There are more than 3,100 miles of whitewater rivers in Idaho, more than any other state in the lower 48 states. You can take on these mighty rivers in rubber rafts, kayaks, canoes, drift boats or jet boats led by an experienced guide from an licensed outfitter or on your own.

You can choose a leisurely trip on calm waters, or a heart-pounding run through boiling rapids. And, the choices don’t end there. Select from a number of trips including a half-day float, a day-long trip or excursions lasting up to several days. The longer, overnight trips include camping, gourmet Dutch oven-made dining, and opportunities along the way to fish for trout or steelhead. The long float trips also give you the chance to see many forms of wildlife in their natural setting.

Snake River

The Snake River makes its way across the plains of southern Idaho before plunging into Hells Canyon. Float trips and fly fishing experiences are offered on the river’s South Fork in eastern Idaho, raft trips through the demanding Murtaugh section in the state’s south central region east of Twin Falls, Idaho, or through Hells Canyon. Raft and jet boat the canyon from the Hells Canyon Dam or Lewiston, with raft trips beginning only from the dam.

Payette River

Great whitewater is available on the Payette north of Boise, Idaho. The Payette’s South Fork offers up the chance to raft, kayak or canoe. The North Fork features the Cabarton run, an 11-mile stretch with a mix of quiet sections and rapids with I to III Class rapids. Only experienced kayakers should attempt these waters. The Main Payette River has half-day trips excellent for beginners and families.

Salmon River

This legendary “River of No Return” has something for everyone. The Middle Fork is rated one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world. It is a wonderful catch-and-release trout fishery, and a series of Class III and IV rapids can be found in runs through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest of all designated wildernesses in the contiguous 48 United States. Floats on the Middle Fork are offered for 3, 5 or 7 days. The Main Salmon River has many rafting experiences on the 80-mile leg between Salmon, Idaho and Riggins, Idaho. You can choose from full-day and half-day trips downstream from Riggins, Stanley, Challis and Salmon, where stretches of this mighty river have both white-knuckle rapids and awesome scenery. The Lower Main Salmon runs north from Riggins first through basalt canyons and then next to open, grass-covered banks before joining the Snake River north of Hells Canyon. This part of the river is good for half-day, full-day trip or multi-day trips ranging from 10 to 50 miles in length.

Lochsa River

Lochsa means “rough water” in the Nez Perce Indian language. That gives you some idea of this river test. This river follows the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition through that part of the state and also parallels U. S. Route 12 near the Montana border in the southeast corner of the Idaho Panhandle. The upper section of the river features swift, technical water and many Class III and IV rapids. Many river rapids have nicknames. For example, “The Grim Reaper” on the Lochsa is an appropriate name for a favorite rapid of mine.

Selway River

The technical Class IV and V rapids on the remote Selway are only present for a few months in the spring and early summer. As it leaves the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness at Selway Falls on the Lower Selway, there is a 20-mile stretch ending with the river’s confluence with the Lochsa River. This stretch, east of Kooskia, Idaho, is best for beginners and families.

And, finally….

Whatever your choices, river running in Idaho will end up being an experience you won’t soon forget. Make your plans now for the thrill of whitewater boating. If you lack previous experience on whitewater, selecting an licensed outfitter makes sense. Your guide will be skilled, knowledgeable and carefully trained in first aid and all aspects of your river adventure. Hang on!
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Rafting the river rapids is a major adrenaline rush. If you are going to hit the rapids, you need to know some of the basic language thrown around in the sport.

As with any sport, it helps to have a basic understanding of the tools of the trade, techniques and such. Not only does this help you sound like you know what you are doing, but it actually gives you some insight into the process. Let’s take a look at some of the key components.

Dry Bag – A dry bag is a waterproof bag you can keep things in on the raft such as wallets, keys and such. Water is going to get all over the boat, so consider yourself warned. Most whitewater rafting companies provide them with trips.

CFS – This abbreviation refers to cubic feet per second, a measure of the speed and ferocity of the current. The more cubic feet of water moving per second, the more aggressive the rapids and, in my humble opinion, the more fun!

Eddie – An eddie is an area where the current stops or heads back up stream. This typically occurs on the down current side of boulders. It can be a good place to collect yourself for the next rapids.

Gradient – This term refers to the general verticality of the river. The higher the gradient, the “steeper” the river is. This higher gradient means faster water and typically a more exhilarating ride.

Hydraulic – Also referred to as a hole or various cuss words, a hydraulic is an area where water is super turbulent and can **** your raft under if sufficient in size. It is typically found at the bottom of a fall or behind a large obstacle where the gradient is high and the CFS is large.

Rapid – This is why you live to whitewater raft. Rapids are turbulent areas of the water which gives the sport its name. You pop in, out, over and every which way through them.

Life-Jacket – A flotation device. Wear them always. Don’t try to be cool. If you get thrown from the raft, which can happen, these will save you. This is particularly true if you smack your head on something.

This short list of terms should give you a head start on enjoying your trip. Get out there and fling yourself down one of Mother Nature’s roller coasters.
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Presently most guided canoe and kayak trips on the Grand River serve the purpose of getting customers safely down the river from start to finish. This is excellent for the beginner focused on navigating the river. But the guided day trips are weak in the hands-on interpretive wilderness experience.

Grand River Rafting has recognized a need to change the guiding services for the returning visitor. Returning customers often express a desire for a bigger wilderness learning experience; the guided “a” to “b” day trip lacks content depth. Unfortunately daytrip guides have specified traveling time frames, and the distance required restricts the time for content and teaching.

Grand River Rafting has chosen to shorten their canoe and kayak guided trips, the paddling time hour glass has been cut in half. The guided paddling day trips travel 8 kilometers or less in three to four hours. In replacement of the distance, the customer receives an enriched wilderness interpretative experience… a true learning adventure. These learning adventures not offer a river trip, but include a well rounded understanding of the Grand River Valley section they are paddling.

Hiring and recruiting of guiding staff is critical. Summer students are often limited in knowledge, there is not enough time to train and going beyond company recited scripts can be uncomfortable for students. Grand River Rafting has chosen to hire and work with knowledgeable local historian/interpretative staff with good communication skills as guides. They have created a true floating classroom with a solid teachers; one in which customers can return numerous times to paddle different section with different lessons.

The learning adventures offered cover native and settlement history in the Grand River Valley. Talks are given on birds, fish and wildlife, as well as visiting points of natural interest. There is the opportunity to learn tree identification as well as experience edible and medicinal plants. The trip is blended with history, science and geography as well as life stories and life values.

This new approach of using floating classrooms in lieu of the usual guided “a” to “b” day trips has branded Grand River Rafting as one of the best learning adventures presently offered in the Grand River Valley.
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The Austrian Alps are the perfect setting for a spa retreat. Away from modern day stress, they are a great place to switch off and relax. The majestic snow-capped mountains provide stunning views, and the fresh alpine air is a tonic for the health. Meadows of alpine flowers provide the ideal ingredients for spa treatments, and the great outdoors provides a plethora of exciting activities from walking to hang-gliding during the summer and autumn months, to snow sports in the winter.

Travellers who love getting back to nature will be in their element at an Alpine spa retreat and so will holiday-makers who take their health seriously and recognise the benefits of taking time out of their stressful lives. Skiers, hikers and other sports enthusiasts who love relaxing in a spa after a day of action will also find themselves right at home, as will those who simply enjoy luxurious beauty treatments. In the Alps you can truly get back to nature and rebalance mind, body and soul.

The Austrian Alps are brimming with luxurious Alpine spa hotels, however, one which will fulfill the highest demands of pampering pleasure is the 5-Star Alpine Palace New Balance Luxury Resort in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, in the Salzburg province of Austria. What makes this hotel unique is its contrast between grand exuberence and close attention to the smallest of details, as well as a mixture of Austrian tradition and modern luxury. As you enter the vast entrance hall you will be struck by the impressive glass elevator which appears to be a waterfall. Go in further and you will notice stylish pieces of hand-made wooden furniture, made by the hotel owner’s son – look out for more throughout the hotel.

Alpine Palace is easy to get to despite being right in the heart of the Alps. Take advantage of the shuttle bus or VIP chauffeur service from Salzburg and Munich airports. More info here: www.holiday-shuttle.at Alternatively, you could start your holiday “James Bond-style” by taking advantage of the hotel’s personal helicopter shuttle service. Herr Wolf, the owner of Alpine Palace, is an experienced pilot and it is his pleasure to fly you to the hotel! Or once you’re at the hotel, you could discover the Alpine region on a helicopter pleasure flight. Also not to be missed are a day trip to Mozart’s beautiful home town of Salzburg, and the endless number of activities all year round from canyoning to snowboarding.

After a day of being active it’s time to relax in the 1,500 m² spa. With saunas, outdoor saltwater pool and jacuzzi, indoor pool, heated loungers, relaxation rooms and sun beds, you can simply drift away to a place of pure harmony. In the beauty area, you can be pampered from head to toe with massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, wraps and packs. The competent staff will spoil you with luxury products from Decléor, Fuhlendorf, Alpienne, and Phytomer.

If your health is your number one priority then the Institute for Vitality Medicine is just what the doctor ordered. The 7 night programmes aim to teach you how to maintain a high level of health in your daily life providing you with more vitality and energy.

Awaiting you at Alpine Palace are also luxurious rooms & suites, delicious cuisine and luxury all-inclusive board. And especially for “healthspaguru.com” visitors a very special package ‘Wellness & Spa Indulgence in the Alps’ which includes luxurious treatments for HIM and HER, use of the spa, luxury board and organised outdoor activities.
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In a tiny Slovenian hamlet tranquillity reigns and village life is still dominated by the seasonal routines – driving the sheep up to high pastures when the snows clear, the daily process of turning their milk into cheese, hay-making (the meadows need to be cut 4 times a year – usually by hand!), mushroom-picking in the autumn and tending abundant little vegetable gardens to ensure a supply of fresh greens throughout the year. This calm, pastoral scene is set beneath the stunning, limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, which soar dramatically above the villages and hamlets on the rolling meadowland below.

The Julian Alps are the easternmost outpost of the Alpine range that stretches in a crescent across southern central Europe. They are named in honour of Julius Caesar (Cividale, just across the border in Italy, was founded by Caesar as Forum Iulii). The highest peak is Mount Triglav at 2,864m and the beautiful emerald So
a River rises in the heart of the Julian Alps, cutting a serpentine valley southwards into Italy, where it becomes the Isonzo.

A unique feature of these mountains is that they formed the front line of what became known as the Isonzo Front, during World War One. Between 1915 & 1917, the Italians faced the Austro-Hungarians on a battlefield like no other – the peaks and ridges of the high Alps – and today, there is still a lot of fascinating evidence of that conflict in the shape of lines of trenches, caves dug into the mountainsides, and some poignant memorials to the fallen, high up near the peaks.

2007 marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Caporetto, which saw a combined Austro-Hungarian and German force overwhelm their Italian opposition at the town of Caporetto, in what is now Slovenia, and advance to within 70 miles of Venice. This breakthrough marked the culmination of 2? years of bitter armed struggle amongst the formidable mountain peaks and high passes of the Julian Alps, where the awesome terrain made for supremely difficult conditions in which to fight.

Terrible terrain for battle undoubtedly, but the Julian Alps are majestic, soul-fortifying landscapes to walk through and explore in peacetime. And peace is what the friendly inhabitants of Kobarid (formerly Caporetto) and the surrounding villages enjoy in great abundance today. The walking [http://www.uplandescapes.com/Destinations/Destinations_Slovenia_Julian%20Alps_Walking.htm] is superb, and very varied. One can stroll down through the woods, accompanied by birdsong and the sound of mountain streams tumbling over waterfalls hidden amongst the trees. In the valley, these streams join the rushing, turquoise-blue waters of the So
a River tumbling over the rocks and hurtling through narrow defiles on the short journey to the Adriatic, while on the plateau above, there is a tiny, frescoed chapel, beautiful waterfalls and flower-filled meadows. A walk on the slopes and saddles of the Julian Alps themselves invariably yields breathtaking views across the valley to Italy, or into the wild, empty expanse of the Triglav National Park. Occasionally, one stumbles across a collapsed trench or an overgrown gun-emplacement, high on a windy ridge, but nature’s softening of the scars, and the sheep gently grazing on the gentians all around, are a reminder that there is more than a little truth in the adage “Pax Vincit Omnia”.

Slovenia has a very healthy population of wolves, lynx, and brown bears, although you are unlikely to meet any of them (the latter are said to have come north in large numbers to escape the upheavals following the break up of Yugoslavia – bears like a bit of peace and quiet). The forests are home to red deer, roe deer and wild boar, and in these mountains chamois and ibex can also be found. Pine and beech martens are present, as are hares, badgers and foxes. There is wealth of bird-life, including grouse and black grouse, birds of prey (golden eagle, buzzard, hawk, white-tailed eagle), owls (tawny owl, Ural owl, long-eared owl and eagle owl) and woodpeckers (green, black and grey). If you walk in the woods after rain you are almost certain to see the spectacular gold and black mottled skin of a salamander.

Slovenia is home to some 3000 plant species. The majority of the most interesting – of which 70 are endemic and so found only in Slovenia – are ‘Alpines’. These include the purple Zois Bellflower, Wulfen’s (pink) primrose, Triglav Hawksbeard and many others. Look out for the spectacular mountain lilies and numerous types of orchid. In general the climate and location contribute to lush meadow vegetation and varied deciduous woodland – characterized by well-managed beech forest.

The walking in this region is rewarding any time between May and October. In the spring, the upland meadows are thick with flowers, including many varieties of orchid, and snow lingers picturesquely on the mountain peaks. Summer can be hot, but the air is usually refreshing above 1500m and there are plenty of shady walks to choose from and cool mountain streams to paddle in. October offers crystal clear days and beautiful autumn colours.

There are plenty of activities [http://www.uplandescapes.com/Destinations/Destinations_Slovenia_Julian%20Alps_Non-Walking.htm] available in the area. The So a River and its tributaries are superb for organised activities like white-water rafting, canoeing, hydrospeed and canyoning. It is also possible to fish for the marbled trout which is unique to these waters. There are also tandem paragliding flights, horse- riding and mountain biking to be enjoyed. There is an open car-train from Most na So
i to Bohinjska Bistrica, which enables you to visit the beautiful lakes of Bled and Bohinj for the day. The little town of Tolmin has a farmer’s market on a Saturday, selling all manner of delicious seasonal treats, whilst a drive to the head of the So
a Valley really takes the breath away, culminating in 25 hair-pins to the Vrši
Pass. The small market town of Kobarid is home to an award-winning museum focusing on the battles of the WW1 Isonzo/So
a front. If you wish to venture over the border, you could spend the day in the charming Italian town of Cividale, with its medieval centre, Celtic hypogeum, Lombard temple, 15th C cathedral, and museums.

There are daily flights from the UK to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, and regular low-cost flights to Trieste (Italy) too, from where is it only 1 ? hours drive over the border to the So
a River area.
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It’s easy to find an all inclusive vacation in Jamaica but the majority are for families. That’s great for people with kids and fine for those who don’t mind having kids around at their holiday resort. Many couples with grown up children, enjoy being freed from the demands of family vacations. The last thing these couples want is to have to spend their holiday with other people’s children around them instead of their own.

There are however, several very good couples-only vacation resorts in Jamaica that can be booked on an all inclusive basis. Three are owned by the same company and are called “Couples”. One is in Negril, one in Sans Souci and the other is in Ocho Rios. We enjoyed a glorious sixteen day holiday at Couples, Ocho Rios a few years ago. Being naturists, we were attracted to this hotel because it has a clothes-optional facility in the form of a tiny island, a hundred metres or so out from the hotel opposite the main beach. The island is served by a beautiful swim up bar and a boat to take you there and back at any time you want throughout the day. Most of the island is covered with decking on which sun loungers and hammocks are set out to furnish guests with comfortable seating. There is exactly the right amount of coconut palms to provide the sunbathers with a perfect combination of sun and shade at all times of the day. The island is an idyllic place to do nothing all holiday except sunbathe, swim and enjoy the drinks and snacks provided at the swim up bar. But even fanatical sun worshippers like ourselves will want to take some time out and see a bit of Jamaica during their stay.

Without any doubt, the most enjoyable excursion for us was a raft trip on the Rio Grande, Jamaica’s longest river that runs from the Blue Mountains into the sea. Tours, organised by the hotel, start with a fascinating coach journey to Port Antonio, calling in at the famous Blue Lagoon along the way. This was the setting for the film Castaways and it is indeed the most beautiful and peaceful place you could ever wish to swim in. Don’t expect a beach however. The Blue Lagoon hasn’t got one and the film’s beach scenes were shot elsewhere.

The starting point of the raft trip is at Berridale, six miles by road and nearly three hours by raft from the sea. The rafts are thirty two feet long and constructed from bamboo poles lashed together. The deck area has a seat for two passengers at the stern whilst a dreadlocked boatman, stands further forward and steers the raft with a long, bamboo pole.

You are taken at a leisurely pace for most of the way, occasionally picking up speed to cross stretches of the river that might be described as minor rapids. The boatman provides his own brand of constant entertainment, telling many far-fetched yarns about the rich and famous people he has transported in his raft or by singing some Bob Marley favourites to you.

The photo opportunities of the voyage are virtually incessant. As well as some beautiful scenery and wildlife in the form of vultures and other exotic birds, your navigator also creates many pictures worth snapping as he stylishly poles the raft, guiding it through its tricky course. There is always a colourful array of tropical plants to admire on the banks of the river and your guide is most eager to tell you their local names and provide interesting stories or folklore about their uses or associations.

Along the way, you will pass other rafts selling refreshments and the boatman will suggest that he stops for you to buy a can or two of Red Stripe lager or some trinket souvenirs. He is also likely to invite you to take a swim in a particularly inviting part of the river where it is perfectly safe to do so.

The big advantage of going on a trip organised by the hotel is that when you get to your destination at St Margarets Bay, your coach will be awaiting you. If you organised the trip yourself you would have to find some way of getting back to Berridale to pick your car up.

As well as rafting, there are many more wonderful places to visit and things to do in Jamaica but if you prefer not to go on excursions full of kids and want to enjoy your vacation as an exclusively couples only experience, my best travel tip is to book your vacation at one of the “Couples” all Inclusive Hotels. The best time to go is between December and April, when Jamaican weather is at its best and the waters of the Rio Grande are not too swollen or rapid.
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“The best family adventure vacation we have ever had.”

“In this fast paced world I never get the time to spend with my teenagers.
This is an excellent way to stop the clock and have fun with them.
Thanks for the trip of a lifetime!”

“My goal was to have a special time with my granddaughter and we did.
She does not stop talking about all the things she accomplished! I
cannot think of anything I would have liked differently. Keep up the good
work!”

Wonderful comments like these are regularly heard by adventure travel
outfitters from their clients. Whether it is on a family rafting vacation, at a
dude ranch, or participating in a wildlife expedition, family adventure
holidays seem to be some of the most satisfying and rewarding
vacations available. What is it about these vacations that make them so
memorable and enjoyable? And what planning steps are suggested to
families considering an outdoor adventure for their next family vacation
to help make that trip impactful as those described above?

Family adventure holidays are successful in large part because of the
challenges they provide and the camaraderie that results from
successfully meeting those challenges. There is nothing like climbing up
on a horse for the first time and pulling on the reins to get it to gallop
through a mountain meadow, or paddling a bouncing raft through eight-
foot waves. Successfully steering your horse or helping paddle a raft
through a rapid are what makes family rafting vacations and adventure
holidays so rewarding. What a great feeling it is to face a challenge and
do well! And, when you do this as a member of a group or team,
everyone celebrates! When was the last time your family worked and
played together to overcome a common challenge!?!? Simply put, the
teamwork required in most adventure activities brings people together,
friends, strangers, and families alike.

Of course, it is very important to be as prepared as possible for any
adventure travel vacation. Correctly preparing yourself and your family
is the first step towards a successful outdoor adventure. The following
suggestions may work for your family as you consider and plan your
next adventure vacation:

Choose the Correct Adventure Vacation for your Family
Perhaps the most important decision you can make regarding an
adventure travel family vacation is which adventure to choose. Trips
range from one-day river trips near your hometown to multi-day wildlife
safaris in the distant corners of the earth. So how do you choose?
Consider asking yourself the following questions to help you decide: Is
my family or are most members of my family adventurous? In other
words, is our family one that enjoys or would enjoy facing exciting
challenges? If you answered no to this, then perhaps adventure travel
vacations are not right for you and your family. If you answered yes, then
the following questions should further assist you in deciding which
adventure travel offerings are best for your family.

Do we or would we like to camp and spend time outdoors? Since most
adventure travel holidays involve spending time outdoors and camping,
it is important to at least feel comfortable with the idea of sleeping in a
tent, being out in the sun all day, etc.

What experience do we have with the activities we are considering? If
you have haven’t participated in the activity or activities that are the
feature of the vacation you are considering (rafting, backpacking,
horseback riding, four-wheel driving, etc.), it might be best try the activity
on a local and shorter term basis. For example, a one-day raft trip
should indicate to you whether or not your family would enjoy a longer
wilderness river trip.

Have we ever traveled overseas as a family on a more typical vacation?
Vacations that include creature comforts (such as hotels and
restaurants) in a foreign country can often be challenging in their own
right, as cultural and schedule differences can cause difficulties. When
considering an overseas adventure vacation it is important to know that
your family will be able to deal with the cultural and amenities
differences of another country, as well as the challenges that adventure
activities can provide.

Do the outfitters we are considering have experience running trips with
families who have never participated on an adventure travel vacation?
This is a very important question to ask the companies you are
considering for your adventure vacation. Outfitters with experience have
likely developed an approach to guiding trips that help first-timers with
all aspects of their adventure, from helping with tent set-up to having
extra activities available for children.

What type of elements do we most enjoy or would we most enjoy? In
other words, is mine a family of water-loving swimmers, land-loving
hikers, or…? This question ultimately decides what type of adventure
vacation may be best suited for your family. If you have a family that
loves to hike, then consider a backpacking or hiking with pack animals
trip. If your family loves water then rafting down a wilderness river may
be best. With all of the options now available to families looking for
adventure travel, it is a safe bet that you will find many vacations that will
prove to be as satisfying and rewarding to you as they were to the folks
who were quoted above!

Once you have narrowed down the choices or have selected the
adventure vacation that is well suited to your family, consider the
following suggestions as a way to best prepare you and your child(ren)
for the big adventure.

Involve Your Kids In Planning

Getting your child(ren) excited about specific aspects of the trip will help
engage them during the trip itself. If you are so inclined, take some time
before you travel to show them maps, list animals that may be
encountered on your trip, and discuss what type of activities will be
included on the trip, etc. Above all else, consider each child’s abilities
and personality to ensure they have a fun and rewarding adventure
without getting in over their heads.

Plan A Trip-Long Project

A trip-long project may help your child(ren) enjoy the trip even more,
and can provide a valuable record for lifelong memories. One popular
option is to buy your child a disposable camera and have them create a
photo essay of pictures they’ve taken. Another good idea is to create a
journal for your children to write in each evening at camp. They can
write, draw pictures, press flowers and go home with a running record of
the trip.

Watch The Weather

Once on the trip, watch the weather and heed advice from your guides
in order to assure your comfort. As you know, children (especially small
ones) are more susceptible to the elements than most adults. Bring lots
of waterproof sunscreen and have your child apply it several times a
day. However, do not apply sunscreen to your or their forehead. If it
drips in your eyes from splashing or perspiration it can sting. Also, have
your child wear a hat with a bill. Also, make sure that you have closely
followed the gear and clothing requirements before the trip, in order for
you and your children to be as comfortable as possible.

Drink Lots Of Water

Dehydration may be the biggest hazard on any adventure trip, and the
first sign is often a bad mood. Bring water bottles and have your whole
family drink lots of fresh water. This is probably the most important thing
you can do to ensure everyone has a good time.

Share Activities

Most adventure travel outfitters encourage everyone to do as much or as
little as they want to in camp and at other times while on the trip. If your
children like to participate and lend hands, most outfitters welcome it!
When deciding on a trip, find out from potential outfitters exactly how
much hands-on participation there can be!

Hopefully, these suggestions inspire you and your family to participate
in adventure travel vacations. And, we hope that should your next family
vacation be filled with outdoor adventures that you too feel that your
holiday was “the most incredible vacation we have ever had!”
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