Globerovers Magazine, Dec 2014

Globerovers

Special Edition

50 Incredible Destinations

It is tough to decide which destinations to visit when time and money are limited. It is an even tougher task to make a list of the ffty most incredible destinations when there are so many amazing places around the world to choose from. Personally experienced, and systematically evaluated by our Globerovers Editor-in-Chief, this list focuses on some off the beaten track destinations for the intrepid traveller. Some cities such as Warsaw strangely made it to the list not because the city is high on the intrepid index, but purely because it is just incredible.

ARTICLES ARTICLES

Dog Sledding - Svalbard, Gateway to the North Pole.

ON THE COVER:

Andean Flamingoes, Laguna Colorado, near Uyuni Salt Flats, Southern Bolivia

Globerovers Magazine currently is a bi-annual magazine, available in digital and printed formats. We focus on bringing to the intrepid traveller exciting destinations and inspiring photography from around the globe.

Published in Hong Kong

Printed in U.S.A

WHO WE ARE:

Editor-in-Chief - Peter Steyn

Editorial Consultant - Tsui Chi Ho

Graphic Designer - Peter Steyn

Photographer & Writer - Peter Steyn

Text Editors - For this issue only a few ghost editors who worked late at night!

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Editor‛s Message

Dear Readers, is fourth edition of Globerovers Magazine is a Special Edition dedicated to bringing you y options of incredible destinations to go and explore!

Each destination was carefully evaluated on ten criteria and awarded a star-rating between one and ve. ey were then ranked according to their overall evaluation scores. All criteria, except three, carried the same level of importance in calculating the overall score of each destination. e three special criteria that carried a higher level of importance were “Intrepid Index”, “Excitement Level”, and “Extraordinary Level.” So for example, while a particular destination may score relatively low on Safety, Accommodation, and Transportation, if it scored particularly high on any of the three special criteria, its ranking will be boosted.

While Syria is a fantastic destination, it was omitted from the list due to its current state of civil war. e situation in Syria is dire and we do not recommend any leisure travel to Syria. While Yemen, Pakistan, and Lebanon are also not particularly safe at the moment, they are included. Take extra care when visiting these, and all destinations, in particular those with low Safety ratings. We recommend travellers to any of the mentioned destinations to monitor the safety situation before visiting and to always take travel warnings seriously. e inclusion of any destination on this list does not signify Globerovers Magazine endorses its safety.

Always take the long way home!

Peter Steyn

Editor-in-Chief and Publisher

“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien John Tolkien (3 Jan 1892 – 2 Sep 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, university professor, and author of “The Hobbit”, and “Lord of the Rings”.

PAGE NUMBERS OF DESTINATIONS

Salar de Uyuni & Vicinity BOLIVIA

In A Nutshell

Salar de Uyuni in southern Bolivia is the world’s largest salt at and stretches over an area of 10,582 km² e area is elevated at an average of 3,600 m above sea level so hiking at times can be very tiring. is vast salt at is covered by a few metres of salt crust which contains about 60% of the world’s known lithium reserves. A er the rains, usually around January, the area is ooded with water which o ers a very di erent view of the white salt surface. e “Palacio de Sal” salt hotel o ers rooms built entirely of salt.

A trip through this part of the world should also include the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve which is rich in scenery and includes highly acidic turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, natural hot springs along the shores of the lakes, active hot bubbling mud pools, and steam vents. A variety of fauna and ora includes three species of pink South American amingos (the Chilean, Andean and rare James’s amingos), 80 other bird species, the Andean fox, llamas, alpacas, and a colony of rabbit-like viscachas hopping around the rocky outcrops. Giant cacti decorates Incahuasi Island (a.k.a. Fish Island).

Getting There and Around

Get to the small town of Uyuni via the capital La Paz, to the north. Alternatively, from the Argentina border in the south a long Landrover trip goes through spectacular scenery. Uyuni town lies to the east of the salt ats, has several travel agencies where you can book a vehicle and driver for the 3 to 6 day trip through Salar de Uyuni and the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Shop around and take recommendations of good drivers from fellow travellers.

A llama grazes in the felds next to Laguna Cañapa near Salar de Uyuni while Andean famingos forage in the brackish waters.

Salar de Uyuni viewed from Isla del Pescado (Fish Island). The rocky outcrop in the middle of the salt lake got its name from the shape of the island. It is covered in gigantic cacti (Trichocereus pasacana) and coral-like structures.

Sol de Mañana thermal area is located close to Salar de Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia and extends over 10 km², at an altitude of between 4,800 m to 5,000 m. This is powerful and raw nature!

Laguna Verde is a salt lake that covers an area of 17 km² and is located at the foot of the volcano Licancabur. Due to its high arsenic levels, the water colour varies from turquoise to dark emerald depending on the wind which causes disturbance to mineral sediments on the bottom of the lake.

Formed by constant strong winds flled with abrasive sand, Árbol de Piedra is a 7 m high “stone tree” that juts precariously out of the altiplano sand dunes of Siloli.

Laguna Cañapa has a surface area of only 1.42 km² but is popular among several species of pink South American famingo, including the Chilean famingo, Andean famingo and rare James’s famingos.

Driving across Salar de Uyuni (10,582 km²), the world’s largest salt fats at an altitude of 3,656 m. While dry most of the year, when rain falls in January (up to 70 mm) the fats are fooded with water.

Galápagos Islands ECUADOR

In A Nutshell

Located 972 km west of continental Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands is a 2.5 hour ight from Quito city. Pay a US$100 “entry tax” upon arrival and board the bus to the main town of Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz. From here (or back in Quito), book a 10-day boat cruise at one of the local agents and set o for the islands. e better boats accommodate about 10 to 14 people on board. Sail at night to spend the day-time exploring the islands which abound with many native species. What makes the Galápagos so unique is that most animal species have little fear for humans. Some of the most unique animals include the large Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, lava lizards, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magni cent frigatebirds, Sally-lightfoot crabs, and many more.

A er the long boat cruise, explore the few islands where independent travel is permitted. ese include Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and Isla de San Cristóbal. Watch out for Sierra Negra, an active large shield volcano at the south eastern end of Isla Isabela which rises to an altitude of 1,124 m.

Getting There and Around

While it is possible to arrive from the South American coast via a large pleasure boat, the better way is to take a ight from mainland Ecuador to Puerto Ayora on the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz. Boat cruises around the islands vary from “economy” to “super luxurious “. Choose the type that best ts your lifestyle and your budget. Some islands near Santa Cruz can be visited without a guide. ere are ferries between some of these islands.

A marine iguana hides behind his mother’s tail.

A juvenile magnifcent frigatebird sits patiently on the nest waiting for its parents to return with fsh. Frigatebirds never land on water and always catch their food in fight, which they often steal from other seabirds.

Swallow-tailed gulls are taking a nap in front of a Galapagos sealion.

A land iguana ponders its next move while warming up in the morning sun.

Sally-lightfoot crabs perform a love dance on the black volcanic rocks.

The Galápagos giant tortoise can weigh over 400 kg and reach a length of up to 1.8 m. Here on the Galápagos Islands some of them live for more than 100 years.

Svalbard, NORWAY

In A Nutshell

If you want to be on top of the world, head up north to the Svalbard Islands, gateway to the North Pole. Other than being a wonderworld of snow during the nine winter months, there is ample wildlife, including at least 500 polar bears on the main islands of Svalbard and another 2,500 in the wider region. e polar night lasts from 26th October to 15th February, so bring your ashlight as you will need it around the clock. Winter is spectacular with the Aurora Borealis (northern lights) dancing in the skies but temperatures can go down to -40°C and lower with the windchill.

In summer, when the midnight sun lasts from 20th April until 23rd August, it is bright skies 24 hours a day. ere is much less ice and snow so the polar bears congregate around the icy regions of Svalbard. is is the best time of the year to spot the bears, which is best done from a boat. In addition to bear spotting, winter escapades include dog sledding, glacier caving, snowmobiles, and cross-country skiing. Polar bears are a real danger here and going out of town, you should not travel without a guide who must, by law, carry a gun.

Getting There and Around

From Norway’s capital, Oslo, a daily ight stops at Tromsø in the far north to pick up a few more adventure travellers. From here it is a 60 minute ight to the small airport outside the village of Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island. An airport bus will be waiting and drop you o at your guesthouse. e village is small so walking is the best option for getting around.

The Noorderlicht is docked on a frozen bay in the east of Svalbard. Arrive by dog sled and stay in a comfortable cabin to enjoy the Dutch hospitality for a night or two. Polar bear sightings from the deck is almost guaranteed.

Along Templefjord towards the east coast of Spitsbergen Island the sea is frozen and a river runs across the frozen sea waters. Carefully cross the river by snow-mobile and continue on to the far east coast in search of polar bears.

Dog sleds are used for polar bear spotting. Six harnessed huskies are controlled by the musher (standing) to help with some pedalling and braking, with the passenger in the bucket.

Photographing in -40°C temperature is challenging. Throw a cup of boiling water in the air and it blows away as furries. Camera batteries lose all their power in minutes when exposed to this cold.

Himalayas & Mnt. Everest NEPAL

In A Nutshell

e trek to Mount Everest basecamp starts at the little village of Lukla (2,850 m) which is a 45 minute scenic ight from the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. From Lukla the path goes through the village of Phakding and then on to Namche Bazar at an elevation of 3,440 m. From here head up to Khumjung (2,850 m) and its famous ame Monastery where the scenery gets really impressive all the way up to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) to see sunrise over Mount Everest (8,848 m) directly to the east. From Gokyo Ri hike over the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. e next village is Dragnag (4,700 m) with a small guesthouse. Next hike over the dangerous Cho La Pass (5,330 m) from where it is non-stop stunning mountain scenery all the way down through Dughla (4,630 m) and up to Lobuche (4,940 m). Get used to the higher altitude and hike further north to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and then up to Mount Everest basecamp (5,364 m). e way back goes via the beautiful Dingboche village (4,420 m) and then further south to Tengboche (3,867 m). is area o ers views of Everest (8,850 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Lohtse (8,414 m), Taboche (6,367 m), and Ama Dablam (6,858 m). From Tengboche the scenic path descents back to Namche Bazar and further descents into Lukla where your small plane is waiting to li o from the scary airstrip. Trust you will land safely in Kathmandu.

Getting There and Around

Once you get to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, spend a day or two asking fellow travellers if they have a good guide to recommend. Rent high quality equipment and warm clothing (excellent quality available) and y to Lukla. Do at minimum a 16-day hike. Back to Kathmandu and y west to Pokhara. From here take a 10 to 15 day hike up to Mount Annapurna. Your guide will look a er guesthouse bookings all the way. Be warned: the higher up, the more basic the lodging and food.

Mount Everest (8,850 m) on the left as viewed from between Tengboche and Namche Bazar.

After crossing the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and staying at the small guesthouse at Dragnag (4,700 m), the next morning its time to cross the dangerous Cho La Pass (5,330 m) to Dzonglha (4,830 m) and to Lobuche (4,940 m).

After passing the Cho La Pass (5,330 m), stay in the guesthouse at Dzonglha (4,830 m) before ascending through the Lobuche Pass (5,110 m) to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) near Everest basecamp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,550 m).

Mount Everest (8,850 m) as viewed in the early morning from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m).

The mountain scenery north of Dole Village (4,048 m)

Goifulhafehendhu Atoll MALDIVE ISLANDS

In A Nutshell

e Republic of the Maldives (better known as the Maldive Islands) is a chain of twenty-six atolls situated in the Indian Ocean about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 400 km southwest of India’s Kerala State. ere are many atolls and islands to choose from. Highly recommended is Goifulhafehendhu Atoll (also known as Goidhoo Atoll) at the southern fringe of Southern Maalhosmadulhu Atoll, with code letter “BAA”. Goifulhafehendhu Atoll has only two islands with tourist accommodation - Fulhadhoo and Goidhoo. Fulhadhoo Island has a population of about 300 people and one small guesthouse with four rooms. It is a long island with beautiful beaches and sandbanks at the far ends while the rest of this skinny island is covered with lush trees.

At the northern rim of the atoll is Fehendhoo Island, another inhabited island, plus many smaller uninhabited islands such as the incredible Innafushi Island. Take day trips to the surrounding islands and enjoy the most beautiful beaches on earth! e people are friendly, the food is spicy and good, the skies are clear, the air is clean, and the water is crystal clear and warm. is is truly paradise on earth!

Getting There and Around

Arrive by air on the island of Hulhule where the international airport is located. Within minutes you will be on your way via a private pickup arranged by your hotel located on nearby island of Hulhumale which is connected to the airport island by causeway. Highly recommended is to take the 10-minute ($1) ferry from immediately outside the arrivals hall to the island where the capital city, Malé, is located. To reach Goifulhafehendhu Atoll, take a fast boat at Malé for a 1.5 hour ride north to Fulhadhoo Island.

Fehendhoo Island has a population of about 2,500.

The beaches around the islands are super clean and the water is crystal clear and warm. Snorkelling close to the inhabited islands are not exceptionally good. However, reefs further away have spectacular marine life.

The boat jetty at Fulhadhoo Island where the small fast motor boat arrives from Malé Island. The village is home to about 300 people, and one small guesthouse with 4 comfortable rooms.

Innafushi Island, now also known as “Globerovers Island”, is uninhabited and a short motor boat drive away from the inhabited Fulhadhoo Island. The water here is particularly beautiful.

Innafushi Island viewed from a height of 84 m. Its a small uninhabited island overgrown with palm trees and small shrubs.

Perito Moreno Glacier ARGENTINA

In A Nutshell

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of most impressive and most accessible glaciers in the world. e total ice eld here holds the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water. A full day visit allows for views from di erent vantage points around the terminal (front-face) of the glacier.

e glacier is about 30 km in length and is one of many glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. e terminal is 5 km wide, with an average height of more than 60 m above the surface of Lake Argentino. e surrounding hills o er spectacular views of the glacier while other glaciers along the lake (e.g. Upsala Glacier) can be visited by catamaran. Glacier hikes are o ered and as long as you are very careful, you won’t die a slow icy death. Join a local glacier hiking group with guide, put on your crampons (spiked ice-boots), tie up the ropes, and get onto the glacier. An unforgettable hike indeed! While in the area, also check out nearby Upsala Glacier. While Perito Moreno Glacier is probably the most impressive, other glaciers worth visiting can be found in Alaska, Pakistan, Iceland, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Antarctica, Nepal, and elsewhere.

Getting There and Around

Located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz province, it is a 90 minute minibus ride (80 km) from the town of El Calafate where a few small hotels and guesthouses serve as base. El Calafate (pop. 6,500) is a nice town and good base for many scenic spots in the area, including the spectacular amingos that congregate on Lake Argentino. Rent a car or travel with a group in a minibus.