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National Geographic Expeditions

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$1,595 — 67,950

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How well do you know the world?

National geographic expeditions reviews & ratings, inconsistent information, no refund.

We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marke...

CaliforniaSlug

How to Ruin a Trip to Norway

My husband and I took the Norway "Trains and Fjords" tour because neither of wanted to drive the twisty roads to see the majestic areas and wanted to avoid a cruise ...

TOO MUCH TOO FAST

Firstly, it was my understanding, and confirmed in a phone conversation with the company’s representative prior to our departure, that the schedule of events would g...

Beware of False Published Itinerary

Best Part of Trip was Cancelled

signed up to travel the Columbia-Snake River to visit Hell's Canyon. That part of the trip was cancelled by Nat Geo without notifying the passengers. Instead we vi...

Well traveled

Cancel my trip but no refund

This company canceled my trip due to COVID but failed to refund all money so I am out $1500 for Lindblad portion, and will never travel with NatGeo again. They have ...

See all National Geographic Expeditions reviews

Editoral Review of National Geographic Expeditions

In 1999, National Geographic launched their own tour company component: National Geographic Expeditions. Since then they have expanded to offer trips on all 7 continents in over 60 destinations. Recently they partnered with G Adventures to provide even more variety to their devoted customers.

What Makes National Geographic Expeditions Stand Out?

• Multiple modes of travel
• Expert guides and photographers
• After hours and special access to sites

With National Geographic, you can travel by small, expedition-style ships; classic train journeys; land tours; active adventures; photo tours; family-oriented trips; or private, independent expeditions based on your desires and budget.

Wherever you go with National Geographic, which has been in the tour business for 15 years, you can expect doors to open: entry to research sites, archaeological digs, private homes or special events.

Many expeditions are accompanied by a National Geographic expert or expert team who share their knowledge and passion for a region and help make each experience enriching and unforgettable.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With National Geographic Expeditions?

• Photography enthusiasts
• Adventurous minded
• Nature lovers
• History buffs
• Life long learners

National Geographic is one of those special brands that has managed to successfully straddle the line between “your grandfather loves them” and “your eighteen year old sister loves them”. They cover a wide range of topics, themes, and travel styles, with the educational aspect always prevalent yet not overbearing.

If you love feeling like an explorer and an adventurer when you travel, and love learning about the world from experts in a variety of fields, National Geographic is the perfect place for you. This is a company for those who want to dig deeper, like getting the inside story from multiple perspectives - historical, cultural, political, economic, scientific and more.

National Geographic trips are great for families, and you can choose a private tour or a family friendly group, where hands on activities will widen your children’s worldview in innumerable special ways.

National Geographic trips are also extremely popular with photographers - novice photographers will enjoy their photography-centric tours, while many dedicated hobbyists can be found on their other trip styles as well.

If you’re the kind of traveler who sacrifices the space for a pair of shoes in your suitcase for another lens or photography accessory...you’ll be right at home on a trip with National Geographic Expeditions.

In the same way that National Geographic magazine has always inspired and furthered conversation and discourse, so too do their trips. The spirit of learning about the world is intertwined in every itinerary, so if you consider yourself a lifelong student, you should definitely consider traveling with National Geographic Expeditions.

Top Destinations

National Geographic Expeditions go all around the world, and cover almost every travel style imaginable. One might think they have a favoring of the more “exotic” locations but an impressive number of United States and European tours are offered as well as farther reaching destinations. National Geographic Expeditions in the Galapagos are especially popular.

Regardless of where you travel, you will be sure to get off the beaten path and discover unique cultural landmarks, meet interesting people, and enjoy a sense of adventure.

Small-ship expeditions, done in conjunction with Lindblad Expeditions, can take you to Antarctica, the Galapagos and points beyond. Classic train journeys include the Trans-Siberian and trains through India, Spain, and Switzerland. Active adventures might take you hiking in Bhutan or meeting Berbers in Morocco. Land tours could take you to Tanzania, Peru or the Grand Canyon.

National Geographic Expeditions Travel Style

The travel style with National Geographic Expeditions has an aura of old fashioned exploration with a modern twist.

National Geographic Expeditions is a family friendly outfit, offering a wide range of prices and trip styles. Trips vary from mid range budget to higher. Physical level is usually light to moderate.

By virtue of their longstanding presence in the world, National Geographic has a wide reaching global network to lean on for incredibly unique and authentic lodging options, knowledgeable guides, and VIP access to historical and archaeological sites.

They have several broad travel styles you can choose from:

Land Trips - National Geographic Land Trips are immersive explorations, often covering nature and wilderness points of interest such as national parks. They also dive into ancient cities and cultures, with trips exploring everything from monks in Burmese mountainside temples to the lives of nomadic Mongolian peoples. Most trips are around 11 days and physical level is between light and moderate, with some trips featuring moderately challenging hikes in various altitudes.

River Cruises - a relatively new addition, Nat Geo now offers around 7 river cruises in Europe covering the Danube, Rhine, and Douro. Currently they also have 1 river cruise in Asia, along the Irrawaddy. These trips are typically between 7 - 11 days and feature wine tasting, history tours, and very light physical activity.

Private Expeditions - If you and your family, significant other, or a few close friends are looking for a more intimate travel experience than a group of strangers, Private Expeditions are a great way to travel. These trips are customizable, and can be crafted to perfectly suit your interests and dates.

Photography Trips - National Geographic has consistently featured award winning travel photography. They run regular contests for those inspired by the thousands of groundbreaking and historic photographs taken by journalists and travel photographers around the world. On National Geographic photography trips you can actually learn tricks of the trade from real-world photographers and improve your skills.

Train Trips - Travel was revolutionized with the implementation of the railroad, allowing people to travel in what was then a rapid pace from destination to destination. Today this ideal has been flipped on its head, and train travel is a leisurely paced excursion allowing time to relax and appreciate the slower meandering through beautiful countrysides. National Geographic train trips cover the classics, such as the Trans-Siberian railway and the Rocky Mountain railroad. Accommodations are comfortable, around a premium level, with options to upgrade.

Active Expeditions - For those who enjoy a bit more of an adrenaline pumping and active travel experience, National Geographic also has trips for you. These trips feature multiple active outings, such as kayaking, hiking, and caving. Expect to explore the outdoors covering unique natural phenomena and gaining insight into how and why the landscape has been shaped the way it has. These trips also feature cultural insights, just to a lesser extent.

Family Expeditions - National Geographic is the perfect company to travel with when you have curious and adventurous youngsters eager to see the world. They will learn about other cultures, people, food, nature and wildlife from experts with “cool jobs” that might even inspire lifelong interests and perhaps influence a career. These trips are specifically designed to be hands on, allowing everyone to get involved and learn about how things work.

Private Jet Trips - For a luxurious and more lengthy travel experience, nothing beats a Private Jet tour. A dedicated team will be with you, and you’ll experience all the best that National Geographic has to offer from local guides to premiere accommodation. These trips are in a very high budget range, but if it’s in your wheelhouse - it’s a superb way to travel and cover a lot of ground.

Journeys - Part of a partnership with G Adventures, these trips are adventurous and immersive small group excursions imbued with the spirit of National Geographic. The best of two top travel worlds!

Why Choose a Tour  With National Geographic Expeditions?

When you travel with National Geographic you are participating in and contributing to a spectacular legacy. Over the years National Geographic has cultivated a reputation for being about cultural exploration, scientific advancement, and broadening perspectives.

Their travel experiences are perfect for anyone wishing to get back to the roots of what adventurous, experiential travel really means and enjoy discovering the world from multiple angles.

Really one of the best parts about traveling on a tour with National Geographic Expeditions is the sheer breadth of knowledge, personal and professional experience their guides bring to the table. They help provide richly detailed context, historical information, and dive into the details of local life, by showing and doing as well as explaining. You the traveler will have the true experience of getting to know a place from the inside out.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason, proceeds from your trip price go towards supporting National Geographic’s ongoing nonprofit work in conservation, exploration, education, and cultural preservation.

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Solo friendly.

• No single supplement
• Trekking & Camping
• Photography
• Train & Rail

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About the company.

National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

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Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top National Geographic Expeditions Trip Categories

National geographic expeditions company ranking by category, similar companies.

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While trip insurance is optional for National Geographic Expeditions trips, it is highly recommended. On National Geographic Journey's, basic travel insurance is required. National Geographic can assist with travel insurance packages.

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North america, central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

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New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

New routes and new National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures.

We’re proud to announce that National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures is expanding our collection of immersive experiences around the world with new tours for you to discover. Whether you choose to explore the charming cities of Ireland, taste the vibrant flavours en route from Singapore to Bangkok, or connect with local artisans in Mexico, these tours are designed to take you deeper into the world than you could have possibly imagined.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW TOURS

Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand Explorer

Cultural Wonders of Mexico

Greece: Ancient Ruins & Iconic Islands

Iconic Ireland

Singapore to Bangkok Journey

Deals of the Week   Unforgettable Asia   Up to 50% OFF

Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys

• Mountain Hikes
• Fully Guided
• Hiking & Trekking

• Introduction
• Day 1 Las Vegas
• Day 2 Las Vegas/Zion National Park (1B)
• Day 3 Zion National Park (1B, 1L)
• Day 4 Zion National Park/Page (1B)
• Day 5 Page/Grand Canyon National Park (1B, 1L)
• Day 6 Grand Canyon National Park (1B)
• Day 7 Grand Canyon National Park/Las Vegas (1B)
• Day 8 Las Vegas (1B)

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

TRAVEL, ENHANCED National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures are a collection of unique National Geographic tours designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. They offer more inclusions, greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group.

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Excellent 4.7
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.7
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Excellent 4.3
• Tour Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures 4.5
• CA Charles · 12th July 2023 Matthew (CEO) was great. As issues/challenges arose (which they inevitably do) Matthew addressed them, and provided options/alternatives, which he presented to the group and the group came to a consensus. A suggestion for Management/Tour Operator, The... Show more Trip date: June 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• Monday 10 Jun, 2024 Monday 17 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €2,849 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €2,849 Confirm Dates
• -30% Monday 15 Jul, 2024 Monday 22 Jul, 2024 English €2,979 €2,085 Confirm Dates
• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 5 Sep, 2024 Thursday 12 Sep, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €3,099 €2,634 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Monday 23 Sep, 2024 Monday 30 Sep, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,979 €2,532 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,849 €2,421 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 Thursday 17 Oct, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,849 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 5 May, 2025 Monday 12 May, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €3,099 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 22 May, 2025 Thursday 29 May, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €3,099 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 9 Jun, 2025 Monday 16 Jun, 2025 English €3,099 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currency $ US Dollar USA

As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 4th August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 4th August 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL ALASKA OUTDOORS HAS SUSPENDED ALL RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 TOUR SEASON.

We apologize for the inconvenience. It is unclear at this time if this will change and encourage you to look for other Alaska travel options. We have been serving our guests continuously since 2001 and are very disappointed. We look forward to resuming operations as soon as we are able.

Alaska Outdoors Adventure Tours

Award Winning Tours since 2001

Alaska Outdoors’ award-winning, small group adventure tours combine travel to Alaska’s world-famous National Parks and protected areas with active outdoor exploration and adventure. Our smartly designed, activity-oriented adventure travel packages feature the perfect blend of comfortable camping at established campgrounds (all equipment included) and occasional indoor accommodations at hotels/ lodges. The best of both worlds.

At each of our destinations, we participate in guided outdoor multi-sport adventure tours that showcase the best adventures Alaska has to offer. And, unlike many tours with rigid itineraries, our trips provide choice. Each of our tours include unscheduled days for you to choose activities that best suit your interests, desires, and budget. Customize your trip experience and fulfill your dreams!

Some of the Adventure Tours available on our trips: hiking, wildlife/glacier cruises, river rafting, glacier trekking, ice climbing, sea kayaking, flight seeing, dog sledding, horseback riding, historic tours, ziplining, ATV tours and more!

Travel with a small group, avoid the crowds, view wildlife, challenge yourself, and travel worry free. You choose your adventure; we’ll take care of all the details! Learn more about our small group tours . Our trips offer an enriching and economical adventure tour option in Alaska and are outstanding value!

Give us a call 907-357-4020 or Contact Us today.

We’d be happy to answer all your questions.

Classic Alaska Tour

Denali State Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Anchorage and more!

Glaciers Mountains Fjords

Matanuska Glacier, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Valdez, Prince William Sound and more!

Alaska Family Adventure

Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali State Park, Anchorage and more!

Wildlife Tour

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound, Valdez, Tangle Lakes, Denali National Park, Anchorage and more!

Grand Alaska Tour Combo

The Grand Tour Combo is a combination of the Classic Alaska Tour and the Glaciers Mountains Fjords Tour and explores a broad cross section of Alaska’s biotic regions!

Custom Tours

Our unique method of travel allows a great deal of customization with respect to location, activities, and interests of trip participants!

Each Trip Features

• Small groups
• Full time guide
• Comfortable transportation
• Healthy, hearty meals
• Top of the line equipment
• National Parks and protected areas
• Worry free travel

Conscientious/ Sustainable Alaska Travel

Our tour group sizes are small and our hearts are big. Learn more about our commitment to low impact sustainable travel .

Alaska Outdoors is a certified Green/ Sustainable business by Adventure Green Alaska. Adventure Green Alaska recognizes and promotes model Alaska tourism businesses who practice economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainability.

Since 2001, thousands of happy campers

★★★★★ This was an amazing and unforgettable trip. I enjoyed every minute of it! Thanks and keep up the good work! -Antoine Linssen

★★★★★ Hope we can do it again sometime! We all had a great time and all hope it won't be our last trip to Alaska. -John W. Hall

★★★★★ I am glad I chose Alaska Outdoors, definitely a key factor in making my time up in Alaska very memorable. -Maya Puliyanda

Alaska Outdoors, LLC is a member of the following organizations

Alaska Outdoors, LLC operates under permit from the following land management agencies:

National Park Service, Alaska State Parks, Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Bureau of Land Management

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This German city doesn’t exist, according to a decades-long conspiracy theory

Bielefeld sits in the shadow of a 30-year-old satirical hoax that claims the city is completely fictional. But is it?

If the German city Bielefeld was real, you could climb the staircase of the 120ft-high Sparrenburg Castle tower, the tallest point in the region, to admire the surrounding landscape. Your thighs would burn from the hefty ascent, but you’d be rewarded on the rooftop with cool wind on your skin, and views of 13th-century church spires and red rooftops mingling with the green trees below.

But a community of conspiracists will claim it’s impossible to make this trip. Bielefeld, they insist, doesn’t really exist.

Achim Held, a software engineer from Kiel, north Germany, tells me he didn’t mean to start this popular conspiracy theory 30 years ago. Rather it was just a joke that grew out of control.

He’d been chatting with friends at a dormitory party in Kiel University in the mid 1990s when they met a new student who said he was from Bielefeld. They had all heard of the region, which was 185 miles south of Kiel, between Berlin and Cologne, but they’d never been, so one of Achim’s friends quipped that it wasn’t real.

It became a running gag in the group. When they drove towards Essen on the autobahn in 1993, they noticed a large construction site around Bielefeld and that the surrounding exit signs leading into the city were covered with tape due to the works taking place. They joked this was further proof Bielefeld was made up.

Achim was a member of an online forum called Usenet, a pre-Reddit Reddit. It featured a group where people shared conspiracy theories they whole-heartedly believed in, like those convinced the 1969 Moon landings were fake. In May 1994, Achim uploaded an ironic post about Bielefeld.

"I thought it would be a great idea to take this joke conspiracy theory and make a satire out of it," he tells me. "To make fun of the real conspiracy theories."

He declared Bielefeld was a total charade, that each detail of the city was fake, right down to their football team and regional licence plates. He suggested they were planted by a shadowy governmental force. Members of the forum quickly caught onto the stunt and played along.

Anyone who believed in Bielefeld had to contend with three questions posed by Achim. Do you know anybody from Bielefeld? Do you know anybody who’s ever been to Bielefeld? Have you ever been to Bielefeld yourself?

"I thought it would be a joke for perhaps one or two weeks in a small circle of friends," Achim says. He doesn’t know how the satirical theory spread so far throughout Germany, or why it stuck around for so long. It even became a popular internet meme . The former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, made reference to it in 2012 as well, when she jokingly questioned Bielefeld's existence after recalling a visit to the city.

What Achim hadn’t predicted was that it would last for decades and completely re-shape the reputation of Bielefeld.

A tired punchline

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the conspiracy theory. I successfully ticked off Achim’s list by visiting the city and standing atop the Sparrenburg Castle tower beside Ditta Sokolowsky, a local resident, and a member of Bielefeld’s marketing department.

Ditta regularly hosts tours of the 13th-century landmark, which was once home to a sovereign prince, has featured in countless historic battles and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

She says visitors constantly joke about Bielefeld being fake or feign surprise that the place exists. It’s something locals are used to at this point, but it’s a tired punchline. Ditta says it’s hard to smile after the fifth time the joke is cracked in one day.

In 2019, 25 years after Achim’s post, Bielefeld’s marketing team leaned into the persisting conspiracy and offered €1m (£914,000 at the time) to anyone who could prove they didn't exist. They received over 2,000 submissions, however officials examined and then dismissed each case, before announcing Bielefeld was indisputably real. The city then unveiled a large boulder that aimed to commemorate the end of the conspiracy.

The campaign didn’t stop the faux theorists, but Jens Siekmann, head of city advertising and communications for Bielefeld, says they didn’t expect it to. They simply saw a chance to put a real picture of Bielefeld in people’s minds in a bid to attract more visitors, and it worked. In 2023, the city received over 600,000 overnight visitors .

So, is it real?

Jens takes me on a lap of the castle grounds, which provide a panoramic view of Bielefeld, and points to the various features visitors can enjoy.

A walking tour of Bielefel’s Old Town includes 20 notable sights that can be visited within two hours on foot. These include the Bielefeld Theatre, which hosts around 600 performances each year, the Old Market Square, with its historical facades and outdoor cafe, and the Neustädter Marienkirche, a church whose spires stand out against the sky and which houses art dating back to the 1400s.

The city is incredibly green, which Ditta says keeps it cool in the summer. There’s an abundance of parks like the Bürgerpark and Ravensberger Park, and Bielefeld borders directly onto the Teutoburg Forest. Jens says there are “countless excursion options” there, with “fairytale-like little Old Towns” along the way, and the Externsteine, a natural monument made from sandstone.

There are no skyscrapers on the horizon, which Ditta says is part of Bielefeld’s charm. It has all the amenities and travel links of a large city, with the feel of a small town.

Jens says there are no plans to commemorate the 30th year of the conspiracy, but they’re not opposed to it. Bielefeld is stacked with centuries of history, and the satirical hoax is just another modern twist that can help attract potential visitors.

It’s a unique selling point, but there’s more to the city than claims it doesn’t exist. Of course, there will be many who continue to insist that this is simply what those mysterious forces would like you to think.

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Solo Travel für Frauen: So klappt die erste Alleinreise

Ob nach costa rica, thailand oder österreich: allein zu reisen liegt im trend. sara glöckner ist bereits seit vielen jahren allein unterwegs. die gründerin der reiseplattform the female traveller verrät, worauf es beim ersten solo trip als frau ankommt..

Allein die Welt sehen – ein Abenteuer, das man nicht so schnell vergisst. Doch wie sollte man sich auf die erste Solo Reise vorbereiten?

„Ich möchte die Welt sehen und dabei nicht auf andere warten.“ Deswegen machen sich 66 Prozent der Solo-Reisenden weltweit einfach allein auf den Weg – ob im eigenen Land oder am anderen Ende der Welt. Laut einer  Umfrage der Reiseplattform Solo Traveler war diese Aussage im Jahr 2023 der häufigste Grund für eine Alleinreise. Und die Motivation für einen Urlaub ohne Begleitung steigt. Laut einer  Trendstudie der Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen e.V. traten 2022 bereits 1,86 Millionen Deutsche eine Alleinreise an, das Geschlechterverhältnis war dabei beinahe ausgeglichen. 

Doch gerade bei Frauen heißt es oft, dass alleine reisen unsicher sei. Auf Instagram und Co. beweisen viele weibliche Solo Traveller das Gegenteil – und berichten von ihren Abenteuern. Die 44-jährige Sara Glöckner ist eine von ihnen. Die einstige Grundschullehrerin aus Köln hat aus ihrer Leidenschaft 2021 eine Reiseplattform gemacht: Auf  The Female Traveller können sich alleinreisende Frauen nicht nur Infos und Inspiration für ihren (ersten) Solo Trip holen, sondern auch in den Austausch mit Gleichgesinnten kommen – oder Reisepartnerinnen für das nächste Abenteuer finden. Die Plattform ist mittlerweile zu einer Art sozialem Netzwerk mit 1.250 aktiven Frauen geworden. 

Sara, du bist seit deinem Abitur immer wieder allein auf der Welt unterwegs – von einem Roadtrip nach Moskau über Inselhopping auf den Kanaren bis zu einer dreimonatigen Reise zum Nordkap. Warum sollte jeder Mensch einmal eine Alleinreise unternehmen?

Auf einer Alleinreise lernt man Land und Leute ganz anders kennen. Ob beim Smalltalk im Supermarkt oder bei der Frage am Ticketschalter – es ist viel einfacher, mit Menschen in Kontakt zu kommen. Man wird auch viel häufiger angesprochen als auf Gruppenreisen. Außerdem ist man flexibler, kann den Tag so gestalten, wie es für einen selbst gut passt und muss keine Kompromisse eingehen. Und man kann selbst entscheiden, wie lange man wo bleiben möchte. 

Du bist mit über 25 Jahren Erfahrung Expertin des Solo Travels. Warum hast du angefangen, allein zu reisen?

Meine erste Alleinreise war gar keine bewusste Alleinreise. Es gab einfach niemanden, der mich hätte begleiten können oder wollen. Nach dem Abitur hat mir meine Tante einen vierwöchigen Sprachkurs geschenkt. Ich wollte nach Kapstadt und bin ein paar Tage vor dem Sprachkurs in Südafrika angekommen, weil ich dachte, ich schaue mir die Stadt vorher noch ein bisschen an. Das war irgendwie keine gute Idee. 

In den ersten Tagen, bis der Sprachkurs losging, ging es mir nicht so gut. Ich war zwar in einem Studentenwohnheim untergebracht, aber ich kannte niemanden. Und ich habe es überhaupt nicht hinbekommen, jemanden anzusprechen. Ich hatte Heimweh. Dann bin ich nur zu den Essenszeiten aus dem Zimmer gekommen. Und bin ein- oder zweimal allein in die Stadt gefahren. Als der Sprachkurs losging, wurde dann aber doch noch alles gut – und die Reise im Rückblick noch zu einer bereichernden Erfahrung.

Dein erster Solo Trip war also keine rundum tolle Erfahrung – und trotzdem hast du weitergemacht?

Ja, 2003 bin ich zum Beispiel für ein Praktikum an einer Deutschen Schule mit dem Auto nach London gefahren. Auch dieser Trip war keine Alleinreise im klassischen Sinn, weil ich in London bei einer Gastfamilie gewohnt habe. Damals hatte ich noch keinen konkreten Antrieb, alleine zu reisen. Mir war aber auf jeden Fall klar, dass ich auf niemanden warte, um mir meine Reisewünsche zu erfüllen. Das Urlaubssemester und auch die Anreise nach London habe ich damals ganz bewusst geplant. Und auch wenn es zu der Zeit für mich ein ziemliches Abenteuer war, war ich mir ganz sicher, dass es gutgehen wird. Mit Sicherheit auch aufgrund der Erfahrung mit Kapstadt: Im Nachhinein hat mir dieses Erlebnis alle weiteren Reisen total erleichtert. Dadurch, dass ich das alles mit Anfang 20 schon mitgemacht hatte, war ich für die Reisen danach gewappnet. Ich wusste: Ich habe es schon einmal geschafft, und ich schaffe es auch wieder. 

Einige Frauen haben Respekt vor einem Urlaub ohne Begleitung. Wie lautet dein Rat? 

Einfach loslegen. Und wenn es erstmal nur für eine Nacht allein in einer Stadt ist, in der man schon Leute kennt. Ich glaube, es bringt überhaupt nichts, sich darüber Gedanken zu machen, was alles passieren könnte. Die erste Alleinreise muss ja nicht direkt nach Südafrika gehen und man muss auch nicht drei Wochen Backpacking in Thailand machen. 

Wie könnte man stattdessen starten?

Man kann mit kleinen Steps anfangen: zum Beispiel mit einer Städtereise im eigenen Land. Oder man kann als Alleinreisende an einer Gruppenreise teilnehmen. Es gibt Reisen von Frauen für Frauen, wo man dann in reinen Frauengruppen unterwegs ist. Ganz wichtig: Man sollte auf der Reise nicht vergessen, es sich gut gehen zu lassen und sich etwas zu gönnen, damit das Erlebnis, allein zu reisen, so schön wie möglich wird und man Lust auf mehr bekommt.

Bei The Female Traveller bietest du auch Reiseberatung an. Welche Ziele empfiehlst du Frauen für die erste Alleinreise? 

Empfehlungen für Reiseziele auszusprechen, finde ich schwierig. Dafür sind wir alle viel zu individuell. Was für die eine ein super Abenteuer ist, ist für die andere total langweilig. Ich würde zuerst fragen: Gibt es ein Ziel, wo du unbedingt schon mal hinwolltest? Dann ist die emotionale Verbindung schon mal da und man hat Lust, die Reise zu planen. Und dann würde ich raten zu schauen, mit welchem Reiseziel man sich bei der Recherche am wohlsten fühlt. 

Galerie: Von Deutschland bis Sri Lanka: 10 Bilderbuch-Landschaften

Klingt nach viel Arbeit. Wie viel Zeit sollte man generell in die Planung des ersten Solo Trips investieren?

Viel! Man sollte sich im Vorfeld auf jeden Fall gut über die Gegebenheiten des Landes informieren: Sollte ich vorher Geld wechseln? Woher bekomme ich mobiles Internet? Wie komme ich von A nach B? Das gibt zusätzliche Sicherheit. Wie geplant oder strukturiert die erste Reise allein dann sein soll, kommt natürlich auch total auf die Person an. Die Aktivitäten kann man sich ganz individuell zusammenstellen, je nachdem, worauf man selbst Lust hat – man ist ja allein unterwegs.

Gibt es noch etwas, auf das man besonders achten sollte?

Mein Rat wäre, nicht bei der Unterkunft zu sparen. Man sollte sich dort wohlfühlen und gern dorthin zurückkehren.

Hast du einen Tipp für eine erste Aktivität vor Ort – vielleicht auch, um Leute kennenzulernen?

Ich mache in der Regel immer eine Stadtführung mit, wenn ich verreise, eine sogenannte  Free Walking Tour . Die kann man auch ganz kurzfristig planen. Da kommt man immer auch in Kontakt mit anderen Reisenden. Solche Gruppenaktivitäten gibt es in jeder Stadt, die nehmen einem schon mal die Angst davor, allein zu sein.

Und was ist, wenn man sich im Laufe des Urlaubs trotzdem mal einsam fühlt?

Ich setze mich dann meistens mit einem Buch in ein schönes Café oder Restaurant, wo ich mich wohlfühle. Allein, um das Gefühl zu haben, dabei zu sein. Man bekommt das Leben um einen herum mit und dann ist es mit der Einsamkeit sofort vorbei. Wenn das mal nicht reicht, kann ich auch jemanden ansprechen und mich dazusetzen. Oder Social Media nutzen, um Menschen zu treffen. Bei einem Roadtrip kann man zum Beispiel Campingplätze anfahren, da kommt man erfahrungsgemäß sehr schnell ins Gespräch.

In den meisten Fällen verläuft so ein Urlaub ohne große Zwischenfälle. Manchmal gerät man aber doch in Situationen, in denen man sich als alleinreisende Frau nicht sicher fühlt. Wie wappnet man sich für solche Situationen?

Erstmal finde ich es wichtig, sich bewusst zu machen, dass man in solche Situationen auch in Berlin oder Köln geraten kann. Das hat nichts damit zu tun, dass man alleine reist. Wenn es im Urlaub allein wirklich ernst wird, sollte man nicht versuchen, die Sache allein zu regeln, sondern laut werden und auf sich aufmerksam machen. Dafür gibt es zum Beispiel Tools, die man am Schlüsselanhänger befestigen kann: Wenn man sie aktiviert, geben sie in Notfallsituationen einen sehr lauten Ton von sich – wie eine Alarmanlage. Wenn im Voraus klar ist, dass ich in ein gefährlicheres Gebiet fahre, kann ich auch der Unterkunft Bescheid sagen und meine Kontaktdaten hinterlassen. Ich kann meinen Standort mit Freund*innen teilen und Notrufkontakte einrichten, die mit einer bestimmten Tastenkombination im Notfall benachrichtigt werden. Je nachdem, in welchem Land ich bin, kann ich auch für einen halben Tag einen Fahrer engagieren, der mich zu gewissen Orten bringt. Das ist aber eher eine Alternative für Gebiete, wo man weiß: Hier bewegt man sich wirklich besser nicht alleine als Frau.

Die Kölnerin Sara Glöckner ist Gründerin der Reise-Plattform The Female Traveller. Dort können sich alleinreisende Frauen nicht nur Infos und Inspiration für ihren (ersten) Solo Trip holen, sondern auch in den Austausch mit Gleichgesinnten kommen – oder Reisepartnerinnen für das nächste Abenteuer finden. 

Bist du auf deinen Reisen schon mal in eine heikle Situation gekommen?

Nein, mir ist tatsächlich nie etwas passiert. Ich bin großer Fan davon, auf mein Bauchgefühl zu hören. Mich zu fragen: Wie fühle ich mich mit der Situation? Und wenn ich denke, dass etwas komisch ist, versuche ich, die Situation zu verlassen – indem ich Nein sage, andere Leute anspreche, in ein Geschäft gehe. Man entwickelt seine Strategien. 

Ob alles klappt, hat aber auch immer ein bisschen was mit Glück zu tun, oder?

Eigentlich hat man es selbst in der Hand. Ich denke mir immer: Was kann wirklich passieren? Wenn alles ganz schlimm ist, buche ich mir den nächsten Flug, steige in den nächsten Zug, drehe um mit dem Auto. So ein Backup kann ich mir ja immer offenhalten. Am Ende wächst man viel mehr an den gemeisterten Herausforderungen, als wenn man sich nur in seiner Comfort Zone bewegt.

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