Why Zephyr Adventures is headed to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — and why you should come with us. The tip came from a traveler, the way the best tips always do. The Story Behind the Tour — and Why It Makes It Better Susan has been on eight Zephyr Adventures tours. She knows what we look Continue Reading →
Author: Allan
Celebrating Zephyr’s 30th Anniversary
A note from Zephyr Founder & Owner Allan Wright On August 4th, 1997 I quit my corporate job and flew to The Netherlands to research the country for the the first tour location of what was to become Zephyr Inline Skate Tours, the world’s first inline skating (Rollerblading) tour company. I was young, commitment free, Continue Reading →
Oregon is Best for an Active Vacation
I would put forth the idea that for an active, outdoor vacation, Oregon might be the best state in the country. Why? Geographic variety. Portland Oregon’s main city – despite what you sometimes hear in the news – is fun and vibrant. Start here. It really doesn’t matter whether you stay in the downtown area Continue Reading →
Europe’s New Entry/Exit System
As of October 2025 but apparently only fully operational as of April 10, European countries in the Schengen zone have implemented a new biometric Entry/Exit System registration process for non-European travelers. This includes fingerprinting and a facial scan. The registration is good for three years or until the passport expires. In theory, this means subsequent Continue Reading →
Why Bolivia and Oman Have a Lot in Common
In 2026 we ran both an Oman Multisport Adventure and a Bolivia Multisport Adventure. Both tours were part of our new Exploratory Adventure series. Beyond that, they have a surprising amount of similarities. Dramatic Landscapes Both Oman and Bolivia have dramatic landscapes that are one of the main reasons for visiting each country. Oman has Continue Reading →
Are US State Department Travel Advisories Useful or Political?
In May 2025 the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland were moved from Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions to Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution. The change also affected Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and most of Europe. The advisories cited increased risk of terrorism. But Austria, Switzerland, and most of Eastern Europe remain at Level Continue Reading →
Who Created Flaeming Skate: The World’s Best Inline Skating Network?
We have already written before (and more recently here) about one of the world’s best inline skating networks of trails, the Flaeming region in Germany. Read that post first if you are not familiar with the trails. But how did it come to be? We checked in with our friend Uwe Kuhlmey, the owner and Continue Reading →
All About Germany’s Flaeming Skate Trail Network
Germany’s Flaeming Skate region south of Berlin is relatively unknown among the world’s inline skaters and bicyclists. Yet it has one of the finest trail networks anywhere in the world. Having recently run a tour there with 14 cyclists and skaters, I will take this opportunity to talk about the area’s pros and cons. What Continue Reading →
How to Take Great Action Photos on a Tour
I have been looking at photos from our travelers, guides, and staff for the past 29 years. It is not easy to take great action photos – or even good group shots. Here are a few tips for you, along with examples. Set the Stage in Advance The best action shots rarely happen by accident. Continue Reading →
Travel with the de Cocquéau Brothers in Belgium
Having a great local guide can be the final component that turns a very good vacation into an amazing experience. In Belgium, we double that recipe ingredient by using the brothers Yannick and Jérémie de Cocquéau as our local guides. Yannick de Cocquéau Yannick is adept at what he describes as a “Burgundian Lifestyle” which Continue Reading →