Go Like a Pro | Outside Online

You Are Here:

Home >> Travel >> Go Like a Pro

Today's Question
Where should I camp in Switzerland with my kids? answer

What's the best volcano to hike up in North America? answer

How can I plan a trip around riding the biggest, fastest roller coasters? answer

Online Favorites

Special Issues

Photo Galleries

Outside Magazine November 2003

Destinations Special
Go Like a Pro
Mongolia, New Zealand


	Able-bodied waters in New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park (Courtesy, New Zealand Tourism)

PRICE: $2,705
14. Visit the Thousand Camel Festival,
MONGOLIA
THE DEAL: Fly deep into Mongolia's Gobi Desert for eight days to catch the Thousand Camel Festival, an annual celebration that involves camel racing, camel polo, traditional music, dances, and homemade vodka. After a day wandering the markets of Ulaanbaatar, hop a 90-minute flight to Dalanzadgad, in southern Mongolia, where the festival unfolds for the next two days. You'll stay in hotels and gers (yurts) at the Three Camel Lodge, on the Gobi's steppes. Side trips take you to places like the Flaming Cliffs, a fossil-rich area of glowing orange rock, and Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Price above includes sample round-trip airfare from New York ($1,685), meals, transfers, in-country flights, and seven nights' accommodation (three in hotels, four in comfortable camps).
THE FINE PRINT: Dates are set—January 26-February 2, 2004—and winters aren't exactly toasty in Mongolia (in January, high temperatures average 15 degrees Fahrenheit).
CONTACT: Nomadic Expeditions, 800-998-6634, www.nomadicexpeditions.com PRICE: $3,049
15. Multisport
NEW ZEALAND
THE DEAL: For two weeks you'll hike, bike, paddle, and swim your way around New Zealand's South Island, getting your fill of serene parks, seal colonies, and the snowy Southern Alps. You'll also spend three days backpacking through Nelson Lakes National Park and holing up in scenic shelters like the Angelus Hut, perched above tree line between two mountain lakes. Options include mountain-biking the 44-mile Queen Charlotte Track, kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound, or heli-hiking on the tourmaline Franz Josef Glacier. Spend nights in B&Bs like the spacious Homestead, in Makarora. Price above includes sample round-trip airfare between Los Angeles and Christchurch ($1,050), 14 days of activities, 13 nights' accommodation, transportation, and meals. Six-day multisport trips to Alaska can cost just as much.
THE FINE PRINT: Some activities will run extra (heli-hiking: $100).
CONTACT: Active New Zealand, 800-500-3398, www.activenewzealand.com



	(Clay Ellis)

REALITY TECH:
HIGH SIERRA A.T. GEAR ACCESS You want the convenience of a wheeled duffel, but the versatility of a backpack. Well, thank High Sierra for its clever hybrid. The front-loading compartment (2,310 cubic inches) is spare and simple, with compression straps to hold several days' worth of clothes and sundries. The detachable 923-cubic-inch daypack is big enough for a sandwich, parka, and camera. ($100; 800-323-9590, www.hssc.com)

Next Page: The wired traveler's guide to working on the Web

•	Subscribe to Outside and get a FREE Gift!

•	Give the gift of Outside Magazine!

•	Subscribe to Outside Online's free weekly e-mail newsletter featuring gear reviews, fitness advice, galleries, podcasts, and more.