How many times have you described the previous weekend as epic? An epic game, an epic party, an epic workout. We’ve all done it. But what about the truly epic moments—the type of experiences that leave a real, lasting impression? Camping in Antarctica, deep sea diving in Australia, summiting held-skiing in Alaska; now that is epic.
Forget the everyday events, and instead, make it a priority to scratch off one of the following nine trips in your lifetime and finally have a better excuse to use the word.
Explore Iceland’s Magical Landscape
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If you’re on social media at all, it’s hard not to notice that Iceland has become a travel hotspot. In 2017 alone, the amount of tourists that visited Iceland reached a number six times that of the country’s entire population.
With ample hot springs, soaring waterfalls, and black sand beaches all within a couple hours of the country’s nightlife and cultural capital of Reykjavik, it’s easy to understand why. The seemingly endless countryside, coastline, and grasslands leave plenty of space to take in the surrounding landscapes—and northern lights—in peace and quiet.
Dive at the Great Barrier Reef
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See it before it’s gone. As dramatic as that sounds, it’s sadly true. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s many natural wonders that has been heavily degraded due to pollution and global climate change. But it’s still around today, and offers some of the best diving in the world.
Be sure you hire the right guides, bring the right gear—a Citizen Promaster Diver watch is a solid choice; it’s rugged, lightweight, and waterproof to 200 meters—and respect the surrounding environment in the process.
Camp on Antartica
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Accessed seasonally through a select number of vessels departing from Patagonia at the southernmost tip of South America, visiting the seventh continent is no easy feat. But it’s most definitely worth the effort—especially since you can only travel there during the Antarctic summer, from November to March.
In addition to the unmatched wildlife and ice cap viewing, you may even get the opportunity to camp on the continent itself. Imagine pitching shelter in a hand-dug ditch—a “snow coffin,” as guides like to call it—with little more than a sleeping bag between you and one of the single greatest expanses-of -nothingness on earth. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, that’s for sure.
Enter Machu Picchu Like an Inca
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On no shortage of “bucket lists,” Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most incredible and mysterious ancient sites. As such, it too is getting a bit touristy, but no one is forcing you to take the tour bus to the top.
Instead, we suggest going the traditional route—a five day trek through the Peruvian Andes on the legendary Salkantay Trail. Invest in proper hiking boots, hire a local Quechua guide, and open yourself to a spiritual experience that culminates with entering the 15th century citadel through the sun gate, as the Inca once did.
Backpack New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail
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Known as “New Zealand’s Trail,” the 3,000-kilometer Te Aroroa backpacking route runs from the far north to the far south of the slender nation’s two main islands. With no permits needed, this is one epic trip that’s always on the table (assuming your gear closet already contains a proper backpack and lightweight camping kit).
The trail offers an opportunity to witness and explore more diverse landscapes in a single trek than most will see in a lifetime.
Find Adventure In Alaska
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The Last Frontier. Even in 2018, the 49th state is still a seriously rugged, remote, and unforgiving landscape. Visit Denali National Park, trade your savings for a week of heli-skiing, or learn to fly fish on renowned rivers accessed only by bush plane. There’s an endless number of memorable things to do in Alaska, and the setting makes pretty much anything you choose an adventure.
Drive Across America
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If Alaska isn’t available to you, the timeless cross-country road trip is a more accessible option for most Americans. Do it on a motorcycle, a bicycle, in a car by yourself, or jam-packed with family and friends.
Head north through America’s heartland and on to see the West’s legendary Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, or south to take in a culinary culture that’s nothing short of a national treasure. Either way, the experience will expand your perspective on this great, vast, and complicated country—something we could all benefit from.
Summit Kilimanjaro
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At 19,341 feet tall, Kilimanjaro is imposing without a doubt, but by most accounts summiting the world’s tallest freestanding mountain is a surprisingly achievable goal. Prepare accordingly and be ready for your trek with proper gear, like sturdy hiking boots, a lightweight daypack, a camera, and a Citizen Promaster Skyhawk watch. With its precise atomic timekeeping in up to 43 cities, stainless steel case, and superior water resistance, it can handle even the most rugged terrain.
Explore the Vast Deserts of Oman In 4WD
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Located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is an under-appreciated destination for adventure-hungry people that don’t want to simply follow a tour guide. In the right 4×4, you’ll be free to rally sand dunes, access remote riverbed oases, and tour nearly 2,000 miles of coastline. Now that’s epic.
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