What we’re about
This is an adventure travel group for men and women who have been there, done that, but their lust has still not been satiated and they want more. You have probably already been to see the Midnight Sun, swam with the dolphins in California , done the tour around Cambodia or Lebanon, climbed Kilimanjaro, been to the Everest base camp or even done the Machu Picchu and are now wondering what next?
Ekzoitika is Esperanto for exotic, the main objective of this group is to seek out unique travel experiences, far from the madding crowds, in places that are not on the popular tourist circuit.
There will be one or two featured trips ever year for small groups of 6-8 people, in far flung places, in relatively unexplored areas. The trips may be hiking, four-wheel driving, motorcycle trips, trains, ships or any other mode of transport. The only thing common about these places would be that there will not be hordes of tour companies taking bus load of people to these areas every week.
Eight of us have just returned from a trip to the flooded forest in the Brazilian Amazon, 420 miles from Manaus, spending most of our times in canoes going deep into the jungle.
Other trips that are on the cards include:
• The unexplored Himalayas: Walking to the source of the Ganges
• To the top of the world : From Kathmandu to Lhasa by Road
• The explosive experience : Exploring the Volcanoes of Java
• The Simple Life : Papua New Guinea
• Meeting our Ancestors : See the Gorillas before they disappear
• The Silk Road : Through the Heart of Asia to Mongolia
• The untamed world : To the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert
• To the end of the World : A is for Antarctica
These trips will be mostly self-guided tours, with a lot of prior, pre-planning. We will use local tour companies and tour guides where appropriate but will avoid the more commercial ones like Exodus or similar, with the objective of making these a little easier on the pocket.
Over the next 4-5 years we hope to cover many of the ones listed above. People interested would need to commit to the trips 6-12 months in advance.
In addition to the featured trips, the group will provide a forum to exchange information, find travel partners and for people to share experiences. Members of the group will be encouraged to set-up their own meet-ups, which may include talks, exhibitions, book launches, or social evenings all broadly related to the groups travel objectives. Members interested in organising their own trips will also be welcome to do that, provided they are consistent with the objectives and guidelines of the group.
While anyone is welcome to join the group, featured trips will be designed for active people who can handle a little rough travel in the wilderness, the target age group is 30 to 55, younger or older people who are comfortable with people in this age group will also be welcome.
The trips will be mid-budget range and the not the rock bottom, low budget, sleeping in park bench type. Accommodation will vary from basic hotels or even camping with a day of two of luxury thrown into the mix. It will depend on the nature of the trip.
Please note, this group is not associated with any tours or travel company. It is a social, community group set-up to bring together like minded people to plan trips together.
Upcoming events
10
- £599.00
JANUARY 22 - 26 – NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLAND
Trafalgar Square, London, GBDo you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (please enquire about single supplement option)
The magical dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight and a true bucket list experience. Over the next year aurora borealis activity should continue to be at its highest levels in over a decade as we are in a solar maximum, so now is the time to go and see this unique spectacle!
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.
Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.
During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.
Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.
Limited single room places may be available based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.
The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.
The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
- 4 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
- Access to on-site sauna
- Self-catering facilities
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
- Flights (see details below)
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (please enquire)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:
Outbound - Thursday 22 January:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:35Inbound - Monday 26 January:
SK 1045 Kiruna KRN 14:15 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 16:00
SK 1527 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 19:45 – London Heathrow LHR 21:20It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a day or two in Stockholm or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use AURORA as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
20 attendees 
NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLAND
Location not specified yetDo you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306414605
20 attendees
TENERIFE, VALLEYS AND VOLCANOES
Location not specified yetBackabush is heading back to the Canary Islands to visit Tenerife!
Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canaries and has a wealth of amazing hikes to explore. Although the island is more famous for its resort holidays, Tenerife actually has some of the best hikes in the Canary Islands. These islands sit just off the coast of Africa and enjoy mild weather and sunshine throughout the winter months making them ideal for a hiking escape in March.
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/30684735916 attendees- £359.00
ANDALUCIA - NERJA & THE COSTA TROPICAL, SPAIN (APRIL 16 - 20)
Hotel Toboso Chaparil, Nerja, ESLet's visit lovely Andalucia on the south coast of sunny Spain for some hiking fun in the spring sunshine! Please RSVP on the main trip page here.
Nights - 4. Accommodation - 3 star hotel - bed and breakfast
Cost - £359 for twin (or double) share and £469 for single occupancy (double room for single use).
We will base ourselves in the delightful white town of Nerja on the Andalucian coast which boasts nearly 10 miles of powdery beaches and a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains.
Perfectly located for access to fabulous hikes, Nerja is framed by dramatic coastlines and rocky summits cut by lush gorges and dotted with stunning villages. Walking in Andalucia is an absolute joy and offers endless variety within it's beautiful natural parks.
During our visit we intend to explore some of the best hiking trails in the wild countryside, through deep canyons and along sparkling waterfall dotted streams plus enjoying panoramic views across the azure Mediterranean sea from craggy heights.
Spring is the perfect time to hike in Andalucia, when the climate is moderate and the countryside is in bloom. Vibrant colours blanket the mountains and the beaches are uncrowded.
Join us to discover the beauty of Andalucia on an exhilarating spring hiking adventure!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have booked modern and comfortable twin/double and single occupancy rooms in the 3-star Hotel Toboso Chaparil situated just 300 metres from Nerja’s Torrecilla Beach, and a 5-minute walk from the famous Balcony of Europe Viewpoint.
All rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing terrace.
ITINERARY:
Thu 16/04 - Arrival in Nerja. Rooms ready for check in from 4PM.
Fri 17/04 - The Chillar canyon is on the edge of Nerja and is one of Andalucia's most spectacular natural features. This fantastic gorge cuts a deep gash through the Sierra de Almijara and is only 2 metres wide at it's narrowest point. It's a real adventure which necessitates wading the stream from bank to bank, scrambling over boulders and climbing a series of waterfalls while ducking beneath tree trunks. This hike is weather and water level dependent (15km, 375m up/down).
Sat 18/04 - Just a short drive from our hotel, a stunning mountain trail begins in the tiny hamlet of Maro and winds up to the picturesque white village of Frigiliana—often ranked among Spain's most beautiful. Known locally as El Camino del Imán, this is one of Andalucia's most spectacular hikes as the route rollercoasters across deep gorges and through wild mountain scenery (14.5km, 930m up/660m down).
Sun 19/04 - Driving a little further east along the cost our hike starts and ends at the Mirador de Cerro Gordo on the edge of pretty La Herradura, a sleepy coastal town. Our figure-of-eight route brings us past coastal watchtowers and two of the best stretches of sand on the Costa Tropical. A dramatic section of the trail takes us along the spine of the Caleta ridge with stunning views but will not be enjoyed by anyone who struggles with vertigo (11km, 550m up/down).
Mon 20/04 - Trip finish, check out from the hotel by 11AM.
DIFFICULTY:
Hikes on this trip are adventurous and the terrain can sometimes be rocky and uneven. You will need a good level of hiking fitness and a head for heights. The Chillar canyon hike involves a lot of walking in water so bring suitable footwear which will get wet and be prepared to clamber over boulders.
On this trip it will be easy to take a rest day (or extend your stay) to explore the famous nearby Nerja Caves or relax on the beach.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 4 nights twin/double or single occupancy (double for single use) accommodation in a 3 star hotel (on a bed and breakfast basis)
- 4 buffet style breakfasts
- An itinerary of organised hikes
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches (we can buy packed lunch supplies at local supermarkets and cafes)
- Dinners (we will help book restaurants where we can sample the local cuisine)
- Flights and airport transfers (see below)
- Transport to/from hikes (we will share local affordable taxis)
- Entry fees
- Travel Insurance
FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
There are numerous convenient flights to Malaga from the UK with options from/to multiple London airports with easyJet, British Airways, Iberia and Jet2 already available. Other budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair are likely to release their flight schedules soon. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.
In order to give everyone the flexibility to choose the flights most convenient for them (or decide to extend their stay) we have not included airport transfers. Local taxis are affordable if we group people together arriving/leaving at similar times, which we will help to coordinate.
It will also be easy to catch a bus to Nerja and back to the airport. The bus schedule for next year April is not out yet however usually there is a daily direct bus Malaga Airport to/from Nerja, and there are regular buses from Malaga city to/from Nerja (requiring a short bus/train/taxi ride into Malaga city centre).
For current bus schedules please check the ALSA website. If you require any help please contact the organiser.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use ANDALUCIA as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
These Terms and Conditions apply to all trip reservations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
12 attendees
Past events
172
