13 JULY 2023: Mid-air tent hotel, IronMan 24, free yacht ride

Hi there, 🔆

Would you like to impress future grandkids with your stories? Then use this fantastic array of adventure inspiration and tips:

• Tent hotel hanging between mountains

• Iron Man Spring 2024 open for sale

• The world’s largest cruise ship

• Instant cooling effect

• Win a yacht ride to anywhere

• A family deal in US national parks

• The trek in the Alps

• Should you take Antarctica off your bucket list?

Research: 14 hours, read time - 3 min

ADVENTURE NEWS

or - FIRE UNDER YOUR SEAT aka INSPIRATION

Look at this tent hotel suspended mid-air in Sharjah's mountains, UAE. This elevated tent hotel will be hanging between mountains and will offer a whole new perspective on camping and take adventure to new heights. Although the opening date is not yet publicised, the design by Ardh Architects promises an experience of a top-notch floating hotel room, with private amenities and access to a mountaintop spa. So, not exactly an average low-budget venture.

Video-tour the world’s largest cruise ship. Royal Caribbean's upcoming cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is set to sail in January 2024. Here’s an exclusive early tour of the massive vessel, which will be the world's largest cruise ship. The ship is almost complete and will boast impressive features like 18 decks, seven pools, and record-breaking waterslides. Have a look.

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The 2024 IRONMAN Triathlon Europe and North America Spring Circuit opened for sale yesterday, July 12. What’s in store: scenic races in Mallorca and Oceanside in April and May, and challenging courses in Rapperswil and Coeur d'Alene in June. More iconic races across France, Texas, Denmark, Tennessee, Germany, and California await. If you want to join in 2024, you can download their calendar for registration reminders - for USA and Canada and Europe.

Instant cool-off video: Want to cool off quickly in this heat? Watch this. It works almost as well as any office AC.

FEATURED ADVENTURE: EUROPE, ALPS

or - REAL BUCKET LIST MATERIAL

Below is a photo of the mythical Bivacco Giusto Gervasutti on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif by Ben Tibbetts. It is a peculiar spacecraft-like structure delicately positioned on the precipice. Its striking outside beauty is complemented by a cosy, sheltered haven inside. While the design may not be entirely pragmatic, its allure remains undeniable.

However, even if you aren’t a hard-core climber, like Ben, there is still hope to see the Mont Blanc in all its glory in just four days. How?

Take a circuit trek around Mont Blanc, passing incredible glaciers and mountain lakes along the way. Called Tour du Mont Blanc, it is Europe's ultimate long-distance trek, encircling the majestic Mont Blanc massif, spanning 103 miles.

With breathtaking ascents and captivating landscapes, the trail takes you through Switzerland, Italy, and France offering views of the highest mountain in the Alps.

TRAVEL DEALS & GIVEAWAYS

Some US-based families can visit national parks for free. Pretty much anywhere in the US, you're within two hours of an incredible national park. New initiative gifts 7-11 year-olds free entry passes to visit national parks anywhere in the US this summer. But it gets better - all the children under 16 + three adults in the same group get in for free. To apply, submit a survey on EveryKidOutdoors.gov

Yacht-ride giveaway: Level up your summer adventures! Win a free yacht trip with Bud Light and GetMyBoat. Choose your dream destination and set sail with friends. Enter now on their website. Winners will be announced on August 14th. Don't miss out!

Discounted gear: If you haven’t scored massive discounts during Amazon’s prime day, BackCountry is having a summer sale right now with summer trekking clothes and backpacks on offer.

TRAVEL TIP, TRICK OR TREAT

or - STOP KICKING YOUR BUCKET LIST DOWN THE ROAD

Answer three simple questions - do you book hotels on aggregator sites (Tripadvisor, Booking.com, etc.)? Do you email hotels before booking? How about calling? Aha!

You see, here’s the simplest trick to avoid referral fees and taxes when booking a hotel online. 

1. Search for the right room using TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

2. Call the hotel directly.

3. While you are on the phone, see if you can get an upgrade, because the staff at the hotel reservations can get you one (if it’s available), especially if you stayed there before.

4. If you don’t speak the language, ask a friend who does - speaking their native language could increase your chances of an upgrade (and a warm welcome).

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ADVENTURE STORY TO PONDER ON

Do you have Antarctica on your bucket list? The Atlantic article is calling to take it off. Why? In short, Antarctica is the only place on Earth without a government to protect it against the challenges of climate change and inconsiderate (among other things) tourists. This contributes to carbon emissions, ecosystem damage and wildlife disturbance.

Preserving Antarctica is essential for climate change mitigation and as a model for responsible exploration. But funding trips en masse can support conservation on the continent. So, can the negative effects be mitigated and positive outcomes enhanced within Antarctic travel?

ADVENTURE NEWSLETTERS WE READ

That’s it from us this week!