Why Travel With Us

Why Austin Adventures? Here’s Why.

Our responses are rooted deeply in our ethos — in the mission we’ve honed and honored for decades — which is to create meticulously curated, ultra-personalized adventures that allow our guests to experience a destination in the most immersive, energizing, and inspiring way possible.At Austin Adventures we believe that travel has the power to change us. To let us see the world, and our role in it, through a new lens. To leave us feeling fulfilled, invigorated, transformed. Our #1 job is to lay the groundwork for this kind of life-changing, expectation-exceeding travel. Your job is simply to soak it all in.

Out There. Together

#1 Just-Right Group Sizes

While many tour operators consider 28-36 (a busload) a small group, we find smaller is so much better. We’ve capped our trips at an average of 12 guests, and our 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio is the lowest in the industry. Our small groups and personalized service allow you to enjoy the beauty, culture, flavor, and excitement of a new land from the perspective of an insider, not from the well-trodden tourist track.

#2 Top-Rated Guides

Our guides are a part of the Austin Adventures family. They are the lifeblood of our business and many have worked for us for decades. While others may sub-contract or outsource their guides, we hand-select ours and take pride in the fact they’re consistently rated as the best in the industry. Even as we stretch our wings internationally, we work closely with our partners to find the best local guides — each of whom is coached extensively in the Austin Adventures way.

#3 Uncanny Attention to Detail

Our trips take you off the grid and deep into some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Every detail of your experience with us has been carefully considered. We’ve done our job well when all of the fine-tuning (e.g., the equipment, the transfers, the lodging, the meals) melts into your periphery and you’re left with the simple joy of the experience itself. With our focus firmly on the details and logistics, you can unwind, unplug, and truly connect — with friends, with family, with the local culture, with nature.

#4 Exceptional Value, Without Compromise

Every year, we take a close look at how we stack up value-wise with our competitors, and then we adjust our rates, terms, conditions, and inclusions to secure ourselves as the leader of the pack. Book with us and rest assured, there will be no extra transfer fees or equipment rental fees, no last-minute expenses. Everything is included in your trip rate and is clearly spelled out from the get-go. Note that we never sacrifice quality for value — you won’t find yourself looking out over the parking lot from your hotel room, or choosing from a “tour only” menu at the local bistro.

#5 The Wow Moments

At Austin Adventures, the extra mile is never extra, it’s a way of life. We realized a long time ago how incredibly powerful it can be to anchor a special moment of a trip with an additional “Wow Moment.” Now, we won’t go telling you what they are and when to expect them as the surprise is often just as special as the thoughtful touch itself. As pioneers of the WOW Moment, we’ll happily continue to deliver these thoughtful extra touches and delight guests every chance we get.

#6 Strict Standards for your Safety

At Austin Adventures, your safety is paramount. Our guides are hired on this principle and trained not only to keep you safe on your adventure, but to be ready for the unexpected — a flash flood, a lightning storm, civil unrest — those off-the-itinerary events you couldn’t have predicted. Our policy on safety extends to our partners, too — from rafting outfitters to ranchers and everyone else you meet along the way. Each has been thoroughly vetted and is guaranteed to uphold our strict standards. Our equipment (we use our own whenever possible as a means to protect your safety) is always top-notch and carefully maintained. We know just the right kind of bike, for example, to use on the paved trails in the Tetons, the right-size van for the local terrain in Yellowstone, and so much more.

#7 Authentic, Culturally Reflective Lodging & Cuisine

Let’s be honest. Half the fun of a vacation is testing out rooms with a view in amazing locations and treating yourself to the local fare. It really is an important part of the experience — which is why we go to great lengths to find the absolute best properties available, carefully selecting hotels, lodges, auberges, or haciendas that not only meet our standards but also reflect the culture and the energy of the places we visit. When it comes to meals, we understand that authenticity is as important as the food itself. Sometimes it’s a brunch at an out-of-the-way bistro in Barfleur, a lunch in the private home in Costa Rica, or an artfully prepared dinner by the campfire in the Grand Canyon that you’ll remember the most.

#8 Nearly 40 Years of Building Relationships

What sets us apart isn’t just our nearly 40 years of experience, but the relationships and trust we’ve built along the way. Our relationships enable us to offer the best, most unique experience for our guests. For example, our guests are the only ones Jack and Martin Davis, 4th generation Montana cowboys (the real deal), will allow to saddle up on their horses for a ride through their property in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains. Our long-term, mutually respectful relationships make all the difference in the world when it comes to offering you an unmatched insider experience.

#9 Family Affair

Family is at the core of who we are: a small boutique tour operator out of Billings, Montana. And when you travel with us, you’ll feel right at home. We’ve remained true to our mission throughout, treating our employees and guests as we do each other — like family. We couldn’t be prouder of who we are and what we do.

#10 We're Always Listening

We’ve been in the travel game long enough to know it’s not only important to listen to what guests want, it’s mandatory. We’re constantly seeking out feedback from past and present travelers and travel advisors to ensure we’re giving them exactly what they’re looking for. One thing we’ve heard over and over is guests are looking for variety. Maybe one year it’s a family vacation in Yellowstone, but maybe the next year you’re looking for a bucket-list hiking trip New Zealand with your friends. That’s why we merged with Active Adventures in July 2021. We’re expanding our portfolio and our horizons to continue to offer our guests an unforgettable adventure.

Here's what an adventure with us looks like!

Frequently asked questions

How do I book my trip?

Whenever you’re ready, it’s easy to book your Adventure with us! When you’ve done your research, driven yourself crazy with the choices and made your final decision, follow these steps below, or head to our How To Book pages:

Active Adventures
Austin Adventures

1. Book your spot

There are several ways to book, depending on what works best for you. To reserve your trip or get more information:

Reach out to us and one of our Adventure Consultants will become your go-to person for all you need to know
Email us at info@activeadventures.com about the trip you’d like to take, the number of travelers for the booking, and your preferred departure date and we’ll be in touch to finalize the details with you
Or book securely online.

Once we receive your deposit and your booking’s confirmed, you’ll receive our welcome email with everything you need for your trip including:

arrival and departure details,
a recommended packing list,
and helpful travel insurance recommendations.

All this for peace of mind so you can relax, feel prepared, and get excited for the adventure ahead.

2. Check your international flight options

Your Account will outline where you need to be and when to start your trip, so you can move forward with booking your flights. If you’re lucky enough to have time, it’s nice to arrive a few days early to settle into the new place and get used to your surroundings. If you’re on a tight schedule it’s no worries, the trip start time will be outlined in your Account.

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service you’ll want to tell your friends about!

3. Complete your booking pages online

By logging into your Account via our Adventurer's Club page you’ll gain access to your itinerary and important information, a recommended packing list and all the information you need for your trip. There are a few things to fill in – medical and dietary information, insurance details, emergency contacts etc. – to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure.

4. You're all set

You can now start packing your bags and crossing the dates off your calendar. We look forward to seeing you soon!

How do deposits work?

Please review our booking policies here.

How far in advance should I book?

The sooner the better! We recommend booking 6-12 months prior to your departure. Popular trips and trips departing during busier times sell out quicker, so it’s best to book as soon as possible to avoid missing out.