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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We understand your plans can change, and that’s why Active Assurance is available so you can book with complete confidence.
Active Assurance can be purchased at the time of booking, enabling you to receive a full refund up to 61 days out from your trip departure date. For more details, view here.
