Everett Potter's Travel Report

What’s the Deal: BikeHike Adventures is offering an early booking incentive for 2013 trips. During the month of October, any two travelers booking the same 2013 trip will receive 25% off one of the bookings.

Backstory: Travelers can choose from any of BikeHike’s 53 active tours worldwide. Trip styles include point-to-point biking journeys, remote treks, and multi-sport samplers. Each trip has an emphasis on cultural connections with locals around the world. BikeHike Adventures is a Vancouver-based global adventure travel company that offers guided tours to 30 destinations worldwide. BikeHike caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a passion to go a little deeper during their travels.

 What You Need to Know: Space is subject to availability (many 2013 departure dates are already filling up) and this offer will expire when the limited space is sold. Limit one per family.

 Booking: Call 1.888.805.0061 or visit www.bikehike.com and use promocode BHAPROMO24.

Irene Lane of Greenloons

Interview by Everett Potter

I met Irene Lane at the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS)  in Chiapas, Mexico last autumn and was impressed by her approach to travel. Her company, Greenloons, is both kid-friendly and eco-friendly, and she seems to have found a new niche in the world of adventure travel. I was eager to hear more:

Everett Potter:  How would you define the Greenloons concept?

Irene Lane: Greenloons makes it easy to connect people (families in particular) to meaningful and unique nature-based travel experiences all over the world.  Because we are the only company that solely works with third-party eco-certified tour operators and accommodation providers, Greenloons provides a level of assurance to eco-conscious travelers that these small group vacations not only offer distinction and quality in pristine natural surroundings, but these trips have been independently verified as emphasizing conservation education, respecting local cultural traditions and supporting local communities.

EP: How did you get involved in adventure travel?

IL: I’ve had the good fortune to live in 5 countries and travel to 28 more.  My parents instilled in my brother and I a love of travel, culture and nature, which I think I’ve passed on to my son, who at 7 years old, has already been to 13 countries and can regale stories about each of them.  Ultimately, my son was my inspiration to start Greenloons.  When I appreciated the potential that ecotourism had for creating teachable moments or moments that captured his interest whether it was a cultural tradition, wildlife habitat, or explaining the fragility of an ecosystem, I wanted to be able to offer that opportunity to all families.  I also wanted these travel experiences to be as authentic and environmentally responsible as possible.

You never know who you’ll meet when you travel. Courtesy of Greenloons.

EP: What led you to start the company?

IL: I started Greenloons in May 2010 while completing my Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management and after I realized that there was a lot of misinformation about ecotourism and very little transparency about the industry.  I wanted to help travelers work with tour operators and accommodation providers that have gone the extra mile in terms of environmental accountability, social responsibility, and economic transparency.  Greenloons does this by educating travelers about eco-certifications, providing practical tips and information about eco-travel, and offering eco-certified vacations around the world.  Travelers can share their stories and concerns about ecotourism on our forum boards and we are in the unique position to be able to share this feedback with international organizations, such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which are responsible for strengthening international eco-standards.  With Greenloons, you have an effective ecosystem of customers, suppliers, regulators and non-governmental organizations all working toward authentic ecotourism.

Young conservationist. Courtesy of Greenloons.

EP: Has it always had a strong eco-focus?

IL: Yes.  Given that tourism is the largest industry in the world, the potential of ecotourism to alleviate poverty, conserve wildlife and habitats, bring greater cultural understanding, and of course affect climate change is very large.  I think when given the choice, people want to travel responsibly.  Until Greenloons came along, it wasn’t as easy for eco-conscious travelers to figure out how to choose vacations in which the suppliers were not just talking the talk, but walking the walk when it came to exemplifying the foundational components of ecotourism.

EP:  How would you define the essence of a Greenloons trip — how does it differ from what your competitors offer?

IL: Unlike other travel aggregators that have their own (and not necessarily standard) ecotourism criteria, Greenloons works directly with smaller operators who have obtained independent verification and recognition that their trips are socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and economically supportive of local communities.   We don’t directly run these trips.  Rather, we easily connect you with these small operators who are focused on running high quality, comfortable, conservation-focused trips that allow small groups of travelers to connect with the land, the people, the wildlife, and the culture of the area.  Our goal is that everyone in the Greenloons Community establishes a deep connection with the places they are visiting and that we help to raise the younger generation to be globally responsible citizens.

In Alaska with Greenloons. Courtesy of Greenloons.

EP:  Why should someone choose a Greenloons trip over that of another operator?

IL: If you are looking for the opportunity to travel with like-minded individuals who enjoy unique travel experiences with naturalist guides, prefer supporting local communities, and demand personalized service, I would invite you to check out www.greenloons.com and be inspired for your next vacation.

EP:  How would describe your typical travelers?

IL: Our clients are well-traveled (in other words, they’ve been there and done that) and, instead, are looking for unique experiences beyond what the guidebooks cover.  They don’t want to be part of a crowd and don’t want to be hurried from one stop to the next.  They want experienced guides who are knowledgeable and personable, and they feel good knowing that the money they are paying for the vacation is going directly toward supporting local communities.  Finally, they want their children to have a memorable, educational and safe travel experience, while also having a really fun time as a family.

EP:  Any new destinations for Greenloons this year?

IL: This year, we are featuring some phenomenal trips throughPrince William Sound(Alaska),Croatia,Newfoundland,Patagonia(Chile), Galapagos (Ecuador), andSweden.  So far, they’ve proven to be very popular with clients.

EP:  Where are you scouting for future trips?

IL: I just came back from traveling through the eastern part of Ecuadorwhere I found some really amazing travel experiences and will be going to Poland in a few months to scout for some more trips.  In addition, I’m always on the lookout for additional trips right here in the United States.  However, eco-certified accommodation providers and tour operators are not as easy to find here as they are in other parts of the world, which I find so interesting and hope that I can help change.

EP: With all of your travels, where do you find your center of gravity?

IL: While I’m traveling, meditation keeps me on an even keel by helping me to remember that there are stories and a wonderful, natural world out there that people should know more about.  However, in general, it is my husband and son who keep me balanced and centered.  Sometimes, I am able to bring them with me on my travels, while other times I cannot given work and school schedules.  When I cannot, my absolute favorite family time is when I can share all the pictures, videos, awe-inspiring moments, and funny stories with them and share in the lively discussions!

For more information, contact Greenloons

Everett Potter is Editor-in-Chief of Everett Potter’s Travel Report

Biking with Austin-Lehman in the Canadian Rockies

By Steve Jermanok

As an adventure travel writer, I’ve been paid to bike around the Big Island of Hawaii, sea kayak the Fijian islands, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and paddle the Allagash River during a memorable foliage. Then I had my first child and the canoes, skies, and other outdoor paraphernalia started to collect dust in the basement of my suburban Boston home. Going stir crazy one summer day, I called my dad who gave me the sage advice to integrate family into my work. The next thing I know I’m going up and down the hills of Vermont with my toddler on the back of my bike. Like many parents, I began to realize that I don’t have to give up my passion simply because I have little ones. It was time to introduce my kids to the real me. Now I travel with Jake, 14, and Melanie, 12, as much as possible without getting scolded by their teachers. And they’re the ones teaching me a thing or two about every sport they try.

This coming summer, we’re already booked on a six-day multisport trip with Austin-Lehman Adventures in the Canadian Rockies. ALA is known for their guided family trips to the most stunning locales across the globe, from Costa Rica to Alaska, Africa, and yes, the Canadian Rockies. In the Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise region, we’ll trek with crampons across the Athabasca Glacier, whitewater raft down the Kananaskis River, and bike through the tall cedars and pines on the Evans Thomas path. Another highlight is the 64-mile drive through the peaks and deep swaths of forest on Icefields Parkway. Elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, maybe even a bear or cougar can be seen as you make your way to the largest ice cap in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield, on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. At night, we’ll be staying at Baker Creek Chalets, along a quiet stream smack dab in the center of the snowcapped summits.

Visit Active Travels

Climbing Striding Edge in the Lake District, England. All photos courtesy of Trufflepig.

By Everett Potter

In the late 1990′s, I traveled through Morocco with Butterfield & Robinson, the Canadian biking and walking company. On this trip, I met an engaging young guide named Greg Sacks. Shortly thereafter, I met another bright, adventurous B&R guide named Charlie Scott. After they spent years taking well-heeled travelers around the world on myriad adventures, they left B&R to do their own thing. They called it Trufflepig and simply put, it’s custom travel taken to its logical conclusion: nothing is off the shelf, everything is meticulously planned, in destinations that would try the patience of Job. To get you jazzed, this Toronto-based company (with an outpost in Paris) has one of the most beautiful and understated  travel websites I’ve ever seen. I sat down to chat with Charlie Scott at breakfast at New York’s Balthazar restaurant not long ago before he was off to parts unknown.

Trufflepigs: (L to R) Greg Sacks, Jack Dancy and Charlie Scott

Everett Potter: Charlie, let’s start with obvious question: why do you call it Trufflepig?

Charlie Scott: It just seemed the perfect metaphor to explain what we do. A truffle pig is a passionate beast with an instinctive nose for finding precious things that are difficult to find. The pig leads the hunter deep into the woods, they sniff around, and figure out exactly where the hunter needs to dig in order to unearth a truffle (the fungal variety, not the chocolates) hidden deep in the dirt. We do the same thing. But instead of the forest, it’s an overload of options. And instead of a truffle, it’s a meaningful and memorable travel experience.

EP: Am I correct in saying that the origins of Truffle Pig lie in Butterfield & Robinson?

CS: Very much so. The three of us who started Trufflepig (Jack Dancy, Greg Sacks and myself) all cut our travel teeth at B&R. We guided, we researched, we trip planned, we took photos, we got completely and irreversibly hooked on exploring the world. It was a remarkable place to learn and a great place develop our own sense of travel. If you strip away the trips, the brochures, the bikes and walking sticks, B&R is simply an approach to travel. We share a similar spirit.

Seeing Victoria Falls, Zambia, from an ultralight with Trufflepig

EP: How large is Trufflepig, the company? I get the sense that the “office” is virtual and that you’re all on your smart phones in two-seater aircraft on different continents, seeking remote spots for your clients.

CS: There are nine of us who work full time at Trufflepig–most on the ‘Farm’ (yes, we actually call it that) in Toronto, and a couple at our tiny outpost in Paris. And then there are a number of Pigs (independent guides, writers, photographers, and friends) in the field, who help us with our digging and delivery. All of us travel often (sometimes in small planes), keeping our research fresh and growing our relationships.

EP: How would you characterize the Trufflepig approach to adventure travel and how does it differ from the competition?

CS: Are you sure you want to get me started on this? Our approach is to genuinely know what we’re talking about, treat our clients like friends, and not shy away from having an opinion. When it comes to putting trips together, we select ingredients that have an extra measure of character and offer an extra shot of quality. While our trips tend to be somewhat to very high-end, we don’t choose hotels, restaurants, guides (or anything) on price. We pick the people and places that we personally like, and that we feel will deliver a true sense of the place. Sometimes those things cost a fortune, other times they don’t. I don’t feel I can fairly comment on the competition–it’s so hard to separate the steak from the sizzle.

Fording the Aconcagua River in Chile with Trufflepig

EP: Is this strictly bespoke travel we’re talking about?

CS: Yes

EP: Give me an example or two of trips you’ve done for Truffle Pig clients?

CS: Our trips are literally all over the map. Since every trip is made from scratch, we never quite know what’s going to happen when the phone rings. About this time last year, I got a call from a Scottish guy living in Germany. He wanted to take his family (including a 5-year old daughter) on a no-holds-barred trip around the world. Two months later they were on a plane to Hong Kong, and for the next six months we arranged every inch of their adventure–every hotel, every transfer, every everything. Because there was so much planning involved (they ended up visiting something like 18 countries), and they wanted to keep things flexible, the itinerary was rarely finalized more than a few weeks ahead. It was like fighting a forest fire. But they were incredibly game for anything and trusted us to make decisions. It was silky smooth and they had an amazing time. On another recent call, we had a client ask if we could arrange a mountain biking trip in Guatemala. He was supporting an archaeological dig of an ancient Maya city deep in the jungle and wanted to spend a couple of nights there with a dozen friends. There are no hotels in that neck of the woods so we built them a luxury tented camp, with proper beds, private toilets and solar showers (in their tents). We had the canvas safari tents custom-made in New Hampshire, scouted new bike routes by helicopter, found a shaman to conduct rituals in the jungle, and basically went half-mad trying to pull it off. But we did. These are two extreme examples of what we’ve done. The reality is that most of our trips are 1-3 week journeys for regular people looking for a smart itinerary with a thoughtful, creative twist.

Captain Charisma, India

EP: You’ve been in this business for some time. How do you see adventure travel changing, in an increasingly frenetic world dealing with recession worries and lack of free time?

CS: I guided my first trip in 1994. In those days – did I just say that? — scheduled departure, group trips were the norm for tour operators. People weren’t really thinking of custom trips as an option. But now, everyone wants their trip, their way, on their dates. Why wouldn’t you? The world is only going to become more bespoke, and I suspect travel companies and everyone else will get better and more efficient at delivering in this way. In turn, that’ll make things more affordable and time-efficient for travelers–just as we find out we have and even less time.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

EP: Any new destinations for Truffle Pig this coming year?

CS: Always. We’ve got some research planned for Israel, Syria and Zambia. And I’ve just stated working on a ridiculously uncivilized winter trip in the Yukon.

EP: What places remain on your personal travel wish list?

CS: Don’t laugh.  Chicago — I know, it’s borderline fraud.  And Newfoundland, Argentina, and Myanmar.

Waterside lunch at Mali Zaton, Croatia

EP: When you’re not working, where do you find your center of gravity?

CS: Neck deep in antique markets.  The scruffier the better.

Visit Trufflepig for more info. And sign up for their newsletter, The Sounder

Canyonlands.

Most people know REI as a place to purchase all their outdoor garb and equipment. Few active travelers realize the Seattle-based company also has been offering human-powered outdoor adventures since 1987. Rated on a scale of one (relaxed) to five (strenuous), these guided trips are far more reasonably priced compared to their competition. They just came out with their list of 2011 trips, which include a 10-day jaunt biking around Portugal and Spain to hiking in Utah’s Arches & Canyonlands National Parks to four days of mountain biking in the Sonoran Desert (only $675 including camping equipment, bike rentals, and most meals).

Visit Active Travels.

In the May issue of Sierra Magazine, I wrote about paddling the West Branch of the Penobscot River
in northern Maine. More paddlers are soon to follow, now that the West
Branch of the Penobscot is part of a 740-mile water corridor called the
Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Launched in June 2006 by the former owners
of Mad River Canoe Company, Rob Center and his wife, Kay Henry, the
route starts in Old Forge, New York, linking together more than 75
lakes and rivers before reaching its northern terminus in Fort Kent,
Maine.

Read the full story

About six years ago, when I first met George Wendt, the founder and president of O.A.R.S., I knew I was in the presence of a legend. But you wouldn’t know it from talking with this tall, soft spoken man with a quirky sense of humor. George is one of the godfathers of adventure travel, one of the first people to raft down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon back in the 60's. It was a word-of-mouth trip back then, but in 1969 he officially got into the rafting business. That first company, Gooch-Wendt Expeditions, ran the first professional trips on the Colorado River and was selected as the first exclusively oar-powered rafting operator in Grand Canyon National Park, when it was renamed O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists). O.A.R.S. is now the gold standard for rafting companies. When George is not in a raft, he can be found at home in the small northern California community of Angels Camp in Calaveras County.

Rafting the Grand Canyon. Photo by James Kaiser.

George, how did you get into river rafting?
 
I got into river rafting as a component of my educational studies at UCLA in the early 1960s.  Because of my interest in the outdoors – honed through my time as a Scout as I earned the rank of Eagle, I joined the Bruin Mountaineers – a group that did hiking, rock climbing, caving, skiing and mountaineering.  One summer, one of the group organized a trip on the Colorado River going through Glen Canyon.  Right after school got out in June, we headed to Utah for a 10-day river trip.  This experience changed my life!

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Jeff Dossett on Everest.

Jeff Dossett is the CEO of AdventureLink, the new adventure travel trip finder that's beginning to change how we research and book adventure travel. He's a former Microsoft guy, where he was MSN's executive producer and general manager, and also did a stint as a senior VP at Yahoo. But beyond his tech expertise, Dossett is an adventurer and tranformative thinker. He took up mountain climbing at age 40, climbed the Seven Summits (he's summited Everest twice) and has been transformed by his travels. I heard Jeff speak at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Quebec yesterday and caught up with him this morning at the conference, which is in full swing with 650 movers and shakers from the world of adventure travel.


I was struck by a catchphrase you used yesterday in your speech, that it's "experiences, not stuff" that matters. Can you explain that a little more?

My message is that it is life-enriching experiences — our most cherished memories, that define the richness of our lives; not status or material objects. Over the past couple of years of economic instability, we have witnessed the impermanence of so many things that we assumed would go on forever.

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