Cortéz conquered the Aztec Empire, bringing Spanish influences to Mexico. Columbus embarked on a journey to discover the ‘New World,’ and inadvertently founded the first United States colony. Magellan discovered a water passage to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – named the Strait of Magellan – that served as the primary route for ships crossing between oceans (that is until the Panama Canal opened). Explorers helped paved the way to the world we know today; quite literally put countries on the map as they fearlessly ventured where no one else would. In today’s selfie-obsessed culture and mass tourism age, it’s easy to forget the world was once undiscovered. Culture Trip explores (excuse the pun) the best trips to follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest travelers.
Travel to Antarctica like Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton
One of the world’s most popular explorers is Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a British polar explorer best known for his attempt to cross cross Antarctica via the South Pole. In 1914, Shackleton embarked on a ship – famously named the “Endurance,” for this third journey to the land of ice. The ship soon became trapped in ice and Shackleton and his men were forced to disembark and live in Antarctica In 1916, the men attempted a 1300 km crossing to reach help – miraculously living to tell the tale. Not one man on the ‘Endurance expedition’ perished, which Shackleton famously recounted in his 1919 memoir. Today, Antarctica is the last frontier – the remaining destination where travelers won’t find a sea of selfie sticks. Tourism to the ice world is possible with companies like Adventure Life, which offer a 30-day voyage to followin Shackleton’s footsteps.
Explore Greenland like Hans Poulsen Egede
Not quite an explorer, Hans Poulsen Egede is credited with strengthening the Dano-Norwegian interest in Greenland following a successful mission among the local Inuit. In 1721, Egede and 40 other colonists departed for Greenland to establish the Hope Colony. Egede’s efforts to ‘missionize’ the local Inuit and build the colony made him a ‘national saint’ in Greenland. Today, the town of Egedesmindes is named after the great missionary. While heading to Greenland on a mission is unlikely in today’s modern age, tour companies like Big Chill Adventures, allow you to explore the best of the country nonetheless.
Travel the Silk Road like Marco Polo
Marco Polo is perhaps the most famous Western explorer to have traveled the length of the Silk Road. Polo was a Venetian merchant whose global journeys were recorded in a book aptly titled: The Travels of Marco Polo. The book is credited with giving Europeans a first glimpse into the exotics of China and Central Asia – particularly, the Silk Road. The Silk Road was an ancient trading route that extended from China to the Mediterranean Sea. Silk, spices, teas and jewels once made their way from the far East via this route; today, travelers can journey this route by train.
Sail down the Amazon River like Francisco de Orellana
Francisco de Orellana is a Spanish explorer credited with being the first person to successfully navigate the lenfth of the Amazon river. Considering the river can pose a threat to modern day travelers, it’s impressive to imagine Orellana completing the journey in the 1500s. The Amazon River – once named Rio Grande – had a name change after Orellana shared tales of an Indian ambush that nearly destroyed his expedition. When relaying the story to King Charles I, he king renamed the river ‘Amazon,’ inspired by the Greek legend. Today, you can sail down the Amazon River in the syle of Orellana with Gondwana EcoTours , which offers a 10-day tour of Ecuador that visits the Achuar, a tribe of 6,000 indigenous people still living traditionally in small Amazon communities along the Ecuadorian and Peruvian border.
Venture through Europe like Hannibal Barca
Hannibal Barca is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. Hannibal led the military forces of Carthage that fought against Rome in the Second Punic War. Join Ride & Seek on a ride of historical proportions cycling in the footsteps of Hannibal from Barcelona to Rome. Biking some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque touring routes through Spain, France and Italy, this epic journey has it all. Traverse some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, Piedmont and Tuscany, and sample the delights of the diverse gastronomy to be found along the route.
What explorer would you want to follow in the footsteps of? Share it below!