Around The World

I believe that I have a German soul, not just because that is where 75% of my family heritage comes from, but because there is no other place on earth that I feel more myself!  I love Germany.  I love the people and the culture and the geography!  This is a country of huge metropolitan cities, rolling country side hills, and a world renowned river, the Rhine. 

Personally, I like the path less traveled for my adventures and the Mosel River, a tributary of the Rhine, provides the perfect back drop for fantastic Germany bike tours.  The Mosel will guide you through quaint villages, historically significant artifact sites, and one of Germany’s 13 abundant wine growing regions!

This area is most well known for producing crisp Rieslings, a wine best known for its balance between fruit, floral, and mineral flavors.  You can find a Riesling for almost any pallet; they range from sweet to dry to sparkling, and can be consumed at a young age, which provides clear taste delineations, or aged, around 10 years old the wine will have a very harmonious taste structure.

The next time you are looking for multifaceted biking tour, consider the Mosel Region in Germany!  There is so much to offer, and there is hardly a better way to end an active day than by enjoying the scenery and local glass of wine.

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Teini

If you are anything like me, the thought of checking luggage for a trip adds another layer of stress that seems unnecessary for a vacation!  Are they going to charge me? Are they going to lose my bag?  Who might be going through my things?  Will my bag end up with big black stains on them (which I still haven’t figured out how to remove)?  So, now I try to always travel with only carry-on luggage (I just purchased a Briggs and Riley Bag, and think it might be perfect)!  

This becomes a little more challenging in the shoulder seasons when you need to prepare for a multitude of weather conditions, but with these tips you will be packing lightly and efficiently for your next fall or spring get away.

1. Light Layers:  This is the key to packing light; be prepared to pack items that can be ‘stacked’ on.  By bringing a base layer (I like The North Face, mid weight base layers), and a medium weight sweater or fleece pull over, along with a good quality rain jacket (mine is a Marmot) you don’t have to worry about packing a parka for chilly days.  Don’t forget a nice pair of thin, but wind proof, gloves and a light hat and you will be set for anything!

2. A Pashmina:  These things are so versatile, and if you have read my blogs before you know they have a myriad of purposes.  They can be a scarf if you are cold, a head covering if you need to go into a Mosque, a blanket on a cold plane, a makeshift picnic blanket, a bathing suit cover up, and they can also be worn as a shall to dress up a dinner outfit.  With a neutral pashmina, you’ll look like a true Parisian as you stroll along the Seine.  This is a serious must for all lady travelers.

3. Socks:  Not just socks, but moisture wicking socks, like wool.  (My favorite is Smartwool).  This is an all year item, as wool will keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.  I recommend not only bringing short socks for hiking or biking, but also a few pairs of knee high socks to help keep your legs warm. This pairs with:

4. Undies:  A good pair of long underwear bottoms.  I know we talked about base layers for the top half, but having a good quality bottom base layer will keep you warm as you take in the sights of Prague, of any city, on a rainy day!  You don’t need to be relegated to museums or shops if the weather gets ugly.

5. Color:  Lastly, to keep packing to a minimum, try to color coordinate the items that you pack.  Choose one neutral color (black, grey, brown, or navy) and build your wardrobe around that.  Make sure that everything matches everything else, and that way you will end up having more options (and fewer shoes).

I hope this helps condense your travel items as you plan your next European Vacation or Yellowstone Tour.  By packing thoughtfully you will save space as well as time and money as you traverse through airports.

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Teini

This infamous hike in Zion National Park is no ordinary hiking vacation; the trail is actually the Virginia River, the same river that has carved this unique canyon.   Pack your water shoes and dry bags as you embark into this narrow slot canyon, for one third of the hike the river extends canyon wall to canyon wall.  The sheer vertical red walls stretch for the heavens as you traverse through the murky waters, your feet navigating you over the large, round basalt rocks.

Timing is everything in the Narrows.  If the water is too high, or if the snowmelt or thunderstorms causes flash floods, the Narrows can be an extremely dangerous place, stranding you there for hours, or even days.  This is very important to consider when you are planning your Southwest Utah Adventure and when finding a guide for this section of the park.

For those you choose to take on the Narrows, the rewards are sweet.  The views are incredible, and the sense of achievement is unparalleled!

Happy Trekking,

Mindy Teini 

As the Seat of Government for the Western Roman Empire, “holy city”, catholic stronghold, and university town, Trier has played many roles in its long history.  Dating back to 5000 BC, this small medieval village is located in the Mosel region of Germany, nestled in between the borders of Germany, France and Liechtenstein.  This area has suffered through wars and conquests, triumphed with modernization, survived bombings during its term as a Brown Shirt stronghold during both world wars, and has currently found its place as a central European university city.

This region is stacked to the brim with ruins from the Roman Empire, including cathedrals, roman baths, and the remnants of city walls, all of which are protected by UNESCO.  The best place for a new visitor to start is at the Porta Nigra, a gate into the city which dates back to about AD 180, and the Roman occupation of that area.  There are also impressive archaeological museums housing the most comprehensive exhibits about civilization, economy, religion, and art from the first 400 years of the Common Era in Germany.

Another point of interest is the Karl Marx House; the house contains a permanent exhibit “Karl Marx (1818-1883), Life – Work – Influence up to the Present”.   Here you will learn about the German philosopher/economist/ socialist, and his theories, beliefs, and influences as well as the effects he has had on our current global political/social movements.

For those who don’t have an itch for museums, Trier also boasts a wonderful main marker area, which acts as a gateway to the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.  This is also a great city to indulge in cycling tours before meeting the group!

 With so much history, Trier is the perfect place to explore before one of your German bike tours.

Your friendy travel expert,

Mindy Teini

With all of the great Adventures that we offer, and the cool places we get to see, sometimes the host city (the city you fly into or out of) can get overlooked!  These cities are often great destination, and when you are looking into Alberta adventure travel, Calgary is no different!

As for what to do, the possibilities are endless!  First, there is the Heritage Park, which is a living historic site/amusement park! It gives visitors an interactive look into the past, and how the "west was once!"  It is great for all ages.  There is also The Calgary Zoo, which boasts more than 1,000 animals, including Kamala, the famous painting elephant.  The Zoo also has Botanical Gardens and a Prehistoric Park.  I love Zoo's so I always like to see if there is one at my destination!

The Calgary Tower held the ongoing flames of the 1988 Olympics, and since then has become a wonderful tourist attraction.  And don’t forget about Canada's Olympic Park!  There is also a great Aero- Space Museum.  Glenbow Museum, the largest museum in Western Canada, exhibits everything from the traditions of tattooing to life in different tribes in Western Africa. 

If you are looking into hikes, you should check out Edworthy Park and Douglas Fir Trail!  The views from the top of the hill are breathtaking!   And it might be good practice before your guides pick you up for your adventure vacation packages in the Canadian Rockies!

You Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Teini

When Talking about European Vacations my head immediately goes to Germany. Not only did my family originate there, which gives it special draw for me, but I feel most at home when I am there! Austin-Lehman offers to cycling tours that take you through the heart of Germany, both follow magnificent rivers, making the cycling easy and enjoyable, the weather idyllic, and the scenery breathtaking!

The first is Germany: Mosel Valley. This is one of our easiest biking tours in Europe, making it perfect for families! Journey along the sparkling waters of the Mosel River as you relax in Germany's abundant wine growing region. Pedaling through the vine covered hills you will follow paths that lead to grand castles, lively market towns, and unknown wine village gems. Discover Germany's fascinating Roman past, taste new wines, and marvel in serene pleasure at the Mosel's timeless charm, oh, and don’t forget the gelato!

The second trip, Germany: Romantic Roads is a little more challenging. Forget ancient folklore as you saddle up for an enchanting visit to Germany's Rhine River as here you will see it all come to life!  One after another you will discover some of Germany’s most delightful towns. Enjoy quiet country roads and bicycle paths, visit wonderful castles and churches and meet the charming people who make this region feel like home.

Austin-Lehman Adventures prides itself on first class customer service, local guides and amazing adventures on all our cycling tours. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to make your vacation one you will never forget. Our motto is "the hardest part is going home" and we strive every day to live up to it! So if you are looking for the best – on all levels, the good news is you’ve arrived!

I hope this entices you to join us on a German excursion this season; there really is no place like it!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy (Vanderhoof) Teini

No, not like Monopoly or Chess, people come to Africa to see the Animals, and I am no exception! 

My grandmother, who we call Frorie, loves giraffes.  Like most grandmothers who love a specific animal she has received giraffes as gifts for, I am guessing, the better part of her life and now has a room dedicated to them.  As you can imagine, as I was planning my trip to Botswana I was overly excited about seeing a giraffe in the wild, and getting a photo to add to Frorie’s room.   I was not disappointed!! African safaris are the place to see wildlife, the first animal I saw when my small plane landed on the sandy airstrip was a very tall giraffe, just walking around like he owned the place! 

That experience was followed up quickly by seeing a huge bull elephant (my first of many), a herd of zebras, and random impala everywhere! Over the course of my African safari we were very lucky with game viewing.  From the air we spotted animals of all kinds drinking and lounging by watering holes. We also spotted a pride of lions walking around, 4 females in front, followed by a very majestic male.  We stumbled on kudu, Eland, Sable Antelope, Oryx, and water buffalo from our 4x4 Jeep. There was also the hyena’s we saw as we landed in a small jumper plane.  The best was when we couldn’t get to our rooms one night because a huge hippo was ambling about (we eventually got in, but he barked outside my tent all night).  The birding was amazing, but that is another story!

The most impressive of my game viewing came on my last two days.  We arrived in the Linyanti (in northern Botswana) and decided to do some game driving before making our way to Kings Pool Camp.  We were lucky, very lucky.  Our guides drove us up to where two other 4x4’s were watching a leopard resting under a bush after a feed.  She had taken down an impala the night before and was laying only feet away from the dead carcass. We were about 20 feet from her, just taking it in.  She stretched and went back for more.  We watched, silent; only snapping cameras could be heard for a while before moving on to see what else we could find.

It didn’t take long for us to strike gold for a second time.  About 300 meters away from our leopard we found a pride of lions that had recently killed a zebra.  Two lionesses were feasting on the hind quarters while another was napping under a nearby tree.  As our guide moved the jeep into a better position we ran straight into the male called Romeo (they could identify him by his broke right front tooth) and we watched him for quite a while too!

All a twitter from our sightings we headed into camp.  We enjoyed a wonderful meal and great conversation before turning in.  First thing the next morning we went back out to check on our cats.   The leopard had gone, but oddly the carcass was still there; she hadn’t moved it to a tree and no other animals had scavenged the body.  We moved on to the lions.  One of the lionesses was in pretty bad shape.  She was lying in a small opening, but it looked like she has an infection in her eye and she was very skinny.  The guide confirmed our suspicions that she was in fact in pretty rough shape.  We left her in peace and when we had come back to our tire tracks in the sand the guide noticed that there were lion prints on top of our tire tracks.  We tracked her. After a short time we saw her coming out of the bush, and to our surprise she was followed closely by two small cubs. 

The cubs looked to be about 2 months old, and were pretty much the cutest thing I have ever seen!  They had little round bellies, and short little legs.  To be honest, I really wanted to pick one up and cuddle it, but this is the wild, you have to keep your distance.  We took it all in for the better part of the morning, and then, sadly, it was off to the airport to start my 30+ hour journey back to the states!

To see more game photos from Botswana, check out my Flickr set: Mindy's Botswana Photos

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy (Vanderhoof) Teini

I don’t know about you, but when I am on vacation I like to have a carte blanch for food!  Food is such an important part of a destination it seems a waist not to indulge while you are there (wherever there might be!).  Here are my five top tips to curve the extra calories while you are globe-trotting!

#1:  Cut the Cabrs… When you are traveling around you will come across some amazing baked goods.  Try limiting the pre-dinner bread and try yogurts instead of pastries for breakfast.  The less bread you eat will mean more veggies and protein you have room for!

#2:  Skip the Soda…  Soda is fast, cold, and usually has enough sugar to get you to the moon and back!  Try replacing your normal soda intake with water (or at the very least no sugar added juice) and in no time you will see a difference in your attitude, energy level, and waist line.

#3: Double up on Desserts…. No, this doesn’t mean eat 2, it means share the dessert with your travel buddy.  A few bites of the luscious cheesecake or decadent chocolate concoction is usually enough to satisfy that end-of-the-meal-sweet-tooth.  If you are traveling solo, try a mini dessert or a fruit and cheese plate.

#4: Eat Local… The best options to explore while traveling can be found in local markets.  Fresh, local, seasonal fruits, veggies, and cheese make great snacks, and help give you a deeper understanding of a place. What is better than fresh mozzarella while you are exploring Tuscany, or the crazy corn you get on a Peruvian Adventure? Don't get me started on all the wonderful treats to be had on African Sarafis.

#5: Eat Smaller, but More Often…  This is just good everyday advice, but while you are traveling try eating more small meals through the day.  A healthy breakfast, followed by mid-morning snack will help keep your metabolism and energy level up before lunch.  Same in the afternoon, eating a snack between lunch and dinner will help keep your body on track and strengthened for you afternoon adventures.

There they are; my top 5.  They are not hard and fast rules, but keeping them in mind helps me make better, more interesting choices as I travel!  I hope this inspires you to go out and explore the culinary world around you!  Try them out on your next European Vacation or National Park Tour!

You Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof  

Well, I have been in Botswana for a few days now, and I can’t tell you how many camps I have seen, and fell in love with!  From Abu we moved to a place called Xigera (key-ja-ra) Mokoro Camp.  To get there we launch into the Delta on the Mokoro’s (dugout canoes) and spent 2 lovely hours floating along the waterways!  The water is so clean you can see the lily pad roots all the way down to the sandy delta bottom!  We spent a while trying to find the painted reed frogs, which are about the size of my thumb nail!  The guides of course spotted them easily as can be and help the rest of us!

Camp was awesome, a true African Bush experience; Just what I was for on an adventure vacation.  I had my own tent, with 2 comfortable cots and a private bathroom, well there was a drop toilet and a bucket shower, but it was mine. We spent our time enjoying the camp fire and telling stories of other camp experiences.  Dinner was an amazing collection of cooked-over- the-fire items like chicken curry and all kinds of vegetables… so good!

From there we moved through several of Wilderness Safari’s lodges!  They are all unique, beautifully appointed, and each offered something special that made you want to stay!  I won’t kill you with details, but I will point out a few of my favorite things!  Kings Pool had these amazing semi-circular lounges that we congregated in to look over into Namibia; they also set up our dinner on the deck and provided hooded blankets in case we were cold.  I was treated to an outside bath in a beautiful copper tub at Jacana Camp. We also had a hippo walking through camp when we arrived one afternoon.  Vumbra North had the most amazing common area I have ever seen! It was modern design that flowed perfectly with the surroundings!  I kept joking that they should send me this swing that hands in the ‘living room’; it was a floating braided seat that was so comfy! Joa looked like it had grown completely organically in the trees, and the spa…. Oh the spa…. I wish I could have stayed and enjoyed a treatment!

(Vumbra North)

Needless to say I am very excited about the camps, and Wilderness Safaris as a company.  I am proud that we are partnering with them, and I can’t wait to share all of these places with others on African Safaris!

Come back soon for more on the game viewing in Botswana, which is second to none!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

For most people the first place they travel to holds a special place in their heart.  While Europe was not technically my first stop, for me, it feels like home!  There are so many reasons to love European vacations: The people, the food, the views, but here are my top reasons for going back again and again!

#5.  Returning to a familiar place.  If you have ever traveled to the same place twice, you know what I mean!  There is nothing like getting into Paris (or any city) and knowing where the Metro is (or, let’s be honest, the best bakeries!) Or knowing exactly where your favorite hotel is, the best walk along the river, the park where you want to read all day.  Each time I return somewhere I find new treasures to make me love the place!

#4. Bakeries on Every corner.  Seriously, you haven’t lived until you have divulged in European pastries.  I haven’t had a bad one yet (and I even ended up with a prune Danish on one side trip to Slovakia).  My favorites are anything with apples, or those cream filled croissants, or anything dusted in confectioners’ sugar.

#3. The Wine.  It doesn’t seem to matter if you are in France, Spain, or Austria, the wine selection in Europe is second to none!  The best part is there are great options at almost every price level; you can pick up a decent wine in the grocery store for 3 Euros or splurge on a couple hundred dollar bottle straight from your favorite vineyard.

#2. The History.  As American’s I believe we forget how young of a country we are!  In Europe, when you are walking down centuries old cobblestone streets, or sitting in a church from the 1400s, it is hard to miss that this place has a little more sole!  There is so much to take in, and there really is nothing like realizing that Leonardo de Vinci or Alexander the Great could have walked exactly where you are!

And the #1 reason I love Europe: The People.  You may have heard that the French dislike American’s, or that no one likes the American government. Well, that may be true in some cases, but in my experience, if you smile, and try, it goes a long, long way!  Just learn ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ in the language and you are pretty well set.  The people are warm, welcoming, and just as interested in you as you are in them.

I hope this gives you a little inspiration to hop across "The Pond" and visit our neighbors to the East!  With all the wonderful European vacations available you are sure to find somewhere that strikes your fancy!

You Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof-Teini

Why do you love Europe? Leave a comment and tell us, we love hearing from you!

Hi all,

I just wanted to send a quick message about my last few days at Abu Camp!  We got to ride the elephants (I was on Cathy), walk with the elephants, which is truly a special experience, feed them, watch them take mud and dust baths, and basically learn all about their life in Botswana. 

Our first night in camp I ended up sleeping in the star bed.  It is basically a lofted deck right outside where the elephants sleep with a bed covered in mosquito netting so you can watch the stars all night!  It was the best sleep I have had since I have been in Africa!   The starts are amazing.  There are no city lights to impede on their beauty!

The food has been over the top as well!  Our chef Star has created meal after meal of impressive dishes ranging from lamb, to fish, to the best roasted veggies I think I have ever had, to decadent desserts I didn’t have room for, but ate anyway!  Everyone jokes that you don’t come on African safaris to loose weight!

More to Come!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

Well, I am in Botswana, and SO excited to be here!  To tell you the truth, before a few months ago I am not sure I could find Botswana (or the Okavango Delta) on a map, and now I don’t want to leave! 

We took a small jumper plane to Abu Camp, home to a family of elephants that have easily found a soft spot in my heart!  After we de-planed and made our way to the 4x4 waiting we were told we would go “meet” the elephants before making our way to camp.  No problem!  We cruised over the sandy and wet terrain until we came across a few more 4x4’s waiting with a white-linen dressed table packed with snacks in the middle of nowhere!  We jumped out, grabbed a drink, and turned around to see 3 elephants taking a mud bath about 100 feet away.

Elephants are incredible!  And it is so different to see them up close, wild, not in a zoo setting.  The matriarch of the herd is named Cathy.  Cathy is 52 years old this year, and you can feel her sense of calm.  She knows she is the boss, and doesn’t mind reminding you if you fall out of line.  Her consists of Abu (son of the Camp’s namesake), Shirheni, Paseka (who has a very special, heart-wrenching story), & the youngest, Wayrona, a precocious baby elephant that is still finding her feet.   

Although the elephants are definitely the main attraction, I would be remiss not to talk about camp!  I grew up camping in Montana, and let me tell you, camping means something very different on African safaris!  Although all the structures legally have to be able to be taken down and moved, they are full on luxury!  My room, I mean tent, has beautiful dark, hard wood floors, a writing table, a stocked complementary mini bar, a huge bed with amazing linens, a full bathroom with flushing loo, rain shower, sinks, safe, and a claw foot tub set up outside on a private deck overlooking the delta!  One wall of my tent is simply wall to wall screen sliding doors overlooking the delta, so you fall asleep to the view, and better yet, wake up to the sunrise and hippo sounds.  This place is remarkable!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

Today is rainy.  Cold and wet!  I have to say though; I always think that inclement weather is appropriate for destinations like this.  Today I ventured over to Robben Island, an Ex-Political Prison used to house the likes of Nelson Mandela, Kgamena Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma (South Africa’s Current President).  It took only about 25 minutes on the ferry, but I think I felt every wave as we went.  I am not good on boats.

Whenever I visit a place like this I try to really focus on what happened there.  It is not enough to see it, I believe you should internalize the situations that unfolded and have compassion for the people who actually had to endure, in this case imprisonment, so for me, the rain seemed okay.  I am sure the prisoners had worse days, and they certainly didn’t have the luxury of knowing they would be inside where it was warm, dry and comfortable in a matter of hours.

The Island is set up to host tours led by previous prisoners.  Experiencing this place through the eyes of someone who actually stayed there was incredible.  It is obviously not a joyous day; you listen to stories depicting hardships, years of wanting, forced labor, and the squashing of opinions and communication. 

I was shocked at the behavior of some of my co-tourists.  People were complaining about the weather, about our guide’s accent, about the rain… One gentleman even got up and left part way through one of the presentations.  This is a gentle reminder that you do not visit a prison for entertainment; this is a place you come to learn, have moments of self-reflection, and grow, so that history doesn’t repeat itself.  Respect the people who lived through it, take something away from it, and share your experiences.

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

The bustling metropolis of South Africa's southern cape seems alive with activity as I wonder the waterfront.  This city has it all, history, culture, art, entertainment, and views that simply can't be beat!  To one side towers Table Mountain, Cape Town's prominent flat topped mountain, although for me it is shrouded in Clouds (I have been assured several times it IS there)  On the other, The Cape of Good Hope jutting out into the expanse of royal blue waters.

I am surprised by how much of the Dutch influence can still be detected, even some 200 years later!  The city feels safe to me; I have no trouble walking the streets as a single female traveler.  There are all kinds of activities happening around the waterfront: shoppers packing their bags from store to store, travelers returning from the last tour of Robben Island, the political prison where Nelson Mandela was held, and the buskers performing their acts for the tourist all along the way.

My hotel is the epitome of luxury, located on a working pier right off the waterfront’s main walkway.  There is a beautiful mix of hand painted fabrics, skillfully crafter metal works, and antique items telling the story of the Cape through the ages.  The history and culture of this place is the draw, and I can’t wait to explore every corner and see what I find!

Stay Tuned for more from my Southern Africa Journey!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

The Guides are here at the ALA office, and to the staff that signals the beginning of the travel season!  We have spent the last 9 months talking to our amazing guests about the trips we offer, and with the guides come the reassurance that all the experiences we offer are going to be top notch!  I have gotten to know the guides over the course of training and am excited to introduce you to Jenny Young!

Jenny is a natural outdoors woman as she grew up on Lake Erie in Ohio!   She translated her love of the outdoors into not only a degree but also into a career!  She loves whitewater rafting, hiking, and basically anything that gets her active in the outdoors!  She is one of the AMAZING guides that will be leading groups through Yellowstone tours on our Yellowstone National Park Program as well as my personal favorite, the Montana| Big Sky, Yellowstone, & Paradise Valley!   If you get cold, (not likely in a Montana summer) she can even teach you how to crochet a hat!

To learn more about Jenny, check out her guide profile!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

Located in the Northeast part of South Africa, Kruger National Park prides itself on being one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa.  It covers just over 7,500 square miles, and has been designated an International Man and Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organization.

A great destination for Safari, Kruger National Park contains all of the Big Five game animals people want to encounter.  The phrase “Big Five” was coined by hunters and are said to be the 5 hardest mammals to track and hunt by foot on the continent.  This group includes: Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.  Today, many private concessions and game reserves dissuade the use of the term as they are focus on preservation, rather than hunting.

These are not the only animals you will find wandering the park.  There are also good sized populations of Zebra, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Wildebeest, Kudu, Hyena, Impala and many more!  A photographer’s dream come true! 

The nice thing about a safari tour in Kruger, besides the draw to the park itself, is its proximity to other African icons.  You can easily visit Cape Town, home of Table Mountain, Robbin Island, and years of apartheid history, as well Victoria Falls of /Zimbabwe & Zambia, the largest sheet of falling water in the world!

So when you start thinking about your first, or next, African Safari Tour, consider South Africa and it’s Kruger National Park.

Your Friendly Safari Lover,

Mindy

Is there any better way of experiencing a place than cycling the back roads of a destination? I think not! 

Making your way to Old Faithful Geyser via bike will surely be a memorable part of your Yellowstone National Park vacations.  Cruising the rolling hills of California’s Wine Country, or the sea side trails of the San Juan Islands add an adventurous element to your trip that shouldn’t be missed.  Feeling the breeze on your face as you explore the natural wonders of not only our domestic destinations, but all across the globe, really helps give you a sense of peace and place as you travel.

Biking for vacation can seem overwhelming if you haven't done it before, but once you are on that seat, participating in all the elements around you, I promise, you will soon realize there is nothing better! Imagine pedaling your way through the small villages of Europe, coasting down hills to the salt pans of Peru, or biking the Michelson Trail in South Dakota.  Why not trade your 4 wheels in for 2 and see where it takes you! With so much to see and do I hope you will try incorporating biking into your future adventure vacation packages.

Your Friendly Adventure Consultant,

Mindy Vanderhoof

Now, I may be biased, because and I was born and raised in Montana, but I truly believe it is the last best place.  Every time I travel I am so happy to know that I get to come home to Montana!

If you are not lucky enough call Montana home, then you should consider it for one of your next Family Adventure Vacations!  Not only do you get to explore the areas in Montana, but also Yellowstone Park!  We hike, bike, horseback ride, and raft our way through the World’s first National Park and the surround areas!  Watch as Old Faithful Geyser shoots thermal waters sky high, examine the bacteria mats that make Grand Prismatic so beautiful, and wake up early to see wildlife exploring for food.  Nothing says Montana like bears and bison in the morning mist.

Yellowstone tours are not the only draw to this area.  On the Montana program you will also get to explore Big Sky, a glacial carved valley, and Paradise Valley, a river carved valley, pair those with the volcano caldera that is Yellowstone National Park and you will find yourself examining each geological area and experiencing firsthand how Mother Nature can create such varied terrains.  

I sincerely hope that Montana Vacations make your list of ‘must see’ destinations!  Contact your trusted Adventure Travel Companies to find out the offerings in the area, they truly are endless!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska’s inside passage is not only one of our most beautiful national parks, but also spans 3.3 million of the 25 million acre World Heritage Site found in Alaska!  One of the most amazing aspects of the bay is that it did not exist back in 1794 when Capt. George Vancouver sailed the Alaskan Coast line.  Since then, the glacier has receded approximately 65 miles to reveal the earth that now sustains bears, moose, wolves, a multitude of birds, and several other species of land based animals and plants.

Here you will find not only towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, fjords, watery wilderness, and wildlife, but a serene peace found in only the remotest of destinations.  I have not yet traversed Glacier Bay National Park, but will in just a few short weeks when I set out on a small cruise ship sailing from Juneau to Sitka. 

My life’s dream has been to see whales in the wild (sorry SeaWorld, Shamu doesn’t quite count), and mid-July seems to be the perfect time to see both Humpback and Orca whales!  I have attempted to go whale watching before but it has never quite work out; The weather turned bad, the Seattle trip fell through… any number of reasons, but this year is MY year!  If we keep our collective fingers crossed I am sure that the whales are going to materialize!

If you are at all interested in calving glaciers, subtropical rainforests, or majestic animals in their natural habitat, than consider Glacier Bay National Park for your next adventure.  Whether you are looking for a solo trip,  adventure vacations for couples, or family adventure vacations, Glacier Bay has the variety to satiate even the most adventurous demeanors.  

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof