About

A scenic view of a mountain coastline with a paved stone pathway leading down to a sandy Kvalvika beach, grassy slopes, and turquoise water under a clear blue sky.

Hi, I’m Clint — the founder and world traveler behind Not Your Typical Vacation.

My journey as a traveler started early — and it’s never slowed down. I’ve spent my life seeking out the most breathtaking places on Earth (in fact, all of the pictures and videos on this site were personally taken by me) and diving headfirst into the kind of experiences that make your heart race and your soul sing.

  • Rock climbing the “Goat Head” in Norway, where the views are as wild as the climb.

  • Canyoneering through the slot canyons of Zion, navigating nature’s maze with adrenaline and awe.

  • Swinging off cliffs in Switzerland, free-falling nearly 300 feet between narrow canyon walls over a glacier river.

  • Flying in a doors-off helicopter over Kauai, feeling the wind whip through the helicopter as waterfalls and the Napali cliffs unfold below.

I live for adventure in beautiful places — the kind that leaves you breathless, inspired, and craving more.

But I Also Know the Magic of Slowing Down

Adventure is incredible — but sometimes, the most unforgettable moments come when you pause and soak it all in. I’ve found just as much joy in the quiet, hidden corners of the world as I have in the adrenaline rushes.

  • Relaxing on the most beautiful hidden beach in Kauai, where the only sounds are waves and wind through the palms.

  • Unwinding on the patio of a Lauterbrunnen valley chalet, mesmerized by waterfalls cascading down sheer cliff walls.

  • Finding the best pizza in the world — in Canada, of all places — tucked away in a cozy mountain town.

  • Sipping a cocktail in a secret bar hidden behind a bookshelf, where the vibe is as unforgettable as the drink.

  • Sitting on an Airbnb balcony in Norway, overlooking the fjords as the sun dips below the horizon.

 

Scenic mountain Moraine lake with turquoise water, surrounded by tall pine trees, with rugged mountains in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.

These are the moments that balance the thrill. The ones that make you feel grounded, inspired, and deeply connected to the place you’re in.

I would share these experiences on social media and after every trip I took my friends would ask me:

“Can I have your itinerary” - “How do you find these places?” - “Can you plan my next vacation?”

Eventually, I started helping others build their own unforgettable adventures — tailored to their interests, comfort level, and lifestyle. I watched as they took the trips and had the time of their lives. It was so fulfilling for me that I decided to turn it into something bigger.

Why I Started Not Your Typical Vacation

This business was born out of a love for immersive travel, extensive research, and a desire to offer something better than the overpriced, one-size-fits-all packages, most travel advisors’ push.

I don’t take commissions.
I don’t sell tours.
I don’t recycle the same tired itineraries.

Instead, I give you:

  • A fully customized travel plan based on your interests and adventure level

  • Multiple daily options so you can choose your pace or even reuse the itinerary for a second trip

  • Rainy day backups and flexible scheduling because travel rarely goes exactly as planned

  • Local dining suggestions tailored to your dietary preferences

  • Estimated costs for everything — flights, lodging, rental car, activities, and meals — all within your budget

Whether you want to hike, climb, paddle, photograph, relax, or just explore somewhere new, I’ll help you create a trip full of stories you’ll never stop telling.

A scenic Switzerland mountain landscape with a hiking trail, lush green grass, tall trees, and a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky.

What Makes Not Your Typical Vacation Different?

Custom Itineraries Built Around You
We don’t pull from a preset list of destinations or activities. Every itinerary is handcrafted based on your interests, travel style, and goals — whether that’s chasing waterfalls, hiking remote trails, or finding the perfect hammock spot. This is your adventure, not someone else’s template.

Unique Stays That Match Your Vibe
Forget cookie-cutter hotels. We seek out Airbnbs, glamping spots, treehouses, cabins, or luxury one-of-a-kind stays that immerse you in nature and local culture. Your lodging should be part of the experience — not just a place to sleep.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
We specialize in places that aren’t packed with tourists or plastered across every travel blog. Our goal is to help you discover hidden gems, quiet trails, and authentic experiences that make you feel like a traveler, not a tourist.

Local Dining Suggestions Tailored to You
We don’t do generic restaurant lists. We recommend local spots that match your dietary preferences — whether you're gluten-free, vegetarian, or just love a good hole-in-the-wall taco joint. Plus, every suggestion is close to your daily activities and/or lodging for convenience.

Transparent Pricing & Budget-Conscious Planning
We don’t earn commissions, so our recommendations are 100% unbiased. We estimate your full trip cost — flights, lodging, car rental (even fuel cost), activities, and restaurants — and keep everything within your budget. No surprises, no upselling, just smart planning.

Experiences Over Excursions
We’re not here to sell you a tour. We’re here to help you get out and live a little. Whether it’s sunrise hikes, whitewater rafting, wildlife spotting, or quiet moments by the lake, we focus on experiences that leave you feeling alive, refreshed, and connected to the world around you.

A person in Hawaii with a red backpack sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking a lush green valley, coastline, and blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

We Plan Trips for Every Kind of Explorer

Whether you're chasing adrenaline, seeking serenity, traveling with family, or exploring solo — we craft custom itineraries that match your pace, preferences, and personality. Here are just a few types of trips we have planned:

  • Family Adventures
    Nature-packed, kid-friendly itineraries with active mornings and relaxing afternoons — designed to show kids how fun the outdoors can be.

  • Gluten-Free Getaways
    Fully customized trips with verified dining options and scenic, low-exertion activities for travelers with dietary or health restrictions.

  • Vegetarian & Vegan Travel
    Culturally immersive experiences with local plant-based cuisine, cooking workshops, and nature-focused relaxation.

  • Sensory-Friendly Escapes
    Quiet environments, gentle pacing, and thoughtful activity selection for travelers with sensory sensitivities.

  • Solo Nature Retreats
    Fast-paced or slow-paced solo adventures with scenic photography spots, hiking, and moments of solitude.

  • Couples Seeking Thrill & Solitude
    Romantic yet adventurous itineraries with cliff swings, hidden hot tubs, and cozy stays in nature.

  • Girl’s or Guy’s Trips
    Bonding-focused getaways with group-friendly activities, scenic drives, rooftop dinners, and secret bars.

  • Adrenaline Junkie Expeditions
    Packed with rock climbing, via ferratas, whitewater rafting, helicopter tours, and cliffside hikes.

  • Relaxation-Focused Retreats
    Hidden beaches, quiet chalets, scenic drives, and local food experiences for those who want to unwind.

  • Cultural Immersion Journeys
    Artisan workshops, local festivals, cooking classes, and off-the-beaten-path cultural sites.

  • Photography-Focused Travel
    Itineraries built around golden hour hikes, wildlife tours, and jaw-dropping landscapes.

  • Budget-Friendly Nature Trips
    Adventure-packed itineraries with affordable lodging, free or low-cost activities, and smart planning.

  • Luxury Adventure Travel
    High-end stays, private guides, and exclusive experiences — all with a touch of wild.

Custom Itinerary
Pre-Made Itinerary
Sample Itinerary