Explore the World With AMC Adventure Travel

Karen Thurston Barsanti grew up in the White Mountains with AMC’s White Mountain Huts as her playground. “My dad was an AMC volunteer, and I was an AMC kid. He instilled in me at a young age that being a member means you give back to the community that taught you,” Barsanti said.  

Taking that lesson to heart, Barsanti has been an AMC leader for over 20 years. She started with the New Hampshire chapter as a hike leader and joined AMC Adventure Travel as a natural progression in her volunteer work for the organization. For over 40 years, AMC Adventure Travel volunteer leaders have taken explorers outside of AMC’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region to experience some of the most spectacular places on earth. 

Barsanti and fellow leader Larry Yetter, a volunteer leader since 2018, both came to Adventure Travel from their local AMC chapter. Volunteer leaders for the program come from every chapter and bring their training and best practices with them on every trip. Now chair of Adventure Travel, Barsanti says, “Our leaders are seasoned hikers and devoted to AMC and its mission. This program is volunteer-led and peer managed: we are all invested in providing safe and fun adventures for our participants.” 

Excursions range from U.S. national parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Olympic to overseas destinations like Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Albania, Cape Verde, Fiji, and more. Led by AMC’s passionate and experienced volunteer leaders, and carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience, trips may include hiking, trekking, cycling, paddling, skiing, or walking—and, like all AMC activities, are rated on a scale that goes from easy all the way up to strenuous.

Yetter took a group to the world’s northernmost settlement, Longyearbyen in Norway, to go dog sledding in negative 10-degree weather. Barsanti took a group hiking through Provence, noting that many of AMC’s trip are perfect for those who are active and don’t want to explore the world from a bus seat. There truly is something for everyone who wants to be outdoors, no matter the age or ability level. 

Yetter is humbled that travelers choose to go on AMC Adventure Travel trips. “For many, this is a trip of a lifetime. It’s such a privilege to take what I’ve learned from my time in AMC and share these experiences with them,” said Yetter. “The travelers on the trips may range in age or experience level, but they share similar values and a deep desire to further AMC’s mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors.” 

Barsanti agrees, saying, “Traveling with AMC is about connecting deeply with a new location and with each other. We come together from a range of backgrounds in how we experience the outdoors, but there is a common thread between us: a dedication to not only enjoying the outdoors, but protecting it, too.”  

Trips are open to all, and groups are small, with about 10-16 travelers each, contributing to a feeling of warm camaraderie. AMC’s Adventure travel excursions are in high demand, with some trips booking well over a year in advance. That demand is due in large part to the wonderful volunteer leaders, as well as to the trips’ great value and AMC’s reputation for preparing exciting outdoor adventures. 

In July 2026, AMC is launching an Adventure Travel trip to Switzerland to kick off a pilot program for travelers in their 20s and 30s. Sign up for notifications by emailing Nancy Holland (nholland@outdoors.org), or fill out this survey to cast your vote for future destinations.

Some of AMC’s upcoming Adventure Travel trips include coastal kayaking in Croatia; exploring New Mexico’s culture, history, and art; climbing to the “top of Morocco” on Toubkal Mountain; cross-country skiing in Switzerland; hiking in Iceland; trekking in Patagonia; and even climbing Kilimanjaro! 

Ready to discover your next great adventure? Find your trip, or sign up for the Adventure Travel newsletter to get notified when new destinations are released! Did you know that members get a discount? Join our community of outdoor enthusiasts and intrepid travelers.