5 great Namibia road trips: exploring desert, coast and wetlands on four wheels

Five of the best adventure travel companies around have just released a fresh crop of adventure trips for 2024. Some of them are staking out a claim to fairly untrammeled places—Cape Verde, for example. Others are rethinking wilderness trips in North America. As popular destinations continue seeing more visitors to the point of overcrowding, these trips promise a respite far from the madding crowd.

I barreled down New Mexico State Road 150 in a Ram ProMaster.

Is there anything better than drive-through Christmas lights? All you need to do is pack some snacks, turn up the seat warmers, queue up your favorite seasonal songs, and—well, sit back, relax, and cruise. Whether you don’t like crowds or simply want to get in the holiday spirit from the comfort of your toasty car, drive-through holiday lights are a hassle-free and cozy way to enjoy some of the greatest outdoor sights the season has to offer.

Its electric-blue feathered neck draped in a bright raspberry-hued wattle, a beautiful southern cassowary gives me a hard stare from a few metres away. I’m momentarily mesmerised — then I spot the dagger-like claws beneath its lustrous black plumage. 

Its electric-blue feathered neck draped in a bright raspberry-hued wattle, a beautiful southern cassowary gives me a hard stare from a few metres away. I’m momentarily mesmerised — then I spot the dagger-like claws beneath its lustrous black plumage. 

Whether flying across the world, road-tripping down the coast, or embarking on a bucket-list train ride, a cozy travel blanket is a must-have for any and all upcoming trips. What’s more, the best travel blankets are designed to keep you warm and comfy while on the go—and there are dozens of options to choose from. To determine which one is best for you, consider your individual needs. For example, if you’re going camping or spending lots of time outdoors, look for one made with durable stain- and water-resistant materials like polyester. Other options—such as super-soft cashmere, breathable cotton, and ultra-warm fleece—abound.

Costa Rica’s epic landscapes make it prime road-trip territory, from its wild Pacific coastline to the relaxed vibe of its Caribbean beaches, lush wildlife-filled forests, and still-smoldering volcanoes.

Part tropical paradise and part aquatic playground, the northerly regions of Australia’s ‘sunshine state’ are ideal for family road trips. Take three weeks to discover the diversity of the northeast coast, from sailing the turquoise waters surrounding the Whitsunday Islands to exploring the rainforest country of the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people and learning about the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. As the changing landscapes unfurl along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and prehistoric-looking cassowaries. Over 21 days, uncover the marvels of the vast tropical north.

The BBC’s Planet Earth series has been educating us on the wonders of the natural world since 2006. Hosted by Sir David Attenborough, the show has taken us from the depths of the world’s deserts to the peaks of the highest mountains and into the deepest, darkest caves. We’ve seen how animals and plants survive in an ever-changing world, adapting to increasingly difficult climate conditions. As Planet Earth III finally comes to the small screen, we chat to series producer Mike Gunton—research scientist, author and senior executive at the BBC Natural History Unit (the world's largest wildlife film production unit)—about what it’s been like working on the iconic show. He let us in on his favorite places to visit for wildlife watching, what it’s like to work with Sir David Attenborough and the most frightening animal he’s come face-to-face with during filming.

If your first port of arrival in Thailand is Bangkok, you might feel a little apprehensive about the idea of taking to the highway on a road trip. In the Thai capital, cars are stacked bumper to bumper, motorcycles duel for space with pedestrians, and seemingly anything goes when it comes to road rules. But breathe easy: Bangkok is not all of Thailand.

Flying in for a few nights at a splendid luxury lodge is a marvelous way to see the remote corners of beautiful Botswana, but to truly enjoy this country’s monumentally wild spirit, it’s all about taking to the open road.

From the dramatic western highlands to the jungle-laden ruins of Tikal, Guatemala has no shortage of incredible things to see, and having access to a vehicle makes it a lot easier to see more of the country at your own pace.