Our guides are at the heart of every one of our adventure vacations. Their experience and personalities make our guests feel right at home even when they are miles from home. And every one of them no matter what activity they lead or expertise they share, all enjoy guiding our clients into their great outdoor adventure.
Our goal with every adventure travel itinerary we plan is to make sure that each guest has the experience of a lifetime. With small groups and a 6 to 1 ratio of guides to guests, each one of our adventure tours provides an intimate and personal journey meant to create a special time for everyone participating.
Using guides with so much expertise in the secret, untouched places at each destination means that you will share in an experience far away from the crowds. Treating each guest as a VIP means that we take customer service very seriously. Your vacation adventure guide is part of our family and wants to ensure that you feel like a member as well.
Let Austin-Lehman exceed your expectations on your next vacation with adventure vacation packages to Canada, Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa. Give us a call today or visit our travel site online.
Belize may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about safari adventure vacations. Belize is off the beaten path, which finds many adventure seekers drawn to the enchanting excitement of this less traversed part of the world. But it is certainly worth visiting if only to experience its diverse ecosystem including the rare spider monkey that is definitely not something to miss while visiting this country. While it can offers different adventure trips with many water based activities, travelers can also experience the culture by exploring caves and remnants of ancient civilizations like Lubaantun, a city established long before Columbus discovered America.
Adventure vacations for couples are little more exciting while you and loved one kayak through a towards a jungle camp. Be prepared to see animals in their natural habitat – tapirs, armadillos and different kinds of birds. Bring the binoculars for bird watching activities. How about an aerial adventure high atop a canopied platform watching sunset while birds chirp around you? Your safari adventure won’t be complete with trying wonderful South American cuisine like quesadillas, tortilla wraps, empanadas and fresh fruits. Days at the beach can be spent relaxing sea side sipping cool drinks or out on the ocean where snorkeling brings sites of colorful sea dwellers and plant life.
Your 9 day vacation quite possibly could seem too short to try all the exciting activities available in Belize. Austin-Lehman makes sure every aspect of your adventure travel is covered: city tours, jungle activities and water adventures. In fact, after your trip, Belize will be on your mind for a very long time to come.
Adventure vacations for couples can be fun and fulfilling in Chile and Argentina. There may be other countries in the world that earn accolades for their winemaking, but there is a hidden gem to be discovered in the wineries of Mendoza, Argentina.
This wine region is a favorite destination for tourists and wine connoisseurs. Usually, many wine regions offer only a wine tasting experience while they keep their techniques a secret. Not so in Mendoza. In fact, they often share their recipes and techniques. Tourists enjoy getting a first-hand experience in winemaking. After filling up on sumptuous Argentine cuisine and wine, travelers participating in our cycling tours can look forward to enjoying a great view of the Andes making adventure vacations such as this one hard to forget.
Adventure trips to this region of the world are even more breathtaking as you go horseback riding along Colchagua Valley in Chile. Chile’s wine-tasting experience offers delightful experiences to tantalize the taste buds. Take your time exploring Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile and discover why this place was voted #1 on the list of places to go by the New York Times. Gastronomic adventures begin at the Mercado Central where guests can sample deliciously fresh Chilean fare. Be enveloped in the dynamic ambiance of a lively market that is housed in a structure with very ornate and pleasing aesthetics.
Book your trip with Austin-Lehman to experience these exciting adventure destinations in South America today.
What you need to know not only before you go, but before you even start thinking about going!
To start our journey together I want to share an African proverb: The people sailing in the same boat share the goal.
When one thinks of Africa, the vision is that of beauty, wilderness, wildlife, exotic peoples, romance and so much more. Throughout history Africa’s people, its struggles and above all else its overwhelming beauty have created a romantic vision of a spectacular, yet mysterious continent. Since those first western explorers landed on its shores in the late 1800’s, Americans have been fascinated and drawn with wonder and intrigue to this diverse and complex land. Even today the stories and pictures that come out of Africa paint a picture of an untouched place where its people live as they have for centuries, a place where the wildlife is abundant and untamed and a place of conflict and opportunity…yet there is so much more than superlatives can describe and a ton of adventure vacation packages to discover when looking into a trip to Africa.
There is a saying in Africa…. It applies to planning your first trip as well: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” Once you have your mind made up that you will visit this great continent, set aside the time to “study up” and educate yourself on at least the basics. The following is just an idea and an outline of things you might want to consider and how to get started eating that elephant called Africa.
The Continent and the Five Regions of Africa (This is One Big Continent)
Of our seven continents on the planet Africa ranks number two in size, second only to Asia. With its 11,677,791 square miles (give or take a few) you can fit all of Europe and South America within its footprint. In fact you could fit the United States something like five times within its coastlines. That is one large land mass. As you start thinking about the “where” keep this in mind…Picture talking to a distant relative in Europe and your response when they suggest they want to come visit for two weeks and they would like to see Maine, New York, Florida, Arizona and the California coast. You would quickly let them know that just isn’t possible! Now magnify that times five and well, you get the idea.
Africa and its 58 countries are broken up into five distinct “regions”:
o North Africa
o West Africa
o East Africa
o Central Africa
o Southern Africa
North Africa is typically considered dry and arid. It is made up of eight countries or territories and not frequently thought of as a “Safari” destination. Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara make up North Africa. North Africa is separated from the rest of Africa by the Sahara Desert to the South. These countries create a stronger connection to the seafaring countries of Europe more so than their southern neighbors.
West Africa is bordered on the west and south by the Atlantic, to the north by the Sahara, and to the east (roughly) by Mount Cameroon to Lake Chad. West Africa makes up roughly one-fifth of Africa and includes Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Niger, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, just to name a few of the eighteen countries, commonly considered West Africa. With the vast majority of its land mass as plains at less than 300 meters above sea level, it is considered “semi-arid”.
***East Africa is where we really start talking “safari country”! This region consists of nineteen countries and territories most commonly known for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Mozambique, Madagascar, (although these last two are often referenced as Southern Africa), again just to hit the highlights. When talking “safari” Eastern Africa typically means Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Its stunning and scenic geography, dense vegetation and high peaks (Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya to be a name dropper), as well as Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world should be “must-sees” in anyone’s book. It should be no surprise why the fabled Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) can be found here.
Central Africa (considered by most to be a “Republic”) is considered the “core” of the continent and includes the countries, regions or states of Burundi, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. This is a land rich in African history as well as minerals. Despite its significant mineral resources (gold, uranium, diamonds, etc.) the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the world and among the ten poorest countries in Africa. It should be no surprise that in no small part to the mineral wealth and the geographic “core” location, Central Africa has been a coveted territory by both African and foreign governments for centuries.
***Southern Africa (not to be confused with the country of South Africa). Southern Africa is the southernmost region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa (a successor country to the Union of South Africa); nowadays, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English. In the UN scheme of things, Southern Africa is made up of five countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia (my favorite), Lesotho and Botswana. When we think or hear Africa, we are often hearing about Southern or even South Africa as it is a region rich with history, development, opportunities and struggles. South Africa stands out as the dominant economic superpower of the region. It can also “rival” East Africa with its wildlife opportunities.
(*** Regions commonly associated with safaris!)
Read Part 2: Visiting Africa 101- Part 2
Dan Austin
Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari
Adventure vacations are a perfect way to break the boundaries and explore your wild side. Climb gigantic mountains or jump off a waterfall and surprise yourself or your partner by doing things that you never thought you were capable of.
Take a hiking vacation in Argentina and Peru and enjoy the thrill of adventure vacation packages with Austin Lehman. South America is one place where you get to trek across a national treasure, the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the only three glaciers that are still growing. Explore the natural beauty of deep valleys and huge mountains in the Glacier National Park on Lake Argentino. As you reach the “Curve of the Sighs,” you’ll be overwhelmed by the front view of the glacier. The immense mass of ice 64 meters high is a majestic sight and is extremely overpowering.
Walk through El Calafate village, known as the national capital of glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park and admire the gardens full of variety of flowers and trees that blend leisure and warmth into your adventure trip.
You can also hike to the mountain range of Fitz Roy’s and soak the breath-taking panoramas of sky high peaks of Mount Saint Exupery and Poincenot. Chile’s fascinating Torres Del Paine National Park offers hiking paths through the mesmerizing forests of Asencio Valley.
Learn more about South American vacations by visiting our online travel itineraries today.
Spending quality time at exotic locations is the desire of many couples especially for honeymoon trips. But those with a sense of adventure are not usually interested only in beach and skiing for their honeymoons. Many couples plan adventure vacations for action filled holidays in beautiful locales close to nature.
After all the hectic planning for the wedding and lots of crowds during the nuptial event, honeymooners want a romantic time away that will stay in their memories throughout their lives.
Cycling tours can make a unique adventure vacation for couples. However, it is important to thoroughly research of different areas to make sure the destination and available activities are interesting to both the bride and groom. From the thrill of biking through European cobblestone streets to climbing in South America, our destinations provide plenty of action for couples interested in having a little adventure while away on their honeymoon trip.
As one of the premier adventure travel companies, we are a great resource for providing detailed itineraries for destinations around the world. We provide complete travel packages so all the details are handled – the bride and groom just need to show up ready for fun and romance. Planning your honeymoon early is vital. Exotic locales book up quickly especially in the spring and summer season so visit us today to take the first step on preparing for your wedding trip.
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.
This year, instead of struggling with plans and itineraries to keep everyone happy, why not experience one of our Austin Lehman family adventure vacations? We handle all the details so that families can journey to their destination and save all their energy for fully experiencing the rest, relaxation and fun that adventure vacations are meant to be….for everyone.
We offer worldwide adventure vacations for families with activities for all ages. Experience North, Central or South America as well as Europe, Africa or the Middle East. No matter which location, each day is planned with the goal of allowing families to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the rich offerings of any place or country they visit. Our guides also host separate kid activities to give Mom and Dad a little extra time to themselves.
Start planning your family’s getaway by visiting us online to view our exciting destinations, activities and packages custom designed for family fun!
Austin-Lehman Adventures has been showing our guest the best of our country’s National Parks for the last 27 years. We strive to incorporate the “hidden” gems on our National Park Tours. We also provide professional and knowledgable guides to show you the way and explain how we can help to preserve and protect our National Parks for tomorrow’s generation. We decided to share our top 10 “uncovered” gems of our National Park tours. Don’t worry we still have plenty up our sleeve…
1,) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is home to a wide range of beautiful scenery, but probably best known for their stunning glacier carved valleys and enormous granite walls. John Muir named this place the ‘range of light’ and for good reason. One place to really get a full scale of these massive valleys is from Glacier Point, 3,214 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Although Glacier Point is not “hidden” this spot is often over looked, this scenic point can be accessed by a 30-45min drive from the valley floor.
2.) Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is renowned for its amazing scenery and wildlife, here at ALA we try to show our guest a side of Yellowstone that they might not see on their own. That is why we have created Safaris in Yellowstone. What is a safari in Yellowstone you ask? An expedition to one of the most premiere wildlife viewing spots in North America. Often referred to as the “Serengeti of the West” we set out for the Lamar Valley to observe animals in their natural habitat, the ALA way! Our morning starts off at 5am at our hotel in Mammoth Hot springs, early morning is the best time to view the wildlife. Then we drove into the Lamar Valley, to catch a glimpse of grizzly bears, wolves, elk, herds of bison, antelope, black and brown bears.
3.) Canyonlands National Park
A real treat on our Utah- Arches to Moab trip is a bike ride along the Island in the Sky route. The Island in the Sky trail takes you along a sheer-walled mesa that is in the northern part of Canyonlands National Park. The route follows the rim of the mesa, with scenic points where you get amazing views out over the surrounding country, including rugged canyons that have been carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. In many places the surrounding country is 1,000 feet down, virtually straight down, just an added bonuses to this all ready heart pumping ride.
4.) Wind Cave National Park – South Dakota
Did you know that the United State’s 7th national park was created in none other than South Dakota? Not only that, but this national park was created underground! Wind Cave National Park takes the status of the world’s first “cave national park” and is comprised of one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems as well as the mixed grass prairie, ponderosa pine forests, and assortment of wildlife that flourish above the cave’s surface. Containing nearly 95% of the world’s boxwork formation, this cave lacks the stalactites, stalagmites, bats, dampness, and creepy crawlies that you’d normally associate with a cave. On ALA’s South Dakota tour, we descend into the depths of the cave with our national park service guide by our side. You’ll be amazed by the unique formations, colorful stories, and the general “feel” of the cool, dark cave!
5.) Kenai Fjords National Park
On our Alaska Adventure, you’ll be entering the only section of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. Explore valleys sculpted by glaciers and get up close and personal with Exit Glacier, one of the out-flowing glaciers of the magnificent 700 square mile Harding Icefield. You’ll discover firsthand how plant life reclaims the barren rocky landscape as you ascend from green, luscious plant vegetation to an “as-far-as-the-eye-can-see” moon-like display of snow and ice. Views along the Exit Glacier Trail are nothing other than spectacular, but if you can ascend to the summit (which is definitely a challenge), you will remember the views of a lifetime (especially if you’re lucky enough to experience a clear visibility day!)
6.) Grand Teton National Park
Kayaking the pristine, clear waters of Jackson Lake is one of those experiences where you can’t help but think “Life is Good!” Keep an eye out for bald eagles, mule deer, osprey, and maybe even a playful group of river otters on the banks. Settle into a comfortable pace as you paddle your kayak through the calm lake near a wild bird sanctuary. About three-quarters of the way through this loop, we make a stop at our own private rocky beach. As we eat a cold bowl of ice cream on a hot, sunny day, we take in the magnificent views of the square-topped Mount Moran, seemingly emerging out of the far end of Jackson Lake! After skipping some rocks, building a few log structures and even playing a little “King of the Kayak,” we’ll head out for the marina where we will indulge in a tasty, nutritious lunch at a beautiful picnic area on the shores of our playground!
7.) Yellowstone – Wapati Trail
Experience all of the thrills of Yellowstone National Park in one single hike! Walk through the rolling grasslands covered in wildflowers with names like Indian Paintbrush, Yellow Columbine, and Fireweed, and keep an eye out for the enormous rack of a bull elk laying in the shade of a lodgepole pine tree. “Walk on the moon” as you enter a barren, white-out landscape created by one of Yellowstone’s four geothermal features: a hissing, steaming fumaroles. Continue past the lily pad pond and up a short, steeper section of trail to emerge upon one of the most beautiful views you will see in a lifetime – the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
8.) Bryce Canyon National Park
Hike the magical hoodoo rock formations of Bryce’s Peek-a-Boo trail. This trail gives you amazing views of the Hoodoo formations. Hoodoos are tall slender spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins and “broken” lands. The formation name is Claron Limestone, the rock’s age is from Paleocene or Eocene age, 40-60 mya. The Native Americans believed that the Hoodoo formations would come to live as giants and ward off intruders.
9.) Zion National Park
Kolob Canyons is home to magnificent mountains of red sandstone. Kolob Canyons is a remote 30,000 acre block of Zion National Park located northwest of Zion Canyon. It boasts the parks highest peaks – Horse Ranch Mountain at 8,726 feet and some of Zion’s youngest strata. The Kolob Arch flaunts one of the longest spanning freestanding arches in the world. The structure is an adult alcove natural arch set high on an exposed cliff. It was made as a result of vertical joint expansion, wall collapse and erosion.
10.) Glacier National Park
Hiking the Iceberg Lake Trail, the hike surrounds you in amazing flora with bear grass as high as your chest. The lake trail also provides some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities in Glacier National Park. The vertical elevation gain of 1200 feet, providing unsurpassed views of the park. Lake Iceberg is named for the “icebergs” that float around on the lake. The lake sits in the shadows on the northern flank of Mt. Wilbur, receiving very little sun.
That is it for now… If you want to see some more uncovered gems of our National Parks, join us on one of our National Park Tours.
Your friends at Austin-Lehman Adventures
Powered by Compendium