Mark Pawlak

Mark Pawlak

Mark is an adventure travel writer with 20 years’ experience. His main interests include trekking, e-biking, and bodyboarding — which he’s terrible at but loves anyway. Favourite destinations: Albania, Slovenia, and the Canary Islands. Best travel tip: Leave big gaps in your schedule and make time for the random, unscripted adventures along the way. Remember, guidebooks are just a guide. Top gear tip: Unless essential, choose rugged over lightweight. Loves: Tatty paperbacks found in hotel lobbies. Hates: Mindlessly scrolling on his phone when he should be reading that paperback.

Creatively adventurous: Interview with Dave Cornthwaite of Expedition1000

This interview with Dave Cornthwaite of Expedition1000 was originally published back in 2011. At the time he had just completed the 4th of his 25 ‘creatively adventurous’ ways to travel 1000 miles. Eight years later and he has now completed…

11 best activities to try during Gran Canaria adventure sports holidays

get into bodyboarding - Galdar in Gran Canaria

What are the best activities to try during Gran Canaria adventure sports holidays? All of them! Or at least as many as you can squeeze into your Canarian holiday to the island known as the ‘mini continent’. Gran Canaria adventure…

10 toughest cycling climbs worldwide: Most challenging rides for cyclists

toughest cycling climbs worldwide tour-de-france alpe d huez Pixabay royalty free image

Looking for the most challenging rides for cyclists? Then check out the 10 toughest cycling climbs worldwide. There aren’t many better feelings on a bike than getting to the top a gruelling climb. That’s despite it feeling like searing hot pokers…

Heli biking in New Zealand: The best MTB adventure ever?

Heli biking in New Zealand The best MTB adventure ever Image courtesy of Heliview.co.nz

Looking for the best MTB adventure ever? Of course you are! And so am I… Up for consideration for this prestigious accolade is heli biking in New Zealand. Why go mountain biking in New Zealand? Few destinations compete with New Zealand…

Windsurfing holiday in paradise: 10 best Caribbean windsurf spots

Bonaire Windsurfing holiday in paradise 10 best Caribbean windsurf spots Flickr image by queulat00

Looking for a windsurfing holiday in paradise? With enchanting islands, warm waters, beautiful beaches, steady winds and friendly locals the Caribbean fits the bill. But what are the best Caribbean windsurf spots? It would be ever so easy to rattle off…

Guide to Southern Alps overland adventures in New Zealand

Guide to Southern Alps overland adventures in New Zealand flickr CC image of Southern Alps in Mackenzie region by Bernard Spragg

Planning a trip to New Zealand? Then check out this guide to Southern Alps overland adventures in New Zealand, as you should spend a lot of time here. It has everything from towering peaks to lush rainforests, and is packed with activities.…

Norway bike tours: Review of Norwegian Fjords cycling holiday

Cyclist passing a glacier in Norway Photo by Mark Pawlak

If you’re a leisure cyclist Norway bike tours might at first seem too challenging. Our review of a Norwegian Fjords cycling holiday will reassure you that with the right support you can easily ride through one of Europe’s most impressive…