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Happy New Year!
Like everyone, the new year fills us with energy and enthusiasm. 2011 was our best year ever and 2012 is looking even more promising. In addition to repeating all our best trips, we've added challenging hiking trips in Europe for the first time (Switzerland and Scotland), a new National Park trip in beautiful Northern Michigan, a new short trip on Maryland's Eastern Shore, a new kayaking trip in the Bahamas, and a new backpacking trip in the Sierra Mountains. And we even managed to get our first 2013 international trip posted (Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro). We'll have all of our 2013 international trips posted by the end of the month. We also have some new assistant guides joining us this year. So we're all very excited about 2012 and hope that, if you haven't before, this is the year you join us! Enjoy the new year.
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Our Best 5 Money-Saving tips
We give lots of money-saving tips sprinkled throughout the newsletters. Here are the best 5, ones that we use all the time.
1. For international travel, use a Capitol One credit card (because it doesn't have a foreign exchange fee) for anyplace you can use credit cards, and money you get from a local ATM for any time you need to pay cash.
2. When you're renting a car, use Hotwire to find the lowest price and then bid 20% less on Priceline.
3. Buy clothing and equipment before you need it. That way you can take advantage of sales, internet specials. If you wait until you're packing, you'll end up going to the nearest store and paying whatever the price is that day. Not sure what you'll need? Download a packing list from our website for the trip that seems closest to what you're doing. We're gradually putting big buttons that say "Download Detailed Information" on each of the trip web pages to make the lists easier to find.
4. Consider alternative lodging, such as hostels (they're not just for youth anymore and many even have some single or double rooms) or university rooms. A couple of good sources - Hostelworld and University Rooms.
5. When you're in a new city, look for a free city tour. Right now the ones I know about are in Europe (look at the Sandeman website) but they're such a brilliant idea, I'm sure the idea will spread. They are tip-based, meaning you only pay what you feel like paying. The one I went on in Munich could not have been better.
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Trip Spotlight: Kayaking the Bahamas
Now that winter is staring us in the face and we're looking at months of wearing lots of warm clothes that cover our sun-starved skin, it's time to start planning your getaway. How about a week of kayak camping in the warm turquoise water of the Bahamas? Learn how to paddle your own kayak as we island hop along the Exumas and explore the beautiful beaches and clear water. White sand, ocean breeze, rays and turtles gliding under our kayaks, star gazing from your tent, and delicious food await you.
Days are spent exploring mangroves and all the treasures they hold, swimming in what seems like an endless pool, walking along beaches on islands where we are the only ones there, or just simply relaxing.
This trip is a level 3 and we recommend that you have some prior paddling experience. However, if this trip intrigues you and your paddling experience is limited, give us a call (877/439-4042. We choose April because the weather is optimal which usually creates the perfect paddling conditions.
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Our survey winner
We received 400 responses to our survey, thanks very much, and the winner of our random drawing was Corinna Marote. Corinna requested we make the $250 donation to a program called Summit for Someone. This is an innovative program that supports people who are interested in climbing some of the big mountains in the U.S. to use their climb to raise funds for Big City Mountaineers. BCM is an incredibly worthwhile organization that "mentors under-resourced urban teens through transformative outdoor experiences". Corinna will be attempting Mt Rainier in September. You go, girl!
Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey. We got some very useful information (I now feel less guilty for my inability to consistently tweet) and some great wit. Example: when asked about other social media one person replied "None. I am 69 years old and you would be amazed at how we can communicate." Ah yes, I know just what you mean....
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Webinars for January
Of course, you first might want to know - what is a webinar, why would I be interested, and how do I join one.
I think of a webinar (web-based seminar) as the modern equivalent of a travel slideshow at your local library- except you don't have to leave your house so you can wear your pajamas and sip tea while listening. A presenter shows pictures, talks about the destination, and answers questions (you can type your questions in, so it's not quite the same as raising your hand). If you want to try one, just click the link of the trip name and you'll go to a registration page. After signing up you'll get instructions and reminders. All you need is a computer and a high speed internet (pajamas and tea are optional). We will also be recording each webinar so if the time doesn't work, let us know and we'll send you a link when the webinar is over. Click here to see a recording of our Scotland webinar.
You are welcome to join us, whether you're checking out our trip, dreaming for the future, or planning your own.
Hiking in Switzerland 1/12
Grand Alaska Road Trip 1/18
Amazing Amalfi 1/26
All webinars start at 8:30pm. Email us with any questions or to send you a link to the recording.
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Adventure Travel: What Do You Want to Know
In January I'll be writing a series of blog posts with my answers to some common adventure travel questions: why is adventure travel so expensive, is adventure travel the right choice for you, how to choose an adventure travel company, should you tip adventure travel guides etc. If you have any questions you want us to address, just hit reply to this newsletter and let me know. If you want to receive an email when we post a blog, you can sign up on our blog page. And we love comments! We moderate them because we were inundated by spam, but we won't censor any real comments. We also post a link from our Facebook page.
We all hope the start to your New Year is absolutely stunning, that you have the time to focus on what is most important in your life, and that you spend time outside at least once a day!
Marian, for all the guides at Adventures in Good Company
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