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Tired Of Standing Around? Find Active, But Not Extreme, Vacations Nearby

Rebecca Boyd
/
Flickr
Active, but not extreme, fun is waiting nearby, like in the Olympic National Forest. (This view is at Lena Lake.)

We heard a while back from Jessica, a listener who tweeted the following message: “I like #GoingPlaces that involve more than standing/looking at things. But not an adrenaline junky. Interesting trip ideas?”

Good news, Jessica: KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley says you don’t have to go far. But you can if you want to. More on that later.

Wintertime Fun

Brumley’s family has been trying cross-country skiing. It’s relatively easy, but still gives you a workout, and it costs way less than its downhill counterpart.

“I always thought cross-country skiing would be going down a mountain trail, hiking up half the time, getting your skis caught in tree branches, and cursing the whole experience,” Brumley said.

It’s not.

“What’s really cool about this is that it’s a fraction of a price and without the crowds,” he said.

Try Winthrop in the Methow Valley, or the towns of Plain and Leavenworth.

Of course, you don’t have to have snow. Hiking opportunities are pretty good year-round, especially on the Olympic Peninsula, Brumley said.

“This is a great time of year to be there,” he said. “Dress well. Get some good raingear on, but get out and experience it.”

Farther Away

Rather than recommend a specific destination, Brumley encourages travelers to look for opportunities wherever they are. Certainly there are destinations that are famous for outdoor opportunities. Here in the U.S., you can find active vacations in Alaska, at the Grand Canyon, or along the Appalachian Trail, to name a few.

But whether you’re traveling across the country or across the ocean, Brumley says the secret is to reach out to locals.

“For instance, if I was heading to Innsbruck, Austria, I would type in (to a search engine) ‘Innsbruck Ski Club,” he said. Try calling the local tourist offices, too.

Connecting with locals will help you find good opportunities, and introduce you to new people. It could also help you avoid the crowds.

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“Going Places” is KPLU’s weekly exploration of travel. Matthew Brumley is the co-founder of Earthbound Expeditions on Bainbridge Island, which provides small-group travel to clients including KPLU. Next week, we’ll talk about connecting with locals, and other tips to traveling like an insider – whether you’re looking for an active vacation or not.

Ed Ronco is a former KNKX producer and reporter and hosted All Things Considered for seven years.