A veteran traveler is always looking ahead to the next adventure. Where to go? What to do? When contemplating possible journeys for 2009, consider treading new ground — especially if you're young in spirit and reasonably fit.

Author and globetrotter Shannon Stowell, president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (www.adventure.travel) recommends irresistible off-the-beaten-path destinations at the top of his personal A list.

Yukon River, Yukon Territory: Explore Jack London country. Board a custom-designed riverboat in Whitehorse where you can cruise through more than 370 miles of Yukon wilderness to Dawson City. This voyage provides a unique opportunity to spot wildlife, meet locals and to explore historical and geological sites. 800-661-0494, www.travelyukon.com.

Channel Islands National Park, California: Just a short boat ride from the coastal town of Ventura, Southern California's Channel Islands are home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals on land, plus a host of marine mammals and bird life. Kayakers can view thousands of sea birds, dolphins, sea lions and spouting whales in the teeming waters. The islands also feature hiking trails, diving and snorkeling coves and tide pools. 805-658-5730, www.nps.gov/chis.

Alpine trails, Switzerland: This alpine nation now boasts a new national trail system supported by detailed route guides. There are more than 12,000 miles of interconnected hiking, cycling, canoeing and mountain-bike trails, with accessibility from more than 18,000 stops on Switzerland's public transport network. A wide range of accommodations are available, as well as luggage transportation and sports equipment rental. www.switzerlandmobility.ch.

Jalapao region, Brazil: Located in the northern heartland of Brazil, the Jalapao region is one of South America's hidden gems, an area of incredible scenery, welcoming people and diverse flora and fauna. Here you can take guided excursions through the jungle wilderness — a land where panthers, anacondas and capybaras (the largest living rodent in the world) roam free — starting or ending with a stay at a comfortable safari camp. www.braziltourism.org.

"Lawrence of Arabia" trail, Jordan: If you liked the movie classic, you'll love tracing the steps of the real-life British archaeologist T.E. Lawrence via camel, jeep and on foot. Begin your expedition in Jordan's Eastern Desert, where you can visit castles that the controversial Lawrence stayed in. You can follow his route through the Wadi Rum desert sands on an all-day camel ride, overnight in authentic Bedouin tents, and then hike through the Beidah Mountains to the lost city of Petra. www.visitjordan.com.

Choquequirao, Peru: Although the Inca Trail to fabled Machu Picchu is well-known, there are many other stunning mountain treks to discover in Peru. One of the best is a three-day hike to Choquequirao, Machu Picchu's sister site, which is still being excavated. The site overlooks the Apurimac River and offers unbeatable 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges. www.peru.info/perueng.asp.

Spitsbergen Island, Norway: To explore the Arctic up close, embark on an ice-breaking ship in the town of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, just south of the Arctic Circle, then circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen. Look for breathtaking fjords, jagged peaks and huge glaciers, plus... whales, polar bears, seals and thousands of seabirds. www.visitnorway.com.

Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.