A great guide can make a successful trip just as quickly as an average or sub-par guide can ruin one, says Dan Austin, co-founder and Director of Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA), a leading active tour company based in Billings, Montana.
With over 20 years in the business, Austin knows what he’s talking about. ALA was honored this year by the editors of National Geographic Adventure Magazine with its highest accolade as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”
Here are the top traits ALA looks for in selecting guides:
1. Focused with laser-like precision on making sure that guests feel like a V.I.P.
2. Naturally intuitive and has the innate ability to foretell what a guest is thinking or wanting.
3. Spontaneous and can seamlessly deal with the unexpected, both pleasant and potentially disastrous. This means having a Plan B ready in case of such things as sudden weather changes, lodging snafus and road delays.
4. Passionate and eager to share his / her knowledge about an unfamiliar destination.
5. Multi-tasks, switching from chauffeur, coach, and doctor, to teacher, culinary wizard, athlete, mechanic, social worker and psychologist, all in a heartbeat..
6. Has sense of humor and can loosen everyone up to break out of their shell, helping to create strong bonds between absolute strangers.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Win the vacation of a life time. A crewed-yacht charter from the Moorings and 4 round trip tickets to the British Virgin Islands.
Click here to learn more.
Source: Caribbean Travel + Life
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
A HUNDRED YEARS OF CONTROVERSY MARKED AT THE NORTH POLE
©John Weller courtesy Quark ExpeditionsStunning vistas of ice and snow and rare wildlife highlight Quark Expeditions’ fifteen-day journey to the North Pole in July 2009
A century has passed since the first men claimed to have reached the North Pole. The validity of the claims of Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson continue to generate controversy. There is one incontrovertible truth, Quark Expeditions, leading innovators and operators of expedition cruises to Polar Regions, will once again journey to the top of the world with 128 intrepid travelers. From July 9 to July 23rd, the icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest and most sophisticated nuclear-powered icebreaker, will crush its way through Arctic pack ice to the “North Pole.” Travelers will be accompanied by an Quark Expedition’s outstanding team of lecturers and naturalists.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Check out this Canadian twist on city-slicker couples therapy…
Kick-start your relationship with a weekend at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch Couples Bootcamp (September 24 - 27, 2009), cowboy certified to help couples reconnect and ride off into the romantic sunset.
Designed to rekindle romance, encourage teamwork and add in a taste of unexpected adventure, the Couples Bootcamp promises to whip any hum-drum relationship back into shape. The 3-night package is priced at $675.00 USD (based on a 1.22 exchange rate) per person and includes three nights of luxurious accommodation, gourmet meals, and the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch’s complete Couples Bootcamp program and activities.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Vacation in Maui: Surf, Yoga, Wellness with your VALENTINE
Another Valentine’s Day and with a busy year and a lot going on, it’s sometimes easy to forget the ones that we love the most. Isn’t it? Tired of the same old chocolates and roses? Looking for something that is REALLY special for your girlfriend, fiancee, wife or husband this year. It’s called SwellCo-ed and it’s located on the romantic island of Maui.
Looking for the antidote for leaving it all behind to rejuvenate for a week with your partner? A chance for you and your partner to get healthy and fit together? How does improving your well-being while bonding with your partner sound?
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Here’s a budget-friendly tip for families traveling to New Mexico this January…
KOAT TV-7 in cooperation with Ski New Mexico and nine (9) of its resorts ( Angel Fire Resort, Pajarito Mountain, Red River Ski Areas, Ski Santa Fe, Sandia Peak, Ski Apache, Sipapu Ski Resort, Taos Ski Valley, and Nordic areas- Enchanted Forest ) have joined the nationwide efforts of “Learn a winter sports month” this January 2009 .
For a price of $30.00 per day a youth 6-12 may contact any one of the eight cooperating alpine ski resorts and make a reservation for the program. The program starts on January 5, 2009 and runs through January 31, 2009. *Please note: The program is space available by reservation only.
For reservations - Alpine
Angel Fire Resort 575-377- 4383
Pajarito Mt.. 505-662-5725
Red River Ski Area: 575-754-2223
Sandia Peak: 505-242-9052
Sipapu Ski Resort: 800-587-2240 or 505-414-1550
Ski Apache: -575-464-3600
Ski Santa Fe: 505-992-5084
Taos Ski Valley: 575-776-2291
For reservations- Nordic:
Enchanted Forest: 800-966-9381
For nationwide information on discounts and promotions related to Learn a Snow Sport Month, visit www.winterfeelsgood.com
Source: Ski New Mexico
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".