So You Wanna See A Volcano?

You have done the cruise to Alaska; you have accomplished the tandem freefall skydive in Gananoque, Ontario; you have scaled the face of the Matterhorn and gone trad climbing while the other members of the climbing party were still trying to find a way down; you have considered streetluging, but found it too tame; you are now wondering: what else is there to do? The answer is surprisingly simple: visit a volcano! Actually, you do not have to be a daredevil to make a volcano your next vacation destination, and oftentimes whole families can be seen traversing the terrain in search for an unforgettable sight.


Visiting Stromboli

Stromboli is a small island belonging to Italy. It is part of the famous Aeolian Islands, a group of volcanic islands located in the warmth of the sunny Mediterranean Sea. Despite Stromboli's still being a very active volcano, an enchanting small town has sprung up at its base, giving travelers the opportunity to stay overnight for a visit.

Guided tours to the top of Stromboli are offered to the thrill seeker while those who do not want to make the trip may wish to visit Sciara del Fuoco, located on the northwestern part of the island, where an active volcanic vent spews magma into the sea. For this adventure, too, guided tours are available.

While watching a continuous wisp of smoke emanating from the crater is not for the faint of heart, thrill seekers love this destination and will not walk away disappointed. The atmosphere surrounding a highly active volcano is unique, and this trip promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.


Visiting Santorini

Santorini is one of the Greek islands. In close proximity are the islands of Thirasia and Apronnisi, which once were a part of Santorini until a volcanic explosion in 1650 B.C.E. ripped the island apart. Today this island is a favored tourist destination.

Access to the top of the volcano may be gained via a gondola trip or a donkey ride. In addition to visiting this still moderately active volcano on Santorini, other points of interest include the famous black beaches of Kamari, a short boat ride away, and the various ongoing archaeological sites on and off Santorini.

This is a beautiful vacation spot the whole family can enjoy just as much as the active adventurer looking for a new thrill.


Visiting Halema'uma'u

Halema'uma'u, a crater located at the summit of Kilauea on Hawaii's main island, is the supposed home of the volcano goddess Pele. Kilauea is a part of "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park", and allows for adventurers of all varieties to enjoy an unforgettable stay. Armchair travelers and seasoned hikers alike will enjoy the numerous outlook platforms as well as the more than 150 miles of trails, many of which are wheelchair accessible.

Biking enthusiasts will be able to take in the volcanic sites via the 11-mile Crater Rim Trail; this trail leads over blackened basalt rock that rivals the lunar landscape, only to be suddenly replaced with the glistening leafs of tropical rain forest flora.

This is a beautiful adventure spot that offers a variety of non-volcano activities that adventurers of all ages will enjoy.


Visiting Shiprock Peak

Travelers who wish to avoid the sulfur fumes of active volcanoes will be heartened by a trip to Shiprock Peak, an extinct volcano located in New Mexico. Visitors will want to remember that the volcano is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, and while it is accessible via a tribal road, permission to get closer must be obtained prior to continuing. Climbing of this mountain is not permitted.

While access beyond the base of Shiprock Peak is not permitted by law, it is an enthralling part of a tour of the Four Corners Area. In addition to the foregoing, alongside the rock is a small jeep trail, which will be a delight for the four-wheeling set.

In closing, whether you are a thrill seeking adventurer who has long left behind the ropes of mountain climbing for bigger and better thrills, or a seasoned armchair traveler who has been around the world and would like to see more, volcano travel is an exciting travel opportunity for the whole family!