Adventure Associates

Adventure Associates Celebrates 20 Years
of making travel dreams come true

Seattle, WA - May, 2007 - In 1987, Adventure Associates of Washington created its mission: to create travel opportunities that promote an ethic of care, and nurture a sense of global relationship. After twenty years of travel in this mode, our mission has not


Sheryl M. & Sandy atop Mt. Kili

changed, but the travel industry has certainly caught on. Phrases like "Ecotourism," "green travel," and "global responsibility" are prevalant now more than ever in the media and our popular culture. Even the philosophy of the "Real Traveller," one who travels "off the clock" and "off the beaten trail," has become a mainstream ideal for travel enthusiasts.

"Our first trip was to Africa. That was before you could fly directly into Kilimanjaro airport," says owner Sandra Braun, celebrating her tenth year of running the business independently. "To this day, my biggest joy is hearing from a traveler who has just returned from Africa. They'll admit their purpose in traveling was to see the wildlife, but they return with an overwhelming compassion for the people, the traditional village life, and the perspectives they've gained in having interacted so genuinely with the Maasai, the Hadzabe or the Tatog."


A lucky Orca whale photo from Bobbie M.'s disposable camera!

Families, groups of friends, and women travellers have come to Adventure Associates for twenty years to fulfill their travel dreams. And for all of these years, we have continued to offer high-quality programs - internationally and in our own backyard: the great playground of the Pacific Northwest. From gourmet hiking and rafting in the North Cascades and Grand Tetons, and Wilderness Retreats on the Olympic Coast, to cross-country skiing from a lodge high on Mt. Assiniboine in Canada, we have offered a wide variety of summer and winter programs. In recent years, the summer focus has centered on our beloved Orca Whales in the San Juan Islands, featuring 3-day and 6-day kayaking programs and multi-sport adventures, while our annual Yellowstone Cross-Country Ski Safari attracts winter worshippers.

"I can't begin to describe the feeling of freedom this trip to has come to represent to me. I have felt a desire, since entering my fifties, to take a trip with a group of women; to finally act upon that desire is both satisfying and empowering. I'm hopeful it is the first in many trips of its kind," remarks Ruth H. upon registering for her first all women trip. Women's travel has always been a staple of Adventure Associates programming. In the earliest stages, Empowerment Weekends led to Women-Only Travel Adventures in the US and abroad. The leadership and confidence-building retreats enabled women to see the great benefits of being in the field together - interacting in a safe and fun environment - and they encouraged an acceptance of women travelers worldwide. This acceptance has opened doorways for independent and groups of women travelers around the world.


Robin S. & friend in Machu Picchu

"I believe I have been to 8 different destinations with Adventure Associates," says Robin S. "There have been so many magnificent memories, it is hard to pick a favorite. Peru offered up a big highlight: after nearly completing a rather challenging trek across the Andes mountains, it actually took my breath away to get that first view of Machu Picchu, looking down at it from the trailhead above. A once in a lifetime experience!" Robin is looking forward to her next all-women's adventure with us: a 21-day cultural immersion and multi-sport trip to Laos & Cambodia in the fall of 2007.


Sandy with Tatog women of Lake Eyasi, Tanzania

Another integral part of the Adventure Associates mission, which we attempt to realize on every trip, is Giving Back to the communities we visit. Over the past 4 years, we have helped to build showers and bathroom facilities at a remote camp on the shores of Lake Eyasi, Tanzania. In over twenty years of visiting the remote areas of the Sierra del Madre of Mexico, we have brought food goods to indigenous families living in the hills. Our trip participants also contribute in their own ways: by raising money for Tsunami relief efforts, or giving gifts through the Heifer Project or SEVA. Read more about how Adventure Associates has been Giving Back for twenty years at: www.AdventureAssociates.net.

While we continue to provide high quality and unique programs, the true spirit of our trips is generated by our guests. One example comes from the East African coast: Betty Bess is a trip participant who joined 15 trips with Adventure Associates in just


Betty B. hiked Desolation Peak twice, summitting on her second attempt

11 years, and travelled with us until she was eighty. One early morning in the Lamu Archipelago, she was setting foot into a Dhow, a traditional sailboat, and it was so dark, she simply stepped off the boat and right into the water. After a full day of no wind and a very late arrival to Kiwayu Island, she was the one who raised the spirits of the group by saying cheerfully, "Never take the 'Adventure' out of 'Adventure Associates'!" Later on, the boat guide took a swim to retrieve a beautiful shell, presenting it to her in thanks for keeping the spirit of adventure alive. We honor participants like Betty - amazing men and women who travel with open hearts and open minds, active bodies and positive attitudes - because they make up the heart and create the energy of the Adventure Associates experience.


'Tarahumara Woman with woven baskets' by Pat Shuman

In this celebratory year, we also pay tribute to our trip participants who are inspired by the landscapes in which they play and people with whom they interact. Throughout the years, we have been gifted with photographs, paintings, postcards, poetry and other words of appreciation. Our travellers who embrace their hobbies and passions are open to new experiences; they return with changed perspectives and wonderful artwork. Pat Shuman is one traveller and artist who has always been inspired by her experiences and cultural interactions, as can be seen in her paintings.

What is in store for returning and future Adventure Associates' "Real Travellers"? Sandra Braun replies, "As always, you can expect specially-designed, well thought out trips all around the globe. By focusuing on small group tours that tend to enrich the travel experience, we can build in components of cultural immersion, active recreation, great cuisine, market shopping, wildlife experiences, travel for women only, and Giving Back...all of which give the traveller - the Adventure Associates "Real Traveller" - a full cross-cultural experience."


"Real Travellers" in Copper Canyon, Mexico

So when you are ready to step outside of your world, from one known, well worn trail to a fresh cut path through new terrain, give Adventure Associates a call. We've been making travel dreams come true for 20 years...the next adventure step is yours!

Read more Testimonials from Past Participants or see our Photo Gallery of Past Trips.

For more information about Adventure Associates
Cultural & Wildlife Adventures for Women or for Everyone, visit:

www.AdventureAssociates.net

Email: info@AdventureAssociates.net
Phone: 206-932-8352

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PO Box 16304 Seattle, WA 98116-0304 Ph: 206-932-8352

Adventure Associates Celebrates 20 Years of making travel dreams come true

www.AdventureAssociates.net

Adventure Associates Celebrates 20 Years
of making travel dreams come true