Trip Design

Designing A Trip to Asheville

Posted on August 27, 2015 - 3:03 pm by Rebecca Falls

Trek Travel trip designer Rebecca Falls knows what it takes to create a one-of-a-kind vacation. So when she crafted a cycling trip in her own backyard, the outcome was extraordinary.

What drew you to live in Asheville, North Carolina?

The first time I ever stepped foot in Asheville was the summer of 1999, when I was working as a raft guide in Bryson City, NC. My friends and I came to town for the Bele Chere Festival. This festival no longer takes place unfortunately, but its name comes from an ancient Scottish dialect and means “beautiful living.” It was a perfect way to meet this beautiful city, at a time when the streets were full of music, art, and the energy of people gathered to celebrate many of the things that make Asheville special. I knew after that first visit that I would love to call this place home.

Very few places in the eastern US have access to vast tracts of public land as Asheville does. The nearby Pisgah, Cherokee, and Nantahala National Forests along with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are unbelievable places that have more to appreciate and explore than you could see in a lifetime. Couple that with a great music, food, and beer scene all in a college town of less than 90,000 people and it sounded just about perfect to me. I’ve lived in western North Carolina on and off since 1999 but have been a full-time Asheville resident for four years and I don’t have any plans to leave anytime soon!

What was it like to design a trip in your hometown? What are you most excited for guests to experience?

Designing a trip in Asheville felt somewhat familiar, as friends from out of town often come to visit and I want to show them around and pack as much into their stay as possible! It was fun to have an opportunity to create a trip in an area I know so well, and to be able to build on those past experiences. It was a lot of pressure too! I always approach trip design with this in mind—most people want to see as much of the world as they can, so they may not travel to the same place twice. So if I have one week to show you what this place is all about, what should we do? I made a list of must-do’s and put the trip together from there.

It’s always fun and exciting to take guests to places they haven’t been before, and even more so when that place is your home. I am looking forward to the little things—playing a game of bean-bag toss at The Wedge before dinner on Monday night, introducing someone to a classic southern dish like fried green tomatoes they may not have tried before….and of course the big things are pretty cool too, like standing on the summit of Mount Mitchell, taking in the 360 degree views and knowing you rode your bike up there.

Did you make any new discoveries about the region while completing the research for this trip?

I had not visited the Highlands area before I started researching this trip. I knew that I wanted to get guests out of downtown Asheville for the second part of the week, and I was looking for a smaller town somewhere that felt more wild. A good friend of mine is from the Highlands area and he suggested I come check it out. I was blown away by the access to low-traffic roads, waterfalls, the walkable/upscale downtown, cool restaurants, and was really excited to find the perfect hotel in 200 Main, which is owned and operated by the well-known Old Edwards Inn. He took me riding and hiking around the area one day and I was sold!

Asheville is well-known for outdoor adventure, local food and craft beer. What are the lesser known qualities that make it great?

Personally, one of my favorite things about this area is the local music. I love old-time music—a style that is played on acoustic instruments and usually involves the fiddle and banjo. It’s widely recognized as a feature of Southern Appalachian culture that has roots in the Welch, English, Irish and Scottish music brought by early immigrants to the region. It is associated with folk dancing as well—square dancing and contra dancing, which is also very popular in Asheville. Every Wednesday and Thursday night you can stop into Jack of the Wood, one of the great downtown bars, and catch an old-time or bluegrass jam session. And in Highlands, every Wednesday night a local string band plays at the Ugly Dog Pub—right down the street from our hotel! It’s awesome to have a style of music that is so strongly connected to a place, and to the history of that place.

Tell us about the brewery scene in Asheville. What is your favorite local beer?

The brewery scene here is going nuts! If I may quote NPR…”With more breweries per capita than any U.S. city, Asheville, North Carolina has become a sort of Napa Valley of beer.”

One of Ashevile’s oldest and best-known local micobreweries is Highland Brewing Company, located really close to my house here in east Asheville. Their Gaelic Ale was one of the first beers I ever really loved, so they will always have a special place in my heart! There are SO MANY great breweries here now though. We have really great water in Asheville, which has helped attract bigger breweries like Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and Oskar Blues. The smaller breweries, however, are of the greatest interest to me and there are really too many to name. I recently suggested a walking brewery tour in downtown to some friends and was surprised to realize you could walk to 6 breweries in a 1-mile loop on the “South Slope” of downtown. That’s pretty amazing to me. My favorite local beer is the Perfect Day IPA by Asheville Brewing. You can only get it at certain times of the year, which makes it more special, and especially delicious to toast with your friends after a long summer day of adventures.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF ASHEVILLE ON TREK TRAVEL’S CYCLING VACATION»

10 Fun Facts About Our National Parks

Posted on August 19, 2015 - 8:51 pm by keith_ritter

“These are the people’s parks, owned by young and old, by those in the cities and those on the farms. Most of them are ours today because there were Americans many years ago who exercised vision, patience, and unselfish devotion in the battle for conservation.”
– President Harry S. Truman

When you step into one of America’s 423 national parks, there are distinct characteristics that define the wilderness surrounding you. You can breathe deeply. You can see for miles. You can step off the grid. But there is also so much beneath the surface of America’s sacred nature reserves that cannot be described. There is a charm that must be experienced, a mystery that must be felt.

We can’t believe places like these exist, so in honor of National Parks Week, we want to share our top 10 national park facts and learn more about this incredible resource we are lucky enough to share. Every day people across America find their park, and it may be closer than you think. Read about our favorite features of America’s national parks, then get out and find yours.

Fun Facts About National Parks

1. Back In The Day: The U.S. National Park Service, the bureau responsible for protecting our parks, was founded in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act. However, the first national park was created many years earlier, when Congress passed an act establishing Yellowstone National Park in 1872.

2. Numbers Don’t Lie: Today there are 423 parks covering 84 million acres (roughly the size of Germany). These parks contain at least 247 species of threatened or endangered plants and animals, more than 75,000 archaeological sites and 18,000 miles of trails.

3. The Favorite Child: Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park, drawing more than 10 million recreational visits each year.

4. The Deep Blue Sea: Crater Lake National Park is home to America’s deepest lake. It’s 1,943 feet deep, enough to hide 1.5 Empire State Buildings, and holds 4.6 trillion gallons of water.

5. Liar, Liar: Crater Lake was not actually formed by a crater falling from the sky. On the contrary, it lies in a volcanic basin and was formed when Mount Mazama collapsed following a large eruption.

6. Things That Go Boom: North America’s largest supervolcano is located in Yellowstone National Park.

7. Brave the Caves: Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system known to the world, with more than 400 mapped miles of caves.

8. Think Big: Located in Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest park in the country. At six times the size of Yellowstone, it is the meeting point of four major mountain ranges and contains three climate zones, everything from giant glaciers to wetlands and volcanoes.

9. The Low Point: The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, is 282 feet below sea level.

10. End on a High Note: The highest point in North America is Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park, which stands at 20,320 feet tall.

Find Your Park

See the Parks

Three Keys to World-Class Customer Service

Posted on August 18, 2015 - 7:57 pm by keith_ritter

Sure, as Trek Travel cycling guides we get paid to ride high-end road bikes in beautiful destinations around the world. But as the face of our company, we have a responsibility to provide world-class customer service. Trek Travel evaluates itself on the ability to wow our guests, so as guides we must be equipped to deliver uncompromising service.

Companies talk all the time about providing exceptional customer service. Executives far removed from the front lines make promises and commitments that may or may not be fulfilled. But from someone who works directly with customers from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep each day, what exactly does it take to create an outstanding experience?

Here are three simple keys to customer service that I’ve learned from being a tour guide:

1. Ask The Customer What They Want

It sounds simple, but you will never know what someone wants unless you ask. Don’t assume you know what each customer is looking for and know that there isn’t one catchall solution. We like to say, “It’s your day, you decide.” In order to create a perfect vacation, the details are important. It’s impossible for us to know how far you want to ride, the type of food you like to eat, or your favorite type of wine to share at dinner unless we ask. And those are exactly the type of details that create a world-class experience.

2. Give The Customer What They Want

Asking the customer what they’re looking for is inadequate unless we listen to the response. We’ve seen it all and we’re here to be fun and flexible. So when someone says they want to take a helicopter off the top of Alpe d’Huez or get married in the Tuscan countryside, we don’t stop until we’ve found a way to make it happen. Will it be the perfect solution every time? No. But there’s really no such thing as a crazy request.

3. Go Above and Beyond

Meeting needs isn’t enough. There are too many great companies that successfully fulfill customer requests and deliver on their promises. Unfortunately that’s where a lot of people stop. What makes good customer service great is the desire to go above and beyond in exceeding expectations. As cycling vacation guides, part of our responsibilities include waking up early to clean bikes, fill water bottles, oil chains, pump tires and set up snack tables. What takes the service to another level is doing all of this with a smile on our face no matter how little sleep we had the night before and placing a piece of chocolate on your seat just to ensure that your day starts in the best way possible. When it comes to customer service, little things go a long way.

“My lasting memory of my time with Trek Travel was for the kind ride staff and logistical support crew who left nothing to chance. In all my years of travelling with my bike I’ve rarely encountered such a completely professional service with seemingly effortless attention to the details, no matter how small.” – Guy Andrews, a cycling journalist, author, and founder of Rouleur Magazine

The Suite Life

Posted on August 11, 2015 - 1:31 pm by keith_ritter

Madison’s most celebrated boutique hotel, The Mansion Hill Inn is renowned for its signature blend of intuitive service and warmly sophisticated design. For 160 years, the Mansion Hill Inn has been host to travelers from around the world and is today a chance to experience a glimmering time past. Discover our favorite Midwestern retreat when you join us for your personalized Project One experience.

In 1857, Alexander A. McDonnell bought a small wood lot on one of the most prominent hills in Madison. The town was nearly twenty years old by that point, and the fledgling state of Wisconsin was experiencing such a boom that the old Capitol building had been outgrown. McDonnell was the contractor for a new Capitol building and the lot he selected on what was known as Big Bug Hill was a short walk from the construction site. McDonnell hired the architect August Kutzboch, a German émigré who was renowned as one of the premier architects in Madison along with his partner Samuel Donnell. Together the two men built what McDonnell termed “the best house money could buy.”

The German Romanesque Revival building, considered by some to be the finest of its type in the country, includes wrought iron from the balconies to buttresses and arched windows. Inside the 9,000 square foot Madison hotel is a four-story, oval-shaped mahogany spiral staircase leading to a belvedere. Light passes into the marble foyer through etched Venetian glass windows. Originally, there were oil-painted wall designs.

The hotel’s days as a single-family residence ended at the turn-of-the-century. It then became a fashionable boarding house run by Carrie Pierce, where some of Madison’s most notable citizens lived. In the 1930’s, well after boarding houses fell out of favor, the building was converted into apartments, a condition that persisted until 1983, when the Alexander Company purchased the Inn, transforming it into a boutique hotel.

For over twenty years, the Mansion Hill Inn lived up to the ideals set forth by all those whom invested so much time, effort, and money into this house. In March 2008, the Mansion Hill Inn was purchased by Trek Bicycle and Trek Hospitality. At that point, Trek embarked on an extensive renovation project that sought to update the hotel’s amenities and preserve the home’s history. Each of the ten charming rooms has been restored, highlighting the property’s historical charm. Trek sought to expand the amenities available by preserving the hotel’s classic parlor and creating a majestic bar for entertaining. The house has been furnished with elegant pieces and state of the art fixtures. Additionally, Trek restored the belvedere at the top of the stairs and some of the ornate wrought-iron on the balconies and front porch among other pieces.

From its origins as a small woodlot on Big Bug Hill to Madison’s finest hotel on Mansion Hill, the sandstone home at 424 North Pinckney Street has emerged as a landmark in both the hospitality industry and the history of the city of Madison. The elegance, beauty, and history of the home undoubtedly will continue to impress visitors for many years to come.

Experience the Mansion Hill Inn on your Trek Factory Experience»

Guest Choice: Healdsburg, CA

Posted on July 17, 2015 - 2:21 pm by keith_ritter

Just north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma County lies the delightful city of Healdsburg. Surrounded by three major wine-producing regions, Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley, this is truly wine country. This charming city is a treasure for food-lovers and offers stunning views as you bike along the rolling hills of grape vines.

Our newly redesigned California Wine Country 4-Day Weekend trip takes you through these captivating landscapes and lets you unwind in the charming epicenter of Healdsburg. Here you can sip on very good wine at countless wineries and tasting rooms and feast on equally good food at one of the award-winning restaurants. In a city where old-town culture combines with new, award-winning features, Healdsburg will in some way or another win your heart. When you’ve got the time to take in the city on your own, here’s where I would go to get the most out of my visit.

Where To Go to Wander: Downtown Healdsburg
Just steps away from Hotel Healdsburg, take a stroll through the downtown center surrounding the town plaza. Each block is lined with charming shops, tasting rooms, galleries and outstanding restaurants. In true Wisconsinite-fashion, I search out specialty cheese shops to indulge in new bites of local flavors. Stop by the Cheese Shop of Healdsburg for local artisan cheeses and accoutrements and take your snacks and a blanket to the plaza for a relaxing afternoon picnic. Stop for a pick-me-up with the perfect cup of coffee at Flying Goat Coffee, or for a lovely cup of tea, chai, or hot chocolate. If you have Saturday morning available, be sure to visit the Farmers’ Market one block west of the Plaza to enjoy the the local food community.

Where To Go for Baked Goodss: Downtown Bakery & Creamery
Stopping in to this family run bakery is a must while visiting Healdsburg. Owner Kathleen opened this bakery in 1987 with her friends, all former colleagues at the award-winning and renowned Chez Panisse. Today Kathleen and her children run the bakery, serving up the best baked goods in the area. Using the best local and organic ingredients they can find, the quality of their creations is impeccable. Satisfy your post-biking sweet tooth with one (or two) of the famed sticky buns, or peel apart one of their fresh, buttery croissants. Don’t miss out on trying the cinnamon and sugar-dusted donut muffin that is raved about by locals and visitors.

Where To Go to Dine: Bravas Bar de Tapas
Healdsburg is considered the gourmet center of Sonoma County, and there is no shortage for where you can grab a really great bite to eat just a walk away from your hotel. Enjoy Bravas Bar de Tapas, awarded with “One of the top 20 tapas restaurants in the US” by Travel + Leisure and a “Top 100 Bay Area Restaurant” by the San Francisco Chronicle for the past three years. This tapas bar serves up traditional Spanish and modern tapas-style dining. Owners Mark and Terri Stark are James Beard nominees and own a few restaurants in Sonoma County, this one being their newest, and well-recognized already. They have created a relaxing and fun space to share plates and sip on a cocktail from their impressive drink menu. Sit out on the patio under romantic strings of lights and share the paella with a group of friends or try a selection of smaller plates. This restaurant is a top-choice for locals and visitors, so be aware of busy weekend nights. I’d recommend calling ahead to reserve a table, 707-433-7700. Read more culinary favorites by our Trip Design Manager Meagan Coates from her trip to California Wine Country, including Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and h2’s Spoon Bar.

Where to go for a snack and shopping: SHED
Winner of a 2014 James Beard Award for restaurant design, SHED is a community gathering space designed to bring us closer to the way we grow, prepare, and share our food. Part market, part café, part farm, this culmination is a delightful stop for fresh flavors and local shopping. Earlier this year we had the honor of interviewing owner Cindy Daniel to learn more about her creation of SHED. The offerings start with a large menu selection including beverages made at their fermentation or coffee bar and a café serving up combinations of fresh, local ingredients. While you’re there pick up artisan-made goods in their packed “pantry” that you won’t be able to resist perusing. Try a refreshing kombucha or shrub at their fermentation bar or a sandwich or salad from the café, grab a seat on the terrace and enjoy.

About Guest Choice:
You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.

Experience Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara

Posted on March 5, 2015 - 6:43 pm by keith_ritter

Join us as we take you along the undulating California coastline on our Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara vacation.

Our journey starts in the historic city Monterey, then visits the artsy town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, threads through Big Sur crossing the much photographed Bixby Bridge, continues on to San Simeon where you can visit the Hearst Castle, and finally makes it’s way through Cambria and Pismo Beach to the “American Riviera” of Santa Barbara. This unbelievable vacation will amaze even the most traveled cyclist with challenging routes, roaring surf, redwood forests, and historic state parks.

Day 2 of this vacation features the stunning (and flat) 17-Mile Scenic Drive, then winds its way along the coastline as you travel from Monterey to Big Sur.

6:30 AM
This morning you will awaken to the sights and sounds of Monterey in all its coastal glory. Leisurely make your way down to the C Restaurant at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa to enjoy a fresh breakfast.

10:00 AM
After breakfast you have two options for the first part of the day: walk down the street to tour the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or get up close to marine life in the Bay with a self-guided sea kayaking adventure. Located right on the coast, those who choose to visit the aquarium can view several spectacular exhibits both above and below the waterline. On the other hand, lucky kayakers may be rewarded for their paddling with a view of harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in their natural habitat.

12:00 PM
Board your bike to cruise along the famous 17-Mile drive to the artists’ enclave of Carmel-by-the Sea. Snaking it’s way through Pebble Beach Golf Course, this scenic ride passes Bird Rock with thousands of cormorants, the aptly named Seal Point, and Cypress Point with a grove that contains the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in the world. Upon arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore your surroundings and fuel up at a local bistro of your choosing for lunch. Located on one-mile of white sand beach, this town touts the sophistication of San Francisco and glamour of Hollywood nestled in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

1:30 PM
After lunch the road narrows and the sweeping views of the Big Sur coastline come into view. There are several riding distances for you to chose from, so make it your day. Along the way cross over the Bixby Bridge, which introduced automobile travel to the spectacular Big Sur coast in 1932. The terrain on our ride offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. This area has been compared to the Amalfi coast, minus the bumper-to-bumper traffic and giant tour buses. By the end of the ride you’ll appreciate the saying that this area is the “Greatest meeting of land & sea”.

7:00 PM
Upon arriving at tonight’s hotel, the Big Sur Lodge, relax and soak in the quiet and comfort of your surroundings. Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the redwoods around you will make it easy to escape and unwind after a long day on the bike. This evening, enjoy the cuisine made with organic ingredients and sustainable agriculture in the hotel dining room. Be sure to get plenty of rest tonight to prepare for another spectacular day tomorrow as your continue riding down the coast to your beachfront hotel in Cambria.

The Art of Finding a Great Hotel

Posted on October 14, 2014 - 6:03 pm by keith_ritter

The difficulty of finding a great hotel, one that meets everyone’s needs, is a pain that all travelers have felt. Yet our trip design manager, Meagan, tells us that booking the perfect hotel doesn’t have to cause headaches and anxiety. Today she shares her secrets on where to look and what questions to ask in order to get it right the first time.

“Whenever I am traveling (especially to a new destination) and I need a place to stay, I simply start by asking my friends. There is nothing quite as relevant and dependable as a strong personal recommendation. I’m lucky since most of my friends are in the travel industry and their word of mouth carries some serious weight.

If I can’t find a place I love based on what my pals have to say, I look to my favorite travel publications to see what nods they give hotels in the area that I’m planning to travel. Afar, Travel & Leisure, and the NY Times, as well as websites such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Relais Chateau, are all great places to look. I also check out online reviews, blogs and booking sites (such as Trip Advisor) to see how different hotels rank in the area.

Once I settle on a few options, I like to dig into the exact location on a map. Is it within walking distance to all of the attractions I would like to visit? And more importantly for me personally, what kind of restaurants are nearby? The hotel website is my next reference—I look at the rooms and room types to decide what best suits me. I look for super detailed information about the hotel breakfast and coffee options. If they don’t have great coffee I am not going! It’s sometimes nice to have tasty dining options on site and entertainment as well, even if it is just a cozy lounge or terrace with a view to enjoy a beverage.

Of course, the amenities and services are important to keep in mind. Does the hotel have a sauna, mini bar, bike rental or fitness center? I look around the hotel site for special offers and sometimes (gasp!) even pick up the phone to see if I can talk to the friendly reservation department about getting the best room available at the best price or complimentary valet, breakfast or another perk.

After all that, I just kick back and imagine myself on vacation! If I am lucky, I won’t spend too much time at the hotel because I will be out riding my bike or exploring.”

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, Meagan!

No Such Thing As The Slowest Rider

Posted on August 14, 2014 - 11:00 am by keith_ritter

Ever wanted to go on a cycling vacation but feared you’d be the slowest rider on the trip? Or maybe your travel partner is a much stronger rider than you and you’re worried about getting left behind.

At Trek Travel, we want to ease your fears. Rest assured that on a Trek Travel vacation you can choose your mileage. Part of our mission is to show people the world by bike, at their pace, every time, with unrivaled support and flexibility. Trek Travel trips are built for riders of all disciplines, fitness levels and skill sets. We understand that it is your day and your vacation, and we want you to decide how to spend it. Consequently, our trips are defined by flexibility.

We strive to accommodate the wishes of our guests, while also maintaining the integrity of the trip for the entire group. You can ride as much or as little as you’d like. You can ride at your own pace and stop for a coffee if you wish. You can opt out of any event or ask us to facilitate the addition of an event. Tell us what you’re comfortable doing, and we’ll make it happen. But how?

First, each day you will be provided with three different ride options. There is a featured ride, a short route, and an avid route. Our expert trip designers know the regions, and will never take you into uncharted territory or untested roads. Choose your preferred route in the morning based on how you’re feeling each day, but know that you can always hop in the van if your legs aren’t up to the task or add on extra miles if you’ve still got energy to burn.

Secondly, almost all trips will have two guides to support your rides. One guide will provide support from the van, and the second guide will provide support from the bike. We do our absolute best to ensure that the van driver sees every rider at least twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Furthermore, guides riding support are expected to “float” through the group, avoiding sticking with any single guest or group for the entire ride.

But how effectively do we provide the unrivaled support that we boast? It has been described as ‘magic’. Guests have said that every time they turned a corner, needed water, or wanted to take off their jacket, a guide was there. But we’ll let the testimonials speak for themselves:

“The guides were all exceptional, and did a great job of supporting all riders across the spectrum of ability. It was great to be able to enjoy some challenging rides and not have to think about logistics/mechanical issues/water etc. The level of support throughout the whole trip was truly excellent.” – Marta

“I felt the guides did a great job of juggling the demands of a varied group…my husband could enjoy the demands of the big days and hills while I could be shuttled over some passes yet still enjoy the stellar views on the coast. I was never made to feel I was a ‘bother’” – Nancy

“The trip design was excellent. There were several ride options each day, which allowed individuals to challenge themselves or take it easy and have a rest-day of sorts. I enjoyed the opportunity to climb some challenging “hills” and the support from the guides along the way made me confident that I could tackle any route option.” – Jonathan

Trek Travel’s Hotel of the Year

Posted on April 15, 2014 - 1:03 pm by keith_ritter

Being experts in the world’s best bicycle vacations is not a title we take lightly.

We’ve spent years researching the ins and outs of every place worth visiting. Collectively, we are a team of seasoned travelers who have been to almost every corner of the Earth. We have experienced firsthand the tranquil hilltop villages of Tuscany, the ancient temples of Myanmar, and the dazzling shores of Costa Brava. Fortunately for you, we want to share our passion. Our hotel of the year award is designed to highlight the best of the best, the hotels that standout above the rest. They are magical places where moments are pure and experience is everything. Together they redefine charm and exceed every expectation of hospitality. Winning our Hotel(s) of the Year Award, it is our pleasure to honor Moraine Lake Lodge and Chateau de Mazan.

Dreamy. That is the word that comes to mind when we think about Moraine Lake Lodge in Banff, Canada. The photos can speak to the beauty of the lodge but cannot capture the oasis away from busy life that the owners have created. It is a place without phones or TVs to interrupt relaxation. This spectacular lodge is the ultimate spot for a getaway to the pristine Canadian Rockies. It is situated just a short distance to Lake Louise, one of the most photographed sites in the region. From this dreamy launch pad, breathe the fresh mountain air and create lasting memories with your travel partners or family. Enjoy delightful days filled with adventure, be it biking, hiking, or canoeing. The water on tap at the lodge is some of the freshest in the world, coming straight from their alpine mountain well. The food is nothing short of divine; the lodge has one of the top gourmet restaurants in the Park. The Walter Wilcox Dining Room offers an outstanding menu showcasing regional specialties like our favorite dish, the deer tenderloin with red currants and juniper berries. In sync with the natural surroundings, the lodge is self-sufficient and has high environmental standards. When it comes to service, this place is exceptional. Their staff is knowledgeable about the area and treats you like a friend from the moment you step through the door. What more could you want on your Canadian Rockies adventure? For the World’s Best Awards, Moraine Lake Lodge is consistently rated nearly perfect in guest evaluations. In the words of a guest, “We were thrilled with the Trek Travel selection of Moraine Lake Lodge.” So are we.

Now travel across the Atlantic Ocean, replace fresh Rocky Mountain air with the scent of luscious lavender, and transport yourself to France. La belle vie spills over in Provence. The leisurely pace of life, the cozy cafés, the local markets, and the historic relics meld to create la vie Provençale. For avid bikers, the epic climb of Mont Ventoux stands waiting to be conquered. For foodies – Michelin-starred meals, wine tastings, and a renowned cooking course tantalize your taste buds. Welcome to Chateau de Mazan—a member of the prestigious Chateau et Hotels Collection. Nestled in the tiny town of Mazan only a short distance from the base of Mont Ventoux, this 4-star property is undeniably beautiful. Originally built in 1720 during the Regency Period, it became the property of the notorious Marquis de Sade and hosted the first Theatre Festival. Fast-forward to 2001 and the new owner, Mme Lhermie, transformed the Chåteau into the quaint, charming hotel it is today. The hotel staff is focused on the essence of hospitality—welcoming each and every guest as part of their family and making everyone feel truly at home. As distinguished guests of Trek Travel you will be treated as trusted friends and you will be put at ease in a manner that is only possible in Provence. Just 30 rooms, a perfectly landscaped garden, and a French gourmet restaurant await. Chateau de Mazan will wow you. And the evening before you ride the famed Mont Ventoux, you want nothing less.

Designing a Santa Barbara vacation

Posted on January 22, 2014 - 9:28 am by keith_ritter

We asked one of our trip designers, Rebecca Falls, to tell us about her creative process in designing a new trip. She takes it one better and told us how she designed our new Santa Barbara long weekend trip for this year. In the cold temps of Wisconsin, this sounds like quite the escape.

It’s a February morning. I’m laying on a broad expanse of warm tile under the bright California sun, waiting for a train. And I can’t keep the smile off my face.

This time of year I would normally be in Asheville, North Carolina, where I live and work from home as a trip design coordinator. The weather in Asheville in February…let’s just say there’s not much sun-basking going on. But on this beautiful morning I am outside the Santa Barbara Train Station with my friend Tim, preparing to test a day of the Santa Barbara Long Weekend bike trip I am designing.

What goes into designing a new trip? I’m sure there are as many approaches as there are people who do it, like any creative process, but I start with a simple question: How would I like to spend my day? Given a short period of time in an amazing place I may only visit once (there are many places to see, after all!)…how would I BEST spend my day.

The train pulls up and Tim and I grab our bikes and climb aboard. Soon we are heading west, along the Gaviota Coast. The views are incredible as miles of unspoiled coastline slip past and seabirds sail over small waves. With the Pacific out the window to our right and coastal mountains and ranches to the left, we can’t decide where to look. So we do our best to take it all in and before we know it the train has rounded Point Conception and we are headed north toward our stop: Surf Beach.

From here we ride our bikes inland, enjoying a terrific tailwind! Ahh, glorious and the miles zip past. Once we reach Lompoc and the western end of Santa Rosa Road (home to the Santa Rita Hills Wine Appellation), I am on familiar ground, having guided trips in this area before. On the new trip, guests will continue riding to a winery for a tasting and picnic, then on to the wine country towns of Solvang and Los Olivos. But, for Tim and I, our research for the day is done and we explore Lompoc for a coffee stop before riding back to the train station into the wind that had been at our backs before. We laugh as we scream stories to one another over the gale and arrive back in Surf Beach in time for our train and a repeat of the morning’s gorgeous ride.

Back in Santa Barbara I wander over to the impressive Moreton Bay Fig Tree on the train station grounds, then start the walk back to my hotel. The sunshine, our companion all day, is fading to pink hues in the west-southwest. My mind is full of moments from a day well spent. I’m putting it all together in my head…and I decide that I’m probably not the only one who would like to spend my day this way.

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Category Archives: Trip Design

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Designing a Santa Barbara vacation

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