Gourmet

For a Southwestern tour guide, December in Phoenix can be a culture shock. We spend our other three seasons essentially as visitors to the Valley of the Sun: dropping off trip gear, meeting our next group of adventurers, and departing for the Southwest's most iconic locations, week after week. Many of us spend over 100 days between March and November in Havasupai, the heart of the Grand Canyon. Forty-five miles west of Grand Canyon National Park, spring-fed, turquoise waters wander through islands of wavy, lush seep-willow and craggy deposits of red-tinged travertine on the Havasupai Tribe's reservation. We cross onto tribal land 60 miles from trailhead, and continue to explore it until we depart enroute to Phoenix at the end of the week. The village that lies 8 miles below the rim of the canyon is home to around 400 people, a welcome transition from metropolitan Phoenix's ever-growing 4 million. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, we grow into the canyon life. Towering precipices of Redwall limestone replace backyard fences, moon-lit camp chairs fill in for living room couches, and our neighbors are locals and fellow campers. Havasupai invites the senses to an experience found nowhere else on the planet. As we lead groups through the canyon, vermilion cliffs contrast with the fields of vivid green grapevines that spring out from the blue-green water. We journey each day from the roar of hundred-foot waterfalls to the absolute silence found at the back of side canyons. As we fire up the grills in the evening, the scents of mouthwatering gourmet food mingle with the fresh canyon air as the breeze rocks the creek-side hammocks. It's hard to say a temporary goodbye to both the scenery and community in November, despite the welcome from friends and the glorious winter weather in Phoenix. Coming back to the city, I realize that "home" is a place found 250 miles north, deep in the Grand Canyon.

 

Enjoy the delights of the past from ruins and medieval streets, historic churches, and famous artists, to the wonders of the present day from fashions, farms, and delectable wines.  If you cannot decide which style of vacation you want to enjoy, why choose?  With an Austin-Lehman France Bike Tour you get the story telling and time travel to ancient eras, along with the beauties and wonders that locals today enjoy on a daily basis.  The mix of learning about history, experiencing local tastes and drinks, enjoying strolls and bike rides from location to location, get your hands a little dirty at the farms and vineyards, to the luxurious accommodations and spa hotels that you are able to retreat to at the end of the night.  For the best mix of activities to suit all of your traveling needs, check out an Adventure tour today to the beautiful countryside of France. 

France biking vacations are offered in four different locations including Provence, The Loire Valley, Burgundy, and of course Brittany/Normandy.  The Provence a Pied is a great tour that focuses on gourmet excursions and travelling by foot to see the lovely locations of Provence.  The vineyards will be enjoyed by strolling through lanes of grapes, breathing in the aromas, soaking up the sunshine, and indulging in the flavors and varieties of grapes that elaborate the millions of bottles of fantastic wines.  Travel across the engineering marvel, the famous three-tiered aqueduct-bridge, and The Pont du Gard aqueduct.  Gape at the impressive bridge spanning 275 meters over the Gardon Valley.  Trek through the Roman ruins and learn about the ancient remains of the historical heritage of the old Roman civilization in the most perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater in the world to the Maison Carre. 

If you choose to instead enjoy the city of Provence on a France bike tour rather then by foot you will not miss out on the Roman Ruins, will also walk the steps through history where six popes before had trekked, and of course view the aqueduct Pont du Gard.  Riding through the countryside with fields of lavender, sunflowers, vineyards, and olive groves you will soak in the landscape that inspired artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Chagall.  Take a break from the bike ride and stop into the some of the local farms with ripe and delicious produce, local and savory products, and learn about the fascinating traditional way of farming in Provence.  If this tour didn’t already seem interesting enough throw in a visit to the nature reserve of The Camargue, a lovely wind-swept river delta bordering the Mediterranean Sea, where you can pass the time watching the grace and beauty of the pink flamingos.   If you are looking to visit other locations during your visit to France, book your flight out a week from when your tour ends.  Due to an excellent train network it is simple to pass from city to city. 

Perhaps Provence doesn’t strike a chord with you; nevertheless, there are many other locations of France to consider. Your Loire Valley French Bike Tour offers some beautiful architectural sites including Chateau Amboise, Chateau Chambord, and Chateau Chenoceau.  Loire Valley is known for being host to many important castles from history dating back to the 15^th and 17^th centuries.  Learn the fascinating histories of how all of these castles came about from their competitive nature, and walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc.  Also ride along through the towns, cathedrals, and villages to view the beauty that the town still currently holds.  The countryside and Rivers are worth the ride to enjoy a bit of the scenery and try out some of the flavors of local wine and food. 

Another France bike tour location to consider is a Burgundy Bike Tour with Austin-Lehman Adventures.  Start your adventure with a visit to the university town of Dijon, explore the Musee des Beaux-Arts, and take a relaxing ride through the gargoyle-studded churches of Notre Dame.  What better wine to try then a classic glass of Burgundy while visiting the town of Beaune and try some of the astounding cuisines, and sweets that France has to offer, all in one of the oldest wine regions in France.  You will be able to enjoy great accommodations, staying true to some old fashioned charm and bask in some of the delights that Burgundy has to offer.  The pace of change in this vintage town is a bit slow to say the least, enjoy the personality and soak up some of the delicious products of this region. 

Check out our Pintrest account to see more France Adventure Trips

Looking to plan your next dream vacation?  Perhaps you are one of those travelers that want nothing on the agenda for the day, just  a nice relaxing retreat on a white sandy beach with a piña colada in hand.  Maybe your sense of adventure is only perked up when you think about experiencing an adrenline pumping activity like rafting or mountain biking. On the other hand, maybe you are the type of traveller that interest spikes when you hear the words buttery, delectable, rich and flavorful. Austin-Lehman Adventures is not one to over look the span of delicious foods, wines, sweets and cuisine’s that differ around the world.  If you are a traveler who likes to experience culture through the different flavors of the world then Culinary and Gourmet Vacations may be the next must try experience for the foodie in you.  

Visit A Vineyard In France

What better place to sip on a glass of Burgundy wine then in the famous town itself in the heart of France.  As one of the most famous and influential wine growing regions in the world, Burgundy is a beautiful location for any wine enthusiast.  Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply love the varieties of flavors, Burgundy is sure to impress. The wine will not be the only memorable part of your vacation however; the rich flavors of a lobster ravioli, foie gras, and homemade ice cream soufflé will all be the talk of the evening as you indulge in some of the most flavorful foods France has to offer. Whether you are up for a Burgundy cycling tour or prefer to explore the medieval castles of Loire Valley or the shorelines of Brittany and Normandy, with Austin Lehman you will be assured delicious wines, flavors, and gourmet adventures. 

Appreciate An Adventure In Austria

The Austrian Alps are a delight for not only the eyes but also for the pallet.  Austria tours offer snowcapped mountains, expansive lakes, and 14,000-year-old glacier carved gorges.  These should be reason enough to head to this visual paradise.  Austria has a delicious variety of local wines that pair fantastically with local Austrian cheeses and fruits.   You can anticipate savory flavors with creams, mustards, and delicious capers.  A great way to finish off a wonderful dinner is with a rich cup of traditional Austrian coffee, then unwind in your postcard-perfect accommodations.  

Delve Into Denmark

A Danish Isles adventure is sure to caress your taste buds with its famous flavors for local seafood and use of high quality local produce.  You will need to experience Smørrebrød (or a local open-faced sandwich) on a variety of different breads  accompanied by your choice of salmon, prawns or breaded fish. Denmark is not just a great place to experience delicious cuisine, but also it offers a backdrop of sheer cliffs, and dune-swept beaches.  Tour the country by island hopping through the rolling countryside with historic ruins, ancient castles, and colorful fishing villages.  From visiting historical museums to watching the changing of the guards, you will be entertained on every day of your trip.  Your Danish Isles Bike Tour is a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious taste of Denmark.

A Toast in Napa Valley

For the foodie Napa and Sonoma have become synonymous with award winning wines and elegant dining.   For the adventurer Napa and Sonoma are prime for hiking, kayaking, and biking California’s stunning grassland, mountain trails, and pristine bays. Something that both the foodie and the adventurer can enjoy is the regions wine. Napa’s first commercial winery was established in 1861 from which the industry quickly grew due to fantastic climate for grape vineyards.  Today Napa boasts more than 300 vineyards and is an ideal location for wine connoisseurs and fans alike. Napa Valley is located in the greater bay area of Northern California and enjoys a warm climate with mild winters. The perfect place to spend a summer vacation! No matter what your craving, this gourmet Wine Tour of California is everything you could imagine and more.  

Tantalize your Taste buds in Tuscany

Every fan of delicious food and wines, have once upon a time dreamed of the amazing aromas that Tuscan kitchens have to offer.  A region of Italy known for its delicious cuisine is a dream location for anyone who loves to experience great food while traveling.  Not only is the food and wine a treat for your senses but also a dream for cycling tours.  While the foodie in you can bask in the delicious authentic flavors of the finest extra virgin olive oil, the cyclist in you can charge the country side by bike. There is also the chance to marvel at the renaissance landmarks such as the breathtaking Dummo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.  No list of gourmet travel adventures would be complete without listing a Tuscany Bike Tour. 

Are you hungry now? If so, follow your senses and check out our Culinary and Gourmet Vacations. 

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Check out some photos from some our Gourmet and Culinary Vacations on Pinterest.

 

We all know the famous gourmet regions of the world: France, Italy, Peru, New York City, Las Vegas, the Napa Valley… But, I am a firm believer that any vacation can be turned into a “gourmet vacation”.  Good food is all around and you can find it just about anywhere as long as you are willing to put a bit of effort into finding it.  My number one tip for finding the best food in any city is to ask a local.  Where do the locals eat?  Chances are it is a neighborhood café with an organic garden in the backyard or it is an Irish pub with no advertising and no sign out front or it is a food truck parked on the corner of Main and 8^th Street only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.   These are all local gems that could easily be overlooked.

So often in our regular lives we eat things that are quick, easy and we rarely take the time to slow down and really enjoy eating.  Vacation really should be the time to slow down, find a local bistro and really enjoy your food.  A gourmet vacation doesn’t always have to feature expensive meals or a 5 star restaurant with a celebrity chef.  It really should be about enjoying the company you are with and tasting all that an area has to offer. You know the old saying “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”.  Some of my most memorable meals while traveling have been in small town café’s served by an owner or at a tiny restaurant with few tables and a line out the door. 

I highly recommend skipping the famous restaurant chains.  Where’s the fun in eating something you can get around the corner at home?  Even if you are in the mood for a quick burger, I suggest giving the local drive-in a try and skipping the burger chain you can find in every city.  I bet you will find a great burger and maybe even that tasty shake you haven’t had in 20 years.  It is vacation! 

Every area has their specialty.  Every town has a café that makes the best omelet or has a bar and grill with the best happy hour.  If you don’t look, you are really missing out!  I promise the next time you are in Grand Forks, North Dakota you will find the best fried pickles you have ever tasted at a little restaurant called The Toasted Frog.  Ask anyone in town!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

 

While all of our adventure vacations are filled with some sort of physical activity such as biking, hiking and kayaking, we don’t want all the foodies out there to think we forgot them. In fact, as most anyone who has been on our trips will tell you, the food is incredible.

No matter which country or which adventure, our guests start out the day with a high energy breakfast to get them ready to go experience all the thrills of their destination. Each evening will find them back dining on deliciously prepared campfire vittles or five star gourmet fare. And many of our European vacations will also find adults sipping fine wines from the best regions of wine country.

Our gourmet adventures are combined with the best of our biking and hiking vacations. Our adventurers may choose the gourmet fare of wine regions in California, Chile/Argentina or the rich, delectable foods of Italy, France and Germany. Some of our adventures even include cooking classes to get you started making your own gourmet goodies.

Stop by our website to find out more about gourmet adventures to your choice of destination and get started planning your trip of a lifetime today.
 

What could be better than combining a romantic private cruise, luscious gourmet food, hiking, safari excursion and rafting all together? Absolutely nothing. When you journey with us on our Peruvian Amazon River Cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the astonishingly beautiful Peruvian forest from the comfort of an upscale private boat, the Delfin2.

Our adventure vacations for couples to the Amazon provide the most impressive and intimate setting complete with luxurious and world class amenities for your privacy. Explore the rich flora and fauna of rainforest and Amazon’s hidden waterways. Look out for cute Pygmy Marmosets, the world’s smallest monkey. At night, the forest transforms mysteriously with spectacled owls, fish bats and caimans.  Take a swim in the El Dorado River and you’ll be amazed to see wonderful pink and grey dolphins swimming alongside of you.

As you reach the Pacaya-Simiria Natural Reserve, the largest protected wetland in the world, keep your ears open to listen to the sound of “laughing Falcon” and spot bright parrots, macaws and other exotic birds. Savor the sumptuous 5 star dinner before you retire for the night in your private cozy cabin. Our 5 day adventure travel is full of surprises and thrill, and once complete, you will want to take adventure trips with us again and again.
 

Visiting South America proves to be an adventure vacation like no other. If you read our last adventure travel post on the wine country region of Chile and Argentina, we hope you got a taste for the wonders of their wines, food and culture.

But just off the coast of Ecuador in northern South America, there is another location that no true adventurer will want to miss in their lifetime. The Galapagos Islands represent the epitome of every adventure seekers quest for thrilling and challenging environments rarely seen by tourists.

Water lovers will be absolutely fascinated in the bounty of activities just waiting to be explored. How about getting up close to fearless creatures like 150 year old tortoises weighing 600 pounds?  Did you know you can swim with penguins in the warm waters of Ecuador?

Our adventure trips to the land of Galapagos offers travelers all the kayaking, snorkeling and swimming in richly colored reefs you could ever want. The amazing ecosystem of the area offers scenic views, a large variety of differing wildlife species, geological rock formations and volcanic landscapes that are truly incredible.

After days adventuring on foot and in sea, guests with a need for a little pampering will appreciate the luxury yacht that offers stunning accommodations, gourmet food and drinks and the ultimate in relaxation. Share the Galapagos adventure vacations with us by visiting our online catalog today to get started planning your trip of a lifetime.
 

Engaged couples often find that one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is deciding on the honeymoon. While many grooms want to surprise the bride with the wedding trip destination, brides also want to have a choice in this once in a lifetime trip.

Surely an adventure vacation for couples is just the right type of getaway to inspire tales repeated to children and grandchildren as you grow old and gray together. So at the start of your life together, our adventure tours promise to provide the happy couple with great memories of fun, pampering, dining, biking, hiking, culture and education all wrapped up into one package. We handle every detail including activities, accommodations and dining. The bride and groom just need to be prepared for experiencing everything that their destination of choice has to offer.

Fortunately, there are many journeys to choose from because our travel itineraries include locations in North, Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa. For Mountain adventure getaways with skiing, kayaking and wilderness exploration, couples will find their choice of Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska or Grand Canyon vacations.

Those who want to experience foreign cultures and breathtaking scenery will find our European vacations  just right for honeymoon vacations. With trips to France, Spain, Italy and more, honeymooners will enjoy biking, gourmet dining and walking through picturesque villages and wineries.

For an unforgettable honeymoon, join us on one of our journeys as you begin your first days together as a married couple.
 

If you are looking for something a little different for this year’s vacation, why not try adventure travel to South America? There’s plenty of biking, hiking, rafting and horseback riding to satisfy even the most adventurous of travelers, and with all the thrilling action, you might even have enough time to learn a little about ancient civilizations, culture and archaeology as well!

What do you think of when you hear country names like Chile, Argentina, Ecuador or Peru? It might surprise you to know that there is so much to do and learn in South American countries that once you experience it, you’ll be surprised you waited so long for the journey.

Visiting the western and southernmost tip of the South American continent is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. With pristinely clear waters, high mountaintops and even the driest desert in the world, the ability to strike out on a different path from typical beach or resort travel will really separate the tourist from the adventurer in you. Our Chilean and Argentinian wine country journey takes you to important wine making regions. With our adventure vacation packages, you’ll experience nine days of hiking, biking and horseback riding along with plenty of gourmet dining and sampling delectable Cabernet, Syrah and Malbec wines.

Planning adventure trips to Chile and Argentina is as simple as navigating to our online travel catalog or giving us a call today. Our vacations truly put the adventure back into holiday travel.
 

The latest in adventure travel companies isn’t about a pirate ship sailing the windswept and stormy seas as it attempts to find treasure on distant islands. Although certainly the idea of Captain Jack Sparrow adrift in any ocean would set many a woman’s hearts aflutter these days!

In our time, adventure travel is about experiencing the best of a favorite physical activity such as hiking or biking with a location that offers an incredible setting and culture in which to pursue this adventure. Our adventure vacation packages combine the sport, if you will, favored by the traveler with all the natural beauty of a European landscape or physical challenge of a rock cliff in the Grand Canyon. Add to the mix incredible, gourmet food and exposure to the culture of the local people, and adventurers of all ages will experience something quite different from usual tourist destinations.

And every last detail from the accommodations to the activities is carefully planned out so that all guests have to do it show up and allow our professional and friendly guides lead them on in their adventure of a lifetime.

Whether you choose to stay in North America or venture south to Patagonia, you can rest assured that we have everything handled for you so that you can truly enjoy your vacation time away. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of exciting and exotic travel destinations.
 

California makes an excellent adventure vacation destination for any time of year. With its temperate climate and sunny conditions, visiting the California wine country will bring out the relaxed adventurer and gourmet in everyone who attends our adventure tours of the region.

The one thing visitors to Napa and Sonoma will want to bring along with them is their appetites. There’s nothing like sipping on luscious California Pinot Noir while sampling hors d'oeuvre and relaxing with friends and family.

Cycling tours over the Golden Gate Bridge offer unparalleled views of Presidio Park and the Bay, and hiking through the forests bring travelers to outstanding views of the Pacific and the skyline of San Francisco.

Most that journey to this part of the United States stand in awe as they go through the forest of Redwoods. The immensity of these tall stalwarts of nature can truly take your breath away especially when you consider how old they are – if only they could tell their secrets!

The stunning landscapes, views and water of our adventure vacations to California offer one of the finest trips anyone can experience. Be sure to check out this itinerary online and then book travel for trips in June, September or October today.
 

There’s nothing like enjoying the lavish amenities and extravagant gourmet food on a 5 day cruise in the Amazon by private boat. Travellers can relish local dishes like tacacho and juane made in the Peruvian jungle, and also explore the wonders of Peruvian rainforests where the rich flora and fauna surrounds you and envelops the senses. Of course, many will want to catch a glimpse of the cute Pygmy marmoset, the smallest monkey in the world, hopping from tree to tree, and also look for other amazing wildlife of the Amazon from the safety of your boat.

Our Amazon adventure tours also take guests from Iquitos to Pacaya- Samiria National Reserve, one of the largest wetland reserves in the country. The climate and other conditions of this area allow exotic wildlife like monkeys, marmosets, iguanas, tamarins and spider monkeys to flourish.

There is a unique old world charm and romance in the city of Iquitos as it is yet untouched by any industrial influences and makes a perfect setting for adventure vacations for couples.  The spirit of the Amazon transforms mysteriously at night and gives you a chance to sit with your flashlight and catch a glimpse of fish bats, spectacles owls and other nocturnal animals. Relax in your own private cabin in the evenings for a fresh start in morning. The purity of air and atmosphere around is a magical experience. Take a swim in Pacaya River and look for magnificent pink and grey dolphins.

Austin-Lehman makes sure that your adventure travel is an experience you will want to repeat time and again.
 

Off for a European Adventure holiday?  Well, shhhh, don’t tell the Swiss but the Belgians have it. It’s official. Belgian chocolate is the best in the world.   It’s the gourmet standard by which all other chocolate confections are measured.  What makes Belgian chocolate so dreamy? It is the quality ingredients and a strict adherence to tried and tested manufacturing techniques.

Most Belgian chocolate is handmade in small shops using old techniques and even older equipment.  Cold shells are made and then filled with wonderful confections such as nougats, creams and pralines.  Small chocolate outlets are very popular with visitors just as wineries are in France and breweries are in Germany.  Perhaps joining one of our cycling tours is a great way of working off all the calories.

Can anything come anywhere close after such an introduction?  Well, European vacations tend to come up with the odd surprise every now and then so how about a city, Brussels, which celebrates a statue of a small boy urinating in public?  The Mannekin Pis (and the name is for real) commemorates a little boy extinguishing an explosive fuse as only little boys could and thereby saving the city from certain destruction. Mmm....on high days and holidays, the little 61 cm tall (how small?) is dressed to thrill.  It’s a matter of national pride to come up with new costumes, a bit like Google and their logo artwork changes, I suppose.  Expect two or three costume changes weekly.  

To see the beautiful sights of Belgium, learn more about our travel itineraries by visiting us online today.
 

For those looking for a visit to Big Sky Country, Austin Lehman Adventures has you covered with perfect Montana adventure vacation packages.

Unexplored trails, mountains and wildlife surround you as you embark on your adventure. Animals outnumber people. Some of the cleanest air in the country can be inhaled as you hike one of the 70 plus named snow-capped mountain ranges. Rivers are filled with a fresh abundance of trout. Travelers will discover nature at its finest.

For those who choose to visit during the winter, skiing classes are offered, and geysers steam out of the snow-covered ground. It is as clear as the star-studded sky, which is why Montana is one of the best Adventure Trips out there.

See one of America’s beloved national parks and take one of our Yellowstone Tours.  Bike and hike through some of the most beautiful land on Earth.

When you’re ready to relax, take a dip in a peaceful natural hot spring and soak your stresses away. While your senses are submerged in the delicious scent of clean, fresh air and the view of a stunning paradise, it’s almost possible to forget your appetite. Visit Chico Hot Springs Resort and indulge in some of the most delicious gourmet cuisine in all of Montana.

Contact us today to start planning your well-deserved trip to the wild side.
 

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, the thoughts of many men and women go to finding just the right gift to express their love and appreciation for that someone special. Why not consider adventure vacations for couples? Time away from the real world – kids, work and responsibilities – may be just the thing to add a little romance to bring couples back to the days when they first met.

Adventure Vacation Packages
Adventurous couples may enjoy an active vacation filled with hiking, rock climbing or cycling tours. Our adventure trips are worldwide journeys for couples to experience nature’s beauty up close. Stay closer to home in Arizona, South Dakota or Montana. Venture further by traveling to Italy, Peru, Chile or France. Pretty much anywhere there are mountains, trails and picturesque scenery, there’s an adventure waiting.

Romantic Getaways
For those who desire a little more one on one time, our gourmet and wine tasting trips may be just the ideal getaway. Touring historic cities and sites and then spending evenings with fine wines and gourmet dining in California or European cities offers a more intimate time to revive and refresh relationships.

Exotic Destinations
Getting away from it all and experiencing the exhilarating rush of viewing wild animals in their natural habitat while on safari tour will certainly add some heart stopping action to a couple’s relationship. Visit the bush in Africa or the jungles of South America and allow these exotic destinations to capture the essence of what being together is all about.

Learn more about our vacation destination packages by calling us at (800) 575-1540 or visiting our 2012 digital vacation catalog.

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Who doesn’t want to travel the world, seeking out amazing hikes along pristine trails, discovering hidden gems like gourmet restaurants nestled in mountain towns, or top-notch art galleries in small Mexican villages?  Today I am interviewing Dan Austin, Co-Founder and Director of Austin-Lehman Adventures – the man behind many exciting vacations here at ALA.

Dan, your job sounds so exciting!  You own and run an adventure travel company. Has this always been your dream job?

I was destined to be involved in adventure travel as long as I can remember.  I grew up in California and organized trips to the mountains as soon as I could drive. Shortly after graduation I headed north and ended up not getting too far, stopping in Oregon, which led to my first official involvement in Adventure Travel where I ran a small rafting company to feed my thirst for adventure.  From there I moved to Alaska (with a few other stops along the way). Anyone who’s ever lived in Alaska knows that you instantly become that friend in Alaska that helps everyone with their incoming travel plans.” That was just the case for me. I spent years creating the perfect Alaska Adventure for all my relatives and visiting friends.  It only made sense that my first new trip some 15 years ago with Backcountry Tours was Alaska.  So I guess it is safe to say this is truly my dream job and what I was destined for.

What got you started in the business?

That one is pretty simple, as I said I loved setting up trips for others and after some 25 years in construction was looking for a change. An opportunity presented itself to become a partner in an established company, Backcountry Tours, and I jumped in with both feet.

Do you get the opportunity to go on many ALA vacations in a year?

I think that is a bit of an understatement.  My role has evolved over the years to focus more on trip development, quality control and strategic planning.  So yes, I do get to see a lot of country.  Just last year I was in Panama, Costa Rica, South Africa, Germany, Holland, Alaska and Washington to name a few.  But there are some trips I just cannot get enough of. I try to get on our Yellowstone Adventure at least a few times a year.

What’s your favorite thing about adventure travel?

Honestly, it has to be the people – those I have met and will get to meet. From our great guides and staff to seeing a youngster light up at the sight of their first bear or whale on one of our adventures,  I never tire of sharing the experiences of adventure travel with others.  I have been blessed with quality travel opportunities and try and share it with as many people as I can.

Let’s talk about trip planning.  I’ve always wondered what goes into developing a new adventure.  When you’re building a new vacation, what do you look for?

That is a tough one. It varies from destination to destination.  I mean, I wouldn’t look for the same thing in a South Africa Adventure as I would in a new bike trip in Germany.  Typically I start with some level of insight or a suggestion from someone that has been there or wants to go.  In other words, we might have a past guest that says something like, Hey Dan, why don’t you build a new adventure in Peru? We have always wanted to see Lake Titicaca and I hear it’s fabulous.”  Another time you might have a guide just come back from a personal adventure from someplace like Havasupai in the Grand Canyon and say something like, “Geez, why don,t we have a Havasupai Adventure?  It’s incredible with all the pristine waterfalls and beautiful trails and camp spots.”  Both of these examples have led to new trips.

What kind of research do you do when you decide on new destinations?

Once I get a “tip” I just start looking further into it.  Researching on the web has made trip development a lot easier, but I also use great resources like the magazine National Geographic Adventure.  I can honestly say the one thing we do not do is just knock off other tour operators.  We want each trip to be an Austin-Lehman original.  Once I have a better understanding of an area, that’s when the fun starts and a trip to the area is scheduled.  If I can bring along a guide or someone that has been there, great.  If not, I just start knocking on doors and checking out trails and rides and such.  It often takes several visits, endless hours of research, and several dry runs to get a trip where we want it.

Do you personally scout out all the new trips and destinations?

Paul and I agreed many years ago that we do not want to put guests on a trip unless one of us has run the program start to finish.  That too has evolved over the years. Sometimes we invite our Alumni to join us the first time we run a trip with guests; we call these “First Ascents.”  Typically on a First Ascent either Paul or I (or both) will have developed the trip and run it through at least once without guests, tweaking along the way.  Once we run the trip with Alumni, we look to them for good constructive feedback.  We recently ran a new program, our Washington Cascades Adventure, and got some great feedback from 9 of our Alumni.  We have improved the trip to the point it’s now one of my all time favorites.

Read the second installment of my interview with Dan covering our exciting new European vacations!

Read the third installment of my interview with Dan about adventure trips and tips.