European

There’s only one word to describe Argentina…

Tranquillo.

It translates to calm, peaceful and, well, tranquil.

And during my trip to Argentina last year, I fell in love with Argentina and immersed myself in a tranquillo state of mind.

As the eighth largest country in the world, Argentina has something for everyone.  From lively Buenos Aires to the wildlife haven of Patagonia and Mendoza’s wine regions, this South American country is truly tranquillo.

And if that isn’t enough, here are six reasons why you’ll love Argentina…

1. The City of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and is located on the Atlantic coast, and it’s no wonder, the city’s’ name translates to “Good Air.”

Buenos Aires is broken into neighborhoods (barrios) that each have their own personality and special characteristics.

• Palermo has a young vibe with botanical gardens, a zoo and hip restaurants.
• Recoleta is an upscale area with countless plazas, parks, and the historic cemetery where Eva María Duarte de Perón (aka Evita), Argentina’s First Lady from 1946 to 1952 – rests today. 
• Monserrat has famous Plaza de Mayo and excellent shopping in the galerias.
• Puerto Madero is the old port district that rapidly changed into a trendy business center with limitless hotels and restaurants.  This area is great for walking.
• La Boca is a vibrant area that sits at the mouth of the Matanza River.  It’s famous for its colorful buildings and tango dancers.

Navigating to each of the barrios is easy and inexpensive using the city’s subway (subte) and bus system.

Plaza de Mayo

2. World-class Cuisine

Argentina’s cuisine is strongly influenced by Italian and Spanish cultures. Common dishes include cheeses, olives, and cured meats. 

But Argentina is best known for their high-quality beef that includes:

• Tenderloin (bife de lomo)
• Skirt steak (entraña)
• Short ribs (asado de tira)
• Flank steak (vacío)
• Sirloin/NY strip (bife de chorizo)

Most beef is served with potatoes and chimichuri – a sauce made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.

For snack lovers, pizza and empanadas – a meat stuffed pastry – are also very popular. 

For desert, you’ll have an array of options with bakeries nearly on every corner.  The most famous sweets usually contain dulce de leche, which tastes and looks similar to caramel. 

Don’t expect a big breakfast.  Argentines prefer a light breakfast usually consisting of cappuccino or espresso and small croissants (media lunas) followed by a heavy lunch with steak and potatoes or pizza.

Pizza in Argentina

3. Premium Wine Tasting

Argentina’s the fifth largest wine producing region in the world but they’ve starting to make the shift from quantity to quality, producing more premium wines.  Their most notable wines are Malbec and Torrontes.

• Malbec is a dark, red wine that has hints of cherry and plum.  It’s no surprise it pairs perfectly with beef.
• Torrontes is a white wine that’s known as “the liar” because it has a sweet Muscat smell with a dry taste.

Most of Argentina’s wine regions hug the Andes mountain range as it’s an ideal climate and terrain for vineyards. 

Mendoza is located at the base of the Andes (about an 11 hour bus ride west from Buenos Aires) and is a great city for wine tasting. 

Wine Store in Mendoza

4. Charismatic People

Most Argentines are descendants of European immigrants – mostly Spanish and Italian - who settled in Argentina during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Argentines are friendly, curious, and engaging.  Not to mention beautiful! 

Argentines have a strong sense of community so it’s common to see people chatting on the street corner or in cafes.

Wine Tour Guide

5. Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia

Tierra del Fuego translates to “Land of Fire" and is an archipelago on the southernmost part of the South America.  The main island Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego is shared between Argentina in the east and Chile in the west. 

Tierra del Fuego National Park is located 6.8 miles (11 km) west of Ushuaia and has stunning scenery with waterfalls, forests, lakes, mountains and glaciers and impressive wildlife viewing including several species of birds, the guanaco, red fox, North American Beaver, and muskrat. 

6. A Country Frozen in Time

Argentina is anything but mass market.  It’s an endless procession of small shops, bakeries, butchers, produce stands, and restaurants – all different from the ones before.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when things moved slower and people lived simply.  

From old cars putting down the road, to shoe shiners working for Argentine pesos and colonial architecture displayed around the plazas, Argentina is a refreshing cultural shift from the everyday hustle and bustle commonly found in the United States or Europe.

Old Car in Argentina

Have you been to Argentina? Share what you loved about it in the comments below!

About the author: Darcie Connell is the founder of Trekity – a website that provides daily travel tips for women – and TravelBloggerAcademy.com.  In 2012, Darcie fell in love with Argentina after spending 10 weeks exploring Argentina’s wine region of Mendoza and the lively capital city of Buenos Aires.  Follow her on Google +1 and Twitter.

5.  Tasty treats

Whether your vice is hot stroopwafel (a crispy carmel filled flat cookie pressed to perfection) made fresh in front of you.  Or if it's a piece of delectable Belgian chocolate.  Here you are never more than a few minutes away from a tasty treat.  For me it's Belgian fries smothered with a green pepper sauce (And no, it's not the mayonnaise they put on their fries in Pulp Fiction, it's frite sauce which is so much better).  It's also a frosty Trappist bier, brewed to perfection at an abby by monks, these are in my opinion the best beers in the world.  These beers pack a punch, many are stronger than a glass of wine.  I haven't even mentioned the Belgian waffles, the Dutch pannenkoeken, the cheeses or the bitter-balls (creamy deep-fried meatballs), and the ice cream...Yum!  So many snacks to choose from, so little time!

4.  The Spring

Everything comes to life during the springtime in the Low Countries.  As the temperature starts to warm up, so do the people.  Excitement is in the air, the winter is over and new life begins.  The tulips, daffodils, and rhododendrons explode into action as if setting off a cue to the people to do the same.  The spring brings about the beginning of the festival season with a couple of my favorite holidays in the Netherlands.  Queen's day, or as it is soon to be known as King's day with the changing from Queen Beatrix to her son King Willem Alexander, is one of the biggest celebrations in the Netherlands.   The entire country dresses in the patriotic orange while partying the day away.  There's also Hemelvaartsdag, or Ascension day where the whole nation takes to their bicycles early in the morning and cycles around with their friends stopping at cyclist rest stops or pop up parties in the countryside.  Perhaps one of the only holidays in the world celebrated on a bike!

3.  The Cities

If you're not from Holland or Belgium, biking in the cities can take some getting used to.  Rush hour on a bike in the Low countries should be an extreme sport all on its own.  If you factor in all of the bikes, the trams, not to mention all of the car traffic it's quite a rush.  Many decisions are made only giving centimeters for error, but for some reason you don't see very many accidents (perhaps in Amsterdam, but those usually involve a tourist and perhaps their judgement has been slightly impaired...)  You also never know what you'll see when riding around one of these big cities.  From the quirky shops, quaint cafes, world class museums, city parks, to the fantastic people watching, there's always something to look at.

2.  The Landscape

The Dutch consider themselves a nation of artists.  With such masters as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Escher its no wonder.  I often have the feeling while cycling through the countryside that I'm cycling through a great painting.  The Dutch are also masters of their landscape.  In fact, the word landscape comes to us from the Dutch 'Landschap'.  It's no wonder we use their word, almost the entire country has been created shaped and landscaped from scratch!  Still today people take a lot of pride in their landscaping.  You can see them hard at work in their wooden shoes planting their fantastic gardens, pruning their trees, and of course cleaning their windows so that they have a clear view of all of their work.

1.  A Cyclers Paradise

With bike paths that could stretch around the world there is never a shortage of options here while on your bike.  Cycle through sand dunes, farms and pastures, forests, parks, next to canals and windmills, along the Rhine river or the North sea or past famous battlefields.  There are ferries dedicated to transporting only cyclists.  There's a bike lane on almost every road and many more cycling only paths.  There are more bikes than people.  The Netherlands is also considering having heated bike paths to keep them clear of snow and ice in the winter!  All of these paths are well marked and tied together by the fietspad (bike-path) network.  I have lived in Holland for almost two years and I cycle nearly everyday.  There are still paths and routes nearby that I haven't yet explored.   I'm hoping that one day this cycler's mentality will spread across the pond to the USA.  I can always dream right?

Exiting out of Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam early Wednesday morning, I was met by the blowing wind and light snow of a not-so-spring-like day in the blustery Netherlands. At the end of March, the weather seems just not able to make up its mind, just as its doing back home in Montana right about now. I search the rows of taxis and busses for my friend and Austin-Lehman’s European Operations Manager, Ron van Dijk. All of a sudden, a familiar voice calls out from across the way. Sure enough, Ron is here, right on time, and we’re ready to drive the 1.5 hours southeast to Nijmegen, his home town.

We had previously decided that it would be a great idea to bring an American over to Europe to attend the annual European spring guide training held at Ron’s office in the middle of town. Our director had popped in a few years before, but otherwise Ron (who’s been managing operations in Europe for decades) had been handling guide training, quite well I might add, with few influences from any “outside forces” for years and years.

Now, I must tell you, I had my qualms about attending our European training. Our operations are run a bit differently in Europe since we feature mostly biking trips in Europe versus more multisport trips in the US. Plus, what other learning’s would I be able to pass on to our most seasoned guides in the business, like Desiree Jansen and Anneke Peelen who’ve been guiding ALA’s (and previously Eurobike’s) trips for more than 20 years each? Wow! I was quite relieved to know that I had guided one of our Austria Family Tours the previous summer, so I at least had an idea about the “behind-the-scenes” magic of a European trip, and the differences between running an Austrian tour versus a Montana trip. Plus, my experience as both a guide in the field and as a member of the esteemed ALA office staff couldn’t hurt me either, right?

I realized as soon as our European guides started filtering into the room one by one, big hello’s and hugs to be had by all, that I had nothing to fear.  These were my fellow guides, even if not on the same continent, and they had nothing but smiles, encouragement, and inspiration to provide. What a team to be a part of! What friends to have across the ocean in a foreign land! I have nothing but good things to say about each and every one of our European guides – what amazing leaders and human beings in general!

Over the next two days, Ron and I would proceed to educate the tourism industry’s finest guides, covering every little detail of customer service, problem solving, and logistical management. Everything from the well-known ALA “WOW” factor to marketing efforts were covered. We jumped on the Austin-Lehman Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr accounts for an online tour, and stressed the importance of communication among fellow guides, hotel and restaurant staff, and our offices in both Nijmegen and Billings.  Van and bicycle safety, food preparation, “sweet dreams”, paperwork, and photography became the focal points of conversation (among many other important items). Most of all, we shared our stories and advice with other guides, new and seasoned alike, providing all with inspiration for the upcoming 2013 season.

Overall, I took the following away: tour guides work HARD, just as hard as anyone I know, to provide Austin-Lehman’s guests with the perfect vacation. Our slogan, “the toughest part is going home” could not be truer in any sense of the phrase. As I sit here typing this blog on my flight home, I can’t help but be excited and motivated for the upcoming season, AND I’m not even done yet! Our domestic (U.S. and Canada) guide training is coming up in May and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with all of those closer to home. Better yet, Ron van Dijk himself will be flying to Billings to take part in our guide training for the first time. I can’t wait to begin the whole process over again, only this time, at home!

Hope you’re as stoked as I am for the upcoming vacation season. I can personally tell you that because of your guides, it’s going to be a good one…

Tot ziens!

Kasey Austin

Did you know that one of our country’s treasures is part of a disappearing act? Scientists are predicting that the last glacier in Glacier National Park will melt by 2030! Only open approximately 100 days a year, the time is ticking to visit this remote haven.

Lucky for us, there is still an opportunity to freeze time in Glacier on the Austin Lehman Montana Family Glacier National Park trip. Hotels will transform into living museums once you step inside. The “parketecture” of the lodges will take you back to a simpler time instantly. Unplug and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a real vacation from days past.

From the rustic, quaint rooms of the McDonald Lodge after an antique red jammer bus ride up the iconic Going To The Sun Road, to the ultra-cushy Grouse Mountain Lodge, there will be plenty of memories to share around the dinner table long after you adventure is over.

There is just something special that happens when we disconnect – we really RE connect! It doesn’t get any better than relaxing on the shore of Two Medicine Lake, and truly leaving it all behind. The smiles and miles keep coming as we hike, bike and raft this International Peace Park.

Known as the ‘Crown of the Continent”, Glacier National Park is the only place in the lower 48 States to still see the original wildlife and predators that the first European settlers saw. As the weather continues to warm, and glaciers eventually melt, eco systems and wildlife will also be affected. Can’t you just imagine exploring the frontier and getting glimpses of the same beauty as our ancestors before us? The park also boasts one of the highest densities of grizzlies in the world, offering post card worthy pictures and legendary campfire stories if you are lucky enough to see to see one.

We hope you’ll take us up on our open invitation to join us for the adventure of your lifetime in Glacier National Park before its namesake is lost forever!

I'll just come out and say, traveling to Europe isn't cheap. When you factor in airfare, hotels, activities, food, guides and transportation... it adds up to be a lot. That is why we've designed a 5 day/4 night Holland bike tour that shows you the highlights of Holland but without the major costs of a luxury adventure vacation. But don't think just because it isn't a luxury tour that you aren't going to get the same Austin-Lehman "WOW" from this trip. This tour includes a local guide, 4 nights accommodation, bikes, transportation, almost all your meals and a visit to the Keunkenhof. When you think of Holland I hope you think of frolicking through the tulips fields, (hopefully it's not just me) but regardless this tour takes you to all the great spots to see the tulips. The Keukenhof is the worlds largest bulb flower park. They have over 4.5 million tulips in 100 varieties, 7 million flowers bulbs are planted, more than 2,500 trees in 87 varieties and has 15km of footpaths to enjoy the flowers. I was lucky enough to visit the Keukenhof in 2011 and I was in disbelief at the variety of flowers. I put a few photos down below for your viewing pleasure.

Fear not, we don't spend all our time frolicking through the tulips on this tour. We also ride the fietspaden (bike paths) to explore the coastal region of the country and even ride through the dunes outside Zandvoort. Not to mention seeing the famous windmills and canals of this gorgeous country.

I think what makes Holland the perfect place for a European bike tour is how flat it is! You get to see so much more of the country when you don't have to worry about struggling up steeps hills and also the diversity of the landscape is quite stunning and unexpected. At least I was blown away by Holland!

Till next time, start thinking Holland Budget for 2013!

Your friendly Holland biker,

Jonathan

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

Alright first let me explain what an E-Bike is for the folks that are wondering, an "E-Bike" is a hip way of saying electric bike.  Now for those wondering why I think E-Bikes are totally radical, first off they make riding a lot easier. I know what you're thinking "Isn't that cheating?" well it depends on who you ask. Last year I got to be a part of Austin-Lehman's first trip with E-Bikes and we tested them out on our Tuscany bike tour. Our guests demoing the bikes were all in their sixties and about average bikers. Cycling tours in Tuscany is probably the last place you'd think to see someone in their sixties, because there are some serious climbs in the region. But these E-Bikes level the playing field and make conquering a bike tour in Tuscany possible for almost everyone. Our guest were able to keep up with me on the hills and I use to race bikes, just goes to show you how much help these bikes can provide.

The photo above is two our guest giving each other some love after cruising up a good size hill in Tuscany. I don't think you'd see too many smiles after a hill climb like that, maybe some huffing and puffing... But with these E-Bikes you have the control of giving yourself a little extra boast when you need it. Trust me, these bikes don't do all the work for you. Our Diamant electric bikes with Trek Ride+™ technology gives you an assist level of I to IV, so when you need a little help you have it. 

These E-Bikes are perfect for multigenerational families traveling together or just for someone who wants to do a bike tour in a place like Tuscany but doesn't want to kill themselves trying to keep up with the group. Our E-Bikes are available for $25 per day on our European bike tours and are a real electric ride.

That's it for now, till next time get outside and ride!

Your friendly biker,

Jonathan

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

France is such a diverse country from the chic metropolitan city of Paris to the windswept dunes of the Normandy beaches to the lavender fields of Provence to the wineries of Burgundy to the picturesque castles of the Loire Valley.  France truly has something to offer everyone and it is the perfect country for your European cycling tours.  There is no better way to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer than on the two wheels of a bicycle.  Not only do you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face but you can truly take in all the sights and smells on a whole different level. 

History Rich Brittany/Normandy

Not only are the Brittany and Normandy regions of France phenomenally beautiful but they offer adventurers a bit of a history lesson.  This area is rich in history dating back to the Roman Empire and also played an important role in World War II.  There will be plenty of time to visit the museums, beaches, battlefields and cemeteries.  Rolling through the historic villages you will be amazed by the half-timbered buildings that have endured the test of time.  Stop along the way and enjoy a savory crepe and a locally distilled cider!  There is no better way to journey to the majestic abbey of Mont St Michel than by bicycle.  You will see it far off in the distance and arrive to marvel at its splendor.  A cycling vacation in the Brittany/Normandy region will leave you craving your next trip to France. 

Luscious Provence

Famous for its fragrant lavender fields, jagged Mediterranean coast, charming villages and superb cuisine, Provence is everything you are dreaming of in a French vacation.  There is endless exploring to do in this region.  It has an incredibly rich history dating back to the Stone Age when some of the earliest people to inhabit Europe chose Provence.  How can you blame them?  The Mediterranean coastline is exquisite, beautiful mountains tower in the distance, several rivers meander the countryside and this region has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters.  Famous for delicious cuisine, Provence has a flavor distinctly different from some of the other regions in France.  Expect to dine on some incredible seafood, crusty breads with fresh olive tapenade and array of fresh fruits.  Relaxation and enjoying life is hallmark of Provence, so make sure you indulge.  Spend some time people watching at an outdoor café in before taking a laidback stroll through the amazing markets of St Remy.  You will settle right into this leisurely lifestyle and feel relaxed and rejuvenated in no time!

Delectable Burgundy

The people who live in this region know the secrets of the “good life” start with amazing food and wine.  You will find no shortage of either on your cycling vacation to the Burgundy region of France.  It is a travelers dream!  The beautiful rolling hills of this region are dotted with picturesque small vineyards, magnificent chateaus and timeworn abbeys.    The quaint villages of Burgundy will invite you to linger and enjoy just one more glass of amazing pinot noir.  While vacationing in this area be sure to sample some of the famous regional cuisine like the Beef Bourguigon, Coq au Vin or the delicious Escagot in a white wine sauce.  This is an incredibly peaceful region of France that invites you to slow down, relax and stay awhile. 

The Enchanted Loire Valley

Spend just a few days cycling through the gorgeous Loire Valley and you will feel enlightened.  This region is famous for its extravagant chateaus and castles, gorgeous gardens and noble history.  Many of the impressive castles in the Loire Valley were once residences of the French Royalty.  They were built in this beautiful river valley because the close proximity to Paris, the pleasant climate, beautiful landscape and amazing growing season.  This region of the country is often called the Garden of France.  Not only will you find plenty of vineyards but you will also cycle past beautiful fruit orchards, fields of artichokes, asparagus and sunflowers.  Spend a few days pedaling through the charming villages, touring the picture perfect chateaus, sampling a few flakey pastries along the way and you will see why this region has been a haven for French royalty, poets, artists and travelers throughout history. 

With its impressive charm, food and wine, indulgent culture France will entice you time and time again.  It is the perfect place for your European cycling tours. 

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

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  

Today I was dreaming about Tuscany, not sure if it was because I was hungry or because I was dreaming about being out on the open road with my bike. None the less I wanted to share some memories I had from one of my cycling tours I have done in Italy, specifically my bike ride from Florence to Sienna...

First things first, I am positive that a biking is the best way to spend your European vacation. Biking just gives you the freedom to explore what you want, at the pace you want. You experience so much more by biking, then you would walking or taking a tour bus. We left Florence early in the morning and drove south an hour to Castellina in Chianti, where we started the day of cycling. The weather was perfect that day, sunny and warm. Right before we started our ride from Castellina, our wonderful guide George surprised us with a silver platter of dried fruit, a great boost of energy before a long ride. Then we set out on our biking tour to Siena, with four of our guest trying out the new E-bikes (electric bikes).

Right off the bat you see the beauty of the Tuscany region, vineyards and classic Italian homes spread out through the countryside as far as the eye can see. We had an early lunch in Radda and then set out to continue our real Italian cycling tour. Sometimes in order to get the best views of an area you have to work for it and Italy makes you work for some of those views with its hills, but with hard work comes reward and after each hill there was an incredible view and a nice long downhill to follow.

Once we biked into Siena you are greeted by medieval buildings and bright red brick buildings. The nostalgia that Siena packs is quite impressive and the city fits my perfect image Italy. 

Well that's it for now, got to get back to real life and stop dreaming...

Your friendly biker,

Jonathan

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!

First off I need to be honest, I'm not much of a foodie and quite the picky eater. But even for a picky eater like me Tuscany spoiled my taste buds. A European vacation is probably the best time to step out and enjoy the the taste of a country, especially when your on a bike tour in Tuscany! There is nothing like stopping at a local gelateria in the middle of a long bike ride and enjoying the silky smooth taste of Italian gelato. I don't want to go as far as to say it's heaven... But it's pretty close! Then you have diner, which is prime time to refuel after a long day of biking. I just couldn't get enough of the local bread and olive oil... stuffing myself at every meal on it. But I always saved some room for the main course and of course I ate a lot of pasta's and pizza while I was there. Maybe it wasn't so much of stepping out of my comfort zone for food, but trust me when I say I enjoyed it! Last but not least there is the wine... This one is new to me, being fairly young and not much of a drinker I wasn't too keen on wine before I went to Italy. But leave it to a wine tasting tour in Tuscany to develop my palette for wine. My favorite and one you need to try (especially if you're not into red wine) is prosecco, which is a white wine made from the Glera (Prosecco)  grape. Now I need to go make some pasta and have a glass of prosecco!

Your friendly Tuscany lover,

Jonathan

Do you ever have one of those days when you look out the window, taking a break from your computer, only to let your mind wander off to some faraway place? Well, that just happened to me (shh, don’t tell the boss!), and I traveled back to the Mosel River Valley of Germany, one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet!

The main memory that floated into my mind when drifting back to my Mosel Valley trip were the long stretches of flat bike paths connecting quaint German towns interspersed along the calmly flowing Mosel River. (Did I mention that the wind was at my back the whole way too?!) I picture myself lazily pedaling along miles of paths amongst endless, terraced grape vine plots, stopping in each town along the way to snack on Pommes Frites (French fries) with mayo (a very popular appetizer in Germany) and taking a few photographs of the locals and unique architecture.

 But oh, there is so much more for the biker buff out there, who wants just a little more than the flat valley floor. Remember when I mentioned “terraced” hills? Your guides provide you with any number of extensions each day that include heart-pumping hill action, breathtaking vistas extending as far as the eye can see, and winding down hills taking you back to the main Mosel River paths. If you want variety in the slope of your bike path, Germany is the ultimate European Vacation!

To sum it all up, Germany to me is the absolute perfect biking destination for not only adults but families too! There is complete variety in the grade of the bike paths and road extensions so you can choose the difficulty of your vacation. Germany bike tours are an Austin-Lehman specialty and when you take me up on my suggestion of cycling around this beautiful European country, don’t forget to take in the beauty of the river valley, sip the variety of German wines, and eat a few Pommes Frites for me!

See you on your next adventure!

Kasey Austin

Your Friendly European Guide,

Kavya Bisz

Learn more about Kavya

A few years ago my family decided we should take a European vacation.  My cousin was living and studying in the Loire region of France and our family (3 generations!) decided we should go for a little visit.  I would never turn down an opportunity to travel, so off to France I went with the family!  The plan was to arrive in Paris, take the train to meet up with my cousin and then set out by car to tour the history rich Brittany/Normandy regions of France.  While we didn’t have a set daily agenda, we did have some hotel reservations and definitely had a list of places to visit.

This trip turned into nothing less than a disaster.  We spent more time getting lost, getting frustrated, finding attractions closed, arriving very late at night to our hotels and peering in the windows of closed restaurants.  We spent very little time actually relaxing and enjoying our time in France and enjoying our family vacation.  Looking back now I can find some humor in the whole thing, but that trip really got me thinking about guided vacations.  If we would have gone with a guide my grandmother would have actually had time to savor her coffee and a delicious dessert in the gorgeous villages we sped through.  My grandfather would have actually had time visit Utah Beach.  Our meals would have been filled with delicious food, smooth French Bordeaux’s and conversation rather than meals filled with zombie like stares and frustrated silence.  While we saw some amazing things on our comical European vacation, we wouldn’t have missed so many things and there would have been much more family harmony if we would have traveled with a guide.  We can finally look back on our family adventure vacation and laugh but it has taken years.  Years! 

So here are my top five reasons I highly recommend traveling with a guide.  These are lessons learned the hard way! 

Top 5 Reason’s You Should Go with a Guide

1. No Getting Lost.  We spent countless hours backtracking, looking at maps, attempting to read road signs in a foreign language and finally finding our way just in time to miss out on whatever we were trying to find.  When traveling with a guide all that is handled for you.  The guides are experts and not only do they speak the language but they know the best routes, the best coffee shops or attractions along the way. 
2. Insider Knowledge.  Whether it is pointing out some history of the area, telling a local story or simply knowing where the cleanest bathroom is located guides have the insider knowledge on local sights, culture and hours of operation. With years of experience there is no better way to travel than with an experienced guide.
3. Best Food.  While you are bound to stumble upon delicious food in many places, when traveling with a guide you know you are experiencing the best food the area has to offer.  In many cases the guide you are traveling with is a personal friend of the restaurant owner or has become friends over the years of doing business together.  You are going to get the best service, the best table, the best reservation time and the best food! 
4. More Relaxation, Less Stress. When traveling with a guide all of the details are handled for you.  You get to truly enjoy your vacation and the time with your loved ones.  It truly makes your vacation a time to relax and take it all in! 
5. New Friends.  Not only is your guide going to be your local expert, driver, daily planner but by the end of the trip they will be your friend.  Guides love what they do and they love getting to know people from all over the world.  Going with a guide will give you an experience like none other.   

You will never go at it alone again, trust me.

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala