Family Adventure Vacations

Yellowstone National Park may be the closest most people ever get to another planet!  Its a place where the ground is alive, where the water in the rivers, streams and lakes boils and bubbles like the whimsical brew that you would find in a wizard or witches pot!  Its the safari of North America!

 A Yellowstone National Park Vacation will undoubtedly leave one dumbfounded and scratching their head as they wonder.  How in the heck does this happen?   It might have something to do with the giant pool of magma beneath us I'd say... 

 As a guide in Yellowstone I have the pleasure and privilege of leading family adventure vacations to the far corners of the park to take in the beautiful vistas, hot springs and geysers.  It's nice to see all of the minds hard at work trying to digest what this magical place is trying to show all of us.  On a hiking vacation through Yellowstone Park one week is much more than most folks will spend in the park, but this is still not even close to the time it may take to truly digest and even begin to understand what has happened and is still happening here.

 I brought some of my family members here a few years ago, an uncle of mine had been adamant that Yosemite National Park was the greatest park of them all, even on our trip through Yellowstone he claimed that Yosemite was king!  You see, Yellowstone Park is so vast and different.  It slowly seeps into your soul and sticks with you after you've returned to regular life.  This past Easter I was with family and the National Park conversation came up again.  My uncles story had changed a little," while Yosemite may harbor the big mountain views, its Yellowstone Park that keeps me wondering" he said.   "There is something bigger going on there, and i need to see more of it!"

Your Friendly Adventure Guide,

Toby Grapner

Your Friendly European Guide,

Kavya Bisz

Learn more about Kavya

I could really get used to waking up by the ocean (not really practical living in Montana).

We left at dawn to shuttle south to Walvis Bay where we met up with Jeannie our kayak guide. On the water early to beat any potential mid day winds was fine with us.

As we drove to our launch site, we just knew we were on track for a great day.  The sun was making what we understand to be a rare appearance along the coast.  We passed lots of birds (all of which Jeannie would tell is all about and the occasional jackal.

As we got closer to our "put in" we started seeing huge seal colonies.  Jeannie assured us, no need to stop for pictures now as we would get right in the middle of them by water.  Since they have no known predators in these parts approaching be sea, it was easy to understand the logic of being able to get close.

What we didn't realize as we paddled up was that to the hundreds of young seal pups, we were a great source of curiosity and amusement.   We quickly found ourselves surround by thousands of playful seals.  They acted like any "pup" and would follow us and "chew" on anything placed in the water.  Including my hand and Andy's GO-Pro camera (Andy should have some great shots)

We literally paddled and played with the seals for hours.  When paddling hard they would take it as a challenge and race the kayak.  When you stopped, they would surround the kayak and bark for attention.  Occasionally one would get comfortable enough for a "belly rub". Yes, they sure reminded us of canine pups, just in mass quantity.

Reluctantly we paddled back to the jeep and headed back to town.

Another "treat" for a Montanan is a beach side grill, today was just going to be a dang good day!!

This PM was again free (something we are not used too) and we took advantage of the time to clean camera gear and just "chill" on the beach.

Today was a good day, experiencing this with my son has made it one of my favorite family adventure vacations I have done so far.

Dan Austin

First off let me start by saying rock climbing is addicting, I just want to give everyone a fair warning! I have done a lot of sports in my day and rock climbing has to be the purest and most adrenaline pumping sport I've done. I used a photo of my twin brother on the left and a photo of me on the right to demonstrate that rock climbing is one of the ultimate family adventure vacations. The photo was taken a few summers ago in Yosemite National Park, fear not Austin-Lehman doesn't take you up El Capitan. But they do provide beginner classes where you can learn the basics of rock climbing and do some climbing of your own.

I want to clear some misconceptions about rock climbing, first off isn't like the movie cliffhanger. Whenever I mention to someone that they should try climbing the first thing they think of is hanging off of a 3,000ft cliff about to fall... well climbing isn't like that! You climb at your own pace and at your own ability, that is why it is one of the best sports. You go at your own pace and it's easy to find something fun to climb at any level. Although the addiction comes soon after when you start wanting to climb more and more and harder and harder. There is just something about having it be just you and the rock, nothing else matters in that moment and it is that feeling that is indescribable. Not to mention the adrenaline rush you get while climbing and just wait to you experience topping out a route... You feel like you conquered the world!

So why not give rock climbing a shot? Austin-Lehman not only provides a rock climbing class on our Yosemite National Park Tour, but they do it in the Mecca of rock climbing....Yosemite!

Your Friendly Rock Climber,

Jonathan 

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

In less than two weeks, I will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime – hiking into Machu Picchu “the back way” via the Salkantay Trail with family and friends. This is a trip that has been in the workings for an entire year! I’ve been counting down the days until May 16^th just like a little kid counting down to her birthday. The date of departure for my Peru: Salkantay Lodge to Lodge trip is just on the horizon,  and this much longed for adventure is getting gloriously within reach…

I tried to figure out exactly which part of the trip I’m most excited about, but I just couldn’t do it. When it comes down to it and I read over my daily itinerary (again and again), I find each part of this trip equally as thrilling. Hiking to a high-altitude glacial lake, crossing a 15,000 foot pass, and visiting an organic coffee farm are just a few of the highlights that I’ll experience in a few week’s time. I guess if I had to pick one experience to look forward to the most, it would be seeing a distant southwesterly view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass, a view that most people never see. I have no doubt that the whole trek will be absolutely magnificent!

Secondly, I’m excited to spend time with some special family and friends. Any of Austin-Lehman’s trips can be created as a custom or exclusive adventure for you and the people who mean the most. Seeing the world with close companions make hiking vacations all the better and something for you and yours to cherish long after the adventure has come and gone. As for me, I’ve rounded up a motley crew of my mother, college  roommate and her parents, and a fellow guide who works at ALA – talk about an interesting group! We may all be quite different in our daily lives, but we all share one thing in common – a passion for travel and adventure!

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m just a little bit excited for my upcoming trip to Peru. The point of this whole blog is to get you excited about adventure and to put the idea in the back of your head that rounding up a few of your buddies may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the long run.

See you on your next adventure,

Kasey Austin

What kid doesn't love swimming, camp fire cookouts, sleeping out under the stars and water wars! Kids (and adults) of all ages are in for a treat when they launch on this exciting Idaho Family Salmon River Raft . You'll spend the next 6 days traveling through the canyons of the Snake and Salmon River, hoot and holler while you swim the river and ride the rapids. On the banks of the Salmon and Snake hone your "corndogging" skills. Learn the history of the Snake and Salmon Rivers including tales of the Nez Perce Indians and Chinese miners of the late 1800's.  

When looking  family adventure vacations make sure to put this trip at the top of your list!

Your Family Adventure Wizard,

Carol Austin

Just over a week from today I will head back to the African continent and my favorite country in the world of Namibia. I pretty much always get at least a bit excited about upcoming travels, but down right ecstatic when it comes to heading to Africa…  This trip will be no exception and will highlight both new regions (Skeleton Coast and The Dunes) as well as re-visit some of my past favorites (Damaraland, Palm Fontein and Etosha NP)

There are some real special nuances of this trip that is sure to make it very special.  First I will be traveling with Andy my son and it's shaping up to be one of my favorite family adventure vacations. This will be his first gig as a photographer, shooting the incredible landscapes and ever present wildlife. That’s a good start!  Next up is the unique nature of the program itself and our traveling companions.  We are traveling as guests of The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and our new partner Wilderness Safaris (W.S., The leading safari company in all of southern Africa). WWF and WS are looking to not only educate us, but seek our input and insight on the local village conservancies.  Namibia is “ahead of the pack” in how they work with local communities to create truly sustainable tourism opportunities.  The majority of the lodges are on community land and staff by locals in a partnership with WS.

I will share a lot more on the conservancies when I return and have an in depth understanding… you can count on that.

Now while this is “work”, no trip to Africa would be complete or even close without the traditional safari tour.    We will spend the first few days exploring The Dunes out of Sossusvei, the largest Sand Dunes in the World!  (this is a first for me).  Next up we will head to the Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast for a few days of exploring ship wrecks and kayaking with one of the largest sea lion colonies to be found anywhere in the world.

Then its fly north to start our adventure with the good folks from the WWF.  We will visit conservancies and camps throughout the north.  “Stalking” the elusive desert elephant along the dry river bottoms of Damaraland.  (our home for the night Damaraland Camp is the oldest JV Conservancy in Namibia and our host and camp manager is one of the few women in such a high position!)  

Then on to tracking black rhino (doesn’t that just sound cool?) out of our camp outside of Palmwag (my favorite camp in all of Africa).  Tracking rhino as part of a JV with Wilderness and the “Save the Rhino Trust” and partnership that has clearly resulted in the largest population of the endangered black rhino anywhere on the planet.

Moving on we will be headed to Grootberg Lodge, the first 100% conservancy owned property in the country. A region rich with predators, the conservancy works with the locals to be more tolerant of the cheetahs and lions that also call this home.

Now into the “real” bush and a camping expedition at Otjimumbunde.  You really haven’t experienced an African Safari until you sleep in a tent with the only thing separating you and the wilderness is a thin strip of canvas.  The night comes alive with all the sounds of Africa and is sure to keep your blood pumping just a bit more than a luxury lodge.  The “stories” around the camp fire by the locals will only help to set the stage.

Always a highlight we work our way to Etosha National Park and is 22, 270 sq. KM if saline desert, savanna and woodlands.  An amazing 114 different species of mammals are represented in the park… watering holes will set the stage for endless hours of photography literally thousands of animals.  It is about as rich of a wildlife experience as you can find.  Highlights will be herds of the largest elephants on the continent (measuring 4 meters at the shoulder),  one of the few “growing” populations of black rhino,  the trio of “Big” cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) more antelope (Kudu, gemsbok, eland and dik dik to name a few) than one can imagine and over 300 species of birds.. (including flamingos), of course then there are the reptiles and just so much more, Etosha should be on any wildlife lovers bucket list.

As we wrap up what might be my favorite adventure vacation packages we will then spend a few days in Windhoek. Here we will introduce the group to our efforts with Wheels of Change.  Andy and I will spend some time at one of the BEC’s and just get caught up with the bike crews and work on plans for our next shipment later this summer.  Time allowing we will visit with some friends running cycling tours into one of the Windhoek townships.

Then unfortunately it is back up and head home…  if all goes well with Andy, we will return with literally thousands of images and video to sort through and relive (and share) our adventure over and over again.

If I wasn’t excited about going before I penned this “blog” I sure am now…..  in closing I share an old African Proverb  “Return to an old watering hole for more than water, friends and dreams are there to meet you!”

More to come...

Dan Austin

If you’ve never experienced the breathtaking beauty of the Havasu Canyon, you need to put this awe-inspiring place on your “to-go” list asap! The colors will astound you: the reds, oranges, and yellows of the surrounding canyon (Havasu is an offshoot of the famous Grand Canyon), the unreal blue-green waters of Havasu Creek, and the popping green of the cottonwoods in the base camp combine to form a spectacular vacation destination for you and your family! I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories of this trip to inspire you to take an adventure vacation with ALA!

One of my favorite memories of my Havasupai Vacation that I took with my mom on a college Spring break was stepping, sliding, and climbing down the travertine cliffs near Mooney Falls using chain railings and stanchions sunk in the jagged rock. Talk about excitement: seeing this 196 foot waterfall from above, midway, and below, all while carefully making our way down steps carved into the rock through caves and around rock faces, is an awesome experience I will never forget!

Another memory I will always remember is when our guide, Stephan swam with me and a few other brave souls behind Havasu Falls. Swimming under that pounding 100 foot waterfall had my adrenaline running on high, but we soon made it under the roaring falls (it doesn’t sound that loud until you’re actually in the falls!) From there, we looked up to find a ladder that climbs to a low lying niche behind the falls. From this niche, we were able to jump through the falls, emerging mid-air for a brief second before disappearing into the deep blue-green waters below. What a rush!

Of course, there are many ways to enjoy this beautiful canyon, and if you’re looking for hiking vacations (with some camping and swimming involved), this is the place for you! I don’t want to give anymore away (I could truly continue to relive the memories) because you need to experience this wonder for yourself. Hope to make more memories soon on a Havasupai Adventure!

See you on the trails!

Kasey Austin

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,

Being National Park Week I wanted to share what Austin-Lehman is doing to protect our nation's most valuable treasures. Every year since 2010, Austin-Lehman Adventures has supported US National Park preservation by selecting a recipient National Park program and donating a portion of its profits, this year we have chosen to help Canyonlands National Park. Last year with the help of our amazing guest we raised $5,400 for the Yosemite Conservancy.

In times of reduced Federal funding (National Park programs suffered a $101 million funding cut in the 2011 Federal budget alone), ALA has pledged a $100 per person donation to a designated non-profit organization for each guest reserving a spot on its 2012 small group Arches to Moab Multisport Adventure.

“New guests and our loyal alumni love knowing that a portion of their trip fee helps preserve our national treasures” said Dan Austin.

Our Arches to Moab proram lets you explore Canyonlands National Park. See the amazing Colorado River by raft and pedal between burnt-orange sheer-walled canyons and enormous white-rimmed sandstone towers on a road snaking through Colorado National Monument. Marvel at how itty-bitty you feel as you traverse looming, crimson rock formations at Fisher Towers. Hike by ancient petroglyphs remains etched in stone, a glimpse into the rituals and beliefs of the Fremont, Anasazi, Navajo and Anglo communities of thousands of years past.

It is our privilege to be the stewards of these natural wonders and to protect something that has given us so much. Helping to make sure that these natural treasures are around for future generations. Austin-Lehman offers family adventure vacations and adult advenutre vacation packages to see Canyonlands National Park.

Your friendly nature lover,

Jonathan

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

Something I can't thank my parents enough for is taking me to Yosemite National Park when I was young. The first time I went to Yosemite I remember going to Mariposa Groves and standing below the Giant Sequoias. I remember looking up and smiling at how huge these tree's were. I use to love climbing trees and when you see a tree that big, how can you not dream about climbing it?

Next, we drove into Yosemite Valley, I don't think my eyes had ever gotten that big! I was ready for one of my first serious hiking vacations into this amazing valley. The grandness of Yosemite is truly on another scale and that's what makes this place so special. Not only do they have the tallest trees, but the tallest waterfalls and some of the tallest cliffs in the world. 

Yosemite might not be the same if it weren't for a few early and brave pioneers. The "Yosemite Valley Grant Act", which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, granted the permission for the formation of a national park in this area. The sincere efforts of John Muir, a naturalist, and Galen Clark, helped form Yosemite National Park on 1st October, 1890. The first territory ever set aside by Congress for public use and preservation.  

Now when I visit Yosemite I still get as excited as I did when I first visited. I get that feeling of absolute wonder and astonishment seeing nature at it's purist and untouched! But now when I look up I see the granite walls and dream about climbing them rather than the trees.

Cheers to protecting and preserving our National Parks for all the generations to come.

So what are you waiting for? Family adventure vacations are the perfect way to make memories that last a lifetime...

Jonathan

Kasey's Kids Webinar

Kasey Austin is leading a group of young adventurers into an interactive webinar about what kids really want from their family adventure vacation. We first said we would give the first 25 kids a "certified cool" kids pack and an ALA gift. But since the boss is out of town till after the webinar, Kasey and I have agreed to give every kid that attends a "certified cool" kids pack and an ALA gift!!!! Is that cool or what?

Who is Kasey Austin? Kasey Austin is one of our top veteran guides and has been guiding family  adventure vacations since she was 6 years old. Kasey's passion for the outdoors is contagious and she is always a hit with the kids. The few trips I've been on with Kasey there is always 1 or 2 kids that say "I want to be a guide like Kasey when I grow up."

Last summer Kasey guided our Yellowstone tours, Alaska adventure vacations and cycling tours in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

This summer she will be guiding and working in the office, sharing her knowledge and passion for the outdoors to help us create even better trips. That is the focus of Kasey's Kids Webinar, to find out what kids really want from an adventure vacation. Then we can take knowledge we get from this webinar and apply it in the field to make our family adventure vacations the best they could be!

For more information on Kasey's webinar check out www.austinlehman.com/kids

Or to sign up for this webinar, please visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/571338808

This Webinar is Sunday, April 14 @ 4pm EST.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

ALA Adventurer,

Jonathan

Melissa here, playing match maker! Are you looking to travel to Yellowstone National Park in July? Do you have active young boys? We have an awesome family of 4 looking to join our July 22^nd Yellowstone National Park Family trip but they are hoping to travel with another family who has boys. Their boys are ages 9 and 11. Are you the perfect fit?

Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for adults and kids alike. Our expert guides create a secure and rewarding environment full of challenge, accomplishment and fun. Combined with exceptional accommodations and classic dining, this is the ultimate family adventure!

If you have any questions send me an email at melissa@austinlehman.com or give me a call 800.575.1540

Or for more information on our family Yellowstone vacations and to download a detailed itinerary visit our trip page: Yellowstone National Park Family

Star-studded nights, lively wharfs, majestic whales and rocky shores await you at Washington State’s spectacular San Juan Islands. Adventure tours to this peaceful travel destination are sure to provide unforgettable times and wonderful memories for everyone.

Sandy beaches and lovely forests provide serene excellence for nature lovers. The unique possibility of spotting a whale, porpoise or seal will keep animal lovers on their toes as they explore the beautiful waters of the largest of the San Juan Islands – Orcas Island. Don’t forget your camera because you will be delighted to find that the scenery is unlike anything else you have ever seen.

Hiking vacations allow travelers to really fall in love with a place and to see its best sites up close and personal. Take a hike with your loved one to Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse and watch as the sky changes color during a dramatic sunset on the water. Then, enjoy a mouthwatering meal at the Rosario Resort & Spa while taking in stunning views of the pristine Cascade Bay.

Adventure vacations with Austin Lehman Adventures are the perfect choice for families looking for cherished bonding experiences. Take a look at our online catalog today to learn more about the destinations and activities we offer.

 

Rural France has its fair share of pretty towns and dramatically breathtaking landscapes. Not only do stunning villages dot the countryside, but the area also features wonderful spots to sample wines and see the remains of Ancient Rome and the Ardèche and Auvergne gorges that define the region. For those interested in historical culture and stunning scenery along with some of the world’s best food and wine, this region puts the European vacation for singles, couples and families at the top of the list.

Burgundy is located in the Sens and Auxerre region, which lies southeast of Paris. The region is popular for adventure vacations because of the spectacular countryside as well as the many historical towns that all have their own stories to tell of wars, sieges and political intrigues down the ages.  There are countless local markets to visit, and of course, probably one of the best known wines in the world to enjoy, Burgundy. Well known vintages include Chablis and Beaune with almost all vineyards and cellars a fascinating and delicious visit.

Historically, the town of Dijon became well known for being the center of the mustard trade, and visiting these types of towns will offer a valuable lesson in the geography, culture and history of the area. Enjoy the day walking the streets to make a perfect break in our cycling tours holiday itinerary. Historic buildings from the 11th and 13th centuries are also plenteous in the area including St. Etienne Church, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Stop by our online travel catalog to learn more about the wonders of vacationing in France.