Things You Should Know - We Have Expectations Too
In order to make this trip the most exciting, fun-filled, and
educational adventure you will ever have, we want you to know what you can expect. At this
time, we also want to answer the most frequently asked questions about this very special
program.
What is so special
about Austria?
Our pre-trip presentation will provide you with a lot of helpful and
interesting information about our destination (Presentation dates to be announced). We
will introduce you to this wonderland for nature lovers, a place of rugged beauty and
age-old mysteries. You will be captivated by the views from majestic mountain ranges and
the reflections of the sun in the clean and inviting waters of the streams and lakes
throughout the land. You will admire the dazzling architecture and eventful history of the
castles and palaces en route.
You will get information about basic fundamental items such as climate expectations;
store, post office and
banking hours; currency, use of telephone and credit cards, and more. You will be
introduced to various
customs and habits of the land and its people. The presentation will include an
informative video, slides with
oral commentary, fact sheets and other materials, plus a question and answer session.
What kind of people will be on this trip?
Generally, we are looking for team players that want to share this
unforgettable, fun-filled, and educational
journey within an active group. At the same time, you should be able to enjoy yourself on
occasional solitary adventures. While many activities are conducted in a group setting,
there is also room for exploration and discoveries on your own terms. You should possess
an open-mind, be curious, and like to enjoy new experiences with similar minded
individuals. You should have a sense of adventure and like to challenge your mind as well
as your body.
Will I be fit enough for the active parts of the
program?
If you are able to survive a shopping spree in the mall during any
day of the holiday season, then you will be
able to participate in all of our hikes (equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear).
If you can handle the stress and anxiety of local rush hour travel in your car, then you
will be sufficiently prepared for our scenic bicycle tour (without the hassle of traffic).
If you are capable of dressing yourself without fainting while looking down at your shoes,
you will manage the basic rockclimbing skills (under instruction and constant supervision
of our professional mountaineers). If you can stand a walk in the rain or perhaps a drive
during a thunderstorm, you will qualify for our rafting adventure.
Will I have difficulties in handling the rich
Austrian cuisine?
Well, if you have ever had a fast food hamburger, pizza, taco or
similar culinary experience -- then get ready for some real food!! Austrian cuisine by
nature is quite hardy and is a real treat! We strongly encourage visitors to try the local
munchies. However, there will also be "healthy meal" alternatives along the way.
For those of you diet-conscious individuals, keep this in mind -- the very nature of this
active and adventurous program will allow you to burn more calories on any given day than
you might possibly burn in a whole week in your office and fitness club combined (unless
you are a fitness instructor or a professional athlete). Tired of the same old drinks? If
you enjoy the recreational use of alcohol, you just found paradise!!
But what about the language barrier?
Don't worry! Your guides will be there to assist you by giving you a
briefing on important words and phrases (quite helpful if you have ever looked at a
foreign menu). Besides this, almost every Austrian is at least somewhat educated in
English (mandatory subject in highschools). More importantly, you will discover that most
Austrians are happy to help. Since we also have an educational agenda to fulfill, you will
also find out how amusing it can be to explore other communication tools (arm and leg
movements, gestures, facial expressions etc.).
What else is
important? Here is our CHECKLIST:
You need a passport, valid for six months after departure date.
No visa or vaccinations are required to enter Austria.
We highly recommend that you purchase pre-trip, baggage, and travel insurance.
EQUIPMENT
Footwear,
footwear, footwear!!!
Although all of our hikes are fairly easy, we will be on our feet a
lot. Therefore it is essential to have solid
shoes with slip-proof soles and ankle support. If they are also waterproof then you are a
step ahead of the
game. In short - you will need a good pair of hiking boots and some time to break them in
(if possible before you leave American soil).
Please note: for our
hikes, sneakers are an absolute "no-no."
Raingear!
Most of our outdoor activities will take place rain or shine.
Therefore, appropriate raingear will keep you dry and happy. We recommend a breathable
Gore-Tex system which means that you stay dry from the outside (waterproof material) and
inside (ventilation system exports built up moisture).
Daypack!
For any single day program, you might want to carry a number of
things including raingear, hat and gloves
(for high altitude areas), a small first aid kit, Swiss Army knife (or similar),
sunglasses, sunscreen, water
bottle, snack, camera/video equipment, film, extra batteries, writing utensils, and some
personal things
(medication, toiletries, etc.).
Attitude!
Relax, explore, enjoy! Afterall, this is vacation! However, since we
will be travelling in a group, we all need to work on making friends rather than pushing
our individual agendas. With a little patience and cooperation, a helping hand and a
smile, we will be able to overcome any and all potential problems together.
FINAL WORDS OF
WISDOM
If you are looking to further grow as an individual, to build
friendships along the way, and to collect special
memories that will last a lifetime, MOSTLY AUSTRIA -
On And Off The Beaten Path
will give you just that: the opportunity to explore a fascinating country . . . and
yourself.
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IN AUSTRIA!!