Belize

Romance North and Central America with Adventure Vacations for Couples

Monday, April 2, 2012 by Tour Support Team

There’s nothing like a little one on one time to really put relationships in perspective. That’s why spending your holiday on one of our adventure vacations for couples can really add some spice to your everyday life.

When two people spend their lives together there comes a time in every relationship where taking the other one for granted can often become routine. Sure, the two of you could just try a weekend getaway. But spending a whole week in an exotic or faraway destination can really remove you from your comfort zone. Leaving town and familiar surroundings to participate in our adventure tours will have both of you relaxed and enjoying yourselves so much that you’ll fast find yourself in each other’s arms with a little more fervor than usual.

Austin Lehman travelers have quite the choice of destinations for romantic adventure vacations to locations in North and Central America.

North America
Stay a little close to home by visiting the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Pacific Northwest, adventure to the awe inspiring Rocky Mountains or southwestern desert vistas. Our northern neighbor offers friendly Canadian hospitality and inspirational glaciers, lakes and forests. The remote Alaskan wilderness calls travelers near and far to traverse the national parks and crystal clear waters.

Central America
Just south of the border are the fascinating and often exotic countries known as Central America. From the tropical paradise of Costa Rica to archaeological Mayan findings that educate and inspire in Mexico, couples will find travel in this region of the world breathtaking. Our newest adventure to Cuba opens up a whole new world and culture that few Americans in many decades have been able to enjoy until now. And beautiful Belize boasts acres of beaches and wilderness just waiting to be seen and explored.

Romance, excitement and adventure all combine to make a trip of a lifetime for you and a loved one. Learn more about getting away from it all with one of our vacation packages by visiting us online.
 

Bring out Your Inner Explorer with Central America Adventure Vacations

Sunday, April 1, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Adventure vacations to Central America will truly ignite the explorer in you. This land bridge connecting North and South America brings together seven diverse countries that are just ripe for adventure travel.

Our adventure vacation packages journey into the heart of Mexico, Costa Rica and Belize for unforgettable adventures that will fill thrill seekers with the adrenaline rush they need to fully feel alive and ready to take on the day.  

Imagine climbing to volcano tops and looking down on untouched rainforest, ancient ruins and awe inspiring landscapes. Biking through trails where Aztecs and Mayans once explored to reach hidden lagoons filled with cool, refreshing water. Feel the dive and plunge as your raft hits the white water rapids and takes your breath away as your raft sets itself quickly upright upon the fast moving waters.

After the physical exercise of hiking, biking and kayaking, your brain will respond with exercise uniquely its own. Ancient ruins and archaeological finds will teach you about peoples of long ago who left their mark on the land and culture present today. You’ll encounter wildlife species that fill the forests and waters and learn about how their presence keeps the fragile ecosystem alive and well.

Of course, Austin Lehman adventure tours aren’t complete without the finest food and accommodations available to allow our guests to sit back and relax after an exhilarating day of adventure. Give us a call or visit our site online to find about more about our travel itineraries to Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica.
 

Safari Adventure in Belize

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Belize may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about safari adventure vacations. Belize is off the beaten path, which finds many adventure seekers drawn to the enchanting excitement of this less traversed part of the world. But it is certainly worth visiting if only to experience its diverse ecosystem including the rare spider monkey that is definitely not something to miss while visiting this country. While it can offers different adventure trips with many water based activities, travelers can also experience the culture by exploring caves and remnants of ancient civilizations like Lubaantun, a city established long before Columbus discovered America.

Adventure vacations for couples are little more exciting while you and loved one kayak through a towards a jungle camp.  Be prepared to see animals in their natural habitat – tapirs, armadillos and different kinds of birds. Bring the binoculars for bird watching activities. How about an aerial adventure high atop a canopied platform watching sunset while birds chirp around you?  Your safari adventure won’t be complete with trying wonderful South American cuisine like quesadillas, tortilla wraps, empanadas and fresh fruits.  Days at the beach can be spent relaxing sea side sipping cool drinks or out on the ocean where snorkeling brings sites of colorful sea dwellers and plant life.  

Your 9 day vacation quite possibly could seem too short to try all the exciting activities available in Belize.  Austin-Lehman makes sure every aspect of your adventure travel is covered: city tours, jungle activities and water adventures.   In fact, after your trip, Belize will be on your mind for a very long time to come.
 

Fall in Love Again in Belize

Monday, March 12, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Grab some sunscreen, your bathing suit and don’t forget your camera. Sparkling, crystal clear waters, ancient ruins and lush green tropical forests await you. Adventure vacation packages to Belize will delight travelers in search of pristine beauty, plenty of sunshine and a bit of romance.

White sand beaches, palm trees and beautiful clear water surround you in Moho Cay. Relax with a refreshing cocktail on the private veranda of your luxury safari style lodge and relish in this wondrous place that looks like a scene taken straight off of a postcard.  

While journeying to the Place of Fallen Stones also known as Lubanntun, travelers will explore caves of the ancients and traditional villages built by the Mayans. Then, it is a short kayak ride away to the Jungle Camp, where visitors enjoy walking down winding walkways and safari style bungalows all hanging several feet above the jungle floor. And keep your eyes open for spider monkeys, which were once practically extinct. You will find that the nature and tranquility that surround you are just what you needed to reawaken your romance.

Adventure vacations for couples to Belize provide experiences that are simply unforgettable for you and your loved one.

Adventure travel companies take care of the details for you, so all you have to do is enjoy everything your destination has to offer. Call us today to plan your next journey.
 

How to Plan the Perfect Custom Adventure Vacation

Friday, February 10, 2012 by Carol Austin

Carol Austin
Carol getting to know the locals!

Over the past 13 seasons I have had the pleasure of working with many guests, helping them choose the adventure that is just right for them. That said, my favorite trips to plan are customs vacations and or exclusive adventures. I love going from A-Z, start to finish with the group, family, or just friends getting together for that special adventure vacation of a lifetime. Nothing gives me a better sense of accomplishment than knowing its another trip well done!

So many times I have heard conversations like this:  “At dinner with the Smith’s last week my husband John mentioned we were looking to take our family to Alaska and then the Smith’s chimed in they too were looking for an Alaskan Adventure. We started talking and mentioned we had such an amazing Family Adventure to Yellowstone with Austin-Lehman Adventures, we offered to make the call. The Smith’s then went on to mention their friends the Jone’s were talking about an Alaska Adventure as well. So I volunteered to call you”.

And there is starts…. You find yourself “chairing” the planning and scheduling of an adventure vacation for 3 families, with lots of different ideas, dreams and expectations. No need to be worried, every great experience starts with that first step….  And that first step doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

In the next few minutes I am going to try and share some simple steps I have learned and used these last dozen plus years. I will try and take away a bit of the anxiety and put in a dose of reality and a pinch of fun! These 12 steps can be used for an extended multigenerational family vacationor corporate retreat, for a singles getaway for that special group of girlfriends or just you and yours wanting something really special.

Without boasting I will take a minute and share just a few of my favorites these last few years….

How about the Grandfather that called wanting help in taking his two grandchildren on a National Parks Vacation. The catch being they wanted to do 5 National Parks in 6 days by private jet…  we made it happen!

Or there was the very special 60th birthday party on the island of Kaui for a dozen friends celebrating this special occasion. The special day and moment came at sunset, standing in the surf, cocktail in hand as the Hawaiian Trio played and a helicopter dropped rose peddles from the sky… (OK that’s one of my favorites and doesn’t happen every day).

One more was a custom Yellowstone National Park adventure for the mother, her sons, their spouses and their children. 3 generations, 20 willing adventurers of all ages and desires. Everything from horseback riding, rafting, hiking, to wine tasting (for the adults while the kids were treated to a poolside pizza party)

The point is, anything and everything for anyone is possible! It just starts with that first step (call) and we will do our part to make it as easy as possible.

Key is information and education…  you first need to determine a rough idea of who the group is and what they may want. So before you get too far into it, try kicking things off with a “get together” of the key decision makers. Be prepared to ask at least the following questions and take copious notes…

1.      Narrow down your destination, its ok to have a couple but not more than three. Keeping it simple really helps when trying to decide. Be sure to agree on domestic or foreign.

2.      When is the best time for everyone (caution here, this can be a big challenge), try and get all to block out at least a few dates.

3.      Budget- Better get what the budget is or can be on the table early in the process.

4.      Wish List- Next up key activities and the wish list of everything you want to do. (Horseback riding, rafting, biking, etc..)

5.      Get an idea (this ties back to budget) on type of accommodations and or camping…  try and get a consensus.  Example: 4 start Lodges.

6.      Length- Also tied to budget is the overall length, be sure to allow a day or two on either end for traveling.

** OK, now armed with the above you are ready to “make a few calls” or emails for that matter (with Custom and Exclusive adventures I prefer).  Pick one or two tour operators (preferably from personal experience and or direct referrals, with googling up on the internet a distant 3rd choice).  Then pick up the phone and give them a call!  (refer to: http://www.austinlehman.com/choosing-a-tour-operator-pages-477.php , for some additional tips and tricks for picking a Tour Operator)

7.      Be up front and let them know you are just the spokesperson for a group and describe the demographics of your party!

8.      Work with your adventure consultant to come up with 2-3 detailed rough and simple itineraries. Do not put endless hours into the details until you have a few sample itineraries to supply your group. No need to flesh out what you are doing on day 3 until you have determined if you are going to Alaska or Belize on your adventure. Get a budget on the 2-3 itineraries and take back to your party.

9.      Almost Ready- Armed with a rough itinerary, budget, destination and dates, you will soon find out how easy it’s going to be…  often this is the case, but occasionally its back to the drawing board. But if you did 1-6 above, you should be dang close and should be able to get everyone to agree on at least the next phase.

10.   Top Pick- Once you have that “top pick” ask for the nuances from the group. What they really like, what might be missing, special events (birthdates, anniversaries, etc.) and take this information back to your adventure consultant. Share all the details…

11.   Remember- With all this in place you should be able to get a final itinerary (remembering it’s a Custom/Exclusive Vacation and can be adjusted at any point, including while on the fly, ask me and I will tell you a few fun ones). With the final itinerary you should be able to lock in dates and pricing.

12.   The last step should be even simpler, now hand it off to your adventure consultant you have been working with and their team to work with all the individuals to get the final details, deposits, paperwork, insurance, etc., all in place. This doesn’t have to be your choir, it’s what they (we) get paid to do.  All we need is the list of participants and contact information.

Now step back.. there will be a lot of back and forth, a lot of Q&A before the actual trip, but relax, you did your part (and a great job you did I might add).

When the day finally arrives and you find yourself heading out to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with the fellow travelers you help get on their way, you will smile ear to ear with the extra satisfaction that comes with being a key contributor in creating the perfect Custom Vacation!

In closing I will share one of my most memorable compliments, it came from a grandmother that I worked with to arrange a 80th birthday trip for her husband, adult children and grand children to Costa Rica. She called me from the hotel in Gunancaste to tell me how perfect and fantastic everything was. A couple of years later I had the pleasure of working with her again to plan a trip with the family for her 75th birthday. We are already talking about what we are going to do for his 90TH!

your friendly travel expert,

Carol Austin