Travel Experts | Luxury Travel Magic

Austin Adventure Travel !

19. February 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Adventure, Africa, Costa Rica, Ecuador (Galapagos), Family Travel, France, General Adventure, Germany, Italy, Montana, Namibia, Nicaragua, Peru, Romantic Getaways, Safari, South Africa, Travel Experts, Travel Planning, Wyoming · Tags: Adventure, Ash Board, Austin Adventures, Austin Lehman Adventures, Dan Austin, luxury travel, Sustainable Travel, Wind Surf

The Zen of Ziplining with Dan Austin, founder of Austin-Lehman Adventure now Austin Adventures

Dan Austin, founder of Austin Adventures , not only walks his talk. He ziplines it, kayaks it, and ash-boards it. He makes the world his office and playground, as he aims for each AA adventure travel vacation to be “incredibly fun and deeply memorable”, (part of the company’s mission statement.) Not an easy feat, with 80 programs “evolving” in the Americas, Africa and Europe, but his family- run company keeps getting top awards and high praise.

He credits his family, AA team and the hand-picked local guides. It’s also clear, he is all-around hands-on (both paddles and plans,) and is comfortable with a variety of Boards ( executives and sports.) He even ash-boarded down a young volcano with fellow travelers and me on AA’s inaugural trip to Nicaragua-

Dan Austin stays plugged in (with camera, smart phone and smiles) so guests can stay unplugged if they want.

enjoying the field research with his wonderful enthusiasm and observant eye. He slipped in some texting to his family and AA team between zipline stations in jungle canopy, from a kayak, and between courses to help keep things “fun and memorable” on this trip and dozens of others.

How do you define “adventure travel “?

Austin: “That is a tough question Lisa, Adventure Travel can be anything from climbing Everest to a walk in your local dog park. It really comes down to what it means to the individual (or company in our case). To AA it simply means staying active and exploring a bit more off the beaten path in each and every region we visit. Definitely not a “typical bus tour.”

Family adventure travel by an award-winning, family-run company

“As you experienced in our recent trip to Nicaragua, we tried to balance seeing the country and cultural activities, with a bit more calorie burning modes of transportation like kayaks or hiking along with some heart pounding activities like ash boarding off a volcano. Key is knowing what adventure is to you and making sure your goals and ideas are in line with your fellow travelers or an outfitter if you so choose. Also key to trust you always have options and that everything is introduced in a way that is as good for a novice as a veteran.”

Why did you found your company?

Austin: “Now that is a bit of an adventure on its own. I had a bit of experience in the industry back in the late 70’s. I was a passionate rafter and thought it would be great to get people to pay to join me. Then some 25 years later my wife talked me into joining an “adventure vacation” to the Tetons with what was then Backcountry Tours. I reluctantly agreed. I mean I was one of those macho do it yourself guys that looked at group travel, led by a couple of young guides as it had to be painful.

River Rafting continues to be part of the Austin story. Rafting the Yellowstone River on ALA’s Montana Adventure. Photo Credit: Austin-Lehman

“Boy was I wrong! It took all of the first day for me to realize this was my first true vacation. Everything from someone else fixing the flat on my bike, to deciding where we would eat or what trail we would hike. That and they carried by bags to our room and were a wealth of non-stop energy and learning’s. After that week, a group of us approached the owners and ended up buying the company. That was back in 1995, I have had no regrets since!”

What are some of your most popular trips over the years and what is your rate of customer return?

The lower falls of Yellowstone River, a popular Austin adventure destination. Photo courtesy of Austin-Lehman.

Austin: “Yellowstone continues to be our #1 selling trip as it has for decades! It is simply sensory overload and offers something for everyone. From the rich history (our country’s first National Park), to its spectacular geography (a giant caldera and more geo thermal features then the rest of the world combined) and of course the wildlife! But that is just one of many tried and true favorites.

“Year after year Alaska continues to shine, as do the Canadian Rockies. In Europe, Holland, Germany and Italy are always at the top of the list. Heading south, Costa Rica is our #2 selling program overall, with Peru and the Galapagos not far behind. In Africa, my favorite and that of many of our guests, has to be Namibia, with South Africa a close second.

“About 70% of our guests are either repeat travelers or direct referrals from repeats. One of our favorite alumni couples Chuck and Judy will be taking their 52^nd and 53^rd trips this year. In fact they will be repeating a trip the first trip they ever did to the Loire Valley, led by our Europe Operations Manager Ron van Dijk who was their guide on that trip so many years ago.”

Do you have anything particularly exciting coming up that you want to share?

Austin: “We are always “cooking” up new trips. We just finished putting the final touches on a new Inca Trail Luxury Camping program (Glamping) combining hiking the Inca Trail with over- the-top services and amenities like massages and down comforters. We also are just finishing up a new Montana Based Best of the West family program. Best bet is to sign up for our E-News letter and or catalog, of course that and Facebook. We are always communicating what we are up to.

How can your company tailor things to be more luxurious if the client wants? Can you give some examples of things your company has done along those lines?

Sweet Adventure Travel, photo from Austin-Lehman

Austin:” Now that is clearly the fun part of the business! About 25% of our guests choose “custom or exclusive” adventures. Fact is if you can dream it, we can create it. I love sharing these stories.

“There was the guest that had a vision of his wife standing knee deep in the surf off the coast of Kauai on her 60^th birthday, cocktail in hand, Hawaiian trip playing as the sun set, topped off with rose petals falling from the sky! Or the grandparents that wanted to treat their six- year-old twin grandsons to five National Parks in six days by private jet! Then there are a lot more conventional adventures where a multi-generational family just want to get together for an adventurous family reunion.

Would you say you have a “family company”? What difference does that make?

Family Adventure: Austin guests hike up Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada. Photo Credit: Austin-Lehma

Austin: “You bet I would or could say that. We are family owned and operated. But I actually think the readers –and our guests– said it better when they awarded us the #1 Family Tour Operator in the world recognition in 2012! And #2 overall ! It just helps that we know families!

“My kids grew up in the business as my crash test dummies (just kidding.) We have always put a focus on doing family adventures right, not just calling an adult program “family” to sell more spots. They are truly built for families, by families. Here is a link to a fun webinar we did just to learn more from kids as to what kids wanted out of a family vacation.

How would you define “Sustainable” or “Green,” “Eco-travel?” How important is it to your company? Can you give examples of how you implement/ integrate it?

Austin: “Another great question and like the question on defining adventure travel, its all about what it means to you. I like to look at it in its simplest form. The triple

In the middle of the hike, guide extraordinaire Julio Flores surprises everyone with Nicaraguan pastries. Ken sets a good example.

bottom line:

People
Planet
Profits

“All working together. Another helpful definition is that of Sustainability: “ The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs.

“We look to work with hotels and restaurants that follow these beliefs. Is the produce local or flown in? Do they practice recycling? Conservation? But also things like hiring locals (starting with our guides). Are they giving back to the communities they reside?

“One of our more significant programs that we are exceptionally proud of is our own nonprofit Wheels of Change.

Also check out www.austinadventures.com for more.

What kind of awards have you gotten? What moments are you most proud of?

Austin: “We truly have been blessed in this arena. As I mentioned Travel and Leisure recognized us as the #1 Family Travel company in 2012 (beating out companies with names like “Disney”, that same year we were ranked #2 overall. We have finished in the top 3 since we were first announced as #1 overall Tour and Safari operator in 2009. But that is really just a start.

Austin-Lehman Awards

“National Geographic Adventurer listed us as one of the top companies in the World, several times as well as recognizing specific trips in the top trips category, year after year. Outside Magazine gave our Cuba program the 2012 Hall of Fame award and so much more. You can see more. You asked what award am I most proud of.. that has to be the Global Vision Award for our efforts with our bike program Wheels of Change.”

What else should potential travelers know about Austin Adventures for luxurious, adventure travel?

Austin: “I think it is not so much Austin Lehman –although we would love all your readers to join us– it is just travel itself. As I recently penned for an email broadcast, travel is good for the soul!

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, photo thanks to Austin-Lehman

“I think Mark Twain said it best ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

“You can of course start with our website or on Facebook. I also just encourage all to just call or email. 1-800-575-1540 or even better yet. email me direct at dan@austinlehman.com Yes, you will get a personal response.

“We are all eager to talk about travel and adventure anytime! And if we don’t go where you want, we probably know who does and does it well, and are just thrilled to help you on your way!”

Dan Austin in the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua

(c)Lisa TE Sonne, Luxury Travel Mavens

Photos by Lisa TE Sonne, unless credited to Austin-Lehman or Austin Adventures

Stay tuned for more Q & A with Dan Austin about how to Design an Adventure trip and for more on ALA’s innovative travel philanthropy

What do you think “Adventure Travel” is? Do you have Austin-Lehman trip stories to share in the comments below? Here’s my Luxury Travel Maven story and photos of the Austin Adventures Trip to Nicaragua

Valentine to Earth and Us? Luxury Green Travel Tips & Trips

Anytime can be a good time to think about our love for this planet we so passionately like to travel on and explore. As Valentine’s Day approaches, are there Luxury Green Travel gift trips that provide tlc (tender loving care) for the planet and the traveler? How can we visit places and not harm the cultures and nature we seek? Machu Pichu, Patagonia, Kenyan safaris, Belize….

The main room at Toka Leya Camp, a recommendation for Green Luxury Travel from Greenloons

To learn more about how trips might be both “luxury travel” and “sustainable travel” and how they could count as Valentines for us and the people and places we touch, I contacted Irene Lane founder of Greenloons.

She describes her company: “Greenloons is the only web platform that connects mindful travelers with unique, meaningful and eco-certified travel experiences all over the world.”

Please check out her tips and five top trips, and share your own tips and trips in the Comments section to add your own “Valentines” to the earth (in what I will call “Thoughtful Luxury Travel” as we continue to explore what “green,” “sustainable” and “eco” and “luxury” mean.)

Why do you think it is important that we be responsible, thoughtful loving travelers?

Lane: “Genuine green travel that incorporates the values of social empowerment, economic viability and environmental responsibility can help travelers have more meaningful journeys and enable communities to achieve on their own where charities and international loans do not.”

How can luxury travel HELP not HURT?

Lane: “When done properly, luxury travel has the power to help communities AND help create unique travel experiences that benefit visitors. A luxury property that is built using locally-sourced sustainable materials, that links its natural resource capital such as landmarks, ecosystems and wildlife with financial capital, and that is locally managed/owned can help communities by increasing their standards of living, their collective pride and their likelihood for preserving their surrounding ecosystems for generations. The resulting experiences can provide visitors with opportunities for authentic cultural immersion as well as enlightening history, vistas, architecture and art.”

What are some of your top trips that you recommend that are both “luxury” and “sustainable”? Lane’s written answers are quoted below:

Salkantay Lodge in Peru, Photo courtesy of Mountain Lodges of Peru, Provided by Greenloons

South America: Machu Picchu Trekking & Lodging Experience

“It is a seven day program and the only lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu. Adventurers trek among four mountain lodges from the Salkantay Peak of the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu.

“These four premier mountain lodges, stretching from the Salkantay Peak of the Peruvian Andes to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, are committed to providing exciting travel experiences for their guests in a safe, eco-friendly and socially responsible manner. There are three unique adventure experiences available to visitors including a lodge-to-lodge trek, an equestrian program and a Peruvian immersion experience. Each adventure provides fun and interesting ways to enjoy the nature, culture and history of Peru while supporting local people and communities. The per person rate is $2,690 including accommodations, meals, luggage transport, activities and guide.”

Irene Lane traveling green

The Luxury “All four mountain lodges, which are only used by trekking guests, have been designed and built in accordance with traditional building techniques, Inca architectural & mythological concepts, and respect for the surrounding environment. The lodges have private double, twin or triple rooms with private bathroom facilities (with hot water), outdoor Jacuzzis and saunas as well as personalized services such as professional massage. Gourmet meals, fine wine and seamless transport of your personal belongings by pack horses/mules round out the experience.”

Central America a la Alexandra Cousteau Expedition

“Central America: Alexandra Cousteau Expedition offers eight days in the footsteps of Explorer Alexandra Cousteau, experiencing Belize as she did when she was gathering information for “Expedition Blue Planet: Belize”, a documentary to raise awareness about Belize’s crucial water issues. Travelers will learn about the conservation work for endangered Scarlet Macaws, Maya Mountain Massif, Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots and Raptors. The per person rate is $3,015 including internal air transport, accommodations, meals, activities, and guides.”

The Luxury: “The small resort of Blancaneux Lodge is a haven of relaxation and tranquility. Offering concierge, ‘private dining’ experiences as well as full dining services, the lodge is also a center of wildlife exploration, cultural interaction and discovery. The enchanted cottage at the lodge affords panoramic views of the Privassion Creek, surrounding valley and waterfalls all unfolding beyond the infinity pool. Luxury bathroom with steam room and open fire, full kitchen, wireless internet and private staff make this the ultimate hideaway with sustainability in mind.”

Luxury Lodge In Botswana, Courtesy of Wilderness Safari, Provided by Greenloons

Africa: Greenloons Conservation Safari of Botswana,

“An exclusive for Greenloons’ clients only, it is a 12-day Botswana safari focusing on commerce, conservation, community and culture through its wildlife and tourism businesses that ensure the sustainability of conservation and wildlife areas of Botswana. The per person rate is $13,995 including luxury accommodation, internal air transfers, meals, activities, park and entrance fees, laundry, guides and applicable taxes.”

The luxury: “Greenloons Conservation Safari of Botswana Vumbura Plains Camp is a private luxury camp situated in the extreme north of the Okavango Delta. Vumbura Plains Camp comprises two separate seven-roomed satellite camps, each with its own raised dining, lounge and bar area tucked beneath a canopy of cool, shady, indigenous trees. Magnificent vistas across the Okavango Delta floodplains are a feature. A star-gazing deck with comfortable cushions protrudes into the floodplain, a place to gaze upwards, or a convivial campfire setting. Each large, luxurious room is raised off the ground on wooden decks and each comprises a bedroom, lounge, shower and full en-suite bathroom. Outdoor showers are standard. It is open on three sides, and the billowing curtains between the various areas create the sense of a yacht floating through the floodplains. Each room also has a plunge pool and ‘sala’ – a comfortable area to lie and relax, watching the waving grasses of the floodplain.”

Eco-camp dome in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Photo courtesy of Cascada Expeditions, provided by Greenloons

South America: Patagonia United

“Explore the best of Chilean & Argentinean Patagonia including the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares NP and Perito Moreno in Argentina with the comfort and charm of private services, high-quality local accommodation including staying in a suite at the world’s first Geodesic dome camp and unparalleled nature. “

The Luxury: “Patagonia United” EcoCamp Suite domes cater to those looking to combine adventure and nature immersion with a more comfortable relaxed stay in the heart of Torres del Paine. Suite domes were designed for sleeping in the highest level of comfort allowed by sustainable development in a natural untarnished environment. They are comfortable 300 ft² Geodesic domes built in the same shape as the ancient Kaweskar tribe dwellings. Their structure produces minimal environmental impact while providing an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit, with great exposure to nature in the most magnificent Patagonian setting. Guests can gaze at the stars through the ceiling windows while falling asleep each night, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from their private terrace.”

Africa: Maasai Conservation Safari

“Kenya’s Campi ya Kanzi (Camp of the Hidden Treasure) is a community project with the local Maasai on their Kuku Group Ranch of 400 square miles. Set within the Chyulu Hills and overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro, the boutique eco-lodge built by the Maasai shelters only 16 guests at a time in the solitude and adventure of true wilderness. Guests stroll down (rather than ride in a 4×4 vehicle) the foothills of the savannah, go on walking safaris with a Maasai leader and learn cultural traditions from the Maasai by visiting them with their families at their homes, schools and medical clinic.

The Hemingway Suite of the Masai Conservation Safari, courtesy of Camp ya Kanzi, provided by Greenloons

The Luxury: “Located near Mount Kilimanjaro and at the foothills of the Chyulu Hills, you will be in one of the most iconic (if not the most iconic) places for a safari with many opportunities for spotting the ‘Big 5’. Campi ya Kanzi accommodates a maximum of 16 guests (within its 280,000 acres) in six thatched roof luxury tented cottages and in the Hemingway and Simba suites. The tented cottages and the suites are conveniently located, with ample distance from one to the other, to guarantee every guest’s privacy.

“Each accommodation has a dedicated Maasai attendant and all activities are customized based on your desires, from classic game drives in many different habitats, to lovely game walks with a Maasai guide and a Maasai tracker. Furniture was made at the camp with local logs (trees fallen by elephants). A table, two safari chairs, a colonial trunk, kilim rugs, brass lamps, shelves and hangers for your clothes, and daily fresh flowers complete the interior décor of the tented cottages. The suites feature a clothes room between the bedroom and the bathroom, and a sitting area next to the bed.

“All accommodations are constructed of stones, canvas, and wood, and they feature a full elegant bath with shower, bidet, basin, flush toilet and electric light. Bathrooms in the suites have double sinks. Brass plumbing fixtures add an unexpected touch of elegance and comfort, with hot (solar heated) and cold running water. Each accommodation has a wide veranda to let you enjoy superb views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills, and the Chyulu Hills.”

Travel with your conscience and body comfortable? Greenloons offers trips they say are both “Luxury” and “Green”

South America: Galapagos Islands Yacht Cruise

“Sail through the Galapagos Islands on a yacht that serves as a means to access, with minimal environmental impact, and learn about endangered species. With higher quality wildlife viewing spots away from the crowds and a certified naturalist on board, guests can go on nature and birding walks, sea kayaking through mangrove forests, swimming with sea lions, or just slipping into provided wetsuits and safely exploring on your own. Whatever the activity, guests are directly contributing to the economy and preservation of the archipelago.”

The Luxury: “Built in 1991 and refurbished annually, the company’s first-class yachts accommodate no more than 20 guests and feature three decks of spacious staterooms with polished teak interiors trimmed with brass fittings. Accommodations are fully air-conditioned with private bathrooms (hot and cold water showers), bio-degradable soap/shampoo dispensers, plenty of storage space, intercom and separate climate controls for comfort. There’s a dining room that serves gourmet international meals, a well-stocked bar and a conference area with a flat screen TV, library and panoramic picture windows. There is also the opportunity to relax in a lounge chair on the sun deck, enjoying sea breezes and a sky full of stars.”

Double Room on a Yacht in the Galapagos, photo is courtesy of Ecoventura, provided by Greenloons

How do you define “Sustainable” and” Luxury”? Hw can a traveler be comfortable and consciously thoughtful?

Lane: “Greenloons focuses on ecotourism, which is slightly different than sustainable tourism. Ecotourism travel focuses on the discovery of a natural or wildlife habitat in a manner that maximizes local economic and social goals, and reduces the possibility of environmental degradation. It is about preserving ecosystems, educating visitors about conservation, empowering localities, operating environmentally responsible tourist attractions – and, most of all, having fun and unique travel experiences! Greenloons defends the principles of ecotourism in that it should:

Support the conservation of natural areas and wildlife
Minimize air and water pollution as well as tourist waste
Offer safe and enriching or educational visitor experiences
Respect the cultural tradition of the host destination
Maintain and enhance the landscape so as to avoid physical or environmental degradation
Efficiently use scarce or non-renewable resources, and
Maximize opportunities for local prosperity for the host destination in the form of long-term economic viability for tourism, local management control, quality employment, local retention of visitor spending, and fair distribution of economic and social benefits.

Natural views from Bed, Botswana luxury

“While sustainable tourism does not deplete resources and allows for a smaller number of tourists to experience nature so as not to disturb an animal’s normal mating, feeding, or migratory patterns (i.e. rafting trips on a free flowing river), the difference with ecotourism is that there may not be a focus on the preservation of the natural habitat or a focus to economically benefit the host destination.

“Mindful travelers can search trips using various parameters including country, activity, departure date and eco-style. There are three eco-styles to choose from namely eco-luxurious, eco-ventional, and eco-nomical.

“Eco-luxurious trips are ones where travelers are not giving up the spirit of adventure to enjoy more comfort. Depending on the itinerary, which is for the most part customized, travelers will get around via upgraded transportation-using private vehicles, comfortable trains, and convenient flights (if applicable). As a result, they spend more time exploring. While this service level offers a greater number of inclusions, it still offers the flexibility to be independent with activities. Travelers are to expect accommodations that have been handpicked for their great locations, upgraded amenities, facilities and personalized service – all with sustainability in mind.”

For more information on “Eco-Certified” travel, click here.

For Greenloons’ “Six Traps to Avoid” in Eco Tourism Marketing, click here to download a pdf

Greenloon’s take on “What makes an Eco-Hotel”

Related Luxury Travel Maven’s articles:

Top Trips from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Travel in Central America: Nicaragua Adventures

Galapagos Snorkeling with Ecoventura, and other great snorkeling sites

Machu Pichu Travel by train in Peru (two articles)

Please add your own tips and trips for Luxury Green Travel in the comments section below.

Happy Valentines Day to you and the planet!

-Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

Bio provided by Irene Lane:

Irene Lane, leader of Greenloons, advocate of Green Travel

Irene Lane is the founder of Greenloons, which is a premier online resource dedicated to inspiring people to think different, be different and travel different – in ways that help to ensure a more sustainable planet. An advocate of social empowerment, financial viability and environmental preservation, Greenloons is the only web platform that connects mindful travelers with unique, meaningful and eco-certified travel experiences all over the world.

Prior to Greenloons, Irene was at eBay where she was recruited to manage an IT group assigned to solving difficult customer service challenges. She also spent more than 10 years working for various Fortune 500 companies as a process improvement specialist and overseeing software implementations. Her clients included high-tech companies as well as domestic and international government agencies.

Irene is a dual EU citizen who has lived in 5 countries and visited 30 more in Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Europe. Drawing upon her professional and personal experiences to address authentic ecotourism from community, ecological and financial points of view, Irene is a frequent conference speaker, blogger and radio talk show guest. She is a graduate of Boston University with a BA in Political Science, The American University with a MBA in International Finance, and earned a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management from George Washington University.

Luxury Kayaking: Top Tips and Trips

A cow glances at the foreign kayak in the land of the Masai in Africa.

This is the week I hope to be kayaking in a lake with the world’s only fresh water sharks, amidst volcanos, islets, and prolific birdlife as part of Austin-Lehman Adventures’ compelling flagship tour in Nicaragua. To prepare, I contacted fellow Explorer’s Club member Alan Feldstein who teaches kayaking in the Pacific waters of Los Angeles, and leads a company that offers customized water safaris via kayaks in Tanzania, Africa—Infinite Safari Adventures(More on Feldstein’s other colorful ventures below.). He shares some tips and trips with me and Luxury Travel Mavens readers:

What is “luxury kayaking”?

Feldstein: “Most kayak trips, which I have done and love to do, involve paddling to a remote site with your gear in the boat, setting up camp, and then paddling the next day. Us aging boomers are less into camping so the better way is to paddle to a lodge or paddle to and from a comfortable wonderful lodge with nice beds, hot showers and great meals.”

***What does it take to be a kayaker?* *How does it relate to health?***

Feldstein: “Kayaking is a great sport for active people who do not want high impact. Anyone can kayak and our trips are offered with no experience necessary. General good health is all that it takes. You use your core and are not putting stress on knees, hips and other joints.”

What are your five best tips for “good” kayaking?

Feldstein: “Have good equipment, have guides who are certified and know what they are doing, eat and hydrate well before paddling, and remember ‘the journey is the destination’ so go out and enjoy, and do not worry about how far or fast you paddle. It is that Zen rhythm you get into when paddling that I enjoy so much.”

How do you recommend someone prepare for a kayaking trip? Any advance physical training? Anything special to pack?

Feldstein: “If you have never kayaked before, it would be if possible to take a lesson or introductory course. Otherwise that is one of the great things of kayaking – anyone can do it. There are techniques to learn but anyone can paddle with out them. We provide everything so the only thing you will need is a pair of waterproof shorts, shirts and shoes, a hat, some sunglasses and sunscreen, and a desire to have fun!”

How is kayaking different than canoeing or rowing? Why do you prefer it?

Feldstein: “I tease my friends who are rowers that they look at where they have been. We look to where we are going! Canoeing is similar, but I feel more comfortable in a kayak, because I am more connected with my boat.”

What inspired you to start a safari company and include kayaking?

Feldstein: “My story of how I started my safari company, which has now expanded beyond kayaking, and offers traditional wildlife safaris as well as other adventures including climbing Kilimanjaro, scuba diving in Zanzibar and tracking chimps, is born from my love of Africa and kayaking.

In 2000, I made my first trip to Tanzania. It was during that trip that I fell in love with Africa and everything about it – the people and their culture, the animals, the natural beauty. The first time a giraffe bent her graceful neck to peer into the vehicle window – well, she had me at jambo (Swahili for hello).

The trip left quite an impression on me. I dreamed about returning. In 2005, I made another trip to Tanzania to try new adventures — climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and tracking wild chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains. While “chimping” at Mahale, I met Steve and Teena, who managed the beachfront lodge where I and my wife were staying. Steve and I discovered we shared a passion for kayaking, and much to my surprise, Steve produced an aging boat and makeshift paddles so I could go for a paddle on Lake Tanganyika.

A few years later, I brought my children to Tanzania, and they too fell in love with Africa. Steve organized our safari. I wanted to include kayaking on the trip, but there were no kayaks available in Tanzania, so Steve custom built two beautiful fiberglass boats. He and I became the first to paddle the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania.

During that trip, I thought about what makes a safari a great one from a good one. I also thought about how to incorporate kayaking, and much more. I believed that many other adventurers from around the world would enjoy the same exceptional experience. From that dream, Infinite Safari Adventures was born.”

When are your upcoming trips?

Feldstein: “We only do custom trips, so they can be done anytime people are ready to do them!”

Any good kayaking related stories from past trip?

Feldstein: “My last trip was a family of 11 – grandparents, adult kids, 2 grandkids, and an 80-year-old friend from Japan. I loved the fact that we took the grandfather, his son and granddaughter on a paddle one day. She was so proud of kayaking with the adults (she did great), and it was a great bonding experience for the whole family.”

What’s your personal favorite “luxury” trip that you have been on?

Feldstein: “Of course my favorite are my trips, but my next one was paddling in Halong Bay in North Vietnam.”

What is on your bucket list for future “bucket list” Luxury travels (with or without a kayak)?

Feldstein: I spend so much time traveling to Africa. If I had time, I would like to go to South America – anywhere.

Pampered Paddling

Thanks Alan! I would also love to try kayaking just about anywhere beautiful on every continent. In North America, I’ve savored kayaking while on American Safari Cruises (now Un-Cruise Adventures). They lower kayaks off their yachts for memorable paddling and pampering experiences in the Inside Passage of Alaska, Hawaii, and Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

Now I head to the largest country in Central America to dip into Lake Nicaragua! I will remember to stay hydrated, and hope to see and photograph monkeys on the islands, the world’s only freshwater sharks, and the volcanic landscapes, but will remember that phrase “the journey is the destination.”

For more on kayaking (and ashboarding?) in Nicaragua, you can “follow me” at @ExploreTraveler and other adventurers @AustinLehman. To plan your own paddling journey in Africa, you can contact Feldstein via his website.

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

-Photographs by Alan Feldstein, except for the one of him.

Alan Feldstein, Founder, Infinite Safari Adventures

Feldstein’s bio, provided by him: In addition to paddling and teaching kayaking, Alan Feldstein has paddled all over the world, including California, Baja, British Columbia, Cape Cod, Hawaii, Turkey, The Hudson River, Vietnam, West Africa, Lake Tanganyika, and was one of the first people to kayak and explore the coast of Tanzania. Alan is also an avid nature photographer whose work has appeared in Wavelength Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the paddling.net calendar. In addition, Alan has traveled extensively throughout the world. He is a member of the Adventurer’s Club of Los Angeles and Southern California Chapter Chair of the Explorer’s Club. He also sits on the board of Trustees of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Most importantly he is the Owner and Founder of Infinite Safari Adventures.

Travel Tips for Long Flights

20. November 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Destinations, Travel Experts, Travel Planning · Tags: hydrate, jet lag, long haul, luxury travel, travel tips

To keep your brain from being as cloudy as the views when you fly, read on…

Flying First Class or Business Class and having lounge privileges and priority boarding status are all obvious ways to make travel more luxurious. These days, however, more and more flights are running full, and seat upgrades are not available, even if you have the funds or frequent flyer miles. All the great airport lounges and the horizontal in-flight beds sometimes don’t seem like enough of a balance against shuffling through security and zooming through time zones in a pressurized cabin.

Below are some suggestions gathered from experience and seasoned travelers. Please add your own tips in the comments box below, so we can all fly more luxuriously, whatever the circumstances.

There are things you can do to improve your flight.

Before You Leave For the Airport

*Dress comfy, loose fitting clothing

*Apply extra moisturizer on your skin to compensate for the dry cabin air on-board

*Don’t wear metal jewelry/watches, if you want to make security easier

*Wear shoes that slip on and off easily, too

*Some people wear clothing on-board designed to carry your carry-on items for you, so you can be more hands-free while traveling. You can now get Scottevest creations in Harrods London as well as online.

* Packing with carry-on only can be a way to avoid baggage delays or losses, but it also means more stuff to carry from terminal to terminal or gate to gate if you have multiple flights. Once your carry-on is in the overhead compartment, it’s harder to access in-flight. Whether you check bags or not, put everything you want within reach on the plane into a separate pre-packed bag you can pull out and stow under your seat.

* You can even keep your pre-packed carry-on package (see tips below) ready for any trip.

On-board Package Suggestions

*Your own first class “travelers kit,” with a sleep mask, sock-slippers, ear plugs, tooth brush, and comb in a ziplock or a container you saved from your last upgraded flight (This can help when you want to catch some sleep in other circumstances, too.)

*Headset with noise canceling features

*Neck-supporting pillow (with aromatherapy scents), if it helps you

*Personal water bottle (Take it empty through security and fill it up before boarding the plane, so that even when service is slow, you stay hydrated.)

*Reading material to leave on-board when done (for privacy, remember to cut off any address labels on the magazines)

*Glasses case, if needed

*Laptop and charger (and an extra battery in case you wind up in economy on a long flight) The computer is great for work or playing with photographs, games, music, movies, etc.

*Camera (Shots out the window can be amazing.)

Manhattan from a window seat view.

* A little flashlight (good for reading without the overhead light and for emergencies)

*Your favorite food for a meal and snacks

* Needed medications (Pre-calculate when you may need to take them while flying.)

*Anti-germ brigade (anti-bacterial wipes, some kind of nutritional supplement to fight germs, etc.) Comes in handy if you want to wash your hands before the meal, but you don’t want to wait in the bathroom line.

* Your smart phone/cell phone, computer/electronic reader. Even if they are fully charged (and they should be), include your charging units, too. If you have multiple things to charge bring a compact unit with multiple outlets.

Note: Make sure your name and number/email address are on everything, in case they get lose or left somewhere.

In-flight:

Hydrate & Moisturize if you don’t want to dry out while flying.

Hydration is key to a healthy flight. Regardless of whether you are flying first class or economy, the pressurized cabin air is often equivalent to being at an altitude of 5,000- 8,000 feet, so the air you are in for hours is thinner and drier. Also, the dry outside air (that may be at 35,000 or 40,000 feet) may be mixed with the filtered cabin air and circulated in the cabin for fresher oxygen.

You can bring a nasal spray or try taking a paper napkin or tissue, getting it wet, and placing it over your nostrils for awhile to keep the nasal passages from drying out. Drinking lots of water not only helps you hydrate, it might motivate exercise – as in, trips to the bathroom.

Movement is important. While the plane seems to be defying gravity’s law, our bodies are not. When you sit for long periods on the plane, you can swell up, and bad circulation can cause problems. Check with you doctor to see if wearing compression socks is a good idea for you.

The terminal travel blur. Miami Airport. Lisa TE Sonne

Walking the aisles every couple of hours is recommended and can be entertaining for people watching.

Rotating your ankles and stretching your arms while in your seat helps. Some airlines have specially designed exercises that are often in the seat back pocket or on one of the channels of the entertainment on the monitor

In the galley of the plane (and while waiting for a bathroom,) you can do stretches and bends. The flight attendant conversations can be some of the best entertainment of the whole flight.

Veteran Flyer Tips on Trips and Jet Lag:
Milbry Polk is an intrepid explorer who crossed the Egyptian desert on a camel, has rafted rivers, and hiked in the Arctic. She also founded Wings WorldQuest, celebrating and supporting women explorers. Between books, projects, children and writing for the Explorers Club magazine, she shares her personal list of tips for air travel:

Never drink (alcohol) on the airplane
Drink lots of water
Take a neck pillow
Sit far forward, in an emergency exit row – it’s worth the extra money on longer flights
Don¹t eat airplane food
Bring sushi rolls or other easy-to-pack food items
Don’t bother with the film unless you are bored- it is always cut and probably won’t play out uninterrupted.
Sleep
Do sudoku (to help you fall asleep)
Stick with one airline if possible to rack up miles and join that airlines club.

Jet Lag

Joe Farago, a former actor and TV host who now travels all over the US to help with Emergency Disaster Training, developed his own ‘walk-nap-full evening’ formula for maintaining his body-clock: “The first thing most people want to do after flying all night is check into their hotel and go to sleep. When my room wasn’t ready, I dropped the bags and did some outdoor sightseeing until early afternoon. About three, I went back to the hotel, took a two-hour nap and then went out for an extended dinner meeting.

“When I woke up the next morning, I felt great and had adapted perfectly with no jet lag for the rest of the trip. Not only had the time spent outside in the sunlight helped reset my internal clock but, by restricting my nap to just two hours and going out until almost midnight that night, I had forced myself into the local day/night rhythm.”

Steve Tight emailed from Hong Kong, where he’s the President, International Development, Caesars Entertainment. Previously, when he lived in California developing Disneyland in Hong Kong, he racked up almost two million miles on one carrier.

He shares from experience: “I still travel on business a lot, usually a country or two a week, but at least most of it’s within Asia, so I’m home most weekends. I’m still a big Tylenol PM fan. I find it less aggressive than sleeping pills, and it really works in allowing me a full night’s sleep, even when on the other side of the world.

“Maybe I’m in a perpetual state of jet lag but the more I travel, the less I feel the affects of the time difference.

“There’s nothing like the almost nausea-like feeling after a transpacific flight, but if I can stay up until 9pm on the day of arrival in the States from Asia, I’m usually OK. Also I suggest the usual things, like changing the watch and Blackberry to the arrival time zone before landing. I’m now starting to watch out for what I eat and drink. It’s harder finding time for exercise with a busy travel schedule, so I’ve cut back on enjoying the alcohol on the flight – which probably also helps with jetlag.”

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Your Recommendations

Have you found a favorite airline for luxurious travel? A group called Skytrax takes surveys and rates the airlines, with five stars as the best possible rating. Hundreds of carriers are listed alphabetically for international and domestic flying. http://www.worldairlineawards.com/main/about.htm

Who has the best lounges? Which are the best and worst airports “for passenger wear and tear”? What do you take onboard for comfort? What is your best flying tip?

If you have additional tips for the best travel, airlines, and airports, please add your insights below, or write to me at Lisa@LuxuryTravelMavens.com And please forward this to other travel mavens you know who may be able to add their expertise.

Let’s all help each other have better take-offs, landings and times in-between!

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