About WOW
WOW Adventures, Inc. was inspired by two basic fundamentals; the beauty of the planet we live on and the adventures we experience exploring it. It is the brainchild of two friends who wandered the globe for a year in search of the best of both of these fundamentals.
Todd Whear & Steve Jones departed from Los Angeles on a 354 day circumnavigation of the world in 1994. Over 30 countries and hundreds of adventures later they returned with a wealth of knowledge and an idea.
Incorporated in 1996, WOW Adventures began leading small groups of adventure-minded folks into some of the most beautiful and unique locations worldwide. Since then, WOW has grown to offer more services and conveniences for the adventure lover.
Our website strives to offer links and information to help you plan your own adventures. Check out the new online WOW Adventure Club! Make postings and find like-minded folks to share your adventure with. Think of the possibilities! Meet new people, locate equipment, find the best trails, plan adventures, discover new horizons and expore your world!
“Dream Adventures” are run once a year with a small group of people. These international excursions are packed with true adventure and designed to stimulate the body, mind and soul. Whether you are an experienced traveler or a first time adventurer, these trips are sure to make you a believer. These “once in a lifetime” adventures are all-inclusive. WOW makes all the arrangements, all you have to do is
show up! Dream Big…Then Live It!
What Makes WOW the Best
- Special Itineraries - WOW picks the best adventures in the most beautiful locations around the world! All travel, accommodation and adventure arrangements are planned to include the right balance of activity and leisure time.
- Personal Attention - Todd & Steve accompany every Dream Adventure and confirm every detail. Don’t worry about finding taxis, booked hotels or lost luggage anymore. Group leaders ensure that logistics are handled promptly and each adventure runs smoothly.
- Comprehensive Briefings - Cultural information, maps, immunizations, links, suggested readings and related articles are a few examples of the literature included in our frequent mailings leading up to the departure.
- Professional Local Guides - We use professional outfitters and guides from the countries we visit to provide our services.
- Small Group Sizes - Usually 12 or less for a more intimate experience! This allows for more flexibility and opportunities for personal exploration.
- Self-Paced Adventures - Yes, you may take as many rest stops as needed. However, on most adventures, physical preparation is necessary.
- Limited Departures - Plan ahead, Dream Adventures book far in advance! However, one trip a year ensures quality and details are not overlooked.
- Air Inclusive Pricing - We include round trip airfare from LAX. Most companies only quote land costs. Because WOW gets group air rates, we offer less expensive airfares with our to our destinations packages.
- FREE Training Adventures - For 6 months prior to a Dream Adventure departure, join Todd & Steve once a month on a local adventure geared to hone your abilities and perfect your techniques. This is also a great opportunity to gain adventure experience, test out new gear and meet others who will be on the big trip.
Leaders
Steve Jones - Steve Jones is an executive with a real estate development firm when he is not traveling. Steve currently resides between Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Newport Beach, California and enjoys all of the outdoor activities each area has to offer. Before going on his “Around the World” adventure with Todd, Steve was blessed with the opportunity to spend over a year traveling the USA, visiting 47 states. He has a passion for travel and a desire to share the many wonders of this world with others.
Todd Whear - Todd got the travel bug at a young age. After graduating from high school he succumbed to his infliction and hopped a plane to Europe. After a year as an exchange student in Sweden, Todd returned to the states and earned a degree in Kinesiology at the University of Colorado.
After graduation, the bug overtook him again and he ended up as an adventure tour guide for an eco-resort in Jamaica. Returning once again to the states, Todd continued his education in Southern California, becoming a certified personal trainer and certified massage therapist specializing in Sports Massage. It was during this time when Todd and Steve first met. Realizing similar interests and talking about their travel dreams prompted the new friends to plan a year long, round-the-world odyssey. World of Wonder Adventures was born during their travel experience and the rest is history. Todd currently lives near Lake Tahoe, NV where he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and skiing around the area.