Ron van Dijk, European Operations Director for Austin-Lehman Adventures, Has Managed to Find a Few Minutes to Answer Some Revealing Questions About His Life in The Adventure Travel Business

I read on our Alumni site, My ALA Adventures, that you majored in Economics.  How did you make the leap from Economics to Adventure Travel?  Was it a difficult transition?

Even though I found Economics and its big brother Mathematics to be very intriguing during my studies, it became clear that I could not see myself sit in meetings or behind a computer screen for the rest of my life. Furthermore, I did not believe in the economists, ability to forecast the future, no matter how hard they try or what they claim. The outdoors, Adventure Travel, and bicycle tours in particular, had always been my summer job. So when I was offered a “real job” in Adventure Travel upon completion of my Master’s degree, the decision and transition was very easy. I never had any regrets whatsoever.

How did you get started in adventure travel?

In 1974, a friend of my father, who lives in the U.S., started a company called Euro-Bike Tours. It’s name is self-explanatory. Since my family lived in the Netherlands, he had asked my dad to do some preparatory work for him, like scouting routes, visiting hotels, etc. I was 16 years old then. With my keen interest in travel and in bicycling, it became the perfect summer job for the next ten years.

What’s your favorite adventure experience as a guest?

When you work in the travel business like me, you’re always the host and hardly ever get to be the guest. Last year I was a guest, on a bike trip in New Zealand. The greatest thing about being a guest is: you don’t need to worry about what happens next, because the guides will take care of everything. I am not a spa person, but being on an adventure experience gives you that same relaxed feeling. All you need to do is concentrate on the activity you are participating in, whether biking or walking or kayaking or whatever, while the rest is all taken care, almost by magic! It’s that don’t worry, be happy mind-frame which takes you to a new dimension.

What’s the best thing about adventure travel?

Your question suggests there is only one best thing. I can think of a whole list, but let me concentrate on just one aspect. Adventure travel makes you forget about the rest of the world, and it brings you together with the rest of the world. Sounds like a contradiction, but it’s not. It’s something one needs to experience first-hand to be able to understand.

When you’re building a new vacation, what do you look for?

Since I built vacations in Europe, I look for the perfect mix of historic places, medieval towns which appeal to our imagination, cultural highlights whether world-famous or little known, quaint hotels, fine restaurants, ancient trails, authenticity. Also, I try to build in choices, so our guests have room to pursue their own interests. The notion of Freedom is a very important “good,” which should be nurtured.

What’s the biggest challenge you run into when scouting a new trip?

This varies from trip to trip. Finding the right hotel within a certain distance can sometimes be a challenge, although I must add that Europe is quite developed and rewarding in this respect. Finding a decent bike trail into a city can be another one, and so is the avoidance of difficult terrain. Scouting begins in the office, by reading books and looking at maps. When in the region, you need lots of patience and perseverance to find the optimal solution. Once you do, you reach that natural high. It must be a similar feeling an artist gets when he/she has created a work of art. I love it!

What suggestions can you share for helping a guest choose a perfect vacation?

All our trips are great, or we wouldn’t be offering them. However, one should be aware that there are various levels of difficulty, as clearly indicated in our catalog and on our website. Everyone will have a good time on a level 1 trip, but some might not be as happy as can be on a level 4 trip (don’t worry, the guide will nevertheless make it work). When in doubt, choose a trip that’s easier than what you think you can do. You can always upgrade next time you travel with us again.

How do you recommend travelers prepare for an adventure trip in a country they’ve never visited before?

Reading a guide book about the region never hurts. A historic novel will also get you in the mood. If you wish to brush up on your foreign languages: fine, but it’s not a necessity, especially since english has evolved into becoming the world language. Some basic words will suffice, as this creates a lot of goodwill! Once you sign up, you will see that Austin-Lehman sends you an informative and useful Pre-Trip Information Package. Be open-minded and relaxed: your guides are your friends (and translators) and will be there to help you.

What are your favorite adventure trips offered by ALA and why?

I love each one of them, for different reasons. So if a guest asks me that question (and they often do), for pure marketing reasons I always mention a trip they haven’t been on yet. Tuscany is a fantastic region, and Italy as a whole is certainly one of my favorite countries: the culture, the art, the food, and above all: the people. But then again, I can say so many good things about France, Germany, Holland. Where did you say you haven’t traveled yet?

You often guide adventures as well as handling many of the operational aspects.  What is your favorite adventure to guide and why?

Good food accompanied by fine wines are another hobby of mine. All of this tastes so much better after a day of physical motion. The Dordogne and Provence regions certainly fall in this category, and I consider southern France as my 2nd home.

When guiding a trip, what do you feel guests enjoy the most?  What do you add or share that makes a trip special?

History and stories from the region. One can’t understand the European people & culture unless one is somewhat familiar with its history. When I made my choice to study Economics, it was because I believed that my real passion History would not render a decent job (little did I know!). Well, history continues to be my passion, and I love to share this with our guests, in particular during our morning briefing. Don’t worry: I won’t bore you with dates and facts like you’re back in school, although I do take it with pride when people sometimes tell me: “You could be a great teacher!” or something in that fashion.