Last fall, I had the incredible opportunity to attend TravelCon, the inaugural travel media conference in Austin. Beyond the workshops and keynotes, what excited me most was the chance to connect with fellow bloggers who share the same passion. It was refreshing to meet people who understand the quirks of blogging life—like debating Instagram algorithms or documenting every meal.
One highlight was joining a pre-conference meet-up hosted by Kiersten Rich, better known as The Blonde Abroad. The event promised an afternoon of river tubing on the San Marcos River, just south of Austin—a perfect blend of adventure and networking.
River Tubing on the San Marcos River:
The San Marcos River, with its consistently refreshing 72-degree spring-fed waters, offered us two tubing options. Opting for the three-hour float, our group of around 50 women (and a few guys) boarded the ATXcursions bus in Austin for the hour-long ride to the river.
Kiersten and her assistant Lauren greeted us with donuts—a sweet start to our day of tubing under the Texas sun. Armed with provisions sourced from a nearby shop, we embarked on our adventure, making an impromptu stop for more supplies along the way (better safe than sober!).
Navigating the River:
Equipped with bright-colored inner tubes and cooler floaties, we set off with high spirits and a loose plan to stay near our drink coolers. However, the river had its own agenda. Soon, we found ourselves in new groups, navigating around rocks and shouting “Butts up!” to avoid shallows—a humorous team-building exercise in avoiding bumps and bruises.
Throughout the afternoon, staying close to our drinks became a challenge, prompting creative solutions like toe-hooking to stay connected with our cooler-carrying companions. At midpoint, we paused for snacks and sunscreen, with impromptu drinking games adding to the camaraderie and laughter.
Professional Networking in a Relaxing Setting
What struck me most about our river tubing experience was the relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie. Despite meeting most attendees that morning, the day felt like a reunion among friends. It was a perfect prelude to the conference, providing me with a network of familiar faces and a sense of reassurance as an introverted blogger navigating a bustling event.
Conclusion
The river tubing adventure on the San Marcos River was more than just a fun afternoon—it was a chance to build lasting connections and unwind before diving into the busy world of TravelCon. If you’re heading to Austin and looking for a memorable outdoor activity, consider tubing on the San Marcos River. You’ll enjoy pristine waters, Texan hospitality, and perhaps make a few new friends along the way.
