Shake It Up: Travel Alternatives For 2017

Looking for travel inspiration beyond the ordinary for 2017? We've got a few worthy alternatives to the same-old-same-old.

Travel to South Walton instead of The Hamptons 

The Hamptons are known as a playground for the rich and famous over the summer months when the streets of NYC are filled with humidity and heat… But, while The Hamptons are an ideal destination in the summer, there is a artistic, design centric, oceanfront destination that is open year-round – South Walton, FL. Travelers can experience this high-end destination with pristine beaches, fresh sophisticated cuisine, and extensive protected park land. It’s a collection of 16 laid back seaside villages that are beloved by those who know about them. Adventure seekers can birdwatch, kayak, stand-up paddle board and fish on the coastal dune lakes which only exist in a handful of places in the world: New Zealand, Madagascar, Australia, the Northwest US … and South Walton. Art lovers can explore the numerous artists’ colonies and more than 20 art studios and galleries from a vibrant creative community of fine painters, crafters and sculptors. 

Travel to Alberta instead of New Zealand

When U.S. skiers set their sights on international travel, New Zealand is often the bullseye. But, while New Zealand has been known as a popular ski destination in the last years, there is a closer, cheaper and just as stunning international ski destination that’s forecasted to receive over 120% of its average snowfall (and it already gets a lot) this upcoming winter — Alberta, CA. Travelers can visit the quaint and stunning Canadian ski towns of Banff or Jasper, whose idyllic charm and friendly people are on par with anything found in the land of the kiwi's. Home of “SkiBig3” — Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village — Alberta’s ski resorts are some of the most challenging and well-regarded, located within some of the world’s most beautiful National Parks.. New this ski season, SkiBig3 lift ticket holders now have free access to the Historic Banff Hot Springs.

Travel to Cheyenne instead of Dallas

Dallas, Texas may be known as a great destination for rodeos, but Cheyenne, Wyoming is home to the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days. The 10-day Western celebration, dubbed “the Daddy of ‘em All," draws nearly 200,000 visitors from around the world (including a priest who has traveled from Rome more than 30 years in a row). Guests can even take a free "Behind the Chutes Tour” that follows the path of the bulls and broncs as the animals are rounded up and threaded through the maze of gates on their way to the chutes and out into the arena with cowboy in tow. Cheyenne is also celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017 with celebrations that will coincide with the rodeo. 

Travel to Toronto instead of Stockholm

Stockholm is known for its cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings, 14 encompassed islands and bike paths for locals and travelers alike. But while Stockholm is an ideal destination to combine adventure and travel, there is a closer, cheaper and more diverse destination with over 100 cultures and 130 different languages spoken every day – Toronto, CA. The city has so much going on in 2017 (Canada also celebrates its 150th anniversary) including two new luxury hotels (Hotel X and Bisha), the reopening of the Museum of Contemporary Art and the opening of the Under the Gardiner, the revitalization of the waterfront which is home to a variety of activity- from farmer’s markets, children’s gardens, community gatherings, performances and exhibition halls. Additionally, lovers of fine beer and fine food are invited to sample more than 100 beers crafted by brewers  across Ontario and Quebec at Toronto’s Winter Brewfest (February 19-20, 2017).

Travel to Utah instead of Montana

While many adventure travelers think of Montana’s Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Utah is home to the Mighty Five National Parks all conveniently located in Southern Utah. Visitors can see the infamous Delicate Arch at Arches National Park and The Needles at Canyonlands National Park in the same day, or take in pristine views of the night sky during a Moonlight snowshoe hike at Bryce Canyon National Park. Additionally, Utah is home to more dark sky parks than anywhere in the U.S., making it the ideal destination for 2017’s highly anticipated solar eclipse. 

Experience an American Safari instead of an African Safari

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Hiking and Camping and Yellowstone & Grand Teton Hiking:  Lodge-based

As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a treasure trove of natural wonders of vast open meadows, thundering waterfalls and soaring peaks. Its many geothermal features of steaming geysers and bubbling mud pots are a constant reminder of the park’s volcanic origins. Over six days, enjoy some of the park’s most scenic trails by early morning hikes to summit Mt. Washburn and Avalanche Peak, or the world’s largest active geyser field and Mystic Falls. Late afternoons include wildlife-viewing drives to spot diverse and iconic North American wildlife such as bison, grizzly bear, wolf, pronghorn, elk and moose. One magical day is spent exploring Yellowstone’s neighbor to the south, Grand Teton National Park, for a float trip down the same stretch of the Snake River that inspired artist Ansel Adams. REI Adventures introduces the itinerary with two accommodation options – guests can enjoy a comfy camp experience through REI’s unique Signature Camp in Yellowstone or opt to stay in a recently renovated lodge in the park.