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Just because you can afford to go to space, should you?

How about Mount Everest or into the deepest parts of the ocean? Is it ethical to pay sherpas, or board a deep sea vessel to explore hard to see places… just because you’ve got the cash to do so?

Maybe. (Maybe not.)

In today’s edition, we ask a few people involved in extreme tourism for their thoughts on the matter.

Scroll down for that story, as well as a list of top U.S. hiking trails for dogs and some tips on how to insulate your tent during the colder months. Plus check out our early guide to maximize your fall foliage needs.

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From Deep Sea to Deep Space, Extreme Tourism For the Rich is Booming…But is it Ethical?

In June, the world was gripped by the disappearance of a deep-sea submersible that was taking paying customers—essentially, tourists—more than 2 miles deep into the ocean to visit the Titanic wreck site. The customers aboard the OceanGate vessel Titan were seeking the adventure of a lifetime, and they had paid handsomely for it.

What the passengers got instead was a real-life version of the terrors outlined in the waiver they’d signed before stepping foot on the submarine. After a frantic five-day search, the U.S. Coast Guard determined that the Titan had in fact imploded, killing everyone on board. The vessel couldn’t stand up to the pressures of the deep.

The debacle raises questions about this type of extreme tourism—the kind in which ordinary people (often ordinary rich people) do extraordinary things, like summiting Everest, going up into space, and diving into the deep sea. Is this ethical? Is it fair? Is it reckless?

Outdoors.com sought perspectives from three people who have interest in and experience with these areas of extreme tourism: high-altitude trekking and mountaineering, space flight, and deep-sea dives. Here’s what they had to say.

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Your Early Guide to Fall Foliage

It might not technically be fall yet, but it is never too early to begin looking for those stunning fall colors we all love so much. Depending on where you are in the United States, you may already be able to catch a glimpse of the changing leaves ahead of autumn 2023.

In most parts of the United States, fall foliage peaks around mid-October. This week, the most northern parts of the United States are beginning to see fall leaves change color, though change in some midwestern states has been predicted as well.

If you just cannot wait for the fall foliage, here are places that will be in full fall-mode before the end of September.

14 Dog-Friendly Trails in the U.S.

Dogs make great adventure partners, especially since it’s often their disposition to try new things as long as their human is there alongside them. A dog-friendly trail can mean many things to people depending on fitness level, location, and extras. The most important factors to consider are:

• Length

• Elevation gain

• Difficulty

• Trail surface

• Access to water

• Shade

• Leash laws

While trails may be dog-friendly at these locations, some surrounding areas, trails, and park buildings. For that reason, it’s best to know the regulations before you head out, especially leash laws (including leash length).

We’ve done some of the research for you. If you are looking to head out on your next hike with a four-legged friend, here are 14 dog-friendly trails around the U.S.

How to Insulate Your Tent and Beat the Chill While Camping

As we prepare for the fall weather, you may be getting ready to pack up the camping gear and head back home for what will feel like a long, cold winter. But do not fret, campers, just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean you need to stay inside and watch the fall and winter pass you by.

You can always buy or rent a hot tent for a weekend (and if you’re going somewhere with frigid temperatures, we would suggest doing so), but if the low temperature of the night is somewhere between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably don’t need a tent made for the tundra. So how can you insulate the tent you already have? You probably have more of the gear you need than you think.

Outdoor Gear Checklist

We take pride in uplifting other brands within the Outdoors community. Check out and buy from the brands that support us.

1. VRBO

Experience Fall Foliage and find your place for together with VRBO!*

2. RTIC

RTIC Outdoors has 30% off Insulated Totes and 40% off Chillout Backpacks for a limited time only!*

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