
What we’re about
This is an adventure travel group for men and women who have been there, done that, but their lust has still not been satiated and they want more. You have probably already been to see the Midnight Sun, swam with the dolphins in California , done the tour around Cambodia or Lebanon, climbed Kilimanjaro, been to the Everest base camp or even done the Machu Picchu and are now wondering what next?
Ekzoitika is Esperanto for exotic, the main objective of this group is to seek out unique travel experiences, far from the madding crowds, in places that are not on the popular tourist circuit.
There will be one or two featured trips ever year for small groups of 6-8 people, in far flung places, in relatively unexplored areas. The trips may be hiking, four-wheel driving, motorcycle trips, trains, ships or any other mode of transport. The only thing common about these places would be that there will not be hordes of tour companies taking bus load of people to these areas every week.
Eight of us have just returned from a trip to the flooded forest in the Brazilian Amazon, 420 miles from Manaus, spending most of our times in canoes going deep into the jungle.
Other trips that are on the cards include:
• The unexplored Himalayas: Walking to the source of the Ganges
• To the top of the world : From Kathmandu to Lhasa by Road
• The explosive experience : Exploring the Volcanoes of Java
• The Simple Life : Papua New Guinea
• Meeting our Ancestors : See the Gorillas before they disappear
• The Silk Road : Through the Heart of Asia to Mongolia
• The untamed world : To the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert
• To the end of the World : A is for Antarctica
These trips will be mostly self-guided tours, with a lot of prior, pre-planning. We will use local tour companies and tour guides where appropriate but will avoid the more commercial ones like Exodus or similar, with the objective of making these a little easier on the pocket.
Over the next 4-5 years we hope to cover many of the ones listed above. People interested would need to commit to the trips 6-12 months in advance.
In addition to the featured trips, the group will provide a forum to exchange information, find travel partners and for people to share experiences. Members of the group will be encouraged to set-up their own meet-ups, which may include talks, exhibitions, book launches, or social evenings all broadly related to the groups travel objectives. Members interested in organising their own trips will also be welcome to do that, provided they are consistent with the objectives and guidelines of the group.
While anyone is welcome to join the group, featured trips will be designed for active people who can handle a little rough travel in the wilderness, the target age group is 30 to 55, younger or older people who are comfortable with people in this age group will also be welcome.
The trips will be mid-budget range and the not the rock bottom, low budget, sleeping in park bench type. Accommodation will vary from basic hotels or even camping with a day of two of luxury thrown into the mix. It will depend on the nature of the trip.
Please note, this group is not associated with any tours or travel company. It is a social, community group set-up to bring together like minded people to plan trips together.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1 – NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLANDAbisko, Abisko£599.00
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (please enquire about single supplement option)
The magical dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight and a true bucket list experience. Over the next year aurora borealis activity should continue to be at its highest levels in over a decade as we are in a solar maximum, so now is the time to go and see this unique spectacle!
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.
Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.
During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.
Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.
Limited single room places possible based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.
The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.
The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
- 4 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
- Access to on-site sauna
- Self-catering facilities
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
- Flights (see details below)
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (please enquire)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:
Outbound - Wednesday 28 January:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:35Inbound - Sunday 1 February:
SK 2899 Kiruna KRN 11:40 – Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 14:00
SK 1517 Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 16:40 – London Heathrow LHR 17:40It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a few nights in Stockholm/Copenhagen or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use AURORA 2 as your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1 – NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLANDAbisko, Abisko£599.00
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (please enquire about single supplement option)
The magical dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight and a true bucket list experience. Over the next year aurora borealis activity should continue to be at its highest levels in over a decade as we are in a solar maximum, so now is the time to go and see this unique spectacle!
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.
Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.
During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.
Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.
Limited single room places possible based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.
The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.
The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
- 4 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
- Access to on-site sauna
- Self-catering facilities
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
- Flights (see details below)
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (please enquire)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:
Outbound - Wednesday 28 January:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:35Inbound - Sunday 1 February:
SK 2899 Kiruna KRN 11:40 – Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 14:00
SK 1517 Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 16:40 – London Heathrow LHR 17:40It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a few nights in Stockholm/Copenhagen or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use AURORA 2 as your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1 – NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLANDAbisko, Abisko£599.00
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (please enquire about single supplement option)
The magical dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight and a true bucket list experience. Over the next year aurora borealis activity should continue to be at its highest levels in over a decade as we are in a solar maximum, so now is the time to go and see this unique spectacle!
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.
Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.
During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.
Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.
Limited single room places possible based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.
The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.
The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
- 4 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
- Access to on-site sauna
- Self-catering facilities
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
- Flights (see details below)
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (please enquire)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:
Outbound - Wednesday 28 January:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:35Inbound - Sunday 1 February:
SK 2899 Kiruna KRN 11:40 – Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 14:00
SK 1517 Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 16:40 – London Heathrow LHR 17:40It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a few nights in Stockholm/Copenhagen or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use AURORA 2 as your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1 – NORTHERN LIGHTS, SWEDISH LAPLANDAbisko, Abisko£599.00
Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join Backabush to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!
Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (please enquire about single supplement option)
The magical dance of the northern lights is a spectacular sight and a true bucket list experience. Over the next year aurora borealis activity should continue to be at its highest levels in over a decade as we are in a solar maximum, so now is the time to go and see this unique spectacle!
Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a dream destination for aurora seekers as it offers some of the best conditions in the world for northern lights watching. The unique climate of the area keeps the skies almost always clear, and light pollution is minimal.
Our plan is to walk to the best nearby viewing areas each night to hunt for the aurora borealis, for example at the shore of the fantastic lake Torneträsk. There is also the option to book a night visit to the Aurora Sky Station on one of the evenings, taking the chairlift up to its amazing viewing platform at 900m above sea level.
During the day we will have the opportunity to explore more of the national park, hiking to nearby lakes and waterfalls (weather and snow conditions permitting). There are many other exciting winter activities available to book including snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobile tours.
Come and join us on an amazing arctic adventure to the world's best place for the aurora borealis!
ACCOMMODATION:
We have secured comfortable en-suite twin share rooms at the wonderful STF Abisko Turiststation, at the heart of Abisko National Park. A delicious Swedish style buffet breakfast is included every day.
Limited single room places possible based on availability and room cost at the time of booking, please enquire.
The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, bistro and convenience store and there are self-catering facilities available. There is also a grocery store 2km away.
The on-site sauna is the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a day of exploring and our accommodation is perfectly placed for aurora hunting with many great viewing points nearby.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms (limited single supplement possible at extra cost - please enquire)
- 4 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- An itinerary of organised walks to view the northern lights each evening and to explore the national park during the day (weather and snow conditions permitting)
- Access to on-site sauna
- Self-catering facilities
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches and dinners (a restaurant, self catering facilities and convenience store are available on-site and there is also a grocery store 2km away)
- Flights (see details below)
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (please enquire)
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to/from Kiruna:
Outbound - Wednesday 28 January:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:55 – Kiruna KRN 13:35Inbound - Sunday 1 February:
SK 2899 Kiruna KRN 11:40 – Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 14:00
SK 1517 Kastrup Copenhagen CPH 16:40 – London Heathrow LHR 17:40It will be easy to break up your journey by spending a few nights in Stockholm/Copenhagen or arrive in Kiruna earlier/leave later to extend your stay, and make your own way to/from the airport to meet the group. There is also an overnight train to Kiruna/Abisko available from/to Stockholm although tickets only go on sale closer to the date.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use AURORA 2 as your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)