immense peaks blanketed in unbroken snow, luscious green valleys, crystal-clear streams – all with nothing man-made in sight besides the prayer flags strewn over the jagged rocks?

Well, unfortunately, the world’s highest mountain range hasn’t always looked this way. Ever since Tenzing and Hilary’s first ever summit of Everest in 1965, the trail to the roof of the world had become increasingly covered by litter.

This reached a climax when, in 2014, the Nepali government put in measures requiring summitters

to carry down eight kilos of waste from the mountain. Since then the condition of the trails and camps has been improving dramatically. However, in order to preserve this truly unparalleled environment, it is important that everyone who goes trekking in Nepal does whatever they can to keep the trails clean.

So, with this in mind, here are our guides’ top ten tips for being environmentally-friendly whilst travelling in Nepal.

A GUIDE TO ETHICAL TRAVEL IN NEPAL

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1. Carry it up, carry it down //

The first tip for environmentally-friendly trekking in Nepal is an obvious one: don’t litter. Bins on the trails are rare, and due to the remoteness of the Himalayas, garbage disposal services cannot always reach them. This means there is no guarantee that the rubbish you place in bins will make it to landfill – let alone be recycled. So, try to carry as much of your waste as possible back down to Kathmandu. In fact, the organisation Sagarmatha Next actually has a collecting station in Namche Bazaar, where trekkers can pick up compressed plastic water bottles to take with them back to Lukla for pick-up and recycling. This is a great way to help clean up this stunning part of the world.

2. Use a refillable water bottle //

Visitors cannot drink the tap water in Nepal, which which leads some hikers to buy disposable bottled water. However, due to a lack of rubbish collection, these bottles can end up flying out into the mountains or being burnt. To avoid this, ensure you bring at least two refillable water bottles with you. Filtering water bottles such as Water-to-Go bottles are a great choice, as they feature a sophisticated filter in the lid, allowing you to simply fill the bottle and drink safely straight away.

3. Take eco-friendly cosmetics //

We all want to stay fresh on the trail, but it’s important to be aware that many cosmetics such as face wash, body wash and toothpastes contain microplastics, which pollute local rivers and water supplies. Ensure none of the products you carry contain microplastics, and use biodegradable items where possible, only washing in tea houses or 100 metres from any natural water source.

4. Wear eco-friendly, long-lasting clothing //

Microplastics are also present in a lot of synthetic trekking gear. For this reason, it is advisable to look out for trekking clothing made out of natural materials such as wool, silk, hemp and linen. Alternatively, avoid washing your synthetic items during the trek itself, as this is when microplastics can enter the water system.

5. Practice your “Pardaina”s //

“Pardaina” is the Nepali phrase for “I don’t need it”. Learning the phrase, “Pardaina, dhan’yavāda” (“I don’t need it, thank you”) is essential if you want to trek in the Himalayas and avoid unnecessary plastic packaging.

6. Use the toilets! //

On the slopes of Everest itself, one of the biggest sources of waste is – well – human waste. This is somewhat understandable, as there are no toilets at Camp V! However, there are plenty of toilets available on the on the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit. If you absolutely must go outside, ensure you do so at least 100 metres away from any natural water source, and dig a hole at least a foot deep, covering it well.

7. Off-setting your air fares //

We highly recommend that everyone who travels with The Bucket List Company offsets the carbon emissions of their air travel. You can do this by buying ‘green credits’ – or contributing to environmental projects – on the ClimateCare website. Alternatively, you could support a local environmental charity in Nepal, or get involved with volunteering projects at home

To find out more about how to be environmentally friendly in Nepal, read the full article in our Knowledge Centre!

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For so many people, Morocco is synonymous with Marrakech. But, as fascinating as this bustling city is, there is so much more to Morocco ready to be discovered. If you’re an explorative soul who is always in search of exciting new activities to try around the world, do not overlook Morocco as an adventure travel destination.

Because in fact, there is no end of amazing experiences awaiting the adventurous traveller in Morocco. From gushing down surging rapids to climbing snow-covered peaks, Morocco is full of surprises. Let us guide you through the top five adrenaline-inducing activities to try - beyond the Medina - on your next trip to this intoxicating country.

White water rafting

Many people think of Morocco as a desert destination, but did you know that it is also home to some of the most exhilarating rapids in the world?

Cutting through the Atlas Mountains is the Ahansal River. The river carves through the dusky orange canyon walls, creating a striking landscape known by locals - and rafting enthusiasts - as ‘Morocco’s Grand Canyon’.

Here, you can immerse yourself in a true adventure, rafting through the towering mountains on crystal-clear waters. Rush down class four rapids, splashing and weaving your way along the surging river. Along the way, slow down to a gentle paddle at times to take in the wonder of landmarks including Cathedral Rock, Aleppo pine forests and the famous Cascades d’Ouzoud.

Spending days rafting through the mountains, you’ll feel like you’re on a true expedition, miles from the buzz of the cities. Finish off each day relaxing by a cosy fire at your Berber camp, sipping on Moroccan tea beneath the stars after a day of full-blown adventure.

Camel trekkingMorocco’s reputation is almost inextricably linked with the Sahara Desert - and for good reason, as a large portion of the country consists of it! This is one of the most accessible countries for exploring the Sahara, with the popular city of Marrakech just a short jeep drive from the dunes.

Beyond the Medina: 5 Unique Activities in MoroccoWhen you think of Morocco, what comes to mind? Is it the vibrant souks, full of stalls laden with colourful slippers, ceramics and sweets? The ancient, intricately-tiled mosques? A hot cup of mint tea poured at great height from a silver teapot, steam billowing through the evening air?

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There are many ways to experience the Sahara Desert, but the most authentic way to do so is on foot. Trekking through the Sahara will give you an unrivalled sense of the majesty of nature, with dunes and hamada stretching out for thousands of miles beneath your feet. Here, the only other people you will come across are Bedouin communities migrating across the desert with their camels in tow.

In fact, you can even hike alongside a camel, led by your local guide, getting a real sense of the working relationship between camel and cameleer. This is a truly special way to get a feel for Bedouin culture, whilst trekking through some incredibly impressive landscapes.

Climbing Mount ToubkalDid you know that the highest mountain in North Africa is located in Morocco? If you’re a keen trekker, then the answer is probably yes - so it’s about time you got it ticked off your bucket list! Mount Toubkal is located in the High Atlas Mountains, and is a brilliant peak for both beginner and more experienced mountain trekkers, depending on the time of year you decide to tackle it.

In winter, Mount Toubkal is a somewhat challenging Alpine-style trek, using crampons and ice axes (the latter in case of an emergency) on the way to a snow-covered summit. In the summer, however, Toubkal is more of a long trek at altitude, with little to no snow and no specialist equipment needed.

At any time of year, the route up through the terraced fields, Berber villages and rugged canyons is richly rewarding. But nothing will prepare you for the views from the top. Sit back and take in the panoramic vistas, stretching over the entirety of the Atlas Mountains, the Anti-Atlas and all the way to the Sahara Desert.


Waterfall swimmingHidden away amongst the Atlas Mountains are countless beauty spots simply brimming with adventure. One of the most well-loved of them all is the Cascades d’Ouzoud. We visit these waterfalls en route during our white water rafting trip, and they are quite the sight to behold.

Several tiers of falls plummet downwards, emptying into the El-Abid River gorge and the spectacular plunge pool that lies at the base of the cascades, surrounded by green valleys, orchards and olive trees.

In the azure waters below the Cascades d’Ouzoud, you can take a leisurely boat ride closer to the falls, or even wild swim in the shallows. It’s a secluded and enchanting spot that is popular with locals and visitors alike, all relaxing in this mountain oasis.

Hot air balloon rideFor a unique perspective of Morocco, it doesn’t get much more special than taking a hot air balloon ride. Drive through the early morning just a short way from Marrakech to reach the location of your balloon ride. Before dawn breaks, help your crew to set up the equipment - or simply enjoy a cup of mint tea by the fire to keep warm before it’s time to board.

Climb aboard and the adventure really begins. Higher you will rise through the dawn skies,

floating over lush green plains and mountain foothills as the sun rises in breathtaking hues over the horizon. Peering down over rural villages and endless valleys, you will see just how diverse and beautiful Morocco is.

These are just a few of the unforgettable experiences waiting to be had in Morocco. From surfing to off-roading, yoga to diving, the opportunities for adventure are as endless as the alleyways of those labyrinthine souks… so come and see where they take you!

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OUR BUCKETLISTERS’ STORIES

“From start to finish, this trip was pieced together using the finest detail. All we had to remember was our kit and to get to the airport on time! With the help of the team at The Bucket List Company, the guides, porters and a lot of team spirit, 20/20 individuals had their dreams come true and made it to the ‘Roof of Africa’. It was an amazing experience and we have all made friends for life! You also can’t go all the way to Africa without the add on safari trip. It is absolutely worth it - we managed to see the big five and much more in just three days... the next trip is already underway!”

- Sasha Anderson

“Although I am fairly well travelled, I have never done a trip with a company in quite this way before, generally I book and arrange everything independently. The Bucket List Company made everything super easy and took any stress out of planning for the trip.

The whole experience ran smoothly from start to finish. Yes, summit night was as hard as, if not even harder, than I had ever imagined, but we had a 100% success rate to the top (far higher than other travel groups going up at the same time). This was purely down to the quality and dedication of the guides and porters. Our head guide, Whitey, was one of the friendliest and happiest individuals I have ever met. He had all of our names memorised on the first meeting and kept everyone motivated, smiling and feeling very safe throughout the expedition.

Either side of the expedition we were taken to see some of the local area, a market pre-hike and a local school thereafter. This was not a tourist trap - The Bucket List Company has genuine links to the local area and is making a very real difference to the school. This part for me was one of the unexpected highlights, and being able to spend a while playing with the children was one of the more emotional parts of the trip. Such little extras are, for me, what makes a company like this and the whole experience even more special.”

- Jody

20/20 individuals had their dreams come true…

Such little extras are, for me, what makes a company like this, and the whole experience, even more special...

To find out more about booking a life-changing adventure trip with The Bucket List Company, visit us at www.thebucketlistcompany.co.uk or call us today on 0176 930 9007.

bucketlistcompany the_bucketlist_co@Bucket_ListCo


NEPAL: ISLAND PEAK

In October, we headed out to climb Island Peak in Nepal. Island Peak, or Imja Tse as it is locally known, is a 6,189 metre high mountain in the Himalayas,

so called because it resembles an island jutting out of a sea of ice when seen from Dingboche.

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DAY 1

DAY 5

DAY 4

For many trekkers, the 6,000 metre threshold is a benchmark for more serious mountaineering. Climbing Island Peak involves not only walking at high altitude, but also some ropework, crampon skills and a lot of determination.

It might sound scary to some, but to Bucket List guide Gareth, this is what life is all about! So he was delighted to take a group of Bucketlisters out to climb this epic peak! Keep reading to find out what he got up to on our Island Peak trek...

Day 1: Travel to Kathmandu

We arrived at our hotel in Kathmandu just after midday, following a long flight east with a brief stopover in Dubai. After settling into our rooms, we had a quick briefing on what there was to do in Thamel, the region of the capital we were staying in, where to find the must-visit sites and where we could find the best places to eat.

Following this, we had the afternoon and evening to explore and experience the busy city. In the evening, we met up with the Everest Base Camp group, who were already in the country.

Day 2: Kathmandu city tour

The next day, after an early breakfast, we headed out in a minibus to visit some of the sites that were further away in the city, such as the Monkey Temple and the Boudhanath stupa. The day was made even more interesting thanks to the very knowledgeable local tour guide who explained the historical and cultural significance of every site in great detail.

With the following day being the first of nearly three weeks on the trail, myself and fellow guide Tony headed out to treat ourselves with a pizza in the popular Fire and Ice Pizzeria.

Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

After an early start, helping to rally many nervous clients, we made it to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region of the Himalayas.

Lukla airport is known for the unreliability of its outbound flights due to the changeable weather and its treacherous airstrip. However, our flight went as expected and the team enjoyed a round of hot drinks before getting on the trail to Phakding and our teahouse for the first night.

The day was warm and the walking laboured as the first hike blew away the cobwebs from the long day’s travelling.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

We woke to cloudy weather, as we had done the day before, and would for the next few days. The weather in the lower reaches of these regions seems to be unpredictable and cloudy. The second day on the trail would take us meandering at first, slowly up, following the river until we crossed the Hillary Bridge, which was made famous after its appearance in the film Everest. This was followed by a long, steep climb into Namche Bazaar, where we would relax and enjoy an acclimatisation day.

Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche

Today was our rest day - but we weren’t planning on lounging around! We headed for a half-day walk up to the Everest View Hotel to aid our acclimatisation. Some of the closer 6,000+ metre peaks towered above us, teasing us with short-lived peeks through the clouds. What was apparent, though, was the change in the terrain and landscape as we ascended to new heights.

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche

The following day we trekked to Tengboche, descending down into the steep-sided valley in the morning, before slowly climbing back up the far side in the afternoon. The tea house in Tengboche overlooks a beautiful Buddhist monastery, which the group had the pleasure of visiting, creeping


DAY 7

DAY 8

DAY 9

DAY 10

DAY 11

around in quiet whispers as they immersed themselves in learning about the lifestyles of the monks living deep in the mountains.

Day 7: Trekking to Dingboche

This morning we were up early, not to get on the trail in a rush, but because the weather was clear, giving us our first glimpse of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse directly up the valley.

However, from this distance all three mountains were overshadowed by the iconic Ama Dablam, which should be on any mountaineer’s bucket list. For the next few days, this mountain would be present on our right hand side as the Imja valley traverses around it.

After following the busy trail along the side of the Imja river, we eventually made it to Dingboche at 4200m, where we were greeted by the charming tea house owner, Ram, who is always eager to please. We also got our first sighting of the mission of the trip: Island Peak itself.

After settling into our rooms, the group left to explore the mountain village. The main “street” was on a very slight incline, and many were caught off guard with how even a stroll up to one of the many bakeries made them short of breath due to the thin air. Most ended up in café 4410, where the film Everest is shown every day at 3 p.m.

Day 8: Acclimatisation day trek to Chukkung

The following day was our second acclimatisation day, for which we ascended up the valley, towards the village of Chukung. We had a slow lunch here, buying our bodies as much time as we could to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen at this altitude, before heading back down the valley to our teahouse in Dingboche.

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche

The following day would take us into the Khumbu Valley, climbing steadily in the morning, but steeply after lunch to the Thukla Pass. Here there are brilliant views, both back towards Ama Dablam but also ahead towards Everest Base Camp. This is a very solemn point of the trek as it is the site of a memorial to many of the climbers and Sherpas, such as Scott Fischer and Rob Hall, who have lost their lives on Everest. We took a 15 minute break here to pay our respects to those lost.

From here, the trail continues gently to Lobuche, where we would stay the night.

Day 10: Trekking to Everest Base Camp

We rose early today to begin our trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. There was another obvious change in terrain headed out from Lobuche as we were now trekking along and through the moraines.

The weather was perfect today, with clear blue skies and no wind. But it was still cold if you were sat still. Once at Base Camp I found a spot to myself, leaning on a rock enjoying the view up towards the notorious Khumbu glacier on the mountain, with the sun warming my face.

Before long we were up, taking a team photo in front of the Bucket List flag and then heading back through the maze-like moraines to Gorak Shep, where we would spend the night.

Day 11: Kala Pattar

Before we headed back down the valley to Dingboche, we had an early rise to ascend a small mountain, Kala Pattar, which has a beautiful view over the Everest horseshoe as the sun rises. We had breakfast after returning, before heading back along the moraines, losing height as we walked, back to Dingboche.

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Day 12: Back to Chukkung

The following day, feeling strong and acclimatised, the team then made the short journey back to Chukkung. The afternoon was then spent practising the skills required to negotiate fixed lines on both ascents and descents.

The skills of the team-members at the beginning of the day were varied. Some had experience climbing. whereas for others it was a completely new set of skills, having never put a harness on before. By the end of the day, everyone was feeling much more confident and ready for the challenge ahead.

Day 13: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp

After a cold night at Chukkung, we headed through the moraines once again to our tented base camp at 5100m, far below the summit of the mountain. The nerves around camp were obvious as everyone busied themselves, either preparing their kit for the following morning or practising their rope skills some more. Everyone was in bed early this evening - although I don’t know how well anyone slept!

We had our breakfast wake-up call at 12 a.m, before heading into the cold darkness at 1 a.m.

Looking up, I could see the long line of head torches lighting up the small space in front of each group member as they slowly made their way up the rocky steps, climbing higher into the cold, thin air. Tony was at the front, along with Remjin, one of our Sherpa guides. He had a team of three other Sherpas, staggered along our ranks, to help us to achieve our goal.

Daylight broke as we geared up at the snow base, strapping crampons to our oversized but warm boots, taking our ice axes in our hands and tying into a rope with five other group members to safeguard ourselves from the silent, gaping crevices. Eventually we made it to the icy headwall, which was the last obstacle between us and the summit.

Finally, we reached the summit. The views from here were amazing, looking one way towards Lhotse, Everest and Nuptse, the other way to Ama Dablam, and east to Makalu, another 8000-metre peak.

From here we abseiled down the headwall. It seemed to take so much effort to progress an inch in a matter of minutes. The descent in daylight made us realise how far we had climbed through the night. It seemed we never got closer to the base camp we could see far down the slope below us.

When we finally arrived back, we crashed into our tents for a deep night’s sleep.

Day 14-17: Back to Lukla

One last time, along the moraines we went, back to Dingboche, finally on our way back towards civilisation, even though we had three more days of trekking back to Lukla before our flight out of the mountains.

Back in Namche, many of the group headed to the Irish bar - supposedly the highest in the world - for celebratory drinks. However, England were playing Australia in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals and the nearest T.V. showing the game was in Lukla. So an early start was needed to march back in time to watch the game with a midday kick-off.

We spent one more night here before an early and uneventful flight out of the mountains.

Days 18-19: Back in Kathmandu

Finally back in Kathmandu, we savoured the opportunity to have a proper shower and wash before one last day celebrating and exploring this vibrant city before the long flight back home.


IMAGE OF THE QUARTER

Image: Maasai child, Tanzania Ngorongoro Highlands trek

November 2019

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Photo by Ali Reid Wolfe


When you look back over all of the holidays you’ve taken over the course of your lifetime, what has changed? For most of us, our idea of the perfect holiday has changed over the years - whether it’s matured from the boozy weekenders of our late teens, or grown in defiance of our parents’ yearly week-long break in that same island in the Canaries (or, if you’re somewhat less fortunate, the same rainy campsite in Cornwall!)

The first time we travel abroad, we don’t often have a huge amount of say in where we go and what we do. Even when it is our turn to choose, many of us find that we don’t know exactly what we’re looking for. The world might finally be our oyster, but that doesn’t mean we know how to eat it.

Over the years, we find our identities as travellers and begin to discover exactly what we’re looking for whilst wayfaring around the world. But it’s not just personal growth that changes our travel preferences. Travel trends are ever-changing, and with the increased accessibility of global travel and an explosion of options in the travel sector, we are becoming more and more selective when it comes to deciding how to spend our all-important holiday.

There are whole volumes dedicated to travel trends, but one of the most curious developments we’ve seen over the past few years is the shift away from luxury travel and towards adventure. But why exactly is this, and what can we expect to change in 2020?

The dramatic collapse of Thomas Cook last year - once the largest package holiday provider in the industry - signalled big changes in the travel sector. After dominating its booming niche for 178 years, the brand closed its figurative doors suddenly last summer, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded on their trips.

Of course, there were various internal factors in the brand’s termination, but the shifting desires of mainstream tourist demographics certainly played a part. Today, the majority of travellers across all sectors seek unique, personalised experiences. No more are 19 million people looking for cookie-cutter holidays - instead of seeking simple relaxation and indulgence, we want to feel as though we are experiencing something distinctive and memorable.

However, there is also the matter of ethics to take into account. With a globalised and increasingly decentralised online media accessible to the masses, it is becoming easier for mass tourism critics and campaigners to get their message across to would-be travellers.

The downfall of Thomas Cook tainted the rose-tinted view many loyal package tourists had of their dream holidays. Thousands of workers lost their jobs. In some cases, entire destinations suffered the blow of the sudden loss of business - such as the Greek island of Skiathos, where 40% of tourism was previously controlled by this one company.

Why Adventure Travel is Replacing Luxury Holidays in 2020

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But this one major news story was merely symptomatic of a larger shift in the world of travel. With environmental awareness becoming a standard among travellers, many of us are now committed to researching the impact of our travels in more detail than ever before.

One form of travel where this is perhaps the most apparent are cruises. Over the past few years, cruise liners have come under fire for various aspects of their operations, from environmental impact to the treatment of employees.

Environmentally, the stats are pretty alarming. The largest of cruise liners use more fossil fuel per day than an entire town. Their waste disposal protocol is also an issue, with an average 3,000-person cruise ship generating 210,000 gallons of sewage per week. According to a 2016 report by Pacific Standard, “each passenger’s carbon footprint while cruising is roughly three times what it would be on land.” You could go on listing the various statistics when it comes to over-consumption in the cruise industry, but to put it simply, they are about as far from sustainable as travel gets.

The human ethics of cruises have also fallen under significant scrutiny. According to the website Cruise Critic, crew members can make as little as two dollars per day, with tips constituting 95 per cent of their income. On land, the local impact is also problematic. Whilst popular ports such as Venice are close to breaking point due to the strain that large cruise liners put on their infrastructure, the local economy does not see the benefits you would expect - because, with super-all-inclusive packages, cruise travellers are reluctant to spend money during their day trips.

Nowadays, many of us are turning to travel as a way to engage with local cultures, with a lasting positive impact on the communities we visit. Knowing how much our presence can impact local people - and

wanting this to be for the better - we are seeking experiences that offer genuine connection and a mutually beneficial interaction with local places and people.

Besides all these quandaries, however, is the issue of simple enjoyment. As the late author, David Foster Wallace, wrote in an essay named “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again” all the way back in 1996, cruises often involve being told what to eat and do, with limited options, in what he calls a “special mix of servility and condescension that’s marketed under the configurations of the verb ‘to pamper.’”

Of course, these issues are far from exclusive to the cruise industry - to an extent, most lavish luxury holidays will have their drawbacks - whether in terms of limited choices, big crowds, standardised experiences or sustainability concerns. So it should perhaps be unsurprising that so many of us are reconsidering what we prioritise in a trip - with ‘luxury’ demoted and experience being our number one priority.

Whereas once we welcomed the opportunity to switch off our brains during our annual leave, now many of us are realising that travel is more about enriching experiences than it is about indulgence. As such, “luxury” is declining in its importance as a USP. Today’s traveller wants choice, personalisation and - most importantly of all - adventure.

Today, travellers are curious, ambitious and adventurous. We want to spend as much as possible of our precious time off having unforgettable experiences - whether that be visiting incredible ancient ruins or trekking in spectacular natural landscapes. We also want to challenge ourselves and achieve something during our travels - from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to gaining a scuba diving certificate on the paradise island of Gozo.


2020 Travel Trends.So, if luxury travel and package holidays

are on their way out, what else can we

expect for 2020? Here are our top travel

trend predictions...

New experiences, new skillsWhilst going on holiday was once about getting away from the daily grind and simply turning off your brain, today many travellers actually want to get some stimulation on their trips - even learning new skills. People are investing in the idea of travel enhancing their whole lifestyle, and so they want to come home from a trip with not only memories, but also new skills that will last them their whole lives. Whether it’s learning Tai Chi in China or learning to scuba dive in Gozo, travel in 2020 is going to be about up-skilling and discovery

Stripped-back escapesToday, many of our daily frustrations come from the over-abundance of technology, products and in our lives. These might often be ‘first world problems’, but nonetheless the complexity of our

All of this doesn’t mean roughing it, though. In 2020, we’re finding ways to combine adventure with elements of luxury, all the while maintaining ethical standards. Our Jordan Luxury Eco-Adventure is the perfect example of this. On this trip, you can experience the untouched beauty of Wadi Rum on an exhilarating jeep tour, trek through the wilderness of Wadi Arabia and snorkel in the Red Sea - even explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra - whilst staying in accommodation that feels luxurious, yet gives back to the local community.

Take Feynan Ecolodge, for example - the entire hotel feels so special and yet its partnership with Jordanian NGO, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, makes it impressively sustainable. Solar power, limited

water consumption, ecotourism initiatives and employing local Bedouin people - whilst funding local development projects - make this one of the most sustainable places to stay in the world. But when you visit, the delicious food, beautiful rooms and candle-lit evenings feel far from a compromise. Combine this with the opportunity to experience ancient bread-making techniques in a genuine Bedouin tent, and you have all the boxes ticked - cultural experiences, adventure and that little bit of luxury.

Nowadays, we’re all about balance - between adrenaline-seeking, meaningful real-world cultural experiences and a bit of ‘me time’. No wonder, then, that so many people are becoming Bucketlisters!

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day-to-day lives is leading many of us to seek more stripped-back escapes when travelling. We don’t want room service and drinks by the pool, we want to learn how to take pleasure in simple tasks and rustic living. Experts are calling this “spartan” travel, and it can mean anything from wilderness camping to wild swimming. In fact, some are taking the ‘stripped-back’ element to the extremes and holidaying in the nude! You probably won’t see that on a Bucket List trip, though!

Double-destination tripsIf you’re anything like us, your bucket list will be an ever-growing series of new destinations around the world that you dream of visiting. But there always seem to be more places to visit than there is time to visit them! For many of us, our annual leave just doesn’t cover it - and that’s leading to an increase in travellers booking double-destination trips. We want to see as much of the world as we can on holiday, and combining two neighbouring countries is a great way to do so - whilst also getting some variety. We’ve already seen this with the popularity of our Croatia and Montenegro Trailblazers trip, and it’s a trend we expect to see more demand for in 2020.

Travel for transformationWith the world in a state of political turmoil, many people want to feel as if they are making a difference even when they vacation. In 2020, more and more of us are aware of how the tourists can affect local communities - for better or worse - and we want our presence to be for the better. As such, we can expect to see an increase in trips that facilitate genuine cultural exchanges, whether it be learning how to make traditional dumplings in China, or singing around a campfire in Morocco. We are also seeking opportunities to support local cultures in a more active capacity - such as

volunteering at schools as we do on our Ultimate Tanzania Experience. Today in travel, it’s not all about us - it’s about the bigger picture of everyone who our trip impacts.

“Buddymoons”Gone are the days when holidays had to be taken with a significant other. Travelling isn’t all about romantic dinners and strolls along sandy beaches anymore - and it’s not just for couples, either. Today more than ever, people are heading out on adventures with friends rather than with partners, and in 2020 we can expect to see this take off even more with the trend for “friendmoons” - or, in what we think is a much more catchy phrase - “buddymoons”. Best friends are increasingly choosing to go on holiday with a friend (whether they are in a relationship or not) for the R&R and quality time travel can bring - or simply because they share a common love of adventure! Head to page 32 to read more about how travelling together can boost even the oldest of friendships.

Full-family adventuresFamily travel is no longer a matter of package holidays - and it doesn’t stop when the kids turn eighteen, either. Family adventure travel is a booming trend for 2020, with even extended family going away together on multigenerational trips. Families are recognising travel as the perfect opportunity to spend some rare quality time together without the distractions of work and technology. Parents are also seeing the immense growth that travel can bring to their children, by introducing them to new cultures and sharing a curiosity for the natural world from a young age. So in 2020 and beyond, we can expect more and more families to head off to adventurous destinations with their children.

These are our predictions for travel in 2020. Stay tuned to see if we’re right!


In October, we travelled out to China with a group of excited Bucketlisters, ready to take on one of the wonders of the world - and one of the biggest bucket list items out there - the Great Wall of China.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

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DAY 1

DAY 2

Bucket List guide and former China resident, Hugo, led the group on their once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Hugo has a wealth of experience exploring the highlights of China, so our Bucketlisters were super excited to learn all about the country, its history and culture from him and our local guide, David.

Find out what they got up to in Hugo’s Great Wall of China trip report!

Travelling to China

The group met at the airport at 8 p.m. full of anticipation for an amazing trip ahead. We all introduced ourselves and quickly made our way through security to board our flight to Beijing.

After a long but comfortable flight, we landed on the other side, where David was awaiting our arrival at the barriers. The journey to the hotel took around an hour and a half, where we checked in and freshened up before meeting at the lobby to go for dinner at a local restaurant.

After dinner, a few of us went out for a short walk around the local village area of Hutong, near the hotel. We explored the village, learning about local foods, cultures and customs, before sampling some street foods whilst practicing our Chinese language skills!

Trek day 1: Jiankou to Mutianyu

We began our day with a buffet-style breakfast at 07:30, before making ourselves a packed lunch for the trek, with peanut butter and jam, bread, nuts, fruit, chocolate and more. At 9 a.m. we met at the foyer and loaded onto the coach to drive to the first section of the wall that we would be exploring.

After about two and a half hours of driving, we reached our destination: the wild section of wall from Jiankou towards Mutianyu. The initial climb was very steep with a number of challenging ‘staircases’ and wall ascents and descents. However, the scenery was rugged and spectacular, with the wall in its natural, untouched condition.

We stopped for our picnic with a view part-way along the wall, before hiking into the afternoon. Unfortunately, we narrowly missed the famous toboggan that you can take off the wall, which shut at 5 p.m. but decided to take the gondola early the next morning and toboggan back down before heading to the next section of wall. We walked from here to our first guest house, which was nestled at the base of the hill below the wall.

Trek day 2: Huaghuacheng to Gubeikou

After breakfast today, we headed out at 8:30 a.m. to walk back to the gondola entrance, and purchased tickets for the gondola up and toboggan down. Off the toboggan, we reached the next section of wall, going from Huanghuacheng to Gubeikou.

This was another ‘wild’ section of the wall, which required an ascent through the ‘bush’ to then join the wall proper. The scenery was full of autumnal tones of red and gold in charming contrast to the wall ruins and the bright blue sky.

We enjoyed another packed lunch, and then transferred to another wild section of the wall, from Panglongshan to Gubeikou. This is one of the oldest parts of the Great Wall, which you can tell from the crumbled ruins and ancient towers rising from the hillsides.

The group made a final push for the day up a section of very steep steps, and were rewarded with panoramic views over a reservoir below and the wall snaking above it through the mountains.

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We descended to reach our guesthouse in Gubeikou, where we would stay for the next two nights. The group met some other hikers who were also staying here, and exchanged stories about their experiences so far.

In the evening, we checked out the local shop, where the Bucketlisters practiced their Chinese language skills to buy a few snacks. We also organised some exciting traditional activities for the next day!

Trek day 3: ‘Crouching Tiger’ and ‘Hidden Dragon’ sections

Today, we met early at 06:00 to have a Tai Chi lesson in the square outside our guesthouse. Everyone loved their crash course in this amazing Chinese artform, and it was the perfect way to ‘warm up’ for the day’s hiking!

We made our packed lunches after breakfast and travelled by bus to the trailhead of our planned Gubeikou walk for the day - the ‘Crouching Tiger’ section of the wall. This section involved a 45-minute climb up a dirt trail, followed by about an hour and a half of slow descent along the side of the wall. When we reached the top, there were fantastic photo opportunities to be had, which the Bucketlisters made good use of!

We ate our lunch on the wall, and then the van took us to the next area of the wall for our afternoon hike on the ‘Hidden Dragon’ section, which was less challenging than the previous walks, but narrow at times. At the end of the day’s hike, we walked back to the guesthouse for 5:30 p.m.

After a quick rest and refresh, it was time for our Chinese cooking class! We learnt how to make traditional dumplings with our hosts, which was a really enriching experience for all, before kicking back for dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Trek day 4: Gubeikou to Jinshanling

At 8 a.m. this morning, breakfast was eaten, our packed lunches were made and we were en-route to our trailhead.

Today, we were walking the Gubeikou to Jinshanling section of the wall - which begins as wild wall hiking at the start and then joins the redeveloped section of the wall later in the afternoon.

There are lots of steps to climb, but the weather was good and the views phenomenal. We passed by the 24-Eyes Tower, which got its name from the six windows on each of its sides. Midway along the hike, we stopped for our lunch, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, uninterrupted by trees.

After lunch, we continued along the restored section above Hemp Village, where locals grow corn, hemp and tobacco. It’s a charming pastoral scene, with donkeys, cows, chickens and dogs milling around.

We arrived at our accommodation in Jinshanling at approximately 5:30 p.m, resting for a couple of hours before sharing a dinner and then spending the evening playing cards.

Trek day 5: Huangyaguan sections

We made an 8:30 a.m. start this morning, and began our hike in the morning mist. It was colder than the previous days, and by midday the rain was falling - albeit lightly. We were extra careful with our footing, as the wall could become slippery, however, we ended up coming down off the wall just as the rain started with no problems.

DAY 3

DAY 4

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We enjoyed lunch in a local restaurant, by which time the rain had stopped. Next, we travelled to the Huanyaguan section of the wall - our final section. This section comprises a combination of walls from different time periods, and the scenery is fantastic. The group made good time, despite the many steep steps.

Reaching our accommodation for the final night of trekking, we ate another shared meal and played some more cards. I mentioned to the group that I was planning to climb a final section of the wall the following morning to watch the sunrise. Five members of the group decided to join me, so we agreed to meet at 5:30 a.m. the following morning.

Sunrise hike and sightseeing in Beijing

Wrapped up warm, with our head torches at the ready, we head out for our sunrise hike. This wall section is a final 30 – 45 minute section of predominantly steps, that follows on from the final Huangyaguan area and ends at the mountain face. The hike was colder than most other days and began in near-darkness. We stayed together as a group and arrived at the final watchtower after approximately 40 minutes of hiking, gazing over the sunrise, which was a beautiful sight, and an interesting new perspective on the wall.

We returned for breakfast at 8 a.m. and set off for Beijing at around 10 a.m. We began by visiting the Birds’ Nest and Water Cube, marvelling at their avant-garde modern architecture. Then, we travelled to the Summer Palace, with its beautiful lakes and gardens dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

Later, we returned to the hotel to drop off our bags and head out for dinner nearby. At dinner, we spoke about the possibility of seeing an acrobatics show the next day. Some of the Bucketlisters wanted to experience this, so we organised tickets, and then a group of us went to Sanlitun Bar Street, where we had some drinks and played the local ‘dice game’, before taking taxis back to the hotel.

Beijing sightseeing day 2

For our final day of activities, we met David in the lobby at 9:30 a.m. after breakfast and headed out to Tiananmen Square. After our historical tour around the square, we decided to go for an additional activity to visit Mao’s Mausoleum. Although the queue was about an hour long, the museum was worth the wait.

After this we visited the Forbidden City, a complex of 980 buildings that were once home to the emperors of China. We travelled from here by bus to the Hutong area, where we had food in a local home before exploring the area in rickshaws.

One of the group requested to go to a sports bar to watch the England rugby match, while the rest of us explored the Pearl Market, before the group headed off to watch the spectacular traditional acrobatics show.

After a day jam-packed with activities, we all met up again at the hotel for 19:30 to head for a farewell Peking duck dinner.

Homeward travel

On our last day in China, we met for breakfast at 9 a.m. and then headed to a local supermarket to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Then, it was simply time to head to the airport and board our flight back to the U.K., after an incredible week of trekking, cultural exchange and adventure!


“A PERSON SUSCEPTIBLE TO “WANDERLUST” IS NOT SO MUCH ADDICTED TO MOVEMENT AS COMMITTED TO TRANSFORMATION.”

Pico Iyer

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Ascending Mount Toubkal October 2019

Image by Dan Jones


Solo or Smitten, Travel Will Boost Your Relationships. Here’s why...

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We’ll bet that provoked one of two responses - either a quickly-taken mental note, or an eye roll. Well, whether you’re celebrating V-day with a candlelit dinner or celebrating being independent with a night on the town, it might just be time to switch it up.

Think of that couple who are always off on adventures together, the friends who took their gap year together, the family that travels to unusual destinations, kids in tow. Have you noticed that they often seem to have particularly strong relationships?

In fact, a recent survey of 1000 couples conducted by the U.S Travel Association found that 72% of the respondents believe that travelling has kept their relationship healthy. But why exactly is this? What is it about travel that brings people closer?

Well, we don’t have the answers a psychologist could provide, but we do have a few hunches. Here are ten reasons why we reckon ticking off your travel bucket list with the people you love can boost all of your relationships, from the passionate to the purely platonic.

Sharing new experiences

Possibly the most obvious benefit to travelling with a loved one is the opportunity to share brand new experiences. Encountering a new place, trying a new activity or immersing yourself in a new culture is truly invigorating for the mind and spirit.

All of the adrenaline sports, inspiring architecture and adventure will boost your moods and brighten that ever-coveted “spark” in a relationship - or strengthen a friendship by sharing those moments that permanently shift your perspective. Oh, and it means you can be those people telling all your epic travel stories at parties!

35THE BUCKETLISTER VOL 4 35

Quality time together

More and more, human interactions are being pitted against the constant connection between individuals and their electronic devices. Between work, daily responsibilities and perhaps children, most of us are always busy. And when we’re not, what do most of us do? Get our phones out.

But, when you’re travelling with a friend, family member or partner, there are fewer distractions to get in the way. You can explore the landscape, try new foods together, join in with a local celebration, or simply talk. This quality time is invaluable, and there’s plenty of it when you’re travelling, whether you’re occupying yourselves on the aeroplane or wandering through the cobbled streets of some Medieval town.

Open minds make a good match

How many times have you heard people say that they travelled and “found themselves” in the process? It’s become an eye-roll-inducing cliché. In reality, travelling should de-centre you. When you visit new countries, you realise that there are a thousand ways of doing things – from how we structure our societies to how we form our relationships.

Sharing this learning experience can be very valuable for couples in particular. It gives you a chance to discuss topics that are important to you from a new perspective. On one trip, you might spend time in a culture where arranged marriages are common, on another you may meet someone who rejects the idea of monogamy altogether. These kinds of interactions are important because they make you think in a new way about the things you thought you “knew”, broadening your horizons, and making you more accepting of others – including those closest to you.

Learning to laugh it off

There’s no denying that, if you travel for long enough, you will eventually encounter plenty of humorous situations. This was definitely the case for our recent Sahara trek group. During their tour of Marrakech, the group popped into a new pharmacy. From the moment they crossed the threshold, they were being offered all kinds of concoctions - natural viagra alternatives, even herbs that the seller swore prompted breast growth! The group had a great time joking away, and it was a surefire icebreaker for those who had just met!

At times, of course, travel can create situations that may be confusing or frustrating. But you soon realise that the world won’t stop for your frustrations, and then it becomes remarkably easy to laugh it off - a reaction that can prove invaluable next time your best friend, family member or partner gets on your nerves! And, of course there’s nothing better than laughing with someone you love.

Enhanced, erm, intimacy

Now this is one just for the couples among you. According to the U.S. Travel Association survey, more than three quarters of those who travelled as couples reported having good levels of, ahem, intimacy in their relationship. In fact, 28 percent of the couples said that travelling together had actually improved this, and 40 percent of those said the improvement was permanent.

Of course, this will depend on what kind of trip you’re on. If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, for example, the tent camps are a far cry from a honeymoon suite! Seriously, though, there’s more to intimacy than the physical kind. Emotional intimacy is the most important element of any

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relationship, and travel is one of the best ways to nurture it…

Connecting over a challenge

…But why is this? Well, imagine that you’re climbing Island Peak in the Himalayas. You’re tired and exhausted, it’s been days since you had a hot shower. And yet, I promise you that when you reach the summit, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of emotional connection with your fellow trekkers. You have just achieved an incredible feat, overcome all the challenges and doubts – and you’ve done it all together.

Defeating the odds with a loved one gives you a sense of connection, and shows you both that sometimes, the bumps in the road are simply part of the process. The experiences of adventure travel are hugely empowering to share, from the vulnerable moments surpassed together, to that unstoppable feeling you’ll get when you stand on that long dreamed-of summit.

Learning about yourself

Whether you’re in a relationship or happy “self-partnered” (in Emma Watson’s terms!), few things contribute to personal growth as much as spending time learning about yourself. When we’re going about our daily routines, it can be hard to make time to be introspective - we often live our lives somewhat subconsciously, and end up coming across the same stumbling blocks time and time again.

Travelling is a great way to promote personal growth in your life. You’re in a new place, around new people, meaning that you can’t as easily slot in to the ‘type’ you might usually be assumed to

be - whether it’s the joker of the group or the shy wallflower. Whether you’re travelling solo or with others, you are bound to meet lots of new people and encounter new experiences that will help you learn about how you react to the world around you. Learning about ourselves - and the self-awareness and confidence that comes with this process - is invaluable both for our own happiness and for maintaining healthy dynamics in our relationships.

Memories of your own

The final, and perhaps the most tangible, of all of the reasons why travelling with a loved one is so valuable is the memories you make together. Any relationship is formed of shared moments, often fondly remembered and recounted over a cup of tea (or a beer). Taking the time to have exciting, unique experiences together will give you even more reason to sit back and reminisce about your best moments together.

Making new connections

Of course, all of this doesn’t mean you have to travel with someone else. After all, when it comes to the people you love, you should be at the top of the list!

This aside, you’ll often find that, when you’re travelling, you make friends particularly quickly because you’re interacting with like-minded people over concentrated periods of time. In fact, 82 percent of our Bucketlisters are solo travellers, and they always come back having had a great experience and made friends for life. So, if you can’t find a loved one to go on that big bucket list adventure with this time - go solo! We guarantee you that next time you’ll have a list of travel buddies ready and waiting to go exploring with you!


GUIDE BIO

Bucket List guide Yosh has always had an affinity for the mountains. His first ever mountain climb was Lobuche Peak in Nepal, a 6,119-metre peak which he climbed without ropes aged 19. Since then, Yosh has climbed everywhere from the Alps to the Tian Shan of Kyrgyzstan. This year, he joined the Bucket List family, and has guided trips to Mount Toubkal and the Ngorongoro Highlands, along with photographing the Annapurna Circuit. Read on to find out about this notoriously unflappable adventurer.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, I’m Ali - or you might know me as Yosh (I’ve got a long-winded Russian real name). I’ve travelled all over the world to some pretty interesting places and I’m always climbing. I work as a climbing instructor and in my spare time I’m either climbing or looking for climbing… that sounds quite dull now that I’ve written it! But I do very occasionally have time for a bit of photography, blacksmithing and tending to my veggie patch.

What drives you to pursue a life full of adventure travel?

People. Put simply, they are amazing. I’ve experienced so much kindness and hospitality whilst travelling that I couldn’t possibly convey it in words. Often the people with the least give the most and experiencing this always humbles me. It’s these incredibly special moments spent with amazing human beings that inspire me to travel.

What is a special moment from one of the Bucket List trips you’ve led that always sticks with you?

Crossing the Thorong-La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit trek and seeing the sun rise through the mountain tops will always stay with me - even though it was very cold! It was a long, hard day, and the conditions were hard on all of us - my Buff even

froze to my nose! But when we reached the pass, we were rewarded by beautiful views and a great sense of achievement as a group. The whole pass is beautiful. As you approach the top you can see views across into Mustang, which is a part of the world that I have always particularly wanted to see.

If you could lead a Bucket List trip anywhere in the world, where would it be?

It would have to be Kyrgyzstan. My girlfriend and I travelled there a few years ago, and it has quickly become my favourite place in the world. The nomadic culture coupled with the unspoilt mountain vistas are something I would love to introduce our Bucketlisters to.

What is your pre-summit night routine?

For sure the first thing I would do before I go to bed is pack my bag so that I have to do the minimum in the (probably dark) morning. I’ll keep my head torch and gloves in my sleeping bag so I can put them on straight away in the morning, and sleep in my thermals so I can put my outer layers on straight over the top. I always put any batteries into my sleeping bag as the cold will drain the power from them. I usually pack a few snacks in the top of my bag, as it’s likely that I won’t have time for a full breakfast.

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Do you have any tips for Bucketlisters who are visiting a country for the first time in terms of preparing themselves to be immersed in a new culture?

My main advice to anyone who is travelling to somewhere they don’t know about is to be open-minded. There will be cultural practices and traditions that are different to what you might be used to, so just try to respect them. Learn a few basic words or phrases in the local language and you’ll find that people will immediately open up to you. I’ve never felt unwelcome or unsafe in any country I’ve visited, so long as you are relaxed and go with the flow, you’ll have an amazing time. My number one practical tip would be to expect things to happen slowly. Much of the world does not operate at the same speed and strict time schedule that we are used to, so expect things to happen on mañana time, take schedules with a pinch of salt, and enjoy the journey!

Has adventure travel changed your life? If so, how?

Travel has probably been the single biggest influencing factor on my way of thinking over the years. I’ve learnt how different cultures manage

life, and it always gives me a sense of perspective to see how, in some of the more remote parts of the world, people can go through so much hardship and still find happiness. Travel has been an education for me - it has broken down so many of the limiting barriers that growing up in a westernised culture had built in my mind. Travel has taught me tolerance and patience, and how lucky I am to have the life that I do at home, whilst being able to explore the rest of the world.

What is your favourite trip to lead and why?

It would have to be the Ngorongoro Highlands trek in Tanzania. It’s the perfect mix of impressive wildlife, unique culture and incredible landscapes. There’s something for everyone: one of the best game drives on earth, hiking across the highlands through Maasai villages, which have been virtually unchanged for thousands of years, and much more besides. The in-country guides are amazing, and at each stage of the walk you are guided by a local Maasai guide, whose in-depth knowledge of the area is fascinating. Here, there is an intimacy with nature that is hard to find these days, so for me (especially as a keen wildlife photographer), it’s a very special trip.


vol. 4 · of adventure travel around the world. 7 mountain summits this year, we bagged seven...

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