Website: http://www.austinadventures.com
The story of Austin Adventures is really about founder Dan Austin and his passion to create the world’s best active travel company. For a legacy dating back over 40 years, Dan has sharing his love of adventure with each and every guest. Austin Adventures' longtime insider's knowledge and extensive contacts in each destination they visit allow them to offer cultural and artistic experiences and encounters that give their guests a much more in-depth feel for the local people and their way of life.
Many companies may cover the world, but AA focuses solely on The Americas, Africa and Europe. They just want to be the best wherever they go. Itineraries are designed to deliver surprising luxury with an absence of pretension. They have done their research and know the best accommodations in each region to rest and recharge. Whether you dine in a 5 star restaurant or are served campfire-side, you will enjoy the finest local cuisine and wines, artfully prepared and deliciously sinful. You are a VIP with Austin Adventures and they promise to deliver on each traveler’s high standards for luxury, quality and comfort.
Activities and Destinations
BIKE / CULTURAL TOURS Asia / Pacific
MULTI-SPORT / CULTURAL / NATIONAL PARK TOURS
FAMILY MULTI-SPORT / CULTURAL TOURS
FOOD & WINE / MULTI-SPORT / CULTURAL TOURS
SAFARI / NATURAL WORLD EXPLORATIONS
BILLINGS, Montana, and QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand – Sept. 21, 2021 -- Eager travelers are increasingly convinced that getting the right help when planning a vacation is priceless in today’s confusing travel atmosphere.
Andra E. of Indiana completed her first Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park getaway in July with Austin Adventures, a Montana-based boutique tour operator. Between the pandemic and a cancer diagnosis, her journey to the perfect vacation wasn’t easy. Austin Adventures sympathetically navigated multiple rebookings for her. The result? Her highly anticipated trip exceeded expectations.
“We were looking forward to not having to make all the decisions and arrangements while exploring a large and beautiful part of the country. What we got was a great trip with guides who were knowledgeable, personable and thoughtful. They planned out the meals and activities; they truly handled every detail. We were completely spoiled! (The Austin Adventures) team has been nothing but kind, helpful and accommodating.”
COVID-19 aftereffects rage on in the travel industry in the form of volatile border reopenings, record-setting crowd numbers in National Parks and worldwide iconic destinations, and availability shortages due to the soaring travel comeback.
But planning experts like Active Adventures and Austin Adventures, newly merged brands as of August 2021, are proving their worth by easing the stress of traveling in today’s era.
“Our numbers are definitely showing that travelers are anxious to get back out there,” said Dan Austin, Founder of Austin Adventures. “Between January and September, we’ve seen a 200% increase in travel inquiries compared to the same period in pre-pandemic 2019. Bookings are also breaking records, up 130% over 2019.”
Active Adventures and Austin Adventures have covered all the bases of vacation planning and execution for over 60 collective years. In the last year, their time-tested expertise has proved priceless as more and more travelers turn to professionals for travel planning help.
Professionals and agents find partnering with a reliable tour operator just as valuable. Kristin Cless of Houlahan Travel concurs: “As Travel Professionals, we are extremely concerned about the safety of our clients when they are traveling. Working with Austin Adventures takes all the guesswork out of that process. We know the great lengths they go to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients and it is a huge weight off our shoulders.”
The menu of helpful services offered by tour operators and travel professionals is endless:
Travelers who may have relied on their own independence when planning their getaways in the past are also increasingly recognizing the priceless value travel professionals and agents bring to the table. Having professionals and agents on their side amplifies travel planning security and confidence.
The future of travel and all the requirements and planning that come along with it may continue to evolve, but help from travel professionals and tour operators is here to stay.
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.
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MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:
Courtney Iannuccilli
VP of Global Marketing
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401-400-3472
BILLINGS, MT, Aug 24, 2021-- United by a powerful belief that travel creates inspiring and life-changing moments, Active Adventures of Queenstown, New Zealand and Austin Adventures of Montana, USA have merged to provide a wider world of opportunities for global travelers.
The merger will enable more adventure travelers to benefit from a broader range of global destinations and experiences. Both companies specialize in off-the-beaten-path small group adventure trips delivered with a personal touch.
“Travel today is not just about choosing a destination. Now more than ever, it’s about how we travel,” says Wendy van Lieshout, CEO of the new merger.
“It’s about precious time together - creating lifetime memories, being inspired, and connecting with the people and environment around us. It’s about feeling you can trust the company you are on that journey with, that all the little details will be taken care of to create the best experience possible.”
“To expand our offerings to our loyal customers, it was critical we find a like-minded brand to join forces with. Just like us, Austin Adventures was born out of a deep passion for sharing authentic, curated, and inspirational adventure experiences with their guests.”
What does the merger mean for travelers?
Each brand brings its own specialties and experiences that form an expanded, unified collection of adventure opportunities across the globe. Now, Austin Adventures’ tours will be available for booking on Active Adventures’ website, adding adventures in the USA, Canada, and Central America for both brands, including specific family departures. Active Adventures’ unique hiking, biking, and kayaking experiences in New Zealand, South America, Europe, the Himalayas, and Africa will be available via the Austin Adventures’ website.
According to Dan Austin, founder of Austin Adventures, the homework has been done to make sure the match was a natural fit and would create new opportunities for each other’s loyal guests. “We were founded in different countries, yet our companies have very similar stories. Each business is like a family – now we’ve just created one bigger family!”
Shared features:
The two brands have come together as one global team across New Zealand and the USA, with operational bases around the globe.
“We share the same commitment to putting our guests at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to sharing many more special experiences with our guests and partners,” says van Lieshout.
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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. 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.
CONTACTINFORMATION
USA:
CourtneyIannuccilli
VP of Global Marketing
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401-400-3472
NewZealand:
Wendy van LieshoutCEO
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0800234726(NZ)|+643450 0414(Worldwide)
BILLINGS, MT, Nov. 11, 2020 – One of the most trusted names in the adventure travel industry, Austin Adventures based in Billings, MT, announced today that it is expanding its international operations.
The family-owned company has acquired Wildland Adventures, a time-tested international adventure travel icon headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The acquisition adds a range of exciting new tours and destinations to Austin Adventures’ signature trip portfolio.
The formal closing for the purchase was late October 2020. The two teams have since been busy integrating Wildland Adventures contracts, guests and tours within the two brands.
Wildland Adventures is an ecotourism pioneer with a 36-year track record of successfully providing active adventures throughout the world, connecting travelers in a deep and meaningful way to the people and places they visit.
“By acquiring Wildland and its well-established operation and excellent reputation, we are expanding our destinations and offerings by 35 percent. Clients will have the opportunity to travel on an additional 40 vetted Wildland itineraries in exciting destinations,” Austin said.
The integrity of Wildland’s core product is already aligned with that of Austin Adventures, Austin added. The Austin Adventures mission is to give guests a comprehensive and immersive view of regions visited by engaging in multi-sport adventure such as biking, hiking, sea kayaking and whitewater rafting. The newly acquired programs combine adventure with a focus on cultural and natural history.
“Our programs have always been about learning, inviting guests to explore the outdoors through activities and wowing our guests with attention to detail, all in a luxurious, fully-supported manner,” Austin said. “This is such a great fit with the experiential style of tours at Wildland.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Wildland CEO Kurt Kutay is staying on the team for the foreseeable future. He will be taking on roles in quality control and product development.
“By keeping Kurt in the loop with support from other key Wildland staff and overseas partners, we gain decades of experience,” Austin said.
Kutay assures Wildland will remain dedicated to offering travelers outstanding quality and service. He supports the shared goals of the two companies to maintain Wildland’s close ties to its partners, guides and local communities worldwide.
“We are thrilled to keep the legacy we’ve built alive and vibrant for years to come by joining the Austin Adventures family,” Kutay said. “To collaborate as one, we won’t miss a beat providing trip expertise and in-depth regional knowledge.”
This purchase also provides Austin Adventures an opportunity to revise operations and management approaches. This will guarantee that both international and domestic products continue to run smoothly. Kasey Austin, president of the company, will dedicate more energy and time domestically, while Curtis Fox, recently hired as vice president of international operations, will manage foreign product.
This is the fifth time in its 35 years that Austin Adventures has grown through acquisition. In 2000 the company firstly acquired Backcountry Tours, followed by Eurobike Tours, CBT Tours, Inc. and Go South Adventures. With each acquisition, Austin Adventures added destinations, regional expertise and talent.
Austin Adventures manages all of the arrangements for its selected destinations that include distinctive regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Small groups are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures). Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals and beverages, expert guides, park entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round-trip travel to the host city.
For a copy of the 2021 catalog as well as information on Austin Adventure’s unique itineraries for active adult and family travel, please call toll-free 1-800-575-1540, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries you can visit its website www.austinadventures.com.
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Media Contact:Dan Austin, CEO/Founder
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Austin Adventures
800-575-1540 / 406-655-4591
For more information and photos on Austin Adventures 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.
BILLINGS, MT, Oct. 22, 2020 – Top-rated travel company Austin Adventures has acknowledged a winner for their friendly Essential Service Providers contestwhich honored heroic workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The lucky recipient of an all-inclusive five-day vacation from Austin Adventures is Debora Ybarra, a nurse assigned to the coronavirus intensive care unit at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
To honor Ybarra’s dedicated work in the healthcare field, she was awarded a 2021 trip for four guests to Yellowstone National Park, planned and guided by Austin Adventures. The announcement was made on Oct. 16, 2020, over a live Zoom call by Dan Austin, founder and director of the decorated Austin Adventures company operating out of Billings, Montana.
“While we may never be able to thank Debora enough for her personal sacrifice and dedication, we do hope our adventure vacation into the natural beauty of Yellowstone helps her recharge and heal,” adds Austin.
Ybarra’s name was chosen from a drawing that included 24 other finalists from around the country. By working with Life is Good partners, these top nominees will receive a Life is GoodHigh Sierra backpack full of Austin Adventures and Life is Good swag.
Like many who were nominated, Ybarra has worked tirelessly tending to patients diagnosed with the coronavirus disease. Before the pandemic spread, she dedicated over 20 years volunteering her medical skills around the country and the world assisting natural disaster victims in southern United States, Haiti and Puerto Rico. She also fulfilled needs in Mexico and South America. Ybarra recently finished work to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and is completing her doctorate degree.
Ybarra was one among a total of 156 outstanding nominations in Austin Adventures’ Essential Service Providers contest. All of these contenders, including the top 24 nominees, will receive a gift certificate for a $500 discount on a future Austin Adventures trip. This opportunity to recognize brave individuals was created by Austin Adventures in early June 2020 while the company rolled out many other consumer-focused initiatives amidst the pandemic.
“We wanted to recognize those selfless individuals who never rested or who didn’t have the luxury of sheltering in place,” said Austin. “America’s essential workers have and will continue to sacrifice their health and their family time for the rest of us. This is our way of saying thank you.”
Austin Adventures has and continues to prioritize optimism and transparency whether or not facing a difficult travel season. This year Austin Adventures offered unique additional domestic trip options to sustain travel in the United States as well as implemented safe travel procedures for guests and guides and lightened its cancelation policies. They stuck to the A, B, C’s of the business by Anticipating, Being Honest and Communicating with guests and supporting travel agents by giving 50% of commission at the time of bookings.
About Austin Adventures
Austin Adventures has spent 40 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group and multisport tours for adults and families of the world’s most captivating destinations. With cruises and accommodations on seven continents, they have been recognized twice by Travel + Leisure Magazine with the prestigious World’s Best Awards along with other national media accolades and distinctions. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution supported by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee. Austin Adventures is a Virtuoso Preferred Tour Operator.
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Media Contacts: 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.
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website: http://www.austinadventures.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinadventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austnadventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAdv/
Highly Regarded as One of the Safest Getaway Options Available to Travelers, The New Guest Ranch Collection Includes Celebrated Properties In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming
BILLINGS, MT – Sept. 24, 2020– Challenging times call for creative solutions. Looking to expand its award-winning portfolio of naturally self-distancing, nature-based, small group vacations for adults and families, Austin Adventures only needed to look to its own backyard for the perfect solution – the Western guest ranch vacation.
In partnership with Best Ranches in the West, Austin Adventures has added 14 first- class guest ranches to their lineup of offerings. Founder and President Dan Austin and his Montana-based team drew from their personal knowledge and regional experience having hosted and operated adventures throughout the West for the past 40 years. With careful vetting and personal experience, they have bestowed their highest mark of approval on each property in this exclusive group of all-inclusive guest ranches situated in some of the most spectacular settings in the West.
In 2020, many North American guest ranches saw a surge of bookings from families needing to come up with safe alternatives to their cancelled cruise and international vacation plans. Austin recognized this trend early and in January began the steps to include ranch vacations in its 2021 line-up. It was, “a long overdue addition” in Austin’s words.
Knowing safety will be top priority to today’s traveler, Austin emphasizes the natural and healthy style of this type of vacation alternative that also embraces carefully planned and recently enacted COVID-19 mitigation protocols:
Austin Adventures’ Guest Ranch Collection for 2021 will include these highly coveted ranch properties across the West:
“We look forward in the months ahead to welcoming to our portfolio other outstanding properties that meet our criteria,” Austin adds. The Guest Ranch Collection is expected to grow with the addition of one or two new offerings a year.
Guest ranch vacation packages will be available for booking through the adventure specialists at Austin Adventures. See: https://www.austinadventures.com/guest-ranch-collection/. To research and reserve any of Austin Adventures offerings, please call 1.800.575.1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For a full roster of Austin Adventures’ 2021 trips, covering seven continents, please visit http://www.austinadventures.com.
About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent 40 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. With cruises and accommodations on seven continents, they have been acknowledged twice by Travel + Leisure Magazine with the prestigious World’s Best Awards along with other national media accolades and distinctions. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution, all backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee. Austin Adventures is a Virtuoso Preferred Tour Operator.
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Media Contacts: 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.
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website: http://www.austinadventures.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinadventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austnadventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAdv/
Blog: https://www.austinadventures.com/travel-resources/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AustinAdventures
Summer 2020 - Winding Down, Looking Back and Looking Forward!
Dear Friends,
Summer 2020 was one for the books, a book I don’t intend to read again. Six months ago, (has it really been six months?), I called the Austin Adventures’ team together and pulled out every coaching trick in the book. At the end of the day we committed to work through all challenges and obstacles and to be stronger -- not weaker -- on the other side. It all started by staying grounded in the present with an eye on the future and to embracing our core values and putting the customer first. At this meeting we established what would be our A, B, C’s. Anticipate, Be Honest and Communicate. Little did we know this simple formula would be our mantra that would lead us forward for these many months.
As we set out to execute as many domestic adventures as safely possible, we immediately realized the challenges ahead: closed lodging and critical resources and ever changing rules and regulations in and around the National Parks. The only thing we knew is that we knew very little. We just knew that by being prepared for anything and working with our guests and guides in a proactive manner we would not just get through it, but all would be rewarded with the adventure of a lifetime and a much-needed break from today’s news cycle. Guest Annie summed it up well:
“This was my first Austin Adventures trip, but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved how our guides took care of everything for us so we could just focus on having a good time. They gave us our itinerary for the next day at dinner so we could stay mindful of the current day, which was really great. All of the food was amazing, all of the trails and activities were perfect. Even though COVID-19 brought its challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing about our trip. Our guides were able to fix problems before we ever even knew there was an issue and we were so satisfied that we didn’t even care about how it was “supposed” to be.”
While 2020 travelers amounted to only a third of what’s normal, 2021 is already looking strong! We’ve found adventure travelers to be an intrepid, resilient bunch and ready to get out and explore at every opportunity. While traveling during COVID times is not for everyone, those who did were handsomely rewarded. Those who elected to hold off are now planning for an optimistic future.
One thing we can confirm from our own experience. For a travel company to make it through times like these requires
In 2020 we stayed the course and carried out our tried and true adventures to Alaska, Montana, Yellowstone and Utah. We also adapted our product to reflect changing interest and traveler priorities that include NEW
During this time, we have strengthened our operations and enhanced the capabilities of our company with key new hires. While many of our fellow companies are laying off staff and guides, Austin Adventures is doubling down and picking up some great talent such as
And speaking of the future and brighter days, we are
A new Saturday tradition has also taken hold during these challenging times. With humility I am delighted to report that hundreds of the countless devotees who read my bi-monthly Saturday Musings asked me to carry on and keep communicating! (You can see an example here https://www.austinadventures.com/blog/). When you visit, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know on all things Austin Adventures.
Like everyone we are getting really good with the pandemic-driven Zoom approach to reaching out to important constituents. During Virtuoso’s recent Virtual Travel Week I had 120 ten-minute Zoom training calls with some of the top Travel Advisors on the planet. It was so refreshing to talk travel and hear the optimism and commitment to adventure travel in today’s uncertain world. Agents have been through the same hell as we have and the mutual respect and support to rebound was truly encouraging. I have mad respect for these folks on the front lines of travel. Again, I have to note I was humbled by their interest and feedback on how Austin Adventures is becoming a recognized leader in these challenging times.
At the end of the day, life is the Adventure, isn’t it! In the middle of this Pandemic, readers of USA Today rewarded and recognized Austin Adventures for the 2nd year in a row as one of the Top 3 Adventure Travel Companies in the WORLD. We beat a number of the big names again.
I leave you with a quote from German aviator Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a quote I have taped to my monitor: “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.”
We will all get through this together!
Dan Austin, Founder and President
Please feel free to contact me: 800.575.1540 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BILLINGS, MT, June 17, 2020 –Award-winning active tour company Austin Adventures is celebrating the essential workers who have kept America going throughout the COVID-19 pandemic through their first-ever America’s Essential Workers Contest.
“We are recognizing those who never rested or who didn’t have the luxury of sheltering in place,” said Dan Austin, the president and CEO of Austin Adventures. “America’s essential workers have sacrificed their health and their family time for the rest of us. This is our way of saying thank you.”
The winning essential worker will be rewarded with an all-inclusive trip for family of four on a six day/five-night Yellowstone National Park adventure vacation in 2021. In association with their travel partners at Life is Good, the winning family will also beoutfitted with a Life Is Good/American Tourister luggage set.
“This is the time to reward not just the individual, but the families who sacrificed, as well,” Austin said. “Think of the professional drivers who never stopped driving and ensured communities had the supplies they needed. Or think of the nurses who pulled double shifts while the rest of us were tucked in at home.”
Nominators can submit nominations for candidates here. Criteria involve describing how the nominee is a worthy recipient and providing contact information for both nominators and nominees. Nominators also have the option of uploading pictures of their nominees. Nominations close October 1, 2020.
An impartial team at Austin Adventures will review all nominations and put the top 25 into a random drawing to be held by October 15, 2020. The top 25 finalists will win a Life is Good High Sierra backpack filled with Life is Good and Austin Adventures swag, as well as a $500 gift card toward any 2021 domestic adventure with Austin Adventures.
About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent more than 35 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. With cruises and accommodations on seven continents, they have been acknowledged twice by Travel + Leisure Magazine with the prestigious World’s Best Awards along with other national media accolades and distinctions. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution, all backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee.
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CONTACT:
Dan Austin, CEO/Founder
Phone: (406) 671-6067
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website: http://www.austinadventures.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinadventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austnadventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAdv/
Blog: https://www.austinadventures.com/travel-resources/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AustinAdventures
BILLINGS, MT, Sept. 5, 2019 – Travel advisors continue to play a leading role at Austin Adventures, the artisans of domestic and international adventure travel. To make it easier than ever for agents to match their clients up with over 100 active adventures, the company recently launched a new Travel Advisor Portal and Learning Academy (see: https://www.austinadventures.com/travel-professionals/).
The portal delivers the information and tools that advisors need to sell Austin Adventures’ unique, active experiences for families, couples, groups and solo travelers. The portal includes booking policies, a webinar library, details on booking policies, policies on commissions and overrides and how to earn incentives.
“The purpose,” said Dan Austin, Founder and President, “is to help travel professionals become even more successful in their businesses by equipping them with efficient access to information – and ways to earn booking incentives.” Access to the portal and academy is free for all active travel advisors.
From the portal, advisors can order both physical and digital 2020 catalogs showcasing, in addition to tried and true adventures, new itineraries in New Zealand, Africa, Brazil, France and Spain. They may register for access to insider’s information on, among others, how to inspire and book clients on an active vacation. The video webinar gallery is a treasure trove of useful information and proven tips. Advisors are also welcome to request webinar topics for the future.
“We’ve learned over the years that a good travel agent is worth their weight in gold. Our goal is to make each agent we work with, a hero to their customers -- and our lifelong partner,” he added. “In addition, we’ll be looking for feedback from agents as to what we can do to help them sell more adventure travel.”
Advisors are encouraged to “graduate” from the academy, thereby unlocking a tiered bonus structure based off Bookings Per Calendar Year. These booking bonuses include:
· Next Booking with Austin Adventures: $50 Amazon Gift Card (one earned for each guest booked)
· 1-20 Bookings per year: 12% Commission
· 21-50 Bookings per year: 14% Commission
· 50+ Bookings per year: 16% Commission
The academy currently features one module, with more to come. Future webinar announcements and registration will be added as well.
“The goal is to educate advisors on Austin Adventures as a company and on our various trip offerings and the differences between them. The academy also indicates ways that advisors can build those ever-more-popular custom itineraries for their guests,” Austin added.
For complete details please visit: https://www.austinadventures.com/travel-professionals/
“Our new portal can only be win-win for us, for travel professionals and for our mutual – new and repeat -- clients,” Austin underscored. “One of the reasons that we can enjoy and maintain our position as a leader in the world of active multisport and family adventure travel is the relationship we have with our travel agent partners. Today’s counselor is hip and knowledgeable about the marketplace and in tune with their clients’ most passionate travel desires.”
Austin speaks from a long history of his company’s success working with travel agents. In 2014, the company was invited to join the Virtuoso Network as a Preferred Tour Operator and Partner. More and more agents have found Austin Adventures to be a trusted resource for top quality and high value scheduled, custom and bespoke adventures.
When asked why travel agents have embraced Austin Adventures as a top source for active custom and small group travel, Austin points to these factors:
· His company is expert at obtaining hard-to-get national park lodging at peak times with prime accommodations built into their tour itineraries;
· They are a recognized leader in offering creative custom and private itineraries for clients; “If you can dream it, Austin Adventures can build it”;
· Behind-the-scenes VIP access they enjoy thanks to the deep relationships the company has established with suppliers and partners;
· Regularly acknowledged by the media, Austin Adventures sets the highest standards when it comes to top quality family itineraries and national park vacations;
· Austin Adventures offers its unique brand of travel on all seven continents;
· They have been engaging satisfied guests for 40 years and are a two-time winner of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award for Adventure Tour Operators in 2009 and again in 2012.
“Today’s marketplace dominated by the Internet has increased access to travel information but in turn has made the personal, living and breathing expert more important than ever,” he said. Travel advisors have access, resources, connections and knowledge that would take the average traveler a lifetime to build.
Austin Adventures’ 2020 catalog is available upon request. Please order ONLINE or call 1.800.575.1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For a full roster of 2019-2020 trips that is frequently updated beyond the print catalog please visit http://www.austinadventures.com.
About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent over 35 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating one-of-a-kind itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution. All backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee.
# # #
Media Contacts: 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.
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website: http://www.austinadventures.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinadventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austnadventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAdv/
BILLINGS, MT, May 31, 2019 – An American original, birthed in the Rockies of Montana, has been chosen as one of the three top adventure travel companies in the world by the readers of USA TODAY.
Headquartered in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures was one of 20 nominees chosen from hundreds of considerations for the 2019 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for Best Adventure Travel Company. The official awards announcement went out today on all of USA TODAY’s news channels. See: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-adventure-travel-company/.
“We are honored and energized by this lofty recognition,” said Dan Austin, president and founder of Austin Adventures. “Of course, we would have loved to have landed in the top spot worldwide, but as an American boutique tour operator, we are humbled to share this stage with two of the biggest and most exceptional adventure travel companies in the world.”
Canadian-headquartered G Adventures took first place, and Australian-headquartered Intrepid Travel came in second leaving Austin Adventures as the sole US-based company among the top three. Winners were chosen by highest total votes accumulated in an online voting forum. Members of the public could vote once daily from April 22-May 20.
“While our annual guest counts are a fraction of G Adventures’ and Intrepid’s, our travelers are immensely loyal and helped take us very close to the top spot,” Austin said. “We also came out above other industry legends that we have the utmost respect for. We work hard in behalf of our guests every day, and to be recognized for it is a real tribute.”
The world’s Top 10 Adventure Travel Companies in popular voting are as follows:
Austin Adventures has spent over 35 years providing best-in-class, small group, multisport tours for adults and families around the world. The company offers unmatched access and expertise in America’s national parks and is widely recognized as a premier provider for family adventures.
Over the years, Austin Adventures has earned numerous awards from the media such asNational Geographicand the New York Travel Writers Association, including twice winning #1 Adventure Tour Operator in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s prestigious World’s Best Awards.
“This recognition by USA TODAY spurs us on to continually operate as the best adventure travel company in the world — providing quality over quantity — while we strive to be named #1,” Austin said. “We will never rest, and we will continue to earn the incredible guest support and loyalty that got us this far. We are beyond thankful for every vote cast by those who have traveled with us.”
According to USA TODAY, 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage in the U.S. and around the world.
Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; and relevant expert contributors. All voting is digital, and the 10Best Readers' Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website.
Two outside travel experts helped select the 20 original nominees for the Best Adventure Travel Company awards. Lisa Ellen Niver is an award-winning travel expert on KTLA TV who has explored 101 countries and six continents. Her website, We Said Go Travel, was read in 212 countries in 2018. LiLing Pang is founder and CEO at Trekaroo, a travel resource and online community of "families inspiring each other to travel the world." She's always looking to push the limit of what's possible with children in tow.
About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent over 35 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating one-of-a-kind itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution. All backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Austin Adventures’ 2019 catalog is available upon request. Please order ONLINE or call 1.800.575.1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For a full roster of 2019 trips that is frequently updated beyond the print catalog please visit http://www.austinadventures.com.
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Media Contacts: 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.
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website: http://www.austinadventures.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinadventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austnadventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAdv/
Blog: https://www.austinadventures.com/blog/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AustinAdventures
BILLINGS, MT – May 2, 2019– More than 500 travel bloggers will flock to Billings, Montana, in September for TBEX (Travel Bloggers Exchange), the world’s largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists and new media content creators. To celebrate this spotlight on its hometown of Billings, event sponsor and award-winning adventure travel company Austin Adventures has launched a contest to invite members of the travel blogging community to write about why they want to visit Montana and Yellowstone National Park.
“We truly love our wild backyard and have dedicated ourselves to helping others experience breathtaking destinations like Yellowstone National Park in the most inspiring and engaging ways possible,” said Austin Adventures founder and president Dan Austin. “And we want to support the myriad of social influencers and bloggers who have also dedicated their lives to sharing their passion for travel via the written word.”
“We recognize and want to reward that enthusiasm,” Austin added. “Blogs are one of the key ways today’s active travelers are inspired to pack their bags and go.”
The Austin Adventures TBEX Travel Blogger Contest is open for entries starting May 6, 2019, with a final entry deadline of June 7, 2019. One randomly chosen blogger will win a trifecta of prizes:
The premise for entry is simple.
“We could probably tell you a thousand reasons why we love Montana and Yellowstone National Park — and we’ll be happy to when we host participants of the TBEX North America 2019 conference in Billings this September. But we really want to hear why each blogger and influencer loves and longs to visit Montana and Yellowstone,” Austin explains.
To enter the contest, bloggers need to follow these three steps:
Write
Write and publish a blog post about why they want to explore Montana and Yellowstone National Park with Austin Adventures. How visiting these areas with an experienced, locally based tour operator helps make this a richer and more rewarding experience?
If a blogger has already visited Montana and Yellowstone National Park, they are asked to write a blog post about why their readers should visit these two noteworthy destinations, possibly with a veteran tour operator such as Austin Adventures.
Regardless of the angle, bloggers are requested to include a minimum of one link back to the Austin Adventures website in their blog post.
Share
Entrants are asked to share their blog post on their public Facebook page and tag Austin Adventures (@AustinAdv). They are also encouraged to share their blog post on other social media platforms, providing proof of the post via a link (URL). Tag @AustnAdventures on Twitter, or @AustinAdventures on Instagram.
Followers need to be asked to like, share and comment on the blog post(s). In return, each comment, like and share will automatically enter them into a drawing to win two free spots on an Austin Adventures weeklong National Park trip in 2020. The winner will be randomly chosen by Austin Adventures.
* Terms and Conditions apply. Please see official contest webpage for more information: https://www.austinadventures.com/tbex/.
Win
To be officially entered into the Austin Adventures 2019 TBEX Travel Blogger Contest, bloggers must submit their name, email address, blog title and URL, and the URL for all related social media posts on the official Entry Form on the Austin Adventures website.
All entries for the 2019 Austin Adventures TBEX Travel Blogger Contest must be received by 11:59 p.m. MST Friday, June 7, 2019.
Austin Adventures will announce the randomly chosen winning blogger and his or her randomly chosen winning follower on Friday, June 14, 2019, via its website, blog, email newsletter, social media channels and press release.
For more information about the Austin Adventures 2019 TBEX Travel Bloggers Contest, please visit the website, call 1.800.575.1540 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For a full roster of Austin Adventures’ 2019 trips, cruises and distinctive accommodations on seven continents please visit: http://www.austinadventures.com. To access the 2019 digital catalog or order a print copy, go to: https://www.austinadventures.com/request-catalog/.
About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent over 35 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. They have been acknowledged twice by Travel + Leisure Magazine with the prestigious World’s Best Awards along with other national media accolades and distinctions. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution, all backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee.
# # #
Media Contacts: 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.
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website: https://www.austinadventures.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/austinadventures/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austnadventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAdv/