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.  

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.

Video: Alex Honnold Solos Heaven in Yosemite

Last month, Alex Honnold was back in his old stomping grounds in Yosemite, where he was soloing the 5.12d rated route called Heaven. The video below takes us up that climb, and as usual with Alex, it is pretty impressive. Once you've finished watching him do his thing on the rock, head over to slick his new website at AlexHonnold.com.

Get Ready for Fall with New Gear From The Clymb

For me, there is simply no better season for hiking than autumn. The cooler days bring welcome relief following a long hot summer, and the crisp air is invigorating while out on the trail. Nothing beats wandering beneath the trees, with the sun casting its light through leaves of orange, red, and gold.

If you’re like me, and enjoy a good fall hike, then now is the time to head out to your favorite trail. But before you go, you may want to drop by The Clymb to pick up some new gear first.  If you’re not already shopping for your equipment at The Clymb, but you’re an outdoor enthusiast of any kind, then you need to become familiar with the site. It uses a flash-sale approach, providing steep discounts on name brand products. The items are on sale while the stock lasts, and once it is gone, it is replaced with new items. That means there can be some incredibly good deals to be had, but you often have to act fast to grab the gear you want before it is gone. 

The Clymb’s Hiking Gear Sale has just about everything you could possible need, including hiking boots from Hi-Tec, Wolverine, and Merrell. There are also backpacks, hiking pants, jackets, knives, socks, and more. All of the gear is offered at substantial discounts, often at as much as 50-70% off retail. For example, you can currently purchase a new pair of Hi-Tech Men’s Altitude Sport I Waterproof boots for just $54.98. These excellent light hiking boots typically sells for $100, and are perfect for fall days on the trail.  And when temperatures drop a bit further, and a jacket is required, the Brooks-Range Isto Softshell will certainly come in handy. It retails for $130, but The Clymb is offering it for $74.98 while supplies last.

The site does require a membership to take advantage of the discounted prices, but the membership is free, and open to anyone who wants to sign up. You can even earn cash that you can apply towards your purchases by inviting friends to join too.  So, if you’re in need of some new gear for your autumn hikes, head over to The Clymb, and save yourself some money in the process.