Issue 103 | Galapagos of the Poles

Issue 103

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Happy Friday!

This is Adventure Fix, the weekly email for people whose friends say they’ve been everywhere but they know there is still so much more to see and experience.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Photo guide: Capture birds in flight like a pro

• Unique destinations: South Georgia Island

• Journeys: Sea kayaking expedition in the Yasawa Islands

• Where in the world: Mysterious camel-filled canyon oasis

Paddling Fiji’s Yasawa Islands

Fiji is packed with luxurious resorts, but if you’re looking for a more active and authentic way to see this South Pacific country, head to the Yasawa island chain.

Here, the kayak is the best boat for navigating shallow waters that are off-limits for bigger motor boats. The sea is calm which makes for leisurely and enjoyable paddling.

Tour companies offer expedition-style trips that last a week or longer, giving you enough time to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

In between paddling the glassy blue water, you’ll be snorkeling the colorful reefs, picnicking on secluded beaches, cracking open coconuts with a machete, exploring limestone caves, and visiting traditional Fijian villages.

As the sun begins to fade into the horizon, set up camp on a remote beach and watch the spectacular sunset.

Explore more:

• Ultimate Yasawa sea kayak expedition (Tour): World Expeditions offers a 9-day itinerary that will show you the best of these islands.

Own the future of travel

Wander.com is transforming the vacation rental industry by blending the perks of a luxury hotel with the comfort of a spacious home. Want to get in on the action without the hassle and headache of buying and maintaining rental properties?

Well, now you can. Wander REIT is the first and only institutional-grade vacation rental investment product. That means investors get all the tax-advantaged benefits of a REIT in a new asset category: vacation home rentals. Instead of the traditional apartment or office-building REITs, Wander REIT invests in the best of the best of vacation rentals.

Enjoy targeted 8% dividends and a 14% targeted total return with appreciation from hand-picked, stunning vacation homes – starting with a $2,500 minimum – without having to buy a property, change light bulbs or deal with guests. And for a limited time, new REIT investors may get an opportunity to invest in Wander’s next round of funding.

Explore this investment.

South Georgia Island: The Galapagos of the Poles

The zodiac lands on the black sand beach. Towering dark peaks and hanging glaciers line the horizon. Thousands of fluffy penguin chicks cry out for food as their parents waddle back to shore from a morning of hunting, ready to feed their young.

Giant petrels patrol the beach while blubbery elephant seal bulls duke it out for mating rights.

This is South Georgia, a rugged island that rises out of the Southern Ocean. Unlike its southern neighbor, Antarctica, the ground isn’t frozen which makes it an ideal nursery for polar wildlife.

It’s impossible to not be overcome by a sense of wonder and awe when visiting a place like South Georgia. Often called “the Galapagos of the Poles because of the massive numbers of penguins and seals that breed there.

Home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on earth, it’s a real nature lover’s dream destination.

South Georgia is also a must-see for polar history buffs who would like to visit Ernest Shackleton’s grave site.

If you find yourself being drawn to the lonely places of the extreme latitudes to experience Earth's last, scarcely touched regions, South Georgia should be on your radar.

Explore more:

• Travel Guide to South Georgia (article) - Info, advice, and tips for planning a trip to South Georgia.

• Resurrection Island (documentary series) - A five-part National Geographic series about how wildlife overcame South Georgia’s haunting past.

Capture birds in flight like a pro

You spot a Coconut Lorikeet gliding through the dense forest. Its vibrant rainbow-colored feathers glimmer in the sunlight. You whip out your camera and attempt to capture this magical moment.

Excited about your shots, the first thing you do when you get home is open up your laptop and go through your photos. The excitement quickly fades as you realize not a single one came out right. Some are blurry, others cut off your subject and the rest are underexposed.

So, how do pros get those brilliant tack-sharp photos of birds in action?

Their secret isn’t the latest or greatest camera and lens, it’s a combination of technical and naturalist skills.

Explore more:

• How to Photograph Birds in Flight with Sharp Results (article) - A detailed look at bird behavior, biology, and environment that will help you anticipate what birds will do.
  

• Here’s Why Your Bird Photos Aren’t Sharp (video) - Learn the common mistakes that are keeping you from extraordinary bird shots.

Fjallraven High Coast Wind Jacket

If you’re looking for a light and packable jacket that will block out bone-chilling wind and keep you dry on a misty day, the Fjallraven High Coast wind jacket is for you.

Grab yours here → Men’s version. Women’s version.

That's interesting: Why are some people more curious than others?

Learn: The alien world of deep sea vents explained.

Future: Could underwater greenhouses feed an ever-growing world?

Podcast: The woman who knows what elephants are saying.

Just for laughs: Comedy Wildlife Photo.

Where in the world 

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? Find the answer at the end of this email.

Interested in advertising on Adventure Fix?

Fill out this survey and we'll get back to you soon!

ANSWER: Guelta d'Archei, Chad.