UNESCO’s World Heritage Program was formed in 1954 when the government of Egypt decided to build the Aswan Dam, which would have deluged a valley containing priceless and irreplaceable treasures from the ancient world. The World Heritage Program was establish to relocate and safeguard those treasures for posterity. From there, the program expaned rapidly to protect other man-made and natural treasures around the world. Today there are 981 properties, of which 759 are cultural sites, 193 are natural wonders, and the remaining 29 are a mix of the two. The map above is an interactive guide to those sites. It also denotes sites currently under threat. To view the map and learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage program – CLICK HERE.
Gear Scout: ArkPak Smart Charger
Unlike many power packs which are built around a sealed, proprietary battery, the ArkPak can optimize the efficiency of any 12V battery, keeping your gear fully charged.
End of an Era: The VW Kombi is No More
Another victim of advancing safety and efficiency regulations, the Kombi, 10 million units later, is no more with the last factory in Brazil ceasing operations on December 31st.
VOTD Riding the Highest Road in the World
This is such a cool video, and I’m genuinely green with envy that I wasn’t on this trip. I guess I’ll have to settle for the video.
ExPo’s Ten Favorite Things of 2013
Some of these items are brand spanking new, others are freshly discovered items we feel have improved our travels. Some, are just cool things we’d love to own. Here are our favorites of 2013
NATO Wheels and Bolt Pattern Database
Find out everything you need to know about your NATO wheels and more!
Front Runner Defender 110 Project
A Land Rover Defender in Africa captures all of the heritage and spirit of overland travel.
The Americas with Tubby Xplorer, Part VI – Volcanoes
Shrouded in blankets of cloud and mist, we drove through the National Park at the foot of the volcano. The surface was of lava rock and dust – black as the ace of spades.
Backcountry Classics: The Kelly Kettle
More than a century old, it still kicks those high tech stoves right in the proverbial pants
VOTD: Offroad People, Ural
If you ride motorcycles…heck, even if you don’t, you’ll want to watch this. It’s pure Russian motorcycle mayhem. It adds new meaning to “adventure” riding.
Records and Firsts Achieved in Antarctica this Season
December was a wildly successful month of expedition in Antarctica. Records have fallen, firsts achieved, and members of our own Expedition Portal community have made successful bids on the shiny globe at the bottom of the planet.
VOTD: Colorado BDR by Touratech
Chances are, many of you are motorcycle enthusiasts with your bikes tucked away in a cozy garage as winter thwarts your riding desires. Pull up a chair and watch someone else ride for three minutes. It might make you feel better.
Suzuki’s New V-Strom 1000 Adventure ABS
If that front fender were a name tag, it would read, “Hello, my name is Adventure Bike.” I’m not ready to say the new big V-Strom has since grown on me but the fact is–– okay, it has grown on me
Drive Nacho Drive: India or Bust
I would say that it seems like only yesterday that we drove Nacho out of the container in Malaysia, but I’d be lying. It seems like an eternity ago.
Too Small or Too Expensive? The Evolution of Off-Road
The SUV is changing rapidly, and moving far adrift from what the traditional overlander wants, needs, or is accustomed to having.
Overland Navigation: New Opportunities with Tablets
No longer do you have to trudge around with laptop computers and/or large paper atlases for off-road adventures. The technology is so practical you can even use it on motorcycles.
Overlanding the Western Alps, Part 1
Our 5200 pound behemoth lies in a small clearing overlooking a rocky gorge. Cool air rising from the stream below makes the morning a bit colder.
VOTD: Top Gear UK, The Death Road Episode
It’s Christmas, and chances are if you’re here, you have some time to on your hands. Why not spend some of it with the boys at the BBC and Top Gear UK. This is one of the best “overlandy” segments they have ever done.
Adventure Interview: Expedition Cyclist Joe Cruz
Moreover the bicycle is human for the people in the places you visit. When you stop to have a chat about directions, or sit at a roadside stall for a snack, people can relate to the stories you tell
Book Review: Driving the Great Western Trail in Arizona
It’s a beautiful place accessed via a warren of rocky roads, some seemingly as old as the hills themselves. Finding your way through this state is not always easy with good guidebooks few and far between.