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 →
Zephyr Travel Blog
Apennine Mountains: The Trip Most Travelers Don’t Know They’re Missing
Why Hiking Italy’s Apennine Mountains Is the Destination Travelers Don’t Know They’re Missing When people dream of Italy, they usually picture Florence, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast. Iconic places, without question — and often crowded, fast-paced, and familiar. But there’s another Italy.A quieter Italy.One best discovered slowly, on foot, along historic mountain paths where daily 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 →
Southwest Parks Hiking: Three Iconic Parks, One Unforgettable Journey
Imagine trading your everyday scenery for towering sandstone cliffs, winding slot canyons, and some of the most jaw-dropping views in the world. Our Southwest Parks Hiking Adventure is the chance to experience three of the country’s most iconic national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. But that’s not all! You’ll also uncover hidden Continue Reading →
Where are the Apennine Mountains?
Where are the Apennine Mountains? That is a question to which most Americans do not know the answer. Almost No Tourists We recently ran our first tour in the Apennine Mountains, a seven-day hiking adventure. From the moment we left our meeting city to the point we reached our final destination, we saw only two Continue Reading →
The Miami Valley Trails Among the Best in the World
Back in 2017 I wrote a blog post called “The Best Paved Trails in the World are in … Ohio“, which is all about the Miami Valley Trails network in Ohio. Do I still back up that claim? Maybe. The Miami Valley Trails network is located in the southeast corner of Ohio in the vicinity Continue Reading →
7 Days of Hiking Bliss in Portugal: From Sintra’s Palaces to Algarve’s Beaches
Portugal surprised me in all the best ways. On a recent scouting trip for our upcoming Portugal hiking tour, I was blown away by the country’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine. This new itinerary is designed with adventure and culture in mind. It takes us from the lush forests of Sintra to the Continue Reading →
Why Traveling with Women Changes Everything
As a guide on our women-only trips, I get a front-row seat to something truly special. From the first hike to the last dinner, there’s a kind of energy that only comes when women come together to explore, challenge themselves, and share experiences. I love watching how quickly everyone opens up—laughing, swapping stories, offering encouragement, Continue Reading →
Krakow is One of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe
That is quite a statement: Krakow is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. But I believe it to be true. The city is actually spelled Kraków and not Krakow or – worse – Cracow as I used to see it spelled. It is pronounced Kra-koof. But regardless of how it is spelled Continue Reading →