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Everybody wants to do something different in the new year, it's the doing that's the challenge. With that in mind, here's Frommer's collection of great New Year's resolutions and concrete ways to make them happen. This time around we've looked around the world for five diverse types of climbs and hikes that are suitable for different skill sets and may lead you to a destination you've never considered before.
1. Scenic Mount Kenya Climb, Kenya
What: Climb Africa's second highest peak, Mt. Kenya, on a four-night expedition for amateurs and novices. Experience rainforests, wildlife, moorlands, and snow.
Where: Tours depart from Nairobi, Kenya
When: Throughout the year but optimal season is September 1 to December 31
Price: $720 per person with a minimum of two participants. Includes all transport, accommodations in mountain huts, all meals, park entry fees, a mountain guide, and experienced porters and cooks.
Contact: Africa Point (tel. 800/480-3919; www.africapoint.com)
2. Initiation Program, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
What: With little or no climbing experience, you can take on the world's highest active volcano, Mt. Cotopaxi (19,000 feet) on an eight-day trip.
Where: Expeditions depart from Quito, Ecuador.
When: Throughout the year .
Price: $760 to $980 per person in groups of three to six people. Includes English speaking guide, private transportation, all meals, lodging, national park entrance fees, excursions, and technical equipment.
Contact: Terranova Trek (tel. +593/2-225-3327; www.terranovatrek.com; info@terranovatrek.com)
3. Mountains of Bulgaria
What: A nine-day tour hiking along stunning and remote mountain trails in the Rila and Pirin National Parks, including taking on the summit of Vichren at 9,561 feet.
Where: Tour departs from Sofia, Bulgaria.
When: June 19 to 27, 2010 or on request, between mid-June and mid-October for groups of two of more participants.
Price: $2,995 per person including ten nights in three or four-star hotels and inns, all meals, transportation sightseeing, hikes, and expert guides.
Contact: Mountain Hiking Holidays (tel. 800/313-0345; www.mountainhikingholidays.com)
4. Southern Alps Trek
What: Discover the majesty and sheer beauty of the Southern Alps of New Zealand on an eight-day expedition including three heli-hikes scaling peaks over 6,500 feet.
Where: Tour departs from Christchurch and ends in Queenstown.
When: February 21 and March 28, 2010
Price: NZ$2,995 (approximately US$2,213) includes transportation, seven nights of hut accommodations, seven breakfasts, seven lunches and four dinners, hikes, and guides.
Contact: Adventure South (tel. 866/479-9827; www.advsouth.co.nz)
5. Hiking Tour at Mt. Assiniboine, Canada
What: A four day guided trek in the Canadian Rockies conquering Mt. Assiniboine, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and famous for its sub-Alpine meadows and hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit.
Where: Tour begins in Canmore, 65 miles west of Calgary.
Price: C$1,435 per person with departures from June to September on request. Includes helicopter flight to and from Mt. Assiniboine, three nights' accommodations in rustic Naisset Cabins (or in campgrounds during July and August), meals, and expert guides.
Contact: White Mountain Adventures (tel. 800/408-0005; www.whitemountainadventures.com; info@whitemountainadventures.com)
