Austin Adventures

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Austin Adventures Shows Travel Advisor Appreciation - Agents Booking 2016 Trips Earn Generous Commission Plus $100 per Person Bonus

Details: Released on Tuesday, 10 May 2016 08:46

BILLINGS, MT – May 10, 2016– Travel agents who introduce their clients to some of the world’s best travel experiences can now pocket more than customer satisfaction.

Think $100 per person (man, woman or child) booked on a 2016 vacation – in addition to a generous 12 percent commission.

This is Austin Adventures’ (http://www.austinadventures.com/) thank you to its travel agent partners who have become key players in the company’s success. The bonus check applies to all new 2016 bookings from now through the end of the year. At the time of booking travel agents need to mention Bonus Code 16-100 and $100 per person will be added to the commission check. Both custom and scheduled 2016 programs quality for Travel Advisor Appreciation Offer.

“Travel agent and agency bookings are an increasing percentage of our overall business,” said Dan Austin, Austin Adventures’ Founder and President. “This year we are anticipating a third of our bookings will be attributed to the efforts of our travel agent partners.”

Austin Adventures, the leader in luxury multisport and active family vacations worldwide, earlier this year expanded opportunities within the travel trade by becoming a Virtuoso® preferred supplier. This is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel.

The partnership has given Virtuoso® travel advisors expanded market-proven product from Austin Adventures for its more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in over 30 countries. Austin Adventures in turn has gained new market access to millions of travel-savvy consumers.

A partnership which Austin Adventures forged in 2013 with Xanterra Parks & Resorts® has also opened doors to countless new opportunities and allowed unparalleled behind-the-scenes access, support and security on its tours.

These strategic partnerships come at a time when Austin Adventures is experiencing its most significant expansion of trips and destinations to date, added Austin. With the addition this year of Asia (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bali and Vietnam), Austin Adventures now offers programs on all seven continents. In addition to expanding geographically, the company has added active multisport programs in Europe (Ireland, France, Germany and Macedonia) and in South America (Chile, Peru and Argentina).

Stateside Austin Adventures has introduced exclusive five-star lodging and gourmet dining that combine biking, hiking and horseback riding in iconic destinations. For example, the new-for-2016 Colorado - 5-Star Wilderness Adventure is a six-day/five-night immersion in what this company does best – making sure the wows are stirred into the vacation mix that includes The Broadmoor and its exclusive wilderness properties Cloud Camp and Ranch at Emerald Valley.

On June 16, Austin Adventures will find out if they become the 2016 WAVE Award winner for the nation’s Best Tour Operator for Adventure as voted on by the readers of TravelAge West Magazine. Five nominees representing the “best-of-the-best” were selected by the editorial team headed by Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro. The announcement will take place at a “star studded” gala held at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey, California. See: http://www.travelagewest.com/WAVE/

For more information on all of the destinations, trips and itineraries offered by Austin Adventures visit http://www.austinadventures.com, call (800) 575-1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For the section of the website dedicated to Travel Professionals see: http://www.austinadventures.com/about-us/travel-professionals/.

About Austin Adventures

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2014, Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations, was named the World’s Top Family Guide by Outside Magazine. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts® portfolio of experiential leisure offerings that includes operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park; and five Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also owns and operates Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in Williams, Ariz., the Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz., Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Country Walkers and Austin Adventures.

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Media 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 / 303-554-8821 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past Austin Adventures Press Releases Visit: http://www.austinadventures.com/media-center/press-releases/

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Austin Adventures Asks, What is Better than a Five Star Review?

Details: Released on Tuesday, 03 May 2016 09:07

BILLINGS, MT, May 3, 2016– Finding out what customers really think about a service or product is usually vital to a company’s success.

Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/), the trend-setter in luxury multisport and active family vacations worldwide, has always embraced what its clients say about their experiences with the company. Feedback helps them know when things are going right – or if there’s room for improvement. Then they can act accordingly.

That’s why Dan Austin, Founder and President, recently engaged a third party client survey and evaluation service called Trustpilot that is reinventing how customer evaluations are conducted. After several months of reviews, Austin is pleased and proud to report that his company has garnered a perfect score. Through Trustpilot’s application, all scores and guest feedback are prominently displayed on the company’s home page.

“What’s better than a Five Star review? When we can still see room for improvement to become an even better travel company!” says Austin. “As a customer-centric travel company, we are always looking for effective ways to reach out to our clients and ask them how we’re doing. Feedback helps us tweak and improve programs each year.”

Austin goes on to explain, “Travel sites like TripAdvisor have made crowd sourcing for honest traveler reviews part of our everyday life. As TripAdvisor has yet to allow for packaged tour reviews, we looked for an alternate, yet similar platform. Trustpilot uses the same concept for soliciting and generating testimonials and trip reviews, in our case, from the community of people who have travelled with Austin Adventures.”

Trustpilot’s mission is to insure accurate 3rd party reviews for the traveling public and in the end, a better online shopping experience for travelers. They work diligently to fight fabricated reviews and point out that companies cannot delete or otherwise censor reviews in their system. Travelers can review specifics of each tour as shared by guests that actually experienced the tour. Consumers can be confident the company is not just sharing only the positive reviews they would want them to see.

“What this service means to our sales and operations team is that we have yet one more tool to help us continue to create the best adventure vacations in the business. After all, our core business is service and creating the finest client experience possible. Having a trusted third party to handle guest evaluations and ratings is the perfect addition to our process,” says Austin.

While only past guests of Austin Adventures are invited to add reviews to the company website, the general public is always welcome to read all of the company’s current guest reviews online at: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/austinadventures.com.

About Austin Adventures

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2014, Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations, was named the World’s Top Family Guide by Outside Magazine. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts®portfolio of experiential leisure offerings that includes operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Glacier, Rocky Mountainand Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resortin Death Valley National Park; and five Ohio State Park Lodgesas well as the Geneva Marinaat Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also owns and operates Kingsmill Resortin Williamsburg, Va., the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotelin Williams, Ariz., the Grand Hotelin Tusayan, Ariz., Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Country Walkersand Austin Adventures.

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Media 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 / 303-554-8821 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past News Releases Visit: http://www.travelnewssource.com/

Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave

Follow Austin Adventures:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinLehmanAdventures

Austin Adventures Keeps International Clients Informed, Relaxes Its Cancellation Policy for Overseas Travel

Details: Released on Tuesday, 29 March 2016 09:20

BILLINGS, MT – March 29, 2016 – Taking a cautious but determined approach to recent tragic events in Brussels, one leading adventure travel tour operator is pro-actively addressing current and future Europe-bound clients’ concerns about traveling during uncertain times. Aware that travelers may be uneasy at this time to plan European travels, Austin Adventures wants to alleviate any worry about having to cancel once booked. The company has announced that it is relaxing its trip cancellation policy to allow for a “no questions asked” full refund up to 14 days prior to departure.

This new policy applies to the ground portion of all of Austin Adventures’ multisport, cycling, hiking and cultural adventures for both adults and families in Europe. Countries visited by Austin Adventures include Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Macedonia, Scotland, Slovenia and Spain. The standard policy is a 90 day cutoff for full refund (less a small handling fee) due to cancellation.

“Our guests’ safety, enjoyment and wellbeing are our top priorities,” explains Dan Austin, founder and president of Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/). “That’s why we have increased our vigilance and communications on the ground in Europe and have decided to address booking concerns with a relaxed cancellation policy. While we encourage travelers to consider Europe as a destination, we don’t want to add any additional stress to the equation.”

In Europe, program director Ron van Dijk is utilizing his lifetime of local connections and resources to monitor and stay on top of any safety concerns. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the terrorist events in Brussels. But if we stop traveling, change our day to day activities, or avoid Europe all together, in essence we’ve given them the victory they seek.”

Austin and van Dijk point to a recent article by Katia Hetter for CNN entitled “Travel Advisories: What does 'exercise vigilance' mean?” as helpful in understanding the true risks and what can be done to stay informed and secure when abroad. See: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/24/travel/travel-advisory-exercise-vigilance-feat/index.html.

Along with revised booking policies, the Austin Adventures team of trip planners and consultants also can help explain available travel insurance options, coverages and limitations. They also advise U.S. citizens to register with the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so they can be kept abreast of travel alerts and warnings. See: https://step.state.gov/step/

To speak to an Austin Adventures trip consultant call (800) 575-1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For information on 2016 destinations, trips and itineraries visit http://www.austinadventures.com.

About Austin Adventures

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. Recently, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts® portfolio of experiential leisure offerings that includes operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park; and five Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also owns and operates Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in Williams, Ariz., the Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz., Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Country Walkers and Austin Adventures.

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Media Contact: Widness & Wiggins PR:

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Austin Adventures:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinLehmanAdventures

Austin Adventures Introduces Peak Luxury And Iconic Adventures in Colorado With Five-Star Hosts and Exclusive Experiences

Details: Released on Wednesday, 23 March 2016 16:33

BILLINGS, MT – March 23, 2016– Hitting the peaks while experiencing the stars may be the best way to describe Austin Adventures’ new-for-2016 Colorado 5-Star Wilderness Adventure, a six-day/five-nightimmersion in what this company does best – making sure the ‘wows’ are liberally stirred into the vacation feast.

This luxury Rocky Mountain vacation and the company’s first foray into Colorado is tweaked for adults and then again for families in a separate set of departures. Trips for adults depart July 10 and July 17, 2016, and are priced from $5,698 per person double ($1,680 single supplement). For details and itinerary please see: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/colorado-wilderness-adventure/

Family-focused trip departures are June 26 and Aug. 7, 2016, and run from $5,698 per person double ($1,680 single supplement) and $5,128 per child. Please see: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/colorado-5-star-wilderness-adventure/

Based in the foothills of the Rockies and centered around the town of Colorado Springs, guests explore the bounty of a triangle of elegant hospitality in the wilderness thanks to Austin Adventures’ parent company Xanterra Parks & Resorts® that opens doors at the legendary Broadmoor Resort, as well as at Cloud Camp on Cheyenne Mountain and at The Ranch at Emerald Valley in Pike National Forest. Top dining and accommodation stars are a given on this luxury wilderness adventure.

“This trip concept started when I was a guest at The Broadmoor in 2014. We simply fell in love with the resort and its wilderness properties. Right then and there I decided that we had to put a program together with them as a partner,” said Dan Austin, President of Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/). “Our guests have always told us our multi-sport adventures are five-star, and now we’re putting the icing on the cake by adding the cuisine and service that only truly great hosts like The Broadmoor can provide.”

Austin anticipates that some guests may drag their feet getting out of five-star beds and pushing themselves away from the table after culinary fireworks, but he promises that what awaits them outside will be equally seductive.

Guests will:

- Trek by lantern-light deep into Manitou Grand Caverns at Cave of the Winds

- Hike 5.5-miles downhill from Cloud Camp on the McNeil Trail descending into a forest of ponderosa pine, spruce, fir, and birch trees, connecting with an old stage road that leads to The Ranch at Emerald Valley.

- Ride horseback through this valley, absorbing eye-popping views of Pikes Peak, and an endless sprawl of aspen and conifers.

- Fly fish for pan-size trout from the lawn of your lakeside cabin.

- Enjoy a 4-mile round trip trek up Grayback Mountain for outstanding views, then soak in a cedar-lined hot tub while snacking on peach-filled donut holes (a ranch favorite).

- Zipline from an elevation of 7,500 feet for an aerial perspective of Seven Falls which flow through a spectacular 1,400-foot-walled box canyon.

- Ride the world’s highest cog railroad to the 14,115-foot summit of Pike’s Peak; then mountain bike down while a van blocks traffic behind giving access to the full right lane.

- Be ready to be pampered during a free afternoon at The Broadmoor. Play some golf, sit by the pool, visit the spa or just relax before a five-star/five-diamond dinner experience (Colorado’s only) in the Penrose Room.

Here’s a short video that shows the beauty and essence of this trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfJ9kFha3mY

For more information on this trip and all of the destinations, adventures and itineraries offered by Austin Adventures visit http://www.austinadventures.com, call (800) 575-1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Austin Adventures

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts® portfolio of experiential leisure offerings that includes operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Glacier, Rocky Mountainand Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park; and five Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also owns and operates Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in Williams, Ariz., the Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz., Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Country Walkers and Austin Adventures.

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Media Contact: Widness & Wiggins PR:

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past News Releases Visit: http://www.travelnewssource.com/

Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave

Follow Austin Adventures:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinLehmanAdventures

About Cloud Camp

Sitting at 9,200 feet atop Cheyenne Mountain is The Broadmoor’s newest wilderness experience, Cloud Camp. With unobstructed 360 degree views, the incomparable splendor of Colorado resides here. Cloud Camp’s 8,000-square-foot main lodge, with a design influenced by the historic timber and stone lodges of the American West, features hand-hewn beams and indigenous stone fireplaces. Its great room and bar area serve as the backdrop for inspired and relaxed gatherings, while an expansive wrap-around deck is an unparalleled location from which to absorb the magnificence of the Pikes Peak region. This is the former private retreat of Broadmoor founder, Spencer Penrose. The dark wood walls inside the main lodge are filled with Western art from owner Philip Anschutz’ private collection, including the Native American garb worn by Kevin Costner in his blockbuster film, Dances with Wolves. The signature piece of furniture is an extra-long communal dining table, where one could dine on Colorado-raised bison and lamb. https://www.broadmoor.com/cloud-camp/

About The Ranch at Emerald Valley

In 1923 Penrose acquired a bucolic slice of heaven, ringed by 11,000-foot peaks, which recently was transformed into The Ranch of Emerald Valley. This unique retreat offers refined luxury with the rustic charm and inspiration of a wilderness enclave. Surrounded by over 100,000 acres of the Pike National Forest, guests indulge in a private escape in one of 10 beautifully appointed cabins featuring gas fireplaces, rich furnishings and modern amenities. This haven is the perfect destination for everything from an intimate getaway to a quintessential Colorado vacation for a group, family and friends. https://www.broadmoor.com/ranch-reservations/

About The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor is the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards. Since first opening in 1918, The Broadmoor has offered guests a unique way to experience the beauty of the American West, and it continues that tradition through the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star day spa as well as its restaurants (including the only Five-Star, Five-Diamond restaurant in Colorado, Penrose Room), 54 holes of championship golf, six tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pools, distinctive retail shops, specialty tours, activities and programs for guests of all ages and interests. https://www.broadmoor.com/

Austin Adventures Expands 4th Graders’ Travel Free Program - Adds Two Family-Focused Vacations in Canada To Current Roster of 11 US National Park Adventures

Details: Released on Monday, 07 March 2016 09:00

Promotion Comes on Heels of Already Favorable Exchange Rate

BILLINGS, MT - March 7, 2016– While the US National Park Service is getting heaps of attention this centennial year, one company wants families to remember our Canadian neighbor and its parks north of the border as well.

That’s why Austin Adventures http://www.austinadventures.com/ is expanding its 4th Graders Go Free on any US National Park adventure promotion into Canada for the 2016 season. This trend-setter in luxury multisport and active family vacations worldwide knows its family market and its appreciation of a great travel deal. Matched with the most generous exchange rate in years, families with fourth graders would be well advised to look to Canada this year for significant vacation savings.

“Canada is a real travel bargain for US citizens this year due to a favorable exchange rate that hasn’t been seen in years,” said Dan Austin, founder and president of Austin Adventures. “The summer forecast calls for a continued strengthening of the US dollar over its Canadian counterpart.”

Austin pointed out two trips in Canada popular with families with children age 7 and up. The first is Alberta Family / Banff to Jasper. This six day/ five night trip offers two parks; Banff & Jasper with multiple summer departures; July 3, 10, 24, August 7 and 14. The per person, double rate is from $2,898 adult; children’s rates are from $2,318.

Highlights include a glacier-trek secured with crampons, alpine hiking, paved trail biking and whitewater rafting through the pristine wilderness of “Wild Rose Country” in the Canadian Rockies. After a day of adventure families hunker down at home-away-from-home lodges, Baker Creek Chalet (3 nights) and Banff Royal Canadian Lodge (2 nights). Jasper National Park is one of the playgrounds on this adventure; the other is Banff National Park, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/alberta-family-banff-jasper/

Another popular family trip included in this promotion is British Columbia Family / Whistler. This six day/five night trip departs June 26, July 3, 10, 31, and August 21. The adult per person double rate is $2,798; children’s rates begin at $2,238. Activities focus around the alpine paradise of Whistler, BC, where hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding tend to work up mountain-sized appetites. Unpack just once! Legends Lodge in Whistler’s ski village serves as home basecamp for this trip. As for lifelong memories? The gondola ride and hike to the summit of Whistler Mountain and its 360 degree views will leave both young and old in breathless awe. See: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/british-columbia-family-whistler/

If a visit to Canada isn’t in the plan, families with 4th graders can play closer to home and still save significant vacation dollars enjoying one of 11 US National Park adventures offered by Austin Adventures. Throughout 2016, the company is waiving trip fees for all 4th graders traveling with their family to such iconic parks as Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion. See: http://www.austinadventures.com/find-your-park/

For more details on national park vacations please see: http://www.austinadventures.com/national-park-vacations/

About Austin Adventures

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Media 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 / 303-554-8821 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past News Releases Visit: http://www.travelnewssource.com/

Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave

Follow Austin Adventures:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinLehmanAdventures

Austin Adventures Expedites Trip Planning With Online Travel Planning Tips And Compendium of International Travel/Air Resources

Details: Released on Thursday, 11 February 2016 09:02

BILLINGS, MT - Feb. 11, 2016– One adventure travel company’s reputation relies on leaving no stone unturned when it comes to delivering customer satisfaction. Now Austin Adventures carries the same exact attention to detail that wows its travel clients to its newly enhanced website section that helps the planning process with detailed information on international travel and air resources as well as tips on planning an adventure vacation anywhere in the world.

“An informed guest is well into the journey of becoming a satisfied customer,” says Dan Austin, President and founder of Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/), the trend-setter in luxury multisport and active family vacations worldwide. “We’ve made our on-line travel planning resources one of the best and most comprehensive go-to pages on the web.” See: http://www.austinadventures.com/about-us/adventures/travel-planning-resources/

Starting with the premise that people coming to Austin Adventures are anticipating an active adventure vacation, one page is dedicated to How to Plan Your Next Adventure Vacation. Ideas range from European bike tours to African safaris, to small custom trips to solo travel and, of course, to family trips. If still undecided, vacation hopefuls may be inspired by checking out Austin Adventures’ List of Top Tens, a compilation of travel favorites from its own international travel experts: These ideas range from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to favorite places to, among others, take photographs, raft, beach, wine and dine, bike and overnight, all gleaned from the company’s well-traveled and worldly staff.

How to Choose the Right Tour Operator is another selection that Austin believes helps anyone, client or not, maximize vacation time and budget.

“A little time and energy spent on the front end will help ensure the vacation of your dreams,” Austin says, noting that while Google may be a good friend, other supports are out there to help determine where to go and when and then what to do on an active adventure vacation. This resource helps develop short lists and prompts questions about qualities to look for in engaging a tour operator. These recommendations and advice encourage a flow of questions about specific itineraries on a client-determined short list. For example, potential clients may ask to speak to afew past guests who did the same trip recently and they may want to know if the owner of the company they’re thinking of booking is involved in the day to day operations.

Whether the ultimate decision is to travel with Austin Adventures or not, chances are after visiting this company’s website they will be a friend for life for making available in one place these valuable travel resources:

- The World Clock– Current local time in cities and countries, in all time zones.

- MD Travel Health– Complete travel health information, updated daily, for physicians and travelers.

- Foreign Entry Requirements for US Citizens– Information on passports, visas, immunizations, medical information, additional fees, and conditions abroad that may affect your safety and security.

- World Health Organization– The authority for health within the United Nations system. Responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, and setting norms and standards.

- Universal Currency Converter– Perform currency and foreign exchange calculations using live, mid-market rates.

- U.S. Department of State– Everything from passport information to which countries you need visas for as well as travel tips.

- Foreign Electrical Systems– A summary of information on the electrical requirements and systems in use in most countries of the world.

- Flyer Guide: Travel Friendly Credit Cards– Hands down one of the best resources for picking a travel friendly credit card and researching foreign transaction fees.

- Airline Seating Charts– Information on airplane seating, in-flight amenities, and other useful airline information.

- Transportation Security Administration– Find the most up-to-date information on travel regulations, security alerts, flight delays and more.

- The Weather Channel– Features current conditions and forecasts for over 98,000 locations worldwide, along with local and regional radars.

- Google Maps– Find various types of interactive maps for any city or country around the world.

- Maps.com– Purchase local maps and guidebooks to take with you on your travels.

- Pack A Book– Want to read books set in the destination you’re visiting? This site provides a guide of what books to read.

- Language Tips– Here are some helpful phrases in five common languages to know when traveling in Europe: French, Italian, Spanish, German and Dutch.

A section on Travel Clothing and Gear is a short list that Austin Adventures find useful in securing comfort and style for travel anywhere in the world: brands featured include; Eagle Creek, ExOfficio, Kelty and TravelSmith.

Media note: Also included is a link to a complimentary Photo Gallery with high resolution images: http://www.austinadventures.com/about-us/adventures/image-gallery/. This resource is provided as a courtesy to authorized and approved media representatives. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited, and these photos are protected under copyright laws. Please use as you see fit, in return all they ask is that you credit Austin Adventures (with a link if electronic media) and send a link to the created content.

About Austin Adventures

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2014, Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations, was named the World’s Top Family Guide by Outside Magazine. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts® portfolio of experiential leisure offerings that includes operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resortin Death Valley National Park; and five Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also owns and operates Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in Williams, Ariz., the Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz., Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Country Walkers and Austin Adventures.

# # #

Media 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 / 303-554-8821 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past News Releases Visit: http://www.travelnewssource.com/

Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave

Follow Austin Adventures:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinLehmanAdventures

Austin Adventures’ Creates a Special National Park Adventure: Combines South Rim of Grand Canyon Hiking With Eden of Arizona’s Secluded Havasu Canyon

Details: Released on Monday, 18 January 2016 14:43

BILLINGS, MT - Jan. 18, 2016–Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/), the trend-setter in luxury multisport and active family vacations worldwide, has a soft spot in its heart for Arizona’s Havasu Canyon and its legendary travertine pools and waterfalls.

Austin Adventures continues its tradition of making what’s exceptional even better by announcing a special spring departure guided by its two most accomplished trip leaders. This new trip combines for the first time a South Rim of the Grand Canyon hike with in-depth exploration of the waterfalls and wonders of one of Arizona’s most iconic destinations, Havasu.

“We have taken our already popular Havasu Basecamp Adventure and enhanced it with more quality time in the Grand Canyon,” explains Dan Austin, company founder and president. “And the kicker is that two of our most beloved senior guides will be leading this very special departure.”

Guests on Austin Adventures’ five-day/four-night tour will enjoy the company and services of Outside Magazine’s top family guide, Kasey Austin, along with master guide Matty (K) Kirkland who has been with the company since its inception.

“We wanted to create a special Grand Canyon departure in tribute to the centennial of the founding of America’s National Park System,” explains Austin. “Families with kids 10 and older will find this appealing as the March date dovetails nicely with many school spring break schedules.”

The Arizona South Rim & Havasupai Adventure on Mar. 19-23, 2016 begins and ends in Scottsdale, AZ. The first day is spent exploring the Grand Canyon’s South Rim starting at Desert Watchtower followed by a hike on the South Kaibab Trail. Tonight guests enjoy dinner perched along the rim at the historic El Tovar Lodge.

A three-hour drive the next morning brings the group to Hualapai Hilltop and the trailhead for the 10-mile descent into Havasu Canyon. Numerous switchbacks dive deep into the red sandstone labyrinth until a level streambed is reached. When the vegetation turns lush as the Canyon widens at mile eight, guests enter Supai, one of the most remote villages in the United States. Here, the mail still arrives by packhorse. It’s then a short hike past two spectacular waterfalls to the deluxe basecamp, home for the next three nights. Note: At trip’s end, those not wishing to hike back out may request (for an extra fee) conveyance by helicopter or horseback.

Basecamp is a serious affair with a well-stocked backcountry kitchen, oversized tents and plush sleeping bags and pads. Its centralized location is the key to full exploration and enjoyment of the Canyon. The creek that carved Havasu spills over five major falls, the biggest of which, Mooney Falls, drops over 190 feet. The water temperature of about 70 degrees remains relatively constant throughout the year. Over millennia, the high mineral content and carbonate precipitate in the water has created countless pools, dams and drops. With new formations forming all the time, the flow of the creek is ever-changing. Day hikes are certain to culminate with a swim in the turquoise waters.

“Teal blue waters, lush foliage, squash and wild grape vines growing like weeds, pomegranate and apricot trees lining the dusty path and waterfalls all around. So unexpected and so beautiful!” –wrote one recent guest.

The per person, double occupancy rate of $1,998 ($280 single supplement) includeslodging, all meals, trailside snacks, fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides, vehicle support and land transportation during the trip, Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service, packing information, taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees. Because this is a spur of the Grand Canyon, hiking permits, that can be hard to obtain, are included.

For more complete trip details please see: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/arizona-south-rim-havasupai/.

About Austin Adventures

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Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past News Releases Visit: http://www.travelnewssource.com/

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Virtuoso® Selects Austin Adventures As Network’s Newest Tour Operator

Details: Released on Wednesday, 06 January 2016 12:46

Partnership Expands Luxury Travel Network’s Offerings For Small Group Adventure and Family Travel

BILLINGS, MT – Jan. 6, 2016– Dan Austin, president of Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/), a leader in luxury multisport and active family vacations worldwide, announces that his company has been invited to join the prestigious supplier portfolio at Virtuoso®, the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel.

In this new partnership, Virtuoso, one of the best-known and respected travel groups in the world, gains new market-proven product from Austin Adventures for its more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in over 30 countries. Austin Adventures gains new market access to millions of travel-savvy consumers.

This comes at the heels of a partnership Austin Adventures forged in 2013 with Xanterra Parks & Resorts® which has opened doors to countless new opportunities, allowing Austin Adventures unparalleled behind-the-scenes access, support and security on its tours (especially those that visit U.S. National Parks).

“Through hard work and dedication to excellence, both Virtuoso and Austin Adventures have become recognized leaders in luxury and experiential travel. This new partnership will bring our special style of adventure and high-end travel to an expanded market of individuals and families seeking quality, authenticity and intimacy in a vacation experience,” Austin said.

This new partnership marks the first time that Montana-based Austin Adventures has entered into an agreement with Virtuoso, one of the globe’s premier luxury travel organizations. The by-invitation-only organization is comprised of over 380 agency members and more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in over 30 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

This strategic partnership comes at a time when Austin Adventures is experiencing its most significant expansion of trips and destinations to date, added Austin. With the addition of Asia (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bali and Vietnam), Austin Adventures now offers programs on all seven continents.

In addition to expanding geographically, AA is adding multisport programs in Europe (France, Macedonia and Croatia) and in South America (Chile, Peru and Argentina).

Back by popular demand, in 2016 it is reintroducing classic cycle tours in Europe. Austin said the demand for pure bike-only tours is strong. The new twist will be the inclusion of celebrity host and guide Ron van Dijk of Austin Adventures who in 2016 celebrates his 42^nd anniversary of guiding bike tours. Austin Adventure’s new cycle tours for 2016 are: Denmark Danish Isles; Holland/Belgium | Brussels to Bruges & Gent; France - Burgundy; and Austria/Czech Republic-Vienna To Prague.

Stateside Austin Adventures is introducing exclusive five-star lodging and gourmet dining that combine biking, hiking, rafting and horseback riding in iconic destinations. For example, the new-for-1016 Colorado | 5-Star Wilderness Adventure is a six-day/five-night immersion in what this company does best – making sure the wows are stirred into the vacation mix that includes The Broadmoor, Cloud Camp and Ranch at Emerald Valley.

Austin Adventures has also created the distinction as experts in planning and delivering family vacations. Seeking out family travel and adventure experiences are high on Virtuoso advisors’ lists, as multigenerational travel is a top trend predicted for 2016, followed in second by adventure travel and in third place travel with one’s immediate family.

“Adventure travel is a growing area of interest for Virtuoso travel advisors and their clients,” said Cece Drummond, managing director of Destinations & Experiences for Virtuoso. “In fact, the 2016 Virtuoso Luxe Reportnamed it one of the top trends for this year.”

“Travel agent and agency bookings are an increasing percentage of our overall business,” said Austin. “With the help of Virtuoso we project that agency business will represent one of every three reservations by 2018.” Being a Preferred Supplier offers Austin Adventures new travel agency distribution channels in the United States, as well as in other mutually important regions where Virtuoso operates, including Europe, Australia and Canada..

About Virtuoso: Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by invitation-only organization comprises over 380 agency members with more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in over 30 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than (U.S.) $15.5 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit virtuoso.com.

About Austin Adventures

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2014, Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations, was named the World’s Top Family Guide by Outside Magazine. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts®portfolio of experiential leisure offerings that includes operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Glacier, Rocky Mountainand Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resortin Death Valley National Park; and five Ohio State Park Lodgesas well as the Geneva Marinaat Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also owns and operates Kingsmill Resortin Williamsburg, Va., the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotelin Williams, Ariz., the Grand Hotelin Tusayan, Ariz., Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Country Walkersand Austin Adventures.

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Media 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 / 303-554-8821 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a Portfolio of Past News Releases Visit: http://www.travelnewssource.com/

Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BoulderDave

Follow Austin Adventures:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinLehmanAdventures