Hike, bike, swim and raft your way around the world with Austin Adventures, on a soft adventure with ages 7+ or on a more challenging trip with teens.
They call it “Big Sky Country,” and just one day of hiking in the mountains gave us proof that this was no misnomer. A couple of days of our Austin Adventures were spent in Montana’s Paradise Valley, and again this was proof that Montanans choose their names wisely.
Having been in the business of luxury multi-sport vacations for more than 20 years, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin-Lehman Adventures) seems to have perfected the art of active travel. Because their trips are restricted to 12 guests (up to 18 on family trips), personalized attention is a specialty. With a perfect blend of invigorating activities such as biking, hiking, and rafting, as well as first class dining and accommodations, Austin Adventures gave us one of our most memorable trips ever.
A Wide Range of Choices
The most difficult part of this vacation was deciding which itinerary to take, for the selections are as inviting as they are numerous, with a variety of trips in a number of different states including Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well trips in Canada, Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico. Recently introduced trips include south-of-the-border programs to such places as Patagonia in Chile, the Galapagos in Ecuador, Machu Picchu in Peru and Mexico’s Yucatan, plus an all-new trip to Hawaii’s garden isle — Kaua’i — appropriate for adults and/or families with children above age 16, as our trip was.
The company also offers different Family Adventures in Montana and Wyoming, all with some great hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding opportunities, plus visits to Yellowstone National Park, with a schedule similar to ours. Four other current trips are also designated family adventures, designed to appeal to families with children ages 7-years and older. The family trips have the flexibility of providing quality time for parents and children to be together, as well as time apart for adult and child-specific activities. Austin Adventures can also provide you with tag-along bikes for your smaller ones.
The choices for each season are varied and have ranged from a Kenai Peninsula Family Adventure to Alaska to explore the Kenai by train, small ship, sea kayak, mountain bike and foot; to the Yosemite National Park Family Adventure which includes hiking through forests of huge redwoods, rafting the Class II – III Merced River Canyon with a few stops at some classic swimming holes, and a chance to experience a little of what draws many thrill-seekers to Yosemite – rock climbing with professional instructors, learning the basic techniques of belaying and rappelling. Some trips accept children as young as 5-years.
Concern For Your Comfort
Our Austin Adventure was a five-night, six-day action vacation jammed with activities, beautiful scenery, great eating and fun time meeting new friends. Don’t let the idea of an “adventure vacation” scare you, however. Yes, you should be reasonably fit for the 24-mile bike ride or the six-mile hike at 10,000-feet altitude. But this tour company has planned everything for this trip so that a more strenuous day is followed by a less active one. And any time that someone has had enough, say after 20 miles of biking, he or she can just pull over to the side of the road and wait for the van to pick him or her up.
Our trip took us to Big Sky, Montana for two nights, one night in Yellowstone National Park, and the final two nights at Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, Montana. Activities on our trip included biking, hiking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Another thing not to be confused by is the idea that an “adventure” vacation calls for some (in Mark Twain’s words) “roughing it.” Both are misnomers. There wasn’t anything rough about our accommodations or meals, which were nothing short of superb.
Montana’s Big Skies & Gorgeous Scenery
Our first two nights were spent at the Rainbow Ranch, and again, don’t let the word “ranch” throw you. Our room, done in modern western design with hand-crafted lodgepole beds, was wonderful and had a fireplace (which we used the first night as the temperatures dipped into the high 50’s).
A small deck overlooked a world-class trout stream, the Gallatin River, where portions of “A River Runs Through It” were filmed. We read somewhere in the ranch’s literature that the resort was so named because of the oft-seen double rainbows that appear over the river. And wouldn’t you know it…
Our evening meal was at the ranch’s restaurant, and the quality of the cuisine and service would rival any restaurant that we have experienced. It was clear from all aspects of the trip that Austin Adventures is dedicated to providing nothing but a top-shelf experience. At first look a trip may appear to be expensive, but our experience, as well as those of everyone else on our trip, was that the trip was worth the price. One woman on our trip was making her third excursion with the company.
Great Guides Make It Even Better
Our tour was comprised of 13 guests and the two tour guides, Travis and Callie. If the rest of their tour guides are anywhere near as friendly, helpful, flexible, knowledgeable, and attentive as Travis and Callie, then those Austin Adventures will surely measure up to ours.
In addition to outfitting us for our biking, providing a wealth of information about the natural environment, and attending to all of our needs (such as the little “potty pack” that came in handy for some on our all-day hike), Travis and Callie prepared each of our lunches as well as numerous snacks — all perfectly timed at the end of a hike or long bike ride. These lunches and snacks were more like feasts. (At least we got a lot of exercise to work off the calories.)
The guides thought of everything; for instance, after finishing our lunch at the end of a hike to the top of Beehive Basin, Travis discreetly filled a silver platter with fresh and dried fruit and Mint Milano cookies and served us as we reclined in the sun overlooking an alpine lake. What a touch!
Our day in Yellowstone was spent viewing all the major attractions such as the Lower Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the spectacular Lower Falls. We stayed at the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, a splendid jewel with a picturesque setting on Yellowstone Lake.
As we exited the park on the fourth day, we enjoyed an interesting morning activity. Just before the North Entrance, near Mammoth Hot Springs, Callie and Travis took us to what they call the “Boiling River.” Actually this is a spot in the Gardiner River where some hot springs flow down the hillside and into the river creating a “natural” hot tub. It would be hard to imagine a more relaxing time then soaking in nature’s own hot tub while gazing up at the sky and surrounding mountains.
Our relaxing soak in the Boiling River was followed by an exciting raft ride on the Yellowstone River. We experienced some Class II and Class III rapids — nothing that was going to put any of us in peril of drowning, but nevertheless a lot of fun. This was evident by all the laughter that accompanied our trip.
After the raft trip and a riverside pizza lunch arranged by Callie, we enjoyed an invigorating 15-mile bike ride to Chico Hot Springs, where we spent our last two nights. This rustic-chic inn, famous for its mineral hot-spring-fed pools, was loaded with character and had exceptional gourmet dining.
Day Five included a horseback ride from the Flying Diamond Ranch which took us high into the Absaroka Mountains with spectacular views of Paradise Valley, the site for the film “The Horse Whisperer.” By this time it was quite evident to us why Montana is called “The Last Best Place.” Our last night’s meal was in the resort’s private wine room, which gave us all a chance to spend some final time together as a group.
Ready to Start All Over Again
Actually, while we were all soaking in the Boiling River, we discussed our feelings about the trip. Even at the risk of sounding like something out of the catalogue, everyone of us felt that there was no way to improve the trip; it was that enjoyable.
Believe it or not, you may have to start planning your adventure vacation a year in advance for a spring, summer (the busiest season for family trips) or fall departure. Contact your travel agent, log on to Austin Adventures or call for a catalogue 800/575-1540 and you can begin planning, and enjoy anticipating, the trip that is right for you.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
Helpful, unique and bif it works, Great.
2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.