Grand Canyon Vacation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring the rocky cliffs and awe inspiring waterfalls of the Grand Canyon is simply an unforgettable experience. There may be destinations that look similar in pictures, but Grand Canyon vacation packages let you discover the reality of the awesome grandeur on your own.

Pack your bags and get ready for some real thrill and adventure as you go on cycling tours to marvelous vistas along the grassy fields that surround the canyon. While pedaling in this area, you will encounter more unexpected wonders to make this vacation truly memorable. Watch cascades of waterfalls flow into travertine pools as you take in the spectacular sights and sounds of these natural wonders.

The immense size and powerful look of the Grand Canyon overwhelms your senses. This adventure trip offers plenty of activities to choose including white water rafting in the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon or hiking along the southern rim traveling on the historic Hermit road. Hiking can be done during the day admiring the scenic beauty or even overnight. Whether hiking, camping, rafting or cycling Austin Lehman guides leave no stone unturned when it comes to arranging a perfect trip to be remembered for a lifetime.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discover the wonders of Southwest America by experiencing the mystical Grand Canyons and vast deserts. Plan it solo or with a partner and head out to explore the picturesque village of Havasupai; one of the most remote villages of America. Blessed with numerous waterfalls, mud pots, geysers and steam vents, it is a perfect adventure vacation package.

Trek unbeaten and unpopulated paths through rugged scenery to reach the base camp below a waterfall. Be one with nature and sleep under the stars. Wake up rejuvenated and ready for a fun filled day as you go on hiking and cycling tours.

Austin-Lehman adventure guides give you a personalized and customized vacation tailored to suit your dreams. The trip also educates you on some amazing facts about continental America. You’ll be welcomed by stark red canyons and inspiring Pa'rus trail.

After a busy day of hiking, cycling and trekking, you will have the opportunity to sit and unwind at the chapel of the Holy Cross. There is a feeling of immense peace and serenity when you relax after a tiring day. The experience when your mind is thinking of nothing and just being in the moment makes the hike worthwhile and unforgettable.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning a family adventure vacation is indeed a very exciting project for any family. The key aspect of an ideal adventure trip is a package that includes loads of fun activities, absolute safety for the family and a cozy retreat to settle down after a long and eventful day. There is all this and much more to look forward to on a Yellowstone National Park vacation. It is the world’s first national park, and there is a lot to see and explore. As a favorite destination for millions of people from all over the world, visitors find the park a great way to connect with nature.

Wildlife, hot springs, geysers, steam vents, mud pots and breath taking views of Yellowstone are just a few of the many adventures just waiting to be discovered. While traveling along the Grand Loop road, you won’t have to wait for hours to get a glimpse of a bison, grizzly or wolf. Austin Lehman adventures take you off the main road to explore the forest by hiking the secluded backcountry trails and watching these animals in their natural abode. Easily walk off from the park area thronged with visitors and explore by foot, river rafting in white waters and horseback.

Apart from the number of hot springs and geysers that are scattered in Yellowstone, there are a few places untouched and serene known mostly by the locals or the guides of Austin Lehman. There are the beautiful Absaroka Mountains, extraordinary Grand Canyons and the unforgettable experience of seeing firsthand the most popular geyser in the world, Old Faithful.

Plan your Yellowstone vacation adventure today by visiting us online to review our 2012 catalog.
 

Being in the outdoors is a wonderful way to enjoy everything nature has to offer. Hiking vacations are trips that perfectly combine leisure, outdoor adventure and fun.  By visiting the Grand Canyon, singles, couples and families can experience one of the most exciting adventure trips available in the United States.

Where else can you discover hidden gems in nature like waterfalls and caves with interesting rock formations and lush vegetation awaiting you? Most travelers are amazed at the 360-degree view of the Grand Canyon. The lookout point was not named “Ooh Aah” for nothing.  All the hard work hiking will quickly be forgotten once you see the stunning views of the Grand Canyon. The pictures often seen in guidebooks just don’t do justice to the experience of actually being there.

The Grand Canyon is much more than just scenic views. Discover your inner Indiana Jones by hunting fossils and see how the rocks bear witness to different geological changes. The rock formations hide many fossil discoveries beneath their pretty structure. While it is illegal to remove them, you can take photos and learn more of the fascinating history of their formation.

The whole experience itself of visiting this part of the country is unforgettable. Sometimes, it is not the destination that makes a trip memorable but the people you are with that makes it more fun and pleasurable. Visit Austin Lehman online to learn more about our Grand Canyon vacation packages that will bring a richness of experience to your next adventure vacation.

When the long dark days of winter seem to never end, planning a Grand Canyon vacation can be just the ticket for shaking the wintertime blues. Just a moment standing surrounded by warm breezes over a majestic expanse of thousands of years of rock and sand is so awe inspiring that travelers will quickly forget the snow and ice left behind at home.

For those guided by experienced trekkers, there is a hidden treasure nestled deeply in side canyons just a small hike from the Grand Canyon where family adventure vacations really start. Imagine the cooling spray of waterfalls cascading into travertine pools spring fed with pure water surrounded by lush vegetation. An almost tropical paradise sits right there in the midst of the Grand Canyon where only those with the courage to strike out on foot will ever have the opportunity to see.  The name of place is Havasupai Falls.

Spend time hunting for fossils, exploring a Native American village and relaxing in nature’s own mineral water spa. Austin Lehman adventures to this magical experience begin in Scottsdale, Arizona the end of March and continue throughout the summer. Book your trip today by calling (800) 575-1540 or find out more about the travel itinerary right online.  

Jack chuckles as he recalls his last vacation with Linda. As a newly dating couple, their first weeklong getaway included a map with too few details, lost hotel reservations, and forgotten picnic lunches on several occasions. Linda even had a run in with a beehive and guess who forgot to bring the first aid kit?! Jack appreciates the memories now but remembers the stresses of the critical moments on what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Does this sound in any way familiar? Are you ready to plan the perfect getaway for you and your honey? Well, read onto discover some helpful hints on planning, preparing and playing on your next couples adventure!

1. Where Should We Go? What’s on your bucket list? What’s on your partner’s bucket list? Is there anywhere that you’veboth always wanted to visit? Write down your top 10 places you want to vacation and compareit with your significant other’s. Do your lists overlap? Can you meet somewhere in the middle?Choosing your destination is the beginning of an exciting process for creating the perfectvacation. What better way to bring you together as a couple than planning for an adventure inyour future? Whether you’re brand new to this or you’re a seasoned veteran to the planningprocess, choosing the perfect vacation can be a memorable experience.

2. Biking, Lounging or Both? Now you need to figure out what kinds of activities you both like to do. Do you enjoy cycling onyour weekends or would you both rather lounge on the beach with a good book? Maybe you liketo go the extra mile while she would rather pamper herself in the spa. Whatever activities youlike to do, there is a tour operator out there for you, waiting to fulfill your requests. Many touroperators create flexible schedules so that you and your significant other can choose the rightamount of activity for you in a stress-free environment. And we all know that the perfect couplesvacation includes the least amount of stress!

3. Been There Done That. Maybe you’ve already hiked through the Grand Canyon together or rafted the Pacuare River in Costa Rica. But have you ever biked in France along the banks of the calm Loire River? Can yousay that you’ve snowshoed through drifting white snowbanks while watching Old Faithful eruptagainst a frosty sky? Would you ever hike the Inca Trail to be rewarded with the stunning viewof Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate? Trying a new activity as a couple in a new destination canbe a rewarding experience for the both of you as you travel outside your comfort zone. The thrillof ziplining through a rainforest canopy will not soon be forgotten if you take a go at it together..

4. How Many is Too Many? Do you want to vacation with just you and your honey? Or would you rather join a group oflikeminded individuals with the same goals in travel as you? This is a question to ponder withyour significant other. Independent travel as a couple can be a romantic way to enjoy your one-on-one time together. Group travel is also a fun way to meet other couples and discover newexperiences. Whichever way you decide to go, you still get to spend quality time together andthat’s what really matters!

5. Time and Dinero- This is the fun part! What does your future time frame look like? Does she only get two weeksof vacation time a year? Does he not want to travel in the summer months when families crowdthe ideal destinations? How are you going to know when the “right” time is to travel? A tip forcouples: traveling in the offseason (spring and fall) can be a great (and cheaper) way to see someamazing destinations without the crowds. If you can’t make the offseason work for your timeschedule, no worries – there are many romantic pockets of busy destinations just waiting to bediscovered. As for dinero, make sure you and your significant other create a budget for travelthat you both feel comfortable with. Vacationing without overspending is a satisfying feeling that
will leave you and your other half wanting to travel again and again!

6. All the Factors- There are so many different variables that can become part of the vacation planning process butyou will want to center in on just a few so as not to get overwhelmed! Accommodations are a bigone. Do you want to sleep luxuriously in a four star hotel or camp under the stars on a cot? Therange of accommodations is endless and up to what you and your spouse feel comfortable with.Another variable to look at is climate. Would you rather race down the ski slopes on a winterwonderland vacation or bask under an African sun while searching for the elusive cheetah?Also, what types of terrain are you as a couple ready for? Hilly or flat? Rocky or smooth? Longor short? Looking at every single factor in the vacation planning process can be overwhelming.Tour operated trips can take the stress out of this variable planning process by giving youunlimited options in doing a vacation your way.

7. Google is Your Friend! Go ahead and research to your heart’s content. The great thing about Google is that typingin “Yellowstone” or “Couple’s Retreat” will pull up thousands of search results that you cannarrow down over a few days or a few months. Really, it’s up to you. How much time do youwant to put into creating the perfect vacation for you and your spouse? Do you want to createa vacation from scratch as a couple or would you rather find an all inclusive vacation package?As you begin your research on your ideal destination, you may find yourself quickly narrowingdown the possbilities. Afterall, you and your significant other have already talked about whereyou want to go and what you want to do – now go find it!

8. Ask around- Is there just too much on the Internet for you to sift through on your own? Talk to other couplesthat you know who’ve traveled before – they probably have some great suggestions. Also, a localtravel agent can help you narrow down your search. Tour operators can connect you with pastguests who can recommend a specific trip. The possibilities are endless – just get out there andask!

9. Working Out is… Fun did you both just sign up for that big bike trip in South Dakota that you’re not quite sure you’reready for? Why not work out together to prepare yourself for an active vacation? With ouralready busy schedules, it’s difficult to find time to go to the gym or even take a walk aroundthe neighborhood. Pledge to your significant other that you will do some sort of activity togethersay, three times a week for at least 45 minutes. Get those old bikes in the garage tuned up for aride along the local bike path. Take a yoga class together. Take the dog on a walk. Your workoutplan doesn’t have to be strenuous – just get out there together! You’ll feel better about yourself,your relationship, and your preparedness for your upcoming adventure!

10. Live It Up together! Take advantage of your time spent together on your vacation. Do things you never thought youwould do. Sneak a bottle of champagne out onto the balcony to enjoy a drink under the stars.Ride the last leg of the bike ride to get the best view of the sunset. Book that massage that youjust never seemed to have time for back home. Make your vacation as memorable as possible
because these will be the stories that you as a couple hold with you always. And don’t forget, it’snever too early to start planning your next vacation!

If you’re looking to plan the perfect getaway for two, start with these tips and see what you come up with. Begin thinking today about where you want to go tomorrow – the possibilities are endless! With a little planning and preparation, you can be sure to cash in on the perfect couples adventure. So go ahead, get started lovebirds!

Your friendly travel expert,

Kasey Austin

Installment 1 of 3

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.