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: 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: The Landscapes of Iceland

If you're looking for inspiration to travel at the moment, than look no further than this video. It features some amazingly beautiful shots from Iceland, a country that is blessed with a riches of natural resources. I have yet to visit Iceland myself, but every time I see clip like this one I become more determined to go at some point. With scenery like this, who wouldn't want to have the country on their bucket list?

Iceland from Andrzej Fryda Studio F4 on Vimeo.

Video: Two Weeks in Iceland Captured in Timelapse

Captivating and mesmerizing would be two words I'd use to describe this video. It was shot over a two week period in Iceland, with the filmmaker capturing some amazing imagery from the beautiful landscapes there. The timelapse scenes allow we the viewers to watch as the land and sky shift in amazing ways, both subtly and dramatically.

Two Weeks in Iceland / Timelapse from Casey Kiernan on Vimeo.

A Visit to the Red Centre of Australia

One of the most interesting and adventure-packed places I've ever visited is the famous Red Centre of Australia. Perhaps best known for being the home of Ayer's Rock – aka Uluru – the Red Centre is a fascinating mix of culture, history, and exploration. This is the true Outback, rugged, untamed, and with miles upon miles of open space. It is a place that every traveler should see, with landscapes that are humbling and awe inspiring at the same time.

Recently, my friend Richard Bangs visited the Red Centre and shared his experiences in a wonderful article published at the Huffington Post. Richard went to this remote region of Australia to take in all of the amazing sites for himself, and to go on a few adventures along the way as well. His travels took him on a camel trek into the Outback, hiking along some of the local trails, and into Alice Springs, the main outpost in this very wild part of the world.

Of course, many people come to the Red Centre simply to visit Uluru and climb to its summit. When the lands surrounding that iconic rock were returned to the Anangu Aboriginal tribe back in 1985, it was a stipulation in that they continue to allow visitors to climb to the top. But for the Anangu, Uluru is scared ground, and while they don't prohibit anyone from climbing it, they do go to great lengths to discourage it. On his visit, Richard – who has just returned from a climb up Cotopaxi in Ecuador – decided to respect the wishes of the Aboriginal and stay off the Rock.

In his article, and the video below, he shares a wealth of things to do while you are there that don't involve climbing Uluru. Trust me, there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. For instance, I'd recommend hiking the Larapinta Trail, a 223 km (138.5 mile) long path that passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. While you're there, also take a dip in the Finke River, widely considered the oldest in the world at 350-400 million years. Spend a few nights camping under the stars as well, as you'll rarely find a better night sky than in the Outback.

The Matt Prior Adventure Academy Website is Live!

A few weeks back I first told you about the Matt Prior Adventure Academy, which looks to give would-be adventures a nudge out the door by providing them with the skills they need to explore the world around them with confidence. At the time, the concept was still in its planning stages as it prepared for its launch in 2015. Now, the official website for the Adventure Academy is up and running, and ready to start taking applications.

Visitors to the newly launched site will find much more information about the Academy, as well as its founder  – Matt Prior. Matt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, which he has earned on his own adventures which have seen him visit more than 85 countries across the globe, often blending unique methods of travel with cultural and historical immersion. He plans to pass that knowledge on to participants in his "courses" which will teach vital skills to travelers, while visiting remote destinations around the globe.

The first of those courses will be offered starting in May, with others to follow in June, August, September, and October of this year. Each of them will take place in Indonesia where participants will spend a week exploring the landscape by motor bike, while also gaining the skills and confidence they need to launch their own adventurous travels in the future. The cost of the Academy courses are £999 (or roughly $1500) which covers internal flights, motorbike and helmet rental, all fuel, entry permits and fees to national parks, guide fees, food and drinks. Additionally, 5% of all profits will be donated to the NSPCC, an organization dedicated to ending child abuse.

The video below will provide you with more insights into the Adventure Academy, including some testimonials from those who have traveled with Matt, and a glimpse at the landscapes that the courses will be visiting. To find out more visit MPAdventureAcademy.com. If you're interested in applying to join one of the trips, the application form can be found here.

As I've said before, I think the idea behind the Adventure Academy is a brilliant one, and anything that helps encourage people to put a little more adventure into their lives is wonderful.

New Website Gives Travelers Ability to Make Travel Plans in Entirely New Way

If you're making travel plans for 2015, you owe it to yourself to drop by Amadeus.net, a new website designed to give travelers all the tools they need to find flights, and more efficiently plan their escapes for the months ahead. The website not only locates the best airfare deals possible, it even indicates the optimal days to travel to your destination, allowing flexible travelers to save more money if their schedule permits.

The site uses a clever interface that allows visitors to use natural language to search for the destinations that they want to visit, as well as indicating their date of travel, how long they'll be gone, and which airline class they want to fly in. From there, Amadeus takes over, locating the best possible options for the time you want to fly, and suggesting alternate dates when pricing may be better.

But searching for the best flights is just the tip of the iceberg for what Amadeus.net is capable of. After creating an account, you can plan out your itineraries, save them to your profile and share them publicly, or with friends and families. Built-in tags allow others to quickly and easily see what you have planned, and elect to add the same trip to their profiles as well. And if you're looking for a bit of inspiration, there are numerous trip plans created and shared by other Amadeus users as well.

The website is geographically aware, and upon visiting it immediately knew where I was at, and made all suggestions for flights based out of my home airport. Additionally, when I viewed the plans made by other users, it shifted the schedules accordingly for my location as well. When creating your profile, you can also designate your home location and preferred airport too.

The Amadeus.net designers have also built a suite of very useful tools for travelers too. For instance, a world clock will tell you the time in any major city across the globe, while currency converters will give you an idea of exchange rates at your destination as well. You'll also find handy airport guides, subway maps, international dialing codes, and even weather forecasts.

The hope is that Amadeus can become your one-stop shop for planning all of your travel needs. The site is still in beta however, so a lot of data is still being filled in. There are also plans to eventually add hotels in the future as well, making it possible to book your flights and accommodations all in one place.

The video below will give you an idea of how it all works, and the benefits of using the site. Then head on over and start plotting your next adventure today.

CheapOair and Qatar Airlines Are Giving Away a Pair of Bose Headphones Everyday in January

I don't typically post these kinds of giveaways on The Adventure Blog, but since I consider a good pair of headphones are an essential piece of travel gear, I thought it was worth sharing. Online airfare booking site CheapOair has joined forces with Qatar Airways to give away a pair of Bose wireless headphones every day during the month of January. These headphones typically cost $250, and offer amazing sound and great comfort in a lightweight package, which makes them a great option for travelers making a long flight.

Entry into the give away is simple. Just visit the Qatar Airways landing page at CheapOair, and click on the banner for the promotion. You'll be asked to login either via Facebook or by using your email address, either of which will earn you an entry into the contest. You can earn bonus entries by inviting friends to sign-up as well, or by joining the CheapOair mailing list. Each entry gives you an extra chance at scoring a pair of the Bose headphones.

For those not familiar with CheapOair, it is the fourth largest website for online booking of airfare – trailing behind just Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz. The site is a great resource for travelers who are looking to save money when flying, and is one of  my "go to" options when I'm looking to book a flight. Customers can shop for affordable flights online or through a mobile app, while also interacting with customer service reps through live chat or phone.

As mentioned above, I pretty much feel like a good pair of headphones are a must have for anyone who travels with any regularity. When I set off on a trip, I always take a pair with me as it helps to pass the time on the flight, and can provide a nice sense of escape from the noisy surroundings. My favorite pair are wireless as well, which eliminates the bulky cables that can easily get tangled when taking them in and out of your bag. Prior to owning these headphones I hadn't really thought that that would be much of an issue, but now I don't ever want to go back to standard headphones if I can help it.

This is your chance to score some great Bose headphones for yourself. Head on over to the Qatar Airways page and sign up now.

Video: Adventures in Enthralling India

Shot over a five-week period in India, this video takes us on an adventure that spans the entire country, from the Andaman Islands to the Himalaya. It features beautiful imager of a country that has a dizzying array of landscapes, and a culture that is rich with history and tradition. If you watch closely, you may just see the exact point when the filmmaker destroyed his Canon 600D camera by dropping it into the Indian Ocean. Ouch!

Adventures in INDIA - Sand To Stone from Basti Hansen on Vimeo.

Video: Introducing the Matt Prior Adventure Academy

Have you always wanted to go on a grand adventure, but just didn't know where to start? Do you have an epic journey in mind that you would like to embark on, but keep finding excuses to put it off? Than perhaps you'll be interested to learn about a new program designed to give you the skills necessary to start your project, while on an adventure of a lifetime.

That is exactly the premise behind the Matt Prior Adventure Academy, an innovative new approach to adventure travel that will allow participants to not only visit a fantastic destination, but earn valuable skills that will allow them to travel more confidently on their own in the future. The Adventure Academy will begin offering "courses" in 2015, giving would-be adventurers an opportunity to get out their front door, and start pursuing their passions more fully.

The Academy is the brainchild of Matt Prior, an adventure from the U.K. who has circumnavigated the globe in a London taxi, rode a motorbike through Patagonia, taken a Rickshaw from the southern tip of India all the way to the Himalaya in Nepal, and taken a road trip from London to Mongolia and back. In short, he doesn't lack for experience in the adventure travel realm, and now he wants to share that knowledge and experience with you.

Personally, I think the idea behind the Adventure Academy is a good one. I know plenty of people who say they would like to live a more adventurous life, but they have a hard time just getting out their front door. This program is designed to take away the excuses, and give participants the valuable skills necessary to show them that they can do amazing things if they just set their mind to it.

The video below will give you more of an idea of what Matt has in mind. It is endorsed by none other than Sir Ranulph Fiennes as well, so you know he is on to something. Find out more at the Adventure Academy Facebook page, follow the Academy on Twitter, and sign-up here for more details. A full-blown website will go online in January.

Video: 24 Beaches in a Day

There aren't many places where you can visit 24 different beaches in a single day, but that's exactly what filmmaker Jono Blake did while creating this film. It is a fast, fun trip to some of the most best beaches in and around Sydney, Australia, giving viewers a chance to see just a bit of what the city has to offer in terms of sandy places to catch some sun.

Thanks to Jono for sharing this. It looks like it was a lot of fun to make.

'GREETINGS FROM' - 24 Beaches in a day from The Runaways Production House on Vimeo.

Video: The Little Nordics - Life in Miniature

Here's a wonderful little video that is sure to mesmerize and delight. It features a series of timelapse images shot in hyper-realistic fashion that makes everything that is taking place look like it is incredibly small. It is almost as if you're looking into a miniature world of tiny people exploring the globe. Shot in Norway and Iceland, I can assure you however that these are all real photographs of real places and real people. It is a wonderful way to look at the world around us.

The Little Nordics - Life in miniature from DAMPDESIGN on Vimeo.

Video: Reconsider South Africa

South Africa is one of my favorite places that I've ever visited. It has just about everything a traveler could ask for, including very metropolitan cities that offer plenty of great places to eat, a jumping nightlife, and an amazing cultural and art scene. But of course, the country has a wild side too, with great hiking, surfing, scuba diving, and safari destinations that are unmatched. The fantastic video below shares just some of those experiences with us, giving viewers a glimpse of what the country has to offer. You'll have to watch all the way to the end to get the full payoff from the clip, but lets just say it'll give you a new perspective on everything that South Africa has to offer.

And when you're done watching the video, head over to the Discover South Africa website to learn more about the country, and the amazing experiences that can be had there. For instance, did you know that the Eastern Cape is a pristine part of the world that remains largely untouched by man? It is the perfect destination to go in search of the legendary "Big 5" – which consists of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The wildlife there is some of the most spectacular on the planet, and it is a place that will, without a doubt, leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

If you're considering going to South Africa in the near future, now is a great time to go. As winter arrives here in the Northern Hemisphere, in the southern part of the world summer is in full bloom.

Video: Where in the World Are You? - Quest #89

Looking to test your geographical skills and travel knowledge today? If so, we have another edition of the Where in the World Are You? series from Richard Bangs. This time out, Richard takes us to some very iconic places, in a part of the world that is known for being remote and wild. Can you guess where he is at based on the clues that he provides? The landscapes in particular should be a dead giveaway for this location.

Video: A Visit to Arctic Norway

This video captures the stunning landscapes of arctic Norway in timelapse, giving viewers an opportunity to truly appreciate this breathtaking part of the world. If possible, you should definitely watch this three-minute clip in high definition and with a good set of headphones or speakers. The music is part of the experience. Enjoy your short trip through Scandinavia.

Arctic Norway: A Time Lapse from Fatih M. Sahbaz Photography on Vimeo.

Video: A Portrait of New Zealand

If you still haven't had your fill of great videos showing the amazing landscapes of New Zealand, then check this five-minute short-film out. It was shot earlier in the year, and gives us some more fantastic images of a country that practically exudes adventure. For hiking, climbing, rafting, and kayaking, it is tough to beat New Zealand as an all-around get outdoor destination. Enjoy this clip, and be inspired to visit the place for yourself.

Portrait of New Zealand from • of two lands • on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Camelbak Forge

Do you have a coffee-loving adventurer on your shopping list this holiday season? If so, you might want to consider picking up a Forge travel mug from CamelBak, the same company that makes hydration packs for just about every activity you can think of.

I first got the opportunity to check out the Forge back at Outdoor Retailer in the summer of 2013, and was immediately impressed with how much thought went into the design of the product. CamelBak could have easily just mass produced any-old travel mug, and people would have bought it based on their brand alone. But the design team actually came up with some unique features for the Forge, and went out of their way to ensure that it stands out in a very crowded market.

What makes the Forge so special? Well, for starters, it comes with a leak-proof, self-sealing cap that ensure your warm beverage goes in your mouth, and not down the front of your shirt. A trigger mechanism is integrated into the cap, making it super easy to open the seal when you're ready for  a sip of your drink. Releasing the trigger seals the lid down tight, keeping the liquid in its place, and preventing accidental splashes. A lock-open button allows you to keep the seal open at all times if you choose, which can come in handy when you're wanting to vent out some heat.

Perhaps my favorite feature of the Forge is how easy it is to clean. Removing the lid from the canister  allows the cam-arms on the sealing mechanism to flip open, allowing you to clean every nook and cranny of the lid. Other travel mugs have similar caps, but none are this easy to clean, which means they tend to build up grime over time. The Forge is also dishwasher safe, so you can toss it in with the rest of your dishes, and have the forge ready for use whenever you hit the road.

In addition to the cap, there has been a lot of thought put into the cup that actually holds the coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or other liquids too. The metal canister features double-walled vacuum insulation, which CamelBak says will keep your beverage warm for 4+ hours. That's plenty of time to enjoy a hot drink on your commute, or on that cross-country road trip. The bottom the cup also features a break-proof cap that absorbs impact, and keeps the mug looking brand new.

It is easy to think that all travel mugs are created equal, but when you feel the Forge in your hand, you know it is a quality product. Available in two sizes (16 oz and 12 oz), and a variety of colors, the Forge actually looks great too. The 16 oz version sells for $30, while the 12 oz model is $29. Either makes a great gift for the holiday season, and will be appreciated all winter long.

Check the Forge out online at the CamelBak website, or pick one up at a local retailer.

Video: 10 Days in Iceland

What do you do when you have ten extra days of vacation time that you need to burn? If you're Atle and Ingeborg, the young couple who made this short film, you head off to Iceland in search of adventure. Judging from the looks of things, I'd say they found it in the beautiful landscapes and amazing activities that they encountered there.

Where would you go, and what would you do, with ten extra days?

Island 2014 from Atle Bråthen on Vimeo.

Video: Incredible Norway

Want to take a scenic journey through beautiful Norway? Do you have three minutes to spare? Than check out this wonderful little video that offers up some amazing shots of the lovely landscapes of the Scandinavian country. Shot this past August, the scenes shown here are nothing short of breathtaking. Add Norway to your list of "must-visit" places if you haven't had the chance to go there just yet.

Incredible Norway from Jaan Kronberg on Vimeo.