Vibrant TV Delivers Compelling Content for Adventure Travelers

Good, quality travel content with a focus on adventure is not always easy to come by. Most broadcast networks and cable channels eschew the adventure scene in favor of programming that is more marketable to the mainstream audience. But Internet television start-up Vibrant TV offers some high quality shows from international markets, with some wonderful options for more adventurous travelers.

Vibrant TV launched late last year with the concept of collecting television programming from a variety of English-speaking countries from around the world The company has collected a numerous shows in the reality, lifestyle, travel and scripted drama categories from such places as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.K. The network then provides those shows to viewers through an online subscription service, as well as in partnership deals with the likes of Hulu and Roku. Vibrant’s catalog of shows is a genuine mix of eclectic and creative offerings with a decidedly international flair.

As someone who is always on the lookout for interesting travel programming, I found the show Intrepid Journeys to be especially entertaining and informative. Originally produced in New Zealand, the show sends local celebrities off on fascinating excursions to countries that are often completely off their radar and out of their comfort zone.

For instance, one episode sent footballer Jeff Wilson to Eastern Europe, where he spent time traveling through Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, countries he had almost no prior knowledge about. Another episode follows news broadcaster Paul Holmes as he explore the fascinating culture and history of Yemen, a place that few westerners are bold enough to experience on their own.

One of the things I truly love about Intrepid Journeys is that the show follows a similar philosophy that I take in regards to getting readers excited about their own adventures. Often times I receive an email from someone asking advice on how they can get started with an adventure of their own. Usually that simply involves giving them a nudge out the door, and once they realize what is possible, they are soon on their way to exploring the world around us. This show holds that same sensibility, giving each of its celebrity hosts – and by proxy the viewers – the nudge they need to add more adventure into their lives too.

There is a host of other interesting programming on Vibrant TV that might catch your eye too, depending on your interests. For instance, I found Entrada to be another interesting travel program that takes viewers on a culturally focused, culinary journey around Latin America to such countries as Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Chile. The host visits some amazing destinations along the way, giving us intriguing looks at small villages, historic landmarks, and swanky hotels, and other points of interest. If you’re planning a trip to Central or South America, there are a lot of great tips to be found on the show.

Similarly, Avventura takes viewers on a journey with host David Rocco as he enjoys the food, wine, and other delicacies in a variety of beautiful locations across Italy. While not entirely adventure focused, the show has a knack for inspiring wanderlust none the less.

This is just a taste of what Vibrant TV has to offer. Other shows include numerous reality shows covering a number of genres, as well as, creative comedies and dramas too. Moving forward, the network promises to continue to add more content to meet viewers needs.

Currently Vibrant is offering some great deals for new subscribers. If you sign up now, you can get two weeks of service for free with any reoccurring monthly subscription. Viewers can also elect to purchase a 6-month subscription for $24.95, which provides them with one month for free. Find out more by clicking here.  

Video: Go Cuba!

With the recent thawing of relations between the United States and Cuba there is a lot of excitement from U.S. travelers to get the opportunity to visit the Caribbean nation at long last. This video provides a great idea of what they can expect when they get there. It is a land of natural wonders, with friendly people with a zest for life. It is also a country that has been left behind due to oppressive restrictions that have been placed on it for more than 50 years. If things continue to improve between the two countries, that will soon change however, and we could witness a real renaissance for Cuba. If you didn't want to go before, after watching this short clip, you'll probably want to visit the country for yourself.

GO Cuba from Joshua Morin on Vimeo.

Video: Sled Dogs - More Than Meets the Eye

This video comes our way courtesy of our friends at National Geographic. It was filmed in West Yellowstone, Montana, were sled dog mushers compete each year in the Rodeo Run, a two-day race through that spectacular part of the country. The video introduces us to these amazing dogs, who simply love to run, and gives us a glimpse of the bond they share with their owners. With the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod just weeks away at this point, it seems a fitting video to share. I hope you enjoy.

The End of Budget Climbing in Nepal?

Over the past year it has become increasingly evident that the government in Nepal has been making decisions that are going to have a long term impact on the mountaineering landscape within the country. First, they changed the pricing scheme on Everest in which they did away with flat-fees for permits and started charging all climbers $11,000 no matter how many people were on the team. This was sold as a reduction in cost, but in reality it is an increase as most teams had no problems filling their permits, making it less expensive for everyone involved. Now comes word of further changes to regulations that could make small, low-budget expeditions a thing of the past.

In an article posted to the Himalayan Times a few days back it is revealed that all climbing teams will now have to pay a fee of US$10,000 for search and rescue insurance, and an additional US$7,000 for medical insurance too. On top of that, all teams will also be required to hire two full-time climbing support staff as well, bringing the costs up further.

These new regulations make some sense for large teams going to mountains like Everest or Annapurna, but the costs would be crippling to small groups of climbers attempting lesser peaks in Nepal. These regulations apply to everyone equally however, which means that the days of a small team climbing in the Himalaya on a budget could soon be over.

The article indicates that the Nepal Mountaineering Association, which is led by Ang Ushering Sherpa, has already asked the Nepali government to revise the rules for smaller groups climbing on one of the less dangerous peaks. What the outcome of that request will be remains to be seen.

Small teams of climbers working together on a low-cost expedition has been a part of mountaineering for decades. These new regulations could cripple those types of efforts in Nepal however, and potentially send climbers to other countries seeking more affordable experiences.

These ongoing adjustments to regulations and pricing make it clear that Nepal's government isn't particularly interested in accommodating foreign climbers, but is only looking for ways to make more money. Considering the political climate there in recent years, this shouldn't be a surprise. Still, they may be making decisions that will impact the long-term fortunes of the climbing community there, although they seem to be operating under the assumption that as long as people continue to come to Everest, they'll be fine.

Winter Climbs 2015: Summit Bid Over on Nanga Parbat

The summit bid for the Russian team of Nickolay Totmjanin, Valery Shamalo, Serguey Kondrashkin and Victor Koval is over on Nanga Parbat. The four men had hoped to move up towards the summit starting yesterday, but persistently bad winds has kept them from going above Camp 4 at 7150 meters (23,458 ft). The entire team has now returned to Base Camp where they will rest, regroup, and consider their next options.

The news of the aborted summit attempt came via Russian Climb, which received a text message that said: "We managed to return to BC through the bad weather. All are safe and sound. Nothing real on the route in such wind. You can fly to K2 at once" The last sentence is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the high winds, which would blow a climber all the way to K2 if they aren't careful.

The team has now been on the mountain since late December, and have been working the route ever since. While acclimatizing to the altitude they managed to build and stock four camps up the Rupal Face, and had returned to their high camp with the hope of completing the first winter ascent of the mountain. Unfortunately the weather has not been very cooperative in the past week, and they've been waiting for several days to move up.

The weather forecast calls for high winds for the next several days, so they'll have to wait in BC to see if another window opens. Hopefully they can recharge their batteries for another go, but conditions are harsh on the mountain at the moment. In addition to hurricane force winds at higher altitudes, there has also been plenty of snow and very cold temperatures too. That has taken its toll on the men, but perhaps they aren't quite done yet.


Meanwhile, updates from Italian climber Daniele Nardi have been few and far between in recent days. The last we knew he was in BC on the Diamir Face and was waiting out the poor weather as well. But an update sent via Twitter a few days back indicates that he has returned to the Mummery Spur to continue working his planned route. How much progress he has made, and under what conditions, remains unclear at this time. Hopefully we'll get further updates soon.

Similarly, there has been no word from Alex Txikon either. We know he arrived in BC in the last week in January, and has been stranded there due to the poor conditions too. If the weather has improved however, we can expect that he has started to acclimatize as well, and has moved up the Diamir Face, possibly to C1 or C2. But without any updates, this is just pure speculation. We'll just have to be patient and wait for news.

It is beginning to look like Nanga Parbat may turn back all of the teams once again this winter. There is still plenty of time left to go of course, but the weather has certainly deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, and the forecast doesn't look great for the next nine days. Still, two teams have only just arrived in Base Camp, so they are well rested, have plenty of supplies, and are determined. Perhaps their plan is to wait out the worst of the weather and make a dash for the summit in March before winter officially ends. Stay tuned to find out more.

Video: Across Asia on a Motorbike

This video will either quench your wanderlust or feed it. It comes our way from filmmaker/traveler Joshua Rapperport who traveled 4800 km (2980 miles) across Asia on a motorcycle. Along the way he shot some scenes from the road, and compiled them into this beautiful five-minute video. The landscapes he saw were definitely stunning, with narrow roads taking him into increasingly remote areas. It looks like it was an amazing journey, and thanks to this video clip, we get to come along for the ride.

Asia and a Motorbike from Joshua Rapperport on Vimeo.

Video: Downmall 2015 - Holding a Mountain Bike Competition in a Shopping Mall

Ever wonder what it would be like to hold a mountain biking competition in a shopping mall? Shoppers in one such mall in Berlin got to witness it first hand recently as riders zipped down escalators and performed tricks an an atrium before a large crowd of onlookers. The video below captures some of that action, which looks cramped and confining, but fun none the less.

Downmall 2015 - Berlin from T//Motion on Vimeo.