It is fun to explore magazines such as National Geographic Adventure. That's how I learn about new places, and perhaps even of locations in my own "backyard" that invite exploration.


Description

This is an over-size publication that measures 8 5/8" wide x 10 7/8" high. The magazine averages 100 to 124 pages and is printed on quality paper. The cover usually features an inviting outdoor shot, though sometimes a celebrity is shown. The word "Adventure" is written in large bold yellow print across the top of the cover and there are plenty of info snippets to lure one into opening the magazine.

The Table of Contents is printed in white text over beautiful color photographs. Each issue includes about three feature articles. There are also departments such as:

First In – Sights Unseen
Living It -- High Profile featuring a well-known person / Books & Media
Where Next – Places to Visit (outside the United States)
Next Weekend – Places to Visit (within the United States)
Gear – Outfitting Oneself for Adventure

This magazine does feature advertising, but it doesn't overwhelm the contents of the magazine. As you can imagine, it mostly encompasses sports gear, travel, and transportation. The last several pages of the magazine include a dedicated area of advertising as well as a page of "Free Adventure Info". These short listings are accompanied by a pull-out postage-paid postcard, where you can circle the travel information you wish to receive. Most of the listings include a website URL or phone number.


My Experiences

My one big gripe with this magazine is the size of the print on the page. Some of the articles and snippets are written in a decent size font while others are written in tiny text. It's especially difficult to read pieces where the text is printed over photographs. Thankfully, much of the magazine is black text on white paper. However, some of the print is colored such as in blue, yellow, brown, or white text against a darker background.

The photography is beautiful. There are some large photographs taking up a full page, but most of the photography is smaller pictures accompanying text. The few full-page photos I encounter leave me wanting more. Also, infrequently, there are maps to help define where specific areas are located. The maps are not the fine detailed maps as found in "National Geographic". The maps in this Adventure magazine are much simpler, either having a hand-drawn appearance, or looking as if they have been rendered using a graphics program.

I find the articles a mix of interesting and could-be interesting if written differently. I am an avid reader, and despite my best intentions, I end up skimming through portions of an article because it is boring or not written in a reader-friendly manner. I have four issues of this magazine spread next to me for reference, and out of these magazines only two of the articles completely pulled me into the "adventure". One was an article on Easter Island, which has always fascinated me … and the other article dealt with a couple visiting an Ashram for a yoga/spiritual retreat. The yoga article included humor that induced me to keep reading. Both pieces presented information that was new to me.

Each issue also features spotlighted adventures. For instance, the cover of the magazine might say: "35 New Adventures" or "33 Great Undiscovered Hikes" or "45 Beaches, Bungalows & Base Camps". These adventures are not presented in one all-inclusive section. They are scattered throughout the magazine. A nice feature is that many times the adventure snippets (these are not full articles; often only a full paragraph or two) will contain the cost/fee of the adventure as well as a website URL for further information. For instance, one piece mentions whitewater paddling at the North Alabama Whitewater Festival and that a cabin in the DeSoto State Park Lodge costs $80.00. Another example mentions hiking a dormant volcano at St. Kitts and that staying at the Rawlins Plantation Hotel costs $405.00 and that a company offers full-day hikes up Mount Liamuiga for $90.00 a person.

I like it that the magazine mixes the few longer pieces with lots of short snippets about places and in some instances people. This makes it an easy magazine to browse through. If you aren't in the mood or don't have time to read the longer pieces, then the shorter travel bits might grab your attention. The pieces that feature people are usually about people I have not heard of. The one prominent person that comes to mind is Harrison Ford, who was featured in a short Question and Answer style piece about his travels, love of the land, and his adventures as a pilot.


Purchasing

Each issue retails for $4.95 U.S. / $6.95 Canadian. If you find a subscription card inside an issue of the magazine, you can purchase it for a year (10 issues) for $8.00. I have also seen offers of a two-year subscription for $15.00. The inside of the magazine does not list subscription information, instead providing a telephone number to contact them.

You how sometimes when you receive magazines through the mail, and the label is glued to the magazine with what seems like cement glue? This magazine comes with the mailing label attached to the cover of the magazine; however, the label is affixed with glue that makes the label incredibly easy to peel off without harming the paper beneath it.


Summary

National Geographic Adventure is not my favorite magazine. It's not a bad magazine, it just doesn't offer enough interesting articles or material to make me want to renew a subscription. This is a magazine I read, and then I bring it into the office lunchroom where others can browse the pages while eating. Some people leaf quickly through the magazine, and others examine it a bit more closely. It's hit and miss with my coworkers, too.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

Country Extra (magazine)

Yankee (magazine)

Bird Watcher's Digest (magazine)

Birds & Blooms (magazine)

Simple & Delicious (recipe magazine)

Dell Pocket Crossword Puzzles (magazine)

Sudoku and More! (magazine)

Pogo.com (online games)


Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes