Adventure Travel Blog | Austin Adventures

Top Ten Awesome Things About Alberta

Ted Hayes — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 22:23:00 +0000

1. Alberta, known for its majestic Canadian Rockies, contains five national parks! With Austin Adventures you can experience two of the most popular national parks, Banff and Jasper.

2. The four contiguous national parks in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Yoho, Jasper, and Kootenay) were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984: Canadian Rocky Mountain Park.

3. The Canadian Rockies have so much wildlife, they have been compared to the Serengeti! There are 53 species of mammals in Banff National Park, including four families of carnivores – the weasel, cat, dog, and bear families.

4. Banff National Park gets over four million visitors per year in addition to another 4.5 million people driving through. That’s a lot of drivers on a road through an animal rich park. To protect the animals and the drivers, 36 over passes and six underpasses were built specifically for the animals. Since monitoring began in 1996, 11 species of large animals have used the passage ways over 200,000 times.

5. The Canadian Rockies are generally more jagged than the U.S. Rockies because they are more heavily glaciated.

6. Speaking of glaciers, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta’s smallest national park, is connected to Glacier National Park in Montana and became the world’s first International Peace Park in 1932.

7. If you would walk 500 miles and then you’d walk 500 more, you’re in luck – Banff National Park has over 1000 miles of hiking trails.

8. While Banff National Park gets over four million tourists per year, the town of Banff only has a population of about 7,000. Banff’s unique location within the park has led to some strict guidelines for who can actually live there. To be able to reside there you must basically work in the park or have been grandfathered in dating back to 1911.

9. Jasper National Park’s Columbia Icefield is the hydrological apex of North America. Water from the ice field flows to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. This triple continental divide is one of two in the world. The other is in Siberia.

10. One of the many reasons we love Alberta is that they take care of their beautiful land. The origin of the Canadian National Parks lies in Alberta. In 1885, at a hot springs now known as the Cave & Basin in Banff, the government recognized that action needed to be taken to protect the natural wonders of Canada. What was created was the foundation for the Canadian National Parks, now referred to as Parks Canada.

Six Things I Keep in My Backpack to Make Your Vacation Better by Yellowstone Guide Bryan Codi

Austin Adventure Guides — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:58:11 +0000

Obviously, every guide carries the necessities in his/her pack: extra water, first aid kit, two-way radios, potty packs, some snacks. But what you may not know is that every guide has his or her own secrets in their guide pack of tricks to help make every Austin Adventures trip special. I am going to give you an insider’s view into SOME (not all, a guy has to have some secrets) of the things you’ll find in my pack.

Binoculars
Out in the field there is always something that deserves a closer look, but sometimes it’s not safe to get as close as you’d like to. In Yellowstone, for example, there are about a dozen things that are very fascinating from a distance, Grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk to name a few, that are much better seen through the lenses of binoculars.

Solar Charger
Despite everyone’s best efforts for preparedness, a dead battery can seem to strike anywhere. From cameras to cell phones and iPads to GPSs, my portable solar charger can get guests the juice they need on the trail to snap that photo… and post it to Facebook!

GPS
It’s always nice to know where you are in life, especially when you head off the beaten path. My GPS watch can tell us how far we have hiked, biked, rafted or ridden. It can also tell us how high we’ve gone, and what our elevation changes have been. Our guests are amazed at how far and high they can climb. It definitely increases their sense of accomplishment!

Field Guides
Austin Adventures guides have a seemingly endless wealth of knowledge about the world around them, but preparedness is key when it comes to answering obscure questions. Field guides about flora and fauna, geology and history and some other subjects always come in handy.

Multi-tool
I carry a Leatherman OHT, which has a huge variety of tools and functions. A knife and pliers come in handy, but so does an eyeglass repair tool and a nail file. Never leave home without it.

Silver Platter
And of course, the silver platter. An Austin Adventures exclusive for all our trips and all our guides! You just never know where the silver platter will show up, and what may be on it. There is only one way to find out… we will see you on the trail!

Write About It!

Ted Hayes — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:51:38 +0000

When you are traveling or on vacation, there are so many moments that shape your experience, you will never be able to remember them all. If ten years from now we are forced to remember or relive Honey Boo Boo or the Kardashians, shouldn’t we be able to return to the adventures and stories that shaped our lives?

I think the best way to capture the moment is to write about it. When you’re traveling, by all means, take as many photos as you can. But photos only capture what’s happening on the outside and don’t quite capture how excited or scared you were after that Class 4 rapid or how delicious or nauseating your first street food experience was. Most photos get taken when you get to where you’re going and not along the way, but the way is often more interesting than the destination.

It’s not just the waterfall you hiked to in Nicaragua but the bridges and cliffs you passed to get there. What about when you went bungee jumping in New Zealand? I’m sure someone photographed your swan dive into the abyss, but most of the experience was the terrible fear climbing on to that platform and the feeling of accomplishment once you survived the plunge. For every picture of you standing in front of the Eifel Tower there are a hundred local interactions or wrong turns that made the day much more interesting.

Writing about your travels can help you keep all of the little details that might have otherwise fallen by the wayside or been forgotten. Once you decide to do it, you come to this fork in the road: To blog or not to blog? Let’s explore.

To Blog!
Everyone’s a blogger so this isn’t a new idea, but it’s important to distinguish the difference between a blog or a journal. The most basic conceptual difference is that a journal is for you and a blog is for everyone else. Writing in a blog is a great way to keep people that care about you informed about where you are and what you’re doing. It’s a way to create and share fun stories and connect with people about your travels. With a blog, you can engage an audience in a way that could impact your trip (“I see you’re in Tuscany. You should check out this vineyard!”).

Blogs are also great because they are forever - they won’t burn in a fire or get eaten by the dog. They are easy to keep organized, enable you to attach pictures to the stories they belong to, and you can access them from almost anywhere in the world.

Blogs are great tools or platforms for sharing good times but they are public and that will ultimately affect what you put in them. You basically have to assume that everything you write on your blog will be read by your parents, your children, your grandmother, your boss, and your future employers. The story you would tell your best friend about your trip to Cabo might be different than the one you would tell Grandma Jane. The opportunity to share your experiences is great but what you’re left with may not be a true reflection of your experience.

Not to Blog!
Journals are a great way to record your adventures because you can write how you feel and not worry about what people will think or that Grandma Jane will finally discover the Internet the instant you write that you have a new favorite apple pie. You don’t need to worry about spelling or whether your tenses agree or not. You can write about how scared you actually were climbing Huayna Picchu, the steep-trailed mountain above the famous Incan city. Or you can capture the personal moments between you and a loved one – there aren’t too many blog posts about honeymoons but they are routinely people’s favorite vacations.

The great thing about a journal is that you can take it with you as a resource. It doesn’t have to be deep and thoughtful, you might just scribble directions in there or useful words if you’re in a country that speaks a different language. Looking back you might see “embarazada” and remember the time you tried to tell someone in Spanish that you were embarrassed but actually told them that you were pregnant. If you have a journal with you, it can be part of your experience instead of being about your experience.

Journals, however, are less useful if your backpack gets left on a train or stolen off a bus. They can get lost in moves or ruined by a poorly placed glass of water. And you physically have to have it to reference it. If you are not in your house at the moment you want to reminisce, find that word, or those directions, you are out of luck. Also, they don’t share themselves. You may be having the time of your life and your Facebook updates likely don’t tell the whole story.

Whether you write for you or you write for everyone else, it doesn’t matter – just write. You’ll regret forgetting the name of restaurant on the corner or the first cove you went snorkeling in. And if you keep your memories written somewhere, next time the news leads with a reality TV catfight or Miley Cyrus media blunder, you’ll have something better to do.

10 Fun Facts about National Parks

Ted Hayes — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 22:46:46 +0000

It is no secret that we, at Austin Adventures, love national parks. After all, each and every one of our domestic trips goes to and through at least one national park. But do you know what else we love? Fun facts. Thus, we bring you ten fun facts about national parks.

1. As you may know, the National Park Service sets aside land for all of us to enjoy in its natural state. How much, you ask? 51 million acres! About the size of Kansas.

2. The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Its caretakers – the cavalry.

3. Wind Cave National Park is the first cave to be named a national park in the world. In addition to its length (currently sixth longest in the world), Wind Cave is known for its calcite formations known as “boxwork.” About 95% of the world’s boxwork is found in Wind Cave.

4. The smallest national park is Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas coming in at about 5,500 acres. The biggest? Wrangell – St. Elias National Park in Alaska has an area of over 8.3 million acres and is larger than each of the nine smallest states.

5. Sometimes national parks and national monuments are confused. National parks are chosen for their natural beauty, unique geological features, and unusual ecosystems. National monuments are chosen for their historical or archeological significance.

6. Only one state in the country is not lucky enough to currently have either a national park or national monument. It is actually the country’s first state, Delaware. Poor Delaware.

7. Death Valley National Park, which has the lowest elevation in the U.S. at 282 feet below sea level, is only 76 miles from Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet.

8. The Grand Canyon is both a record of history and source of mystery. The Colorado River running through the canyon cuts through metamorphic rock called schist, which is about 1.75 billion years old. However the beginnings of the canyon are much debated by scientists. Did the Colorado River carve the whole canyon or was there already an ancient gorge waiting for the new river over 5 million years ago?

9. Crater Lake, the U.S.’ deepest lake and seventh deepest in the world, took 250 years of rain and snow accumulation to reach its current water level.

10. The Yellowstone Caldera, in Yellowstone National Park, is a super volcano that is responsible for three of the world’s six biggest volcano eruptions. It is on pace to blow about 100,000 years from now. So come see it while you still can!

CATALONIA = DALÍ = CATALUNYA

Ron Van Dijk — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 19:47:21 +0000

It is surprising how few North-Americans know where Catalonia or the Costa Brava is located. But if I mention Barcelona (the capital of Catalonia, situated south-east of the Costa Brava), it will ring more than just a bell. Barcelona is one of the main cultural centers in Europe, competing with Paris, London, and Rome. Catalonia is a region of Spain with a high degree of autonomy. In fact, its people generally think of themselves as Catalans first, and as Spaniards, if at all, a distant second. Furthermore, the people don’t speak Spanish, they proudly speak Catalan: related to French and Spanish, but a language in its own right, and spoken by about 7 million people.

Catalunya (as the region is called in Catalan) is so varied when it comes to culture, the arts, architecture, cuisine, wines, that it is impossible to even scratch the surface in a small blog for which others need entire books. Instead, let me concentrate on Salvador Dalí, the major artist of the surrealist movement which took painting, literature, cinema and other arts by storm during the first half of the 20th century.

Dalí was born in Figueres, Catalunya, and studied in the Madrid School of Fine Arts, where he came into contact with avant-garde intellectuals. That is where he discovered cubism, futurism, the world of cinema and photography. After exhibiting his work in Barcelona and Madrid, Dalí left for Paris to meet Picasso, where he then encountered the surrealist movement.

Dalí later persuaded some friends and his wife to spend the summers with him in secluded Cadaqués, the birthplace of his father, along the Costa Brava. At the height of his fame, Dalí bought a row of fishermen’s houses at Portlligat near Cadaqués, and transformed them into a residence and workshop. Despite his travels to the world art centers of Paris and New York, he always remained faithful to his land of birth.

Towards the end of his life, Dalí decided to return for good to Empordà, a Catalan coastal region, and presented his wife Gala with a castle. This was Púbol castle, not far from La Bisbal.

In 1974, one of Dalí’s dreams came true with the opening of the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres where a wide range of works from all his artistic periods is on display. The entire museum was designed by him and is in itself another work of art. Today, it is one of the most popular museums in Spain.

After their deaths, first of Gala and then of Dalí, a foundation was set up to manage three important spaces of the artist’s life: the Dalí Theater- Museum in Figueres, the Gala Castle in Púbol and the House in Portlligat, thereby creating the ‘Dalí Triangle’, enabling you to discover the personality and work of the artist in his native land. All less than an hour away from each other, and close to Barcelona. Visiting these sites is the best way to understand why the Costa Brava landscapes were a permanent source of inspiration for Dalí. During our Catalonian bike trip as well as our Catalonian multisport trip, we include the first two of these sites:

Dalí was one of the most versatile and creative persons of his time. And a little crazy too. In my opinion, there is no better way to appreciate Dalí’s art, than to combine it with an active, outdoor trip through his surrealistic landscapes.

The "Wild" of Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Wilderness in Glacier Naitonal Park by Laurie

Austin Adventure Guides — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 17:53:59 +0000

Where the heck is Glacier National Park and why would anyone want to go there?

Tucked away along the northern border of the Montana Rockies bordering Canada lies Glacier National Park. Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada are joined together to form an International Peace Park, the only national park, which is formed by two countries.

So what makes Glacier National Park so wild? Is it the jagged snow-covered peaks thrusting towards the sky or the turquoise, glacier-fed lakes that seem to pop out at you everywhere? There is a small window of opportunity each summer to explore between the east and the west sides of the Park by driving or taking a glorious Austin Adventures bike ride over Going To The Sun Road. You can only travel after the enormous snowdrifts have been plowed by June, or sometimes as late as July, and before the early fall snowstorms close the road as early as September.

The wildflowers explode in unbelievable numbers and in the most brilliant colors on this alpine landscape during this window of Glacier’s summer. Stunningly wild!

No matter how many times I see the wildlife of Glacier in their natural habitat, I am always struck by the symbolism of wildness. Here is where we can witness what it takes animals to survive. They are living, eating, resting, mating, and playing, and we are lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time to observe them.

Currently in Glacier wolverines are trendy. People are interested in them because it is so rare to see one, and the contrast of their ferociousness and gentleness draws people to their mystery. On a spring ski trip at Logan Pass, the highest point of Going To The Sun Road, I had a brief glimpse of a wolverine galloping across a snow-covered slope. Extraordinarily wild!

Glacier is well known for its grizzly bear population. Guests are advised on safe behaviors around grizzlies, and guides always accessorize their hiking fashion with a can of bear spray (94% effective in warding off an attacking grizzly bear while guns are only about 50% effective). On one occasion while hiking with Austin Adventure guests through a magnificent valley to the cirque of Iceberg Lake, we came upon three playful cubs wrestling with each other on a snowfield. We were a safe distance away and able to watch with our naked eyes. Suddenly the sow, who was lying on her back with her paws up, came sliding down the snowfield where the three cubs began pouncing on Mama. Playfully wild!

Glacier is also home to many other large animals. Gangly moose are often seen in wet areas feasting on water plants. Wolves have dispersed down from Canada and now have a strong presence. Majestic bighorn sheep can be seen on the rocky mountainsides bashing horns to show their dominance, and mountain goats leap gracefully among the cliffs with unbelievable agility. Splendidly wild!

In Glacier National Park you will find the solitude of wilderness, the wonder of wildlife, and the splendor of a plethora of wildflowers. Now, why would anyone want to go there?

The #1 Must-See Destination in the US for 2014

Blake Eden — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:30:37 +0000

What’s my top choice for the must-see-destination in the US for 2014? Hot Springs, South Dakota. Ok, I know what you’re thinking, is she crazy? Let me clarify, specifically, Wind Cave National Park is my top choice for the must-see-destination in the US for 2014. Wind Cave NP is the first cave in the world to be named a National Park. It’s also the sixth place in the United States to be named a National Park. With such lauded sites as Yellowstone, Sequoia, Yosemite, Mount Rainier and Crater Lake National Parks holding the first five spots, Wind Cave certainly is in good company. So why haven’t most people heard of it?

I’ll go ahead and state the obvious; South Dakota is not the top of everyone’s list as a great vacation spot. Most people think of South Dakota and either their mind goes blank, or it goes straight to Wall Drug, I-90 and Mount Rushmore. The bikers in the crowd think of Sturgis. Trust me, there is way more to South Dakota. It is not a place to be overlooked. South Dakota is home to some incredible scenery, great wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. And, as mentioned above, it is home to Wind Cave National Park.

I’m beginning to digress. Let’s get back to Wind Cave and why it’s a must-see destination for 2014. Here are a few quick facts to bring you up to speed on the cave:

It was established as National Park 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt (who happened to establish one of our other favorite national parks as well.)
Wind Cave is the sixth-longest cave in the world, with over 140 miles of explored passage ways
It also contains 95% of the world’s boxwork (really awesome calcite formations, which you can see in the photo below).
Wind Cave got its name for two reasons:
1. The Lakota Sioux talked about a hole in the earth that “blew air.” They believed Wind Cave was sacred and was the place they came out of the earth after the creation of the world.
2. The first settlers to discover the cave were peering into the hole when a gust of wind came out and blew one of their hats off. (Scientifically speaking, all caves “breathe” in order to keep constant pressure between the inside of the cave and the outside air. Wind Cave has fewer openings to the outside world, and therefore its breath is a lot more noticeable.)
Wind Cave National Park consists not only of the cave, but the prairie land above it, which serves as grazing land to bison, elk, pronghorn, and other wildlife. In fact, the Bison herds of Wind Cave are one of only four free-roaming, genetically pure herds in North America (thanks Wikipedia, and hooray to our other favorite NP mentioned earlier for also being on the list).

Now that you know a little more about the cave and park, which may be reason enough to book a trip, why else should you go? Here are three more reasons:

Get off the beaten path and see a new part of the country. As I’ve mentioned, South Dakota isn’t on the top of everyone’s travel list. In my mind, that makes it a hidden gem. You can combine a visit to Wind Cave with hikes in the Black Hills, bike rides along the Mickelson Trail, visits to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials, and a night in Deadwood. It’s the perfect combination of nature, history, and over-all awesomeness.
Preserve a Park: There are plenty of ways to see this area of South Dakota. I may be a little biased, but a South Dakota adventure vacation with Austin Adventures is a great way to do it. Not only does it take away the hassle of planning and executing your vacation, but it really benefits the park. Every year, Austin Adventures chooses a national park for its Preserve a Park Program. Ok, you’re saying, but what does that mean? For every person that books a South Dakota vacation package with us, we will donate $100 to Wind Cave NP and the non-profit Friends of Wind Cave organization. Pretty cool, huh?
Feel the wind in your hair. Underground. As you already know, Wind Cave got its name for a reason. Don’t you want to experience it for yourself?

So there you have it, a totally cool national park that you might not have known about or thought to visit… until now. When you’re making your summer plans, I suggest you consider a South Dakota vacation that highlights Wind Cave National Park (wink, wink). Your significant other, friends, kids, or whoever you’re traveling with may question the choice at first, but they’ll be on bended knee thanking you as soon as they realize what a totally cool part of the country you’ve taken them to.

See you there!

Chacos are a Good Choice (and Other Gear Tips)

Kasey Austin — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 22:25:02 +0000

So, you’ve officially booked your dream adventure over Spring break, you’ve just received your pre-trip planner complete with packing list, and you’re now trying to figure out exactly which type of sandal or brand of rain jacket to pack in that suitcase that always seems just a little bit too small. Not to fear, Kasey is here…with a few suggestions for gear that might help make your decisions for which headlamp or duffel bag to purchase for your upcoming trip that much easier!

Black Diamond Equipment Storm Headlamp

You just never know when some kind of light source is going to come in handy when you’re on vacation. On our Costa Rica Adventure, you head out after dark for nocturnal animal viewing (and it sure is nice to be able to see where you’re going on the trail!) I like this headlamp by Black Diamond because it has a long battery life with different settings (full strength, dimming, strobe) and it also has a red night vision setting, great for viewing animals after dark! This headlamp easily packs into any tiny corner of your suitcase or carry on, and get this…it’s waterproof, in case it rains!

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal

Yes, I am a Chaconian and absolutely obsessed with my Chacos (I might have 4 or 5 pairs in my closet, but shh, you didn’t hear that from me!) These are the BEST shoes hands down for switching between land and water activities in my opinion. They have a rubber sole with maximum traction for gripping onto just about any surface (slippery or not), and they have a comfortable set of adjustable straps made of soft polyester webbing that dries quickly and maintains a constant fit. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and while they may give you some funky looking tan lines, you won’t regret how your feet feel at the end of a safari cave tubing adventure in Belize!

Mountain Hardwear Ramesa V2 Convertible Pants

Now, if you’re a lady and you’re anything like me, you just can’t find a pair of convertible pants that “flatter your figure”. What do I mean by convertible? I’m talking about pants that zip off into shorts. Now, I know everyone’s body is different, but I have found the perfect pair of outdoorsy convertible pants for ladies by Mountain Hardwear! The Ramesa V2’s actually allow you to move around unrestricted, yet their durable Nylon fabric withstands even the roughest wear and tear (trust me, these pants have been put through the ringer for about three years now, and they still live to tell their story). While the Galapagos Islands will be rather warm in March and April, it’ll be nice to have a pair of lightweight pants that will protect your legs from the UV rays of the sun and also zip off to give your calves a bit of breathing room in the heat of the day.

Eddie Bauer Packable Duffel

On a few trips of ours heading out over Spring Break, for example our Havasupai Adventure, you need a medium sized, soft-sided duffel bag to carry your belongings in for your travels instead of a bulky hard suitcase. (On this trip specifically, your “soft” duffels are carried down to camp via pack horse!) Take a look at the Eddie Bauer Packable Duffel if you want a suitcase that is lightweight, yet plenty durable to stand up to a trip down into the Grand Canyon. The reason I most like this lightweight duffel: it packs into its exterior front pocket so you can throw it into a bigger suitcase for your pre- or post- trip extensions or easily store it in a drawer between trips for safe keeping.

Marmot PreCip Jacket

If you’ve done your research on rain jackets, you’ve probably come to realize that they range from cheap, plastic ponchos to $400 “guaranteed not to get you wet”-type raincoats. I think this effective, yet modestly priced rain jacket created by Marmot will do its job and look very stylish in its many colors. This jacket features a 100% seam taped waterproof and breathable membrane, a comfortable inner coating and durably waterproof outer coating. When you’re hiking the Salkantay Trail on our Peru: Lodge to Lodge trip this spring, you’ll be happy to have this comfortable coat at the top of your pack, as you can just never predict the weather in the mountains!

GoPro Camera

By now, you’ve probably heard all the hype about GoPro cameras and have maybe wondered, “so what’s the big deal?” Well, as a proud parent of a GoPro camera, I can tell you that the hype is all it’s made out to be when it comes to the world of adventure! These cameras come in several styles and you can buy different mounts and accessories for just about every activity out there. The newest versions (HERO3) capture professional quality videos and photos, feature built-in Wi-Fi and are waterproof. If you don’t want to wreck your $800 Nikon, maybe investing in a sturdy and light “mini” camera is the right choice for you. While you’re ziplining around Mombacho Volcano in Nicaragua, you’ll capture great footage of not only the lush vegetation flying by at top notch speeds, but also your reaction to zipping through the air connected to a cable only by a harness!

Everyone has their “go-to” gear when it comes to exploring their backyard or traveling the world. The above examples are just a few samples (tested out by yours truly) of the gear that will be suggested on your packing list for your upcoming Austin Adventures Spring Break tour. Maybe you even have a few of your own favorite pieces of gear to add to this list. Wherever you go, whether you’re rafting the Pacuare River in Costa Rica or trekking through the red rock canyons of Havasupai, quality gear will make you one happy traveler!

Happy prepping,

Kasey Austin

Five Tips for Traveling to a Country with a Different Language

Ted Hayes — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 16:51:00 +0000

Traveling when you don’t know the language can be intimidating and daunting but don’t let it keep you from going. Just because you haven't spoken Spanish or French (or God forbid, Latin) since high school, doesn't mean you can't be the explorer you always wanted. A little effort, a couple tools, and a sense of humor will get you a long way. Here are five tips that will make your travels a little easier.

Know a Little Bit

If you’re going to spend the money to go to another country, it might be wise to put in some effort on the front end so that you can spend your precious vacation time enjoying yourself instead of trying to figure out the closest place to go to the bathroom. Learn basic phrases that will make day to day functioning and interacting with locals easier. From greetings and how to ask for the bathroom to ordering a beer or knowing what “chicken” is called, a few key words or phrases will let you better enjoy the country you are in. It’s also good to learn words that could be useful in case of emergency, like how to ask for help, what a country’s exit signs might look like, or maybe what to look for if you have allergies.

Use Your Hands

If you’re having trouble finding the right word, try mimicking the word or action to get the result you want. Don’t be shy. You’d rather get to the salsa club or to the library and show off a couple moves or act like you’re reading a book than waste time wandering around. People also respond to effort. If you are trying hard to communicate, they will try hard to help you. And just have fun with it – no one is going to mistake you for a local anyway. If you end up flapping your arms or moo-ing at your server, it’ll be a funny story later.

Bring a Notepad

If charades just isn’t your game, a notepad will be doubly important for you. A notepad is one of the most useful things that you can have. In addition to communicating with pictures, it’s good for writing down all your vital information like your hotel address, people you might need to contact, and useful phrases. Phrase books are great and I suggest you have one but it can be very time consuming digging through one to find the right phrase while someone is waiting for you to speak. Having a place to write down the 30 or 40 most relevant phrases will save loads of time and stress. Plus, they don’t run out of battery.

Find Your Apps

Travel apps can be very useful and convenient but they should not replace preparation. So many things (and often, the best things) happen on the spur-of-the-moment when traveling and you never know whether you will be able to charge your phone or be in an area with service. Also, part of the fun of traveling is the disconnectedness – if you turn to your phone with all of your problems, you can lose out on the immersion aspect that is part of the value of travel. That said, having an app with that locates you and displays the country’s emergency numbers or one that tells you if it thinks your flight is going to be delayed can be quite useful. This link has some apps that may be good resources.

Smile

The most important thing you can bring abroad to make life easier is your smile. People are generally friendly, appreciate what tourism does for their country, and want to share their home with you. If you appear nice and friendly, you are much more likely to receive nice and friendly in return. If you’re in a stressful situation trying to figure out how to get somewhere or what in the world is on the menu, even a forced smile will calm you down and make people more willing to help you. Plus, you’re there to have fun, and while traveling can be stressful, you shouldn’t let the language barrier keep you from having a great time.

So smile, grab a notepad, and download an app so you can buy a ticket to your next adventure.

Are You There Yet? No Seriously, Are You?

Mandi Graham — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:36:54 +0000

Why aren’t you in Europe right now? You are missing out on coastlines, vineyards, wineries, lush valleys, metropolitan cities juxtaposed with Roman Ruins, food and flower markets, cheeses, chocolate, castles, sleepy villages, and century upon century of history and art!

I was graciously invited to attend the annual end-of-season guide dinner in The Netherlands by our European Operations Manager and our European guides this last December (how is it already 2014?). How could I refuse? So, off to Europe I went, again.

Transoceanic flights so often tend to be eight to ten hours (or longer) of uncomfortable, sardine-like travel; however, both of my flights proved to be memorable, comic, and touching experiences. After safely arriving at Schiphol in Amsterdam, retrieving my very heavy luggage, and stepping out of the hurried international airport, I was struck by the sharp winter breeze with notes of the North Sea and was instantly reminded why I love being in Europe. And why you should, too.

There are a myriad of reasons to love Europe. Europe is Earth’s second-smallest continent covering only 2% of the World’s surface and is home to 11% of the Earth’s population, but within that small space is a multitude of incredible countries that have to be seen at least once. You can be in a different country with its own distinctive culture in mere hours. I live in Montana so the notion of driving one and a half hours and crossing through two, if not three, countries is truly notable. Being able to immerse myself in multiple cultures in a relatively small area is irresistible.

The coastlines in Europe are remarkable, even if you live in a coastal city and especially if you live in a landlocked area. From north to south each is worth visiting. The North Sea along The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark is striking. It is a rough, grey body of water with light-colored, sandy beaches bordered by natural sand dunes. The water here appears wild, untamed, with a sense of stubborn independence. You can feel it while your feet are sinking into sand and intermittent gusts of the prevailing winds sweep through your hair, trust me. To the south, Croatia boasts the Dalmatian Coast on the eastern Adriatic Sea. The waters range from clear, aquamarine to deep sapphire blue. Of course, the Dalmatian Coast has a Mediterranean feel to it with warm waters in the summer and cooler waters in the winter with beaches that range from pebbly to soft beach sand. The sentiment here is untouched, relaxed, and pampered with a sun-kissed glaze.

Europe is overflowing with history. Everywhere you look, each step that you make has a million stories behind it. You can see passage graves in France that were built with rock that has been exposed to the elements since 4850 BC, stand in sheer wonder at Greek and Roman ruins, learn why houses in temperate areas of Europe have had thatched roofs since the Bronze Age, visit villages that look as though they have been untouched for hundreds of thousands of years. The chateaux, castles, and cathedrals that have withstood time, wars, religious changes, multiple governments and have been host to artists, politicians, murderers, royalty, insanity, and disease are unforgettable.

These are but a few of the reasons that I love Europe and why you should, too. Europe should not be explored hastily, but leisurely with willingness to experience all that it can share.

I have been to multiple places in North America, Central America, Asia and several countries in Europe. And Europe is still my favorite. So, tell me again, why aren’t you in Europe right now? Oh, right, the usual…work, previous engagements, life. Why don’t you shake it up a little bit? Let us share Europe with you on the back of bike in the spring! I’m game, are you?

The Legend of Havasupai

Ted Hayes — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:17:31 +0000

I’m not positive this is right, but I think it’s close.

Like, 40 million years ago, Water and Rock got together and Rock said, “Hey, let’s make awesome waterfalls together. Your water can be turquoise and my rocks can be red. And 40 million years from now, people will live around us and share cool photos of us on the internet.”

Water agreed.

And that’s the story of how we came to have one of the most beautiful and unique sets of waterfalls on Earth, nestled right next to Grand Canyon. If you don’t recall the tale, that’s the legend of Havasupai.

OK, not really. But something like that.

Havasupai is an offshoot canyon of the Grand Canyon, which has a spring atop it that turns into Havasu Creek. The creek runs over four falls, the biggest of which, Havasu Falls, drops over 100 feet. Over time, pouring into the canyon, the mineral-rich water has created many pools. The turquoise water has large amounts of calcium carbonate in it which makes fallen objects mineralize quickly. With new formations forming all the time, the flow of the creek is ever-changing. You might visit one year and come back the next year and see something different.

Havasupai is actually the name of the Native American tribe that lives on the reservation and the canyon is called Havasu Canyon. Many of the tribe’s people live in the canyon village of Supai. Supai, Arizona, which is near the falls, is the most remote town in the lower 48 states. It is only accessible by hiking or horseback riding into the canyon or by helicopter and the mail arrives by mule.

People usually hike in and camp for a few nights and explore the canyon. The trail head is located at the Hualapai Hilltop, west of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and 60 miles north of Route 66. The trek down to the village is about eight miles. The falls and campgrounds are two miles further. You can take a helicopter, depending on the day, but that first dive into the water feels better if it was well earned.

The pools are both beautiful and ideal for swimming. The water stays about 70 degrees all year round so it’s refreshingly perfect on those hot Arizona days. The travertine waters make for some impressive sights and the falls bring all the water fun you might imagine. There are plenty of rocks and small cascades you can jump from and try to execute the perfect cannonball. You can also swim into some of the caves behind the falls and hang out in your own real grotto

The waterfalls are definitely the main attraction but there are also other things to do. You can venture into side canyons and retrace the trails of the tribe, explore old mines, and definitely don’t forget to send yourself a postcard so you can say that a mule delivered your mail.

In addition, this beautiful place isn’t very crowded. You might call Havasupai under-discovered. It has ranked as one of Outside’s top hikes and you have certainly seen a picture or two on the internet but if you asked someone about it, it’s likely he or she wouldn’t know what you were talking about. As far as hidden gems go, Havasupai ranks pretty high.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path way to experience the Southwest or to extend your Grand Canyon vacation, a few days exploring Havasupai would fit the bill.

Overcoming Adversity When Traveling by Matty K

Austin Adventure Guides — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 22:27:07 +0000

When you’re traveling and you hit that proverbial bump in the road, it can be a blessing in disguise. As the great comedians of Monty Python said best, “Always look on the bright side of life.” Whenever I hear that, it makes me want to whistle. Or as my father would say, “Son, things are tough all over.” Meaning, things could always be a lot worse.

After guiding for Austin Adventures for over 16 years I have had plenty of hurdles to overcome. The stories live on forever and the humor never dies. And the best stories weren’t funny at the time, but those are the ones you remember the most. People love to hear about the bad times. I think partly because it makes them feel better about their own experiences. I love a trip that goes off without a hitch and almost all of them do just that; but things do happen when traveling. The weeks I remember most were the toughest, but they were also often the most rewarding. Of course, things happen when traveling that are unexpected. So imagine all the possibilities when you’re guiding 12 different people with 12 different agendas adding in all the dynamics of being on a trip: weather, bikes, vans, trailers, flights, luggage, guide partners, reservations, gear, personalities, beliefs, politics, this list could go on and on. Dealing with adversity is the single biggest thing that turns a good trip into a great trip. If the guests don’t know there was a hitch in the plan, I have succeeded. Here are a couple stories of when I faced a little adversity but ended up making some of my favorite guiding memories.

Guiding in the Rain

Weather plays a vital role in any trip being fun and easy. Weather can make trips very difficult. Sometimes when it rains, places are more beautiful then you could ever imagine. Heavy down pours can be very dangerous in many parts of the world. Flash floods are a guide’s worst nightmare in the desert, unless you have been around the block and know what to do and where not to be. If there is any chance of rain, you do not want to be in or near a slot canyon. It could rain 20 miles away in the mountains and you could be in serious danger, because, in the desert, water comes downhill fast.

On a great trip in Zion National Park, our itinerary was to head up The Narrows, one of the best hikes in the whole world. Unfortunately, there was a serious chance of rain. Desert rains come down in sheets, buckets, and real walls of water, so I knew we weren’t going into The Narrows that day. Some people book their whole trip to do this one hike – I had to turn this negative into a positive. Having guided in this part of the world for a very long time, I knew just what to do.

I took the group to watch a symphony of waterfalls from the comfort of the Zion shuttle. They couldn’t believe the hundreds of waterfalls cascading in front of them. The magnitude of some the waterfalls falling hundreds of feet to the ground was truly amazing.

At our last dinner most of the guests said it was the most impressive thing they had ever seen. Even though we hiked The Narrows the day after it rained, it could not compare to the normally-dormant waterfalls being released by the rains in Zion.

Birthday Surprise

It’s never easy to start an activity in the rain, especially when you’re on Fox Island in Alaska. Just feeding the wood burning stove, sipping on some hot chocolate, and playing a board game is as good as any hike or activity. In Alaska, it can rain all day and night. It doesn’t rain as hard as it does in the desert, but it could mist forever. During the Alaskan summer, it does not matter what time it is – it’s always light out. So if it rains all day, you can still go do something after dinner.

This particular day was my birthday – the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. If you don’t know me, my friends always joke that I have ants in my pants. I always want to be doing something. After a little beach combing in the rain it started to let up to a very light mist. It’s amazing how calm the ocean can be when it rains. I swear it can be calmer than when it’s sunny. Even though it was after dinner and it was still raining, I thought it was a good time to go sea kayaking. Okay, maybe just a couple hours since it’s late in the evening.

It was a little hard to get some people motivated. Putting on wet rain gear is never very enjoyable. This was going to be the group’s last opportunity to sea kayak. As it was my birthday, I was all in. We got everyone outfitted and we headed for the sea. As we made our way down the beach I could hear a few sighs from the group. Right before we got in the kayaks we saw a river otter run down the beach. A good omen! Finally we got in our vessels and were in the mighty Pacific. It was still, except for the mist. It was so quiet outside, even with the rain falling on the ocean surface. We saw a sea otter not far from shore and then started to head around the island toward a couple of sea arches that have been eroded by the waves. The ocean being so calm, we are able to kayak though the arches– not always the case. Everyone was having a great time. Then the unthinkable happened – a pod of orcas swam right by us. I swear they looked right at us, stunned that we would even be there. The orcas went as quickly as they came. I thought this would be the highlight of the trip. I was wrong. On our way back to the lodge we had the joy of seeing a humpback whale breach about a quarter-mile away. It was truly amazing! The splash seemed like it was as high as a 10-story building.

We got back drenched, cold and tired. But we were all walking on air. We knew that night that we had been blessed with one of the greatest shows on earth. We hung our wet gear above the wood burning stove, packed it tight with wood, and said goodnight.

I know you wanted the down and dirty, the nitty-gritty, as they say. Those stories are best told in person. So I look forward to sharing some of my favorites with you on our next adventure together.

How to Plan an Adventure Vacation

Dan Austin — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Now, this is ironic. I was just sitting down at my desk to start the planning process for my upcoming travel season, when I got an email from Blake, our director of digital marketing, asking me to pen a quick blog post on “How to Choose an Adventure Vacation.” I like to look at getting as much of my traveling done from January through May so I am here at home base in Montana when our busy domestic season kicks off. So with that said here goes – kill two birds with one stone.

The following is just my way of getting started. The order of these steps may change and you might add a few of your own; everyone needs to figure out and go through their own process. Just think of it as the Who, What, Where and When – it’s that simple.

I like to start with who is going. Is this a family vacation, a special occasion for one of the kids, a getaway with Carol (my wife), or is it me time?

Next I think about when do I have the time? Who is going is essential because if it’s a family program, aligning everyone’s schedules can be a real challenge; the earlier you start planning, the better.

For this exercise, let’s say it is a getaway for Carol and me. We are planning a work related trip – a bit of operations and quality control for me and a bit of sales education for Carol. Since I am going to try and squeeze two trips in before the 1st of June, I am thinking the latter half of February is perfect for trip number one.

Now that we have the who and when, it’s time to think about the where. In our case, we have two "adventures" that we want to check out: our Peruvian Amazon Cruise and our new “Glamping” program. Now before you get your heart set on a specific destination, be sure to check on the season. You don't want to find yourself in Namibia during flood season or in Alaska in the middle of January. However, you don’t need to go during peak season either, in fact, there are some great benefits to traveling during non-peak times. Just know what you are getting yourself into. For our trip, we are coming in at the tail-end of the rainy season, so we will push it as late as possible in February and tailor our route with this in mind.

OK, so we have the who, when and where. Now let’s look at the what. In our case we have very specific reasons for traveling and will want to see all the activities, hotels, and details of the adventures in the area we offer. You may have many different things motivating your destination. You may be interested in a certain location like a special hotel you heard about or a colonial city you saw in a magazine. Maybe your travel is activity based. Are you an avid cyclist, hiker, or white water rafting enthusiast? Maybe you just want some quiet time to immerse in a foreign culture; it’s all up to you!

You will need to look at your laundry list and start thinking about the duration of your trip and your travel budget. It can be less daunting if you think about what you can spend per day. Are you thinking $300 per day, $500, or more? The more days, the bigger your budget will be regardless of your daily per diem.

With the who, when, where, and what all coming together and your knowledge base growing, it’s time to get into the details. Personally, I recommend reaching out to an expert. This is by far my favorite part of any planning process. I love talking to the people that know first-hand what to expect and are passionate about sharing their country or culture. I made two calls: one to our partner in Peru and one to our connection with the Amazon Cruise. This is where you can really start filling in all blanks. Be sure to keep copious notes and build a file. You might end up switching gears and taking a completely different path. If you do, A) That's part of the adventure and B) you can refer back to your efforts for another time.

Armed with all the insights and information you have now gathered, it’s easy and fun to pull it together and start making commitments. A word of advice here: don't wait too long. Adventure Travel is exploding. Hotels, transportation, and use permits are all getting harder and harder to get, the sooner the better.

I will pen another blog soon about what is next after you’re all booked. What you can do to make the most of your precious vacation time. But for now, dig in, have fun, and enjoy every minute of the process!

Namaste

Just another day in the African Bush

Kasey Austin — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:44:22 +0000

Having never experienced an African safari before, traveling throughout Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa for an entire month via Land Rover was everything I imagined yet nothing like what I expected. Does that even make sense?! Just think of it this way – conjure up memories of every African movie you’ve seen, news you’ve heard about the great southern continent, and your own opinions on what traveling in an African country may be like, and roll it all into one. Now you probably have some idea of what Africa may be like, but it is so much more than that, and to find out what I’m talking about, you have to take the big leap and just go there! To give you an idea of what I’ve experienced, I thought I would provide you with an example of a typical day on safari…

First, I must mention that sleeping in on African safari just isn’t an option…if you don’t want to miss out on the best game sightings of the day! Your camp staff will come around to each canvas tent at 5:00 AM with a big happy, “WAKE UP!!!” And get this, they even bring you coffee! Once you roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and grab your daypack (complete with camera, binoculars, raincoat, sunscreen, etc.), head over to the main lodge for a light breakfast with your safari companions and guides. Around 6:00, it’s time to head out on safari, so get your game face on!

Now you have two options – A) make a plan for the route you’ll travel in the Land Rover based on what animals/birds/plants/geology you’re looking for, or B) head out in any random direction to see what you come across! If you’re anything like me on your first African safari, you’ll want to see all of the wildlife, and your expert guides know all of the tips and tricks in the book for tracking animals and birds alike to give you the ultimate safari experience! Sometimes, you’ll just pop in on an animal that you weren’t expecting. Other times you’ll follow a lion’s tracks through the sand, trying to find out where he’s going to stop for shade mid-morning. Every now and then, you’ll stop the vehicle, listening to the calling of the animals and birds around you as these noises can give clues as to the whereabouts of a larger predator. The guides also communicate back and forth with radios and clue other vehicles in on what wildlife they’ve found in the area. One way or another, your safari guides work with you to provide you the ultimate wildlife sightings you’ve always dreamed of, and a little luck never hurts either!

After your morning game drive, you’ll arrive back to the lodge around 10:00, and a big, delicious brunch is served around 11:00. Once your stomach is full and you’ve relived your favorite moments of the morning with the other members of your camp, a nap is looking pretty darn good, or maybe you just want to head back to your tent to relax in the shade of your deck. If you’re in southern Africa in the summer time, taking the afternoon to rest is your best option, and often the wildlife are not active either because of the heat. Choose to take a dip in your lodge’s plunge pool, read a book on one of the comfy couches, or sleep away the heat of the day. Whatever you choose, meet back at the main lodge at 4:00 for tea time before another safari activity!

In the afternoon, you can of course choose to head out on another game drive, perhaps in a different area of the concession or Park you reside in. But often, the lodges provide other activities dependent on what features are in the area. Some guides provide “game walks” where you can track game on foot. A few lodges, especially the ones near a water source, provide boat rides or mokoro excursions (a type of canoe-like boat propelled forward by a “poleman”). Some lodges are near villages where you can meet the locals and buy African trinkets to bring home to your friends. Still others are near operators that can take you on a hot air balloon ride, zip lining, or even bungee jumping. Whatever you decide to do, don’t miss the opportunity to get out and experience Africa!

Typically, just as the sun goes down (assuming you aren’t in the middle of a wildlife viewing) your guide will stop the vehicle at a beautiful sunset viewing spot for what Africans call a “sundowner”. As the sun disappears over the horizon, illuminating everything in a golden light, clink glasses with your guide as you sip your favorite drink under a beautiful African sunset.

After you get back from your afternoon excursion, take a few minutes to head back to your tent for a quick shower before pre-dinner drinks back at the lodge. Often, you’ll need to have a guide come pick you up at a certain time because you can’t walk by yourself after dark with all of the wild animals wandering around at night in camp. Maybe choose a gin and tonic or an Amarula on ice before a delicious dinner with your camp mates around 8:00 PM. Dinner will be accompanied by your choice of wine and often features a vegetarian dish, a red meat choice, and something like chicken or lamb with a side of fresh veggies, rice, and potatoes. Regional options are often included and I highly encourage you to try the kudu or Oryx, yum!

-After dinner, a member of the staff will accompany you back to your tent for a restful night’s sleep. As you lay in bed at night, listen to the sounds of the African bush come alive. Frogs, hippos, baboons, and hyenas will all “sing” you to sleep as you drift off after a thrilling day spent exploring Africa’s wilderness. Tomorrow, look forward to waking up and doing it all over again!

Experience everything the bush has to offer on safari with Austin Adventures. If you want a mix of adrenaline-inducing game watching mixed with much-needed relaxation time for you, your significant other, and/or family, you know who to call!

See you in the bush!

Kasey

Antarctica is Hot!

Ted Hayes — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:32:16 +0000

Antarctica was once a destination only for ambitious researchers and the most daring of explorers. The windiest, driest, and coldest place on Earth, it is a land of extremes. Most of it is covered in mile-thick ice and each year the sun disappears for months. There are no true “Antarcticans” nor can you even get there in the winter. The land and climate bare such resemblance to that of Mars that NASA tested the Mars Viking Project in the treacherous McMurdo Dry Valleys (which haven’t received rain for two million years!). For all the intimidating and seemingly extraterrestrial environmental obstacles, this land is begging to be explored.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the banana belt of the continent and is teeming with wildlife from penguins and seals, to exotic birds and whales. The peninsula is the closest point to “mainland” on the continent, just 621 miles away from Argentina, and is the most popular destination in the Western Hemisphere due to its proximity to South America, relatively mild weather, and abundance of wildlife. The ice bergs are massive and awe-inspiring, giving you that “we’re not in Kansas anymore” feeling. The biggest iceberg ever recorded calved from an Antarctic ice sheet in 2000 and had 6,800 square miles of surface area (about the size of Kuwait).

At Austin Adventures, we thought we couldn’t call ourselves true adventurers unless we went to the end of the Earth. Turns out, the Earth is a sphere and there is no actual end so we figured this was the next best thing. In partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions, we are braving the seas of the Drake Passage and making our way to one of the most remote and unique places on Earth to create an incredible experience of a lifetime.

While Antarctica is known for having extremely low temperatures, including the coldest temperature ever recorded of -128.4° F, the tip of the peninsula rests outside of the Antarctic Circle and the average temperature in the middle of its summer (January) is warmer than many winter wonderland destinations in the U.S.

With 24 hours of sun all summer long, there is lots to see and do. Strap on some snowshoes and explore this spectacular environment by foot, or you can discover the amazing animals that swim the icy waters of the Southern Ocean by zodiac and kayak. If you are a mountaineer, you can tie into your guide and trek up Jabet Peak – almost 2,000 vertical feet or you can opt-in to an open-air camping excursion to claim official bragging rights. Twenty-four hours of sun makes for a long day so kick your feet up and enjoy a warm drink while sailing through the Lemaire Channel and gazing at Booth Island’s towering peaks. And don’t worry, the researchers are still there. At Port Lockroy you can check out a British research center where you can get a glimpse of Antarctican life, a museum with relics from bases built sixty years ago, and the post office where residents come to get their mail every two weeks.

No longer the forgotten continent or deemed just too cold and extreme to enjoy with your family, Antarctica is our new playground. You don’t need to hitch a ride on a naval ship to check the last continent off your list. With more infrastructure and technology, in Antarctica, you can venture to the bottom of the Earth and explore something different, having the time of your life.