With Borders Reopening this May and Demand at All-Time Highs, Queenstown-Based Active Adventures Predicts a New Zealand Adventure Boom

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Released on Tuesday, 22 March 2022 15:06

QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand, March 22, 2022 – After two long years with borders closed, New Zealand is ready to open its doors to international travel again. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s March 16th announcement not only fast-tracked re-opening but assured the world that New Zealand is safe for travelers and ready to welcome the world “with open arms.”

Queenstown-based Active Adventures has weathered the pandemic storm and is poised for a high-season boom, beginning with their first departure of the company’s most popular “Rimu” trip on September 19th. But well before that, the small-group adventure tour operator is ready to show off New Zealand’s winter to international travelers this May through September.

"After two challenging and uncertain years, there’s finally a buzz of excitement,” Active Adventures CEO Wendy van Lieshout states. “We’ve used the time wisely, improving nearly every aspect of our company to hit the ground running when the first international guests arrive. We’re prepared and are confident and excited to welcome thousands of travelers over the next year.”

The small-group adventure travel company kept their skills sharp throughout the pandemic, running their internationally popular New Zealand adventure tours for Kiwis and have expanded their portfolio by merging with Montana-based Austin Adventures.

With the high season beginning in September and pent-up demand higher than ever, the tour operator urges travelers to book as soon as possible. Many guests have had to reschedule trips for the past two years but would like to assure travelers there is space for those who are ready for a real New Zealand adventure.

Active Adventures offers 11 all-inclusive small group trips across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, including their popular “Rimu,” “Kauri,” and “Takahe” trips. Each trip offers a range of activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and more, with comfortable accommodations to help guests recharge each night. In addition to New Zealand, the company operates in the Himalayas (opening in August), Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. To view all trips and see full itineraries, head to activeadventures.com.

"To echo our Prime Minister’s words, we’re ready to welcome the world,” says van Lieshout. “But most importantly, we’re ready to explore and experience the joy of adventure New Zealand has to offer with guests from around the globe.”

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

To Meet Soaring Demand, Austin Adventures Releases Three New Trips for 2022

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Released on Wednesday, 16 March 2022 11:59

BILLINGS, Mont., March 16, 2022 – As the bookings come in and climb past pre-pandemic pace, Austin Adventures is meeting the demand by adding three new trips to its 2022 offering. The new trips will feature top destinations like Jackson Hole and British Columbia and expand their highly popular family line to the Galapagos Islands.

"The demand is soaring,” says Dan Austin, founder of Austin Adventures. “Many of our trips are already filling up or sold out. We felt it was the perfect time to expand our offering by releasing three highly requested trips that guests can take this year.”

Guests can expect the same level of high-touch service on these new trips, including “wow” moments, a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, and special experiences you can only get with a tour operator well versed in taking travelers off the beaten path. These new all-inclusive small group adventures include:

• Jackson Hole Adventure – this 5-day single-stay adventure settles guests in a luxury lodge in Jackson Hole with days packed full of activity. Guests will experience the natural beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, go horseback riding with a local wrangler, whitewater raft the Snake River Canyon and kayak the calm waters of Jackson Lake. Austin Adventures also offers a family-friendly version of this trip.

• British Columbia Hut to Hut Hiking Adventure – this 6-day backcountry hiking trip invites guests to step off the grid and explore some of the lesser-trekked trails of British Columbia’s Esplanade Range. Accessible only by helicopter, this is a true bucket-list adventure for those looking to stretch their legs and hike with a seasoned guide leading the way by day and a personal chef cooking dinner each night.

• Galapagos Family Vacation – this 7-day land-based vacation allows families to experience the local footprint of Galapagos, led by regional experts. Active families will enjoy kayaking the sheltered bay of Puerto Villamil, hiking to the rim of Sierra Negra – an active volcano, biking thru lush highland cloud forests, snorkeling near Kicker Rock and discovering the countless natural wonders of these iconic islands.

In addition to pent-up demand for active travel, Austin Adventures’ growth can also be attributed to its alliance with Active Adventures of New Zealand. Active Adventures’ unique hiking, biking, and kayaking experiences in New Zealand, South America, Europe, the Himalayas, and Africa are now available via the Austin Adventures’ website. 

“Many Americans are ready to put the pandemic behind them,” says Austin. “And with that sentiment comes the desire to get out and explore and finally book that trip they’ve been aching to take.”

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

Honoring Two Years of Pandemic Ups & Downs, Active and Austin Adventures Launch Monthlong Travel Advisor Appreciation Celebration

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Released on Thursday, 24 February 2022 11:47

With March marking two years since the world was plunged into a pandemic, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures (recently joined together in July 2021), plan to mark the anniversary by celebrating the hard work of the travel professional community.

Throughout March, Active and Austin Adventures intend to show their appreciation for travel advisors' support of adventure travel in several ways, including:

• $200 booking bonusfor all new bookings made in March
• 30+ Gift Card Giveaways
• 3 Educational Webinars
• 1 Grand Prize Trip Giveaway

“I LOVE working with Austin Adventures,” says Jayne Sharpe of Gifted Travel Network. “I’ve been booking clients on their trips for over 10 years and feel like they’re a great business partner. Plus, their guides are the absolute BEST!”

In addition to the $200 booking bonus available for all new bookings, Active and Austin Adventures will host a monthlong competition for a grand-prize trip giveaway for two. Travel advisors can earn points in a variety of ways including booking travel, attending and participating in webinars, engaging in social media, and more. To kick off the month and share the full details of the month’s festivities, the company will host a webinar on February 28, 2022, at 1pm EST.

The kick-off webinar will include:

• Information on Austin and Active Adventures’ Partnership
• Details on the monthlong competition including how to win a free trip
• Opportunity to win a $100 gift card
• Live Q&A
• Travel trivia and interactive polling

Additional webinars will be held throughout the month on a variety of topics. Registration for all webinars is free and open to all travel professionals.

“It’s been a long road for all of us in the travel community,” states Wendy van Lieshout, CEO of Active Adventures. “We not only recognize that but feel it necessary to celebrate the hard work put in by travel professionals.The bookings, the re-bookings, the pent-up demand. It’s challenging and sometimes quite draining. But the near future looks brighter and more promising than ever. We’d be remiss to not take a moment and acknowledge the hard work of travel advisors and their support of adventure travel.”

While the traditional Travel Advisor Appreciation month runs the month of May, Active and Austin Adventures felt this March was the ideal time to reflect on the last two years and celebrate travel advisors and all they continue to do for travelers. For more information about Active and Austin Adventures’ Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, visit Active Adventuresor Austin Adventures.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

# # #

Media Contact:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472

With Visitation at All-Time Highs, Guided Trips Maximize National Park Experience

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Released on Tuesday, 15 February 2022 10:19

BILLINGS, MT, Feb. 15, 2022– Americans regularly take professionally guided tours when touring distant lands. So why opt for a guided trip that visits your own country’s National Parks?

Leading North American small group tour operator Austin Adventures, a name synonymous with active, multi-sport, guided tours featuring many of America’s National Parks, responds with both the obvious and unexpected.

“Even the die-hard do-it-yourselfer gets it that vacationing in a National Park these days may result in many frustrations that could lead to a disappointing experience. Enormous entrance lines, crowded parking lots, limited access to certain trails, congestion at concessions and, literally, no room at the inn or in the dining rooms are just a few of many challenges,” said Dan Austin, founder of Austin Adventures. “The pandemic has released a pent-up demand for experiencing the wide-open spaces that make our Parks so attractive and healing.”

Acadia, Arches, Glacier, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone National Parks all set visitor records for attendance last year. Experts predict the 2022 season will break these numbers. As a response to the deluge, eight U.S. National Parks/Monuments will require prior reservations to enter in 2022, and many others are seeing limited space and competition for access.

“The best way to enjoy the Parks to their fullest is to sit back and let the pros do the planning, logistics and guiding.On paper, it can seem like going guided costs more than a do-it-yourself visit, but an important item to factor in is your time,” Austin adds. “When going guided, your time is not being wasted on hours of planning or in long lines searching for parking, lodging or dinner reservations.”

For four decades, Billings, Montana-based Austin Adventures has endeared itself to the National Park Service and its dining and lodging vendors. Today Austin Adventures’ clients reap the benefits of these long-term relationships. When these privileged swaths of wilderness are seemingly overrun with visitors, Austin Adventures’ guests are enjoying lesser-populated trails and vistas, and they are tucked into preferred lodges and restaurants and kept away from the daytime hordes that can tarnish the backcountry experience.

Kasey Austin Morrissey, Director of Operations & President, USA, is a second-generation member of the Austin Adventures’ team with vast National Park insight. From her experience, she has identified the challenges and can’t-miss experiences in several of the nation’s most beloved National Parks and often compares the pros and cons of do-it-yourself-planning vs. professionally guided tours.

When vacation planning, a common experience is getting too bogged down in the vast amounts of information online. About Yellowstone she writes: “The immense hours of research and time that it takes to curate the perfect itinerary can be daunting and often leave you feeling more lost than when you first started clicking away. Google can give great guidance, but it can’t engage back with you to uncover your exact needs, and offer the perfect trip based on your desires!”

According to Morrissey, most travelers miss out on a huge aspect of Grand Canyon National Park’s allure. With only 1% of visitors hiking below the rim, there’s a world of opportunity for those who choose to go guided.She states, “a guided tour can take you and your small party from exploring the glorious underbelly of the canyon … to spotting prolific wildlife roaming the grasslands and mesas above.” (For additional tips please see Morrissey’s full article, DIY vs Guided Tour: How to Visit the National Parks)

Following are five points Kasey Austin Morrissey makes when discussing the advantages of guided tours over do-it-yourself planning:

1. The logistical pressure of accessing the parks is off the guest’s shoulders. The tour guides manage reservations for entrance into the parks, permits, parking, etc. and navigate around road closures and areas under construction.
2. Quality lodging and dining experiences are not left to chance. Figuring out which restaurants to go to is a real challenge. Tour operators remove this stress thanks to their knowledge, connections and staff working behind the scenes who can secure coveted reservations.
3. A tour operator will help maximize your time while on the trip. Travelers can focus on the experience and reconnect with their partner/family/friends and make lasting connections with new acquaintances (often an unexpected benefit)!
4. While do-it-yourself trip planning could cost less money, you risk overlooking stand-out features of a destination. The right tour is more inclusive than most people realize. This means that out-of-pocket expenses can be limited to just bar tabs, guide gratuities and souvenirs.
5. As educators and local experts, trip guides bring the region to life in a way that’s hard to replicate on your own. Switching gears in the wilderness, they are also incredible chefs who prepare picnic lunches and surprise snacks on the trail. They’re safety specialists, sources of local lore and customs, staunch environmentalists and amazing traveling companions who can be great role models for kids.

Anticipating a strong surge of interest in National Parks, Austin Adventures has expanded the number of National Parks its guides will navigate in 2022 to 14. Most offer both “Adult-Only” and “Family Focused” itineraries and departures:

• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Arches National Park, Utah
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
• Death Valley National Park, California
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Joshua Tree National Park, California
• Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana
• Yosemite National Park, California
• Zion National Park, Utah

In addition to pent-up demand for active travel, Austin Adventures’ growth can also be attributed to its alliance with Active Adventures of New Zealand. Active Adventures’ unique hiking, biking, and kayaking experiences in New Zealand, South America, Europe, the Himalayas, and Africa are now available via the Austin Adventures’ website.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

# # #

For media inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Company Contact:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472

Austin Adventures Reveals Its Top Seven Picks for Best Family Adventures of 2022

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Released on Wednesday, 26 January 2022 16:45

BILLINGS, MT, Jan. 26, 2022– Widely recognized as the #1 Family Adventure Travel company in North America, Austin Adventures is primed to wow travelers this season with their top family-focused trips for 2022. The lineup includes the debut of three new destinations, already showing strong bookings to start the year.

Family-focused travel is woven into Austin Adventures’ DNA – with four decades of experience introducing families to special places all around the globe, including the famed National Parks of the West. Austin Adventures’ Top Seven Family Adventures for 2022 feature a combo of new destinations and tried and true favorites – all with good availability.

New Family Adventure Trips for 2022:

New Zealand - New Zealand | South Island Explorer | Family Vacation

Developed in partnership with New Zealand-based Active Adventures, families will explore incredible landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island – from Christchurch to Queenstown and back again. Guests can step away from the busy modern world and into a giant playground of extraordinary natural beauty as they experience jet-boat rides on the Rakaia Gorge, overnighting in Mt. Aspiring National Park and visiting a high-country sheep station near Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park.

Maine - Maine | Acadia National Park | Family Vacation

This adventure promises the best of the state’s incredible natural landmarks and includes the coastal towns of Boothbay, Camden, Islesboro Island and Bar Harbor. Families will bike in Maine’s Acadia National Park, hike for views of the sprawling coastline and sail across the waves on a 1935 schooner. Lobster is of course included.

North Carolina- North Carolina | Blue Ridge Mountains | Family Vacation

Guests will hike, bike and paddle through a verdant rolling countryside to view thundering waterfalls and rich forests that cover the southeastern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. During a two-night stay on the sprawling 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, guests will tour the historic mansion and explore the grounds by bike or on foot.

Returning Favorites Popular for 2022 Include:

Yellowstone - Wyoming | Yellowstone National Park | Family Vacation

On this signature Austin Adventures’ Family Vacation, guests will discover the wilds of Yellowstone National Park and Paradise Valley from the helm of a raft and on the back of a horse. Children can use their Junior Ranger skills to identify elk, bison, wolves and bears. Parents and kids alike can share a giggle over the belches and burps of Mud Volcano and relax together in a soothing thermal pool at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort.

Alaska - Alaska | Kenai Fjords National Park | Family Vacation

This family adventure on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula begins with a scenic train ride aboard the famous Alaska Railroad. Kayak the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay alongside seals, sea otters and puffins. Guests hike the panoramic vista of Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield and get up close and personal with orcas and humpback whales on a private nature cruise of the Kenai Fjords. A thundering waterfall cools off everyone’s cheeks on a bike ride to the gold rush town of Hope.

Costa Rica- Costa Rica | Arenal Volcano National Park | Family Vacation

Families explore two of Costa Rica’s most intriguing national parks while searching for iridescent amphibians, sleepy sloths, twisting vines and blooming orchids. Guests will ride through forests and pastures by horseback to reach postcard-perfect views of Arenal Volcano. They will venture into the dense vegetation of Arenal National Park in search of screeching toucans, endangered poison dart frogs and curious spider monkeys; learn to surf in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and boat through the mangroves of the Sierpe River.

Montana - Montana | Glacier National Park | Family Vacation

The Wild West history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site comes into focus as families hike and raft through Montana’s Glacier National Park. The distinctive accommodations and delicious regional food are complemented by the awe-inspiring grandeur found in one of America’s most celebrated but often overlooked national parks.

Austin Adventures (twice acknowledged by Travel + Leisure Magazine as the #1 Tour and Family Tour Operator in the World) has consistently broken new ground and set a high bar when it comes to family adventures. Kasey Austin, a second-generation Austin Adventures staffer, is intimately involved in trip development and itinerary building as the company’s Head of Operations & USA President. Early on in her career, she was named Outside Magazine’s Family Guide of the Year. A trailblazer in family adventure travel for decades, the Austin family is often referred to as “the First Family of Adventure Travel.”

In 2021 Austin Adventures announced a merger with world-renowned Active Adventures of New Zealand. Active Adventures’ guided adventures featuring hiking, biking, kayaking and more across New Zealand, South America, Europe, the Himalayas, and Africa are now available on the Austin Adventures’ website.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

# # #

For media inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Company Contact:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472

Austin Adventures Expands its Programs in Anticipation of a Booking Surge

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Released on Thursday, 13 January 2022 09:47

BILLINGS, MT, Jan. 13, 2022– Even as the pandemic raged, Austin Adventures has planned ahead to assure travelers that as the clouds lift, adventure aplenty lies ahead.

“The company,” explains Dan Austin, Founder and Visionary, “has pursued a two-fold strategy over the past few years. The first was to expand inventory in the North American market for people who may be wary of long-haul travel. The second was to beef up exposure for offshore programs that are easy to access on shorter-haul international fights.”

The apocryphal “If you build it right, they will come” is proving out once again.

“I think we all are ready to move on from the dark days of fear and uncertainty that have enveloped us over the past two years. We are prepared and ready for whatever surge in bookings we see with the simple message of “Book Early” to guarantee space on the trip and date of your choice,” he says.

The rush to recovery has started. Starting in mid-December the company has seen unprecedented search activity and early season bookings for its small-group and group exclusive North American tours. Some national park trip dates are already sold out and travelers should call to check on availability as soon as possible.

The hottest ticket items to date have been these U.S. National Park and Canadian Rockies itineraries:

• Grand Canyon, Alaska, Canadian Rockies

Internationally, Costa Rica and Peru are the two destinations currently receiving the most interest, Austin notes. Two new tours in particular are gaining momentum in these easy-to-reach destinations:

• Costa Rica Eco Adventure, Peru Adventure

In a state of readiness for what Austin anticipates will be a record-breaking 2022 season is a handful of new-for-2022 adventures that embrace in true Austin Adventures style this country’s still-wild and natural areas. Itineraries also include, for the first time, explorations of iconic regions on the Atlantic seaboard.

• Yellowstone Grand Tetons, Death Valley, North Carolina,Maine, Vermont

Austin is in good company when he predicts a bumper season around the corner. The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) in a December 2021 press release reported:

• “Nine out of ten members (93%) anticipate growth in sales in 2022. Two thirds (65%) of those respondents are “optimistic” and forecasting a “boom year” with growth anywhere from 7% to 10% and higher.”
• “Members report that travelers are gravitating towards locations with wide-open spaces. National Parks were named the top domestic destination for 2022. Alaska followed in second.”
• “Members chose small group tours as the most popular travel product for 2022. FIT ranked second, followed by private, custom groups.”

In addition to pent-up demand for active travel, Austin Adventures’ growth can also be attributed to a new partnership that began in summer 2021 with Active Adventures of New Zealand. Active Adventures’ unique hiking, biking, and kayaking experiences in New Zealand, South America, Europe, the Himalayas, and Africa are now available via the Austin Adventures’ website.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

# # #

For media inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Company Contact:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472

Active Adventures Increases Its Offerings with A Brand-New Camino de Santiago Trek in Spain

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Released on Tuesday, 14 December 2021 11:47

Queenstown, New Zealand, December 14, 2021- Active Adventure is excited to announce they’ve added a 9-day Camino de Santiago trek in Northern Spain to their offerings.

This new adventure provides another opportunity for North Americans to travel with ease to Europe and explore an ancient pilgrim route with expert local guides leading the way. Guests will trek in the footsteps of pilgrims, who, for thousands of years, made their way along the same path to the tomb of the apostle St. James.

With Active Adventures’ attention to detail and track record of strong customer service, both return and new travellers can look forward to hiking the Camino de Santiago beginning in April 2022.

“The Camino de Santiago has been on our radar for some time now, and the opportunity to add this life-changing journey to our portfolio was something we couldn’t pass up”, explained Wendy van Lieshout, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures CEO.

The new adventure is 9-days long and is hiking focused. Here’s the catalog tour description:

9-day Camino de Santiago by Active Adventures

Explore the ancient pilgrim route, which takes you from the port city of Bilbao packed with incredible avant-garde architecture, along spectacular coastal trails and mountain paths in Asturias, through the green hills of Galicia to Cape Finisterre - once believed by the Romans to be the end of the known world. Follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims as you make your way to the tomb of James the Apostle. Discover a piece of yourself on one of the most renowned walks of Christian history.

Highlights include superb regional gastronomy, the golden sand beaches on the Camino del Norte in Asturias, ancient ruins of Galicia and charming oak forests and rural landscapes of the Camino Primitivo. After visiting the magical UNESCO World Heritage city of Santiago, your journey finishes at Cape Finisterre with stunning views of Costa da Morte.

Activity level: 3 to 4 out of 5, hiking focused

Trip fare: US$4499

Departure dates: Weekly from April to October, 2022

More Information: https://activeadventures.com/destinations/europe/trips/camino-de-santiago/

This is not all that is new for Active Adventures. In August 2021, Active Adventures merged with Montana-based Austin Adventures. Together these companies have covered all the bases of active vacation planning and execution for adventurers across the globe. Their time-tested expertise has proved priceless in the last year as more and more travellers turn to professionals for travel planning advice and assistance.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region. Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive into the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

# # #

CONTACT INFORMATION

USA:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472

New Zealand:

Wendy van Lieshout CEO

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

0800 234 726 (NZ) | +64 3 450 0414 (Worldwide)

Personal Reflections from Dan Austin

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Released on Wednesday, 01 December 2021 11:19

Dear Friends,

For the last 20 years or so you have likely come to expect a year end wrap up from me. Just a chance to share a bit of the past 365 days and a quick look forward. Not one to disappoint, the following is just that: A look back and a look forward.

2021 was definitely a year for the record books. Thanks primarily to our extensive domestic portfolio of National Parks adventures, we were able to host more intrepid travelers than ever before. And this came at a time when we really needed it!

Like everyone else in the travel business, 2020 was a year we might want to forget. That said, we have no intention of forgetting all the lessons that helped us not just survive but actually thrive in delivering the quality and peace of mind that our travelers demand. In addition to safety/sanitation protocols that are now part of our standard operating procedures, we are proud of our more flexible client-first policies that have evolved to accommodate these ever-changing times.

The number one takeaway was seeing clearly how important our domestic product is to us and our travelers. As you all know, we have been a leader in the National Parks of the West for over 35 years. After a sold out 2021 summer season, we have been working tirelessly to create even more opportunities close to home. We have created a new East Coast Series traveling to: Maine, Vermont, North Carolinaand Georgia. In addition, we have a new program exploring Death Valley & Joshua Tree National Parks.We have also doubled down and created more departures in our tried and true programs like our #1 selling Yellowstone Adventure and of course we have geared up to return to the Canadian Rockies after a two year absence.

Have you heard the other good news? Make that great news!? Last July Austin Adventures finished the year-long process of merging with international industry leader, Active Adventures, based in New Zealand. We have been working with Active for years selling each other’s programs so we knew of their reputation and integrity. As we got to know CEO Wendy van Lieshout and her amazing team, we just saw a perfect fit. We have the North American programs they were missing and Active’s international portfolio enhances and compliments everything we do quite well. Add to that having completely opposite seasons, the ability to extend office hours and just all around more bandwidth, and you have a match made in heaven.

To help launch this partnership, I’ve enlisted my wife and soul-mate Carol to join me in hosting our annual Founders Trip on one of Active’s newest trips in Spain! On May 7, 2022,we will be hitting Camino Santiago Trail with a dozen or so fellow adventurers for an epic journey! We can’t wait.

As 2021 winds down, we are excited to roll into our annual Past TravelersAppreciation Month (December). This year it’s even more exciting as we have worked to combine the Austin Adventures Past Traveler perks with the Active Adventures perks! Now, anyone who has or will travel with either brand will get to enjoy reciprocal past travelers’ incentives and opportunities! So, special rewards for being a loyal traveler,from trip discounts to free travel, now carry across both brands.

Unfortunately, we have all come to accept that we all will be impacted indefinitely by this COVID Pandemic. Guided by our conscious and facts,we have deliberated as a team and have come to the tough decision to implement a mandatory vaccine policy for the 2022 season. Regardless of where our guests choose to travel, the mandatory vaccine requirement will be in place. It is the right thing to do not just for our travelers and guides, but also to protect the people and places we visit. I can say, so far the response has been overwhelmingly supportive.

As we move into the end of the year, I want to wish each and every one of you a heartfelt and warm holiday season! It’s a wonderful time to gather with friends and family and start planning your next great adventure!

Until next time my friends, Namaste, Namaste

Dan Austin, Founder

I’m here to assist you with stories and projects! Please feel free to contact me anytime, 24/7: Mobile: 406-671-6067 / Toll Free 800.575.1540 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

$500 Savings on Domestic And International Adventures

Details

Released on Monday, 22 November 2021 08:53

BILLINGS, MT, Nov. 22, 2021– Recently merged Active Adventures of Queenstown, New Zealand and Austin Adventures of Montana, USA have announced an unprecedented offer for the travel-starved this Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

From Friday, Nov. 26 through Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, this special offer saves travelers $500 (per person) on trips priced over $3,500 that are sold and operated exclusively by either travel brand. This booking offer for departures now through the 2022 season is valid through phone and/or online reservations. (Note: This offer excludes Australia hiking adventures and cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or offers.)

In designing what has turned into Active Adventures and Austin Adventures’ biggest sale ever, Dan Austin, Founder of Austin Adventures, focused on these conditions:

• Widespread hunger for the spiritual healing an adventure vacation in nature can bring,
• The release of pent-up desire to travel again in the wake of the worldwide pandemic,
• The general expectation that 2022 trips will fill quickly now that people are feeling better about travel domestically and abroad.

Due to earlier than usual interest and bookings, Austin expects the following itineraries to be best sellers:

• Yellowstone https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/wyoming-yellowstone-grand-teton-national-parks-adult/ (and family only itineraries).
• Montana https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/montana-glacier-national-park-adult/ (and family only itineraries)
• North Carolina https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/north-carolina-blue-ridge-mountains-asheville-adult/ (and family only itineraries)
• Maine https://www.austinadventures.com/packages/maine-acadia-national-park-adult-only/ (and family only itineraries)

Active Adventures programs anticipated to be highly popular and sell fast include:

• Patagonia https://activeadventures.com/destinations/south-america/trips/condor-patagonia-hiking-quest/
• Costa Rica https://activeadventures.com/destinations/south-america/trips/pura-vida-tortuguero-and-cahuita-national-park/
• Galapagos https://activeadventures.com/destinations/south-america/trips/tortuga-galapagos-land-and-sea-adventure/
• Italy https://activeadventures.com/destinations/europe/trips/dolomiti-ultimate-dolomites-adventure/

Interested travelers can reserve a spot and take advantage of these special savings by calling 800-575-1540.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures:

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region.

Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472

Austin Adventures Launches 2022 with Six New Domestic Tours in the Eastern U.S.

Details

Released on Thursday, 14 October 2021 09:57

BILLINGS, Montana, Oct. 14, 2021 – During a surprisingly successful 2021 season, an enthusiastic and ever-expanding client base helped fuel one of the best seasons for domestic travel in Austin Adventures’ history. This has inspired the company to look beyond its hugely popular National Park itineraries in the West. The result? Six new East Coast departures for the 2022 calendar.

The new offerings provide Americans and many of Austin Adventures’ alumni guests who live in the eastern region with more opportunities to explore in their own backyard as pent-up travel demand is released on domestic destinations.

“While it has taken us some 20 years to return to offering trips in the eastern part of our country, we are no strangers to the region.  Many of our top guides are from the area and have played an integral role in the development of these adventures, filled with the cultural, historical and natural highlights and “wow” moments our travelers have come to expect,” explained Dan Austin, Founder of Austin Adventures.

The new programs with options for both family and adult-only participation include:

Maine | Acadia National Park | Adult and Family Tours-- Experience the best of Maine's Atlantic coast by bike, foot, kayak and sailboat near Acadia National Park, Penobscot Bay and more. Lobster rolls are included.

Adult-only departures for ages 16+ are Aug. 28-Sept. 2 and Sept. 4-Sept. 9, 2022. Rates are from $3,998 (single supplement $680). See: www.austinadventures.com/packages/maine-acadia-national-park-adult-only/

Family departures are June 12-June 17, June 19-June 24 and Aug. 21-26, 2022. Rates are from $3,998 adult, $3,608 children ages 7-12 sharing room with 2 adults (single supplement $680). See: www.austinadventures.com/packages/maine-acadia-national-park-family-vacation/

Vermont | Green Mountains | Adult Only Tour-- Get inspired by Vermont's picturesque countryside and quintessential farmlands in the Green Mountains. Guests discover Robert Frost’s farm, waterfalls, how cheese is made and the secrets of maple syrup. Adult-only departures for ages 16+ are Sept. 18-Sept. 23 and Sept. 25-Sept. 30, 2022. Rates are from $3,198 (single supplement $680). See: www.austinadventures.com/packages/vermont-green-mountains-adult/

North Carolina | Blue Ridge Mountains | Adult and Family Tours– Guests are ensconced in the Appalachian range of mountains that defines the East Coast from Georgia all the way up into Canada. Paddling on mountain lakes, walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge over an 80-foot chasm and enjoying the history of the grand Biltmore Estate are a few of many thrills in store. 

Adult-only departures for ages 16+ are Oct. 2-Oct. 7, Oct. 9-Oct. 14 and Oct. 16-Oct. 21. Rates are from $3,898 (single supplement $880). See: www.austinadventures.com/packages/north-carolina-blue-ridge-mountains-asheville-adult/

Family departures are July 31-Aug.5 and Aug. 7-12, 2022. Rates are from $3,898 adults (single supplement $880) and $3,508 children ages 7-12. See: www.austinadventures.com/packages/north-carolina-blue-ridge-mountains-asheville-family/

Georgia & South Carolina | Savannah & Charleston | Family Vacation– Kayak with dolphins around Hilton Head, meet Charleston’s ghosts, lounge on the beach and hike through salt marshes and forests covered with Spanish moss. Departures are July 3-July 8 and July 10-15, 2022. Rates are from $3,898 adults (single supplement $780) and $3,508 children ages 7-12. See: www.austinadventures.com/packages/georgia-south-carolina-savannah-charleston-family-vacation/

Along with these new tours, the company has also been retrospective regarding the nature of small group travel in the future.

“The pandemic has been rough on all of us. But it has also provided our company with a steep but positive learning curve,” said Austin. “Small group travel is in our DNA and has always been our focus. While more and more travelers and tour operators are now looking to tours with a smaller number of participants, we have operated this way since our inception in the 1980s. With the attraction and value of nature-based small group travel and social distancing clearly emphasized during the pandemic, we will continue our style of travel on this new line-up of East Coast trips with an emphasis on what many now call “Bubble Tours” with groups limited to just 12 participants and two guides.”

Austin Adventures prides itself on the inherent perks of small group travel. According to Austin, they include:

• A 6-to-1 guest to guide ratio that allows a deeper connection and personalized service.
• Avoidance of over-tourism with a smaller foot print (on and off the trails).
• Privileged behind the scenes access due to local guides and connections.
• Smaller more nimble vehicles instead of larger busses that are limited to where they can and can’t go.
• Memorable dining options from on-trail guide-curated picnics and outdoor BBQs to boutique Bistros with personalized menus.
• A real opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers on a more intimate level.

In August 2021, Austin Adventures merged with New Zealand-based Active Adventures. Together these companies have covered all the bases of active vacation planning and execution for adventurers across the globe. In the last year, their time-tested expertise has proved priceless as more and more travelers turn to professionals for travel planning advice and assistance.

About Active Adventures & Austin Adventures

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region. Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to perfection, encouraging guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination. For more information, please visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Courtney Iannuccilli

VP of Global Marketing

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

401-400-3472