Dear Ageless Traveler,

This week, our podcast is a sequel to an interview with Hiking Enthusiast Benjamin Epstein, a true adventurer. If you are interested in hiking in our national parks, Kilimanjaro, Mt Fuji, or any other bucket list hike or climb, this is the motivation you need.

• In Ask Adriane, I suggest ways to improve your walking stamina during sightseeing and every day.
• I cover wonderful places to eat for non-foodies in News You Can Use.
• My Culture Vulture section shows a fun video of 60+ folks demonstrating cultural rituals.
• On Luxury Travel for Less, I offer alternatives to ocean liners like barges, canal boats, and ferries.

If you have travel questions, I can answer them. Send voicemail and text questions to fanlist.com/ageless traveler.

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P.S. Please send me your email address to get our free eBooks, live Ask Adriane events, discount alerts, tutorials on using AI for travel, how to listen to podcasts, and more. Three ways to send me your email: ​Join our Private Facebook Salon​ Subscribe here. Send me a message here.

P.P.S. Interested in our Japan trip in July 2026? Leave your expression of interest at fanlist.com/ageless traveler or email me at adrianegberg.agelesstraveler@gmail.com ​

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This Week’s Highlights

On Our Podcast Hiking the Half Dome, Mt. Fuji and Kilimanjaro

“The day felt like a fever dream.” Our guest’s daughter describes the feeling of a long climb.

In this episode, we capture the magic of adventure through climbing, as we reconnect with travel enthusiast Benjamin Epstein, who shares his recent hike at the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite.

Hear the step-by-step story of the Half Dome climb and gather inspiration for your next outdoor adventure! This episode displays the thrill of climbing and emphasizes the bonds formed through shared experiences in nature.

I include hints and tips on two of the world’s bucket list climbs: Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, and Mt Fuji in Japan.

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Here’s a fun video I made for the United Nations featuring people from all over the world, aged 60+, performing cultural demonstrations.

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Boating: Alternatives to Big Ocean Liners

TOP PICKS (for more picks, download our free eBook)

Barging Through Europe with European Waterways​

Imagine floating through picturesque canals and rivers aboard a beautifully appointed barge, where every detail is designed for comfort and elegance. This is the very definition of luxury as The Ageless Traveler defines it: ease, comfort, beauty, service.

Canal Boats

1. For those looking to explore the heart of Europe, the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal offers a unique waterway journey connecting the North Sea to the Black Sea. This extensive canal system passes through picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and charming villages, providing passengers with an unforgettable European adventure.

Costs: Canal boat cruises on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per person for a week-long journey, including meals and accommodation.

2. The Erie Canal, often called the “Gateway to the West,” stretches 363 miles across New York, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling as a passenger on a canal boat along this historic waterway is a journey through time, with opportunities to witness picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and historic landmarks.

Costs: A canal boat cruise on the Erie Canal can vary depending on the duration and amenities provided. On average, a week-long cruise might range from $1,500 to $3,000 per person, including meals and onboard accommodation.

Ferry Adventures

1. Connecting the village-like Edgewater, New Jersey, to New York City, the ferry offers stunning Manhattan skyline views. Prices for a one-way ticket typically range from $9 to $15, depending on the time of day and whether you purchase tickets online or in person. For schedules and ticket information, check out the NY Waterway website.

Adventure Tip: Take the ferry during sunset for a magical experience as the city lights sparkle against the darkening sky.

2. Venture across the Adriatic Sea on a ferry from Greece to Albania for an enriching journey through two distinct cultures. The ferry ride typically departs from Igoumenitsa, Greece, and arrives in the picturesque port city of Saranda, Albania. Prices for this scenic route start at around €20 to €30 for a one-way ticket. Visit the ANEK Lines or Ionian Seaways websites for up-to-date schedules and ticket information.

3. Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a ferry ride across Puget Sound in Washington State. Connecting cities like Seattle and Bainbridge Island, the Puget Sound ferry offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes. Ticket prices vary depending on the route and time, with fares starting at around $8.50 for a one-way trip. Check the Washington State Ferries website for schedules and reservations.

Adventure Tip: Watch marine wildlife, including seals, eagles, and, if you’re lucky, orcas!

4. Embark on a maritime adventure to Newfoundland, Canada, with a ferry ride from North Sydney, Nova Scotia. The journey takes you across the Cabot Strait, providing a unique perspective of the rugged Newfoundland coastline. Prices for a one-way ticket range from $30 to $50, and reservations can be made through the Marine Atlantic website.

Adventure Tip: Explore Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning fjords and dramatic landscapes.