Austin Adventures Launches New Collection of Wellness Retreats In Southwestern Utah and Chiapas, Mexico

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Released on Monday, 05 November 2012 09:30

Alumni Past and Future Invited to Join ALA Founders Dan and Carol Austin  for the Inaugural Retreat in Utah Feb. 10-15, 2013

Billings, MT, Nov. 5, 2012– Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure travel standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa, Arctic and the Caribbean, for 2013 has added week-long wellness adventure retreats in southwestern Utah and Chiapas, Mexico.

To inaugurate the company’s new wellness programs, Dan Austin, founding director, and his wife, Carol will host the first scheduled retreat based from the Red Mountain Resort near St. George, UT, Feb. 10-15, 2013. The week’s program has been expressly designed for couples.

Later in the season, from March 3-8, Christy Hamill, ALA’s GM, will host a Red Mountain Resort women’s retreat, and from June 9-14, Kasey Austin, representing Austin Adventures’ next generation of management, will host a family focused retreat. Dan’s daughter Kasey is ALA’s family program manager and CEO (chief entertainment officer).

The Utah Wellness Adventure at Red Mountain Resort is a six-day / five-night program at $3,898 per person, double occupancy ($1,080 single supplement). The nearly all-inclusive rate covers healthy meals, guide services, ground transportation, luxury accommodations, daily planned activities and more. Not included are guide gratuities, optional spa and salon treatments and sessions and other items of a personal nature. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/utah---red-mountain-resort-trips-136.php

“The scenery is nothing but spellbinding and spiritual,” says program architect Dan Austin. “Nature has done its job to provide the perfect backdrop for a magical week dedicated to rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit.”

Surrounded by the red rock cliffs and canyons of southwestern Utah near Zion National Park where, in addition to Zumba Canyon View Yoga, Tai Chi on the Rocks, meditation and warm lava detox wraps, guests will hike up to eight miles a day, mountain bike between eight and 16 miles a day, and explore, among others, Yankee Doodle Canyon, a narrow slot canyon perfect for honing canyoneering skills with a trained adventure guide.

Red Mountain Resort, voted the #1 Destination Spa by Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards in 2012, offers 82 rooms and 24 villa suites on 55 acres of black lava gardens and fragrant mesquite with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. All amenities, from nutrition seminars to massages, are a short, scenic walk away.

“When Dan and I were planning this program,” said Carol Austin, “the perfect day began with a cup of coffee while we watched the Southwest sunrise. After a yoga class and hike in Zion, a visit to the spa was a must before the day wrapped up in grand style with a fiery sunset and a glass of wine."

Austin Adventures’s second wellness offering with an emphasis on yoga takes place at the Argovia Finca Resort near the Pacific coast in Chiapas, Mexico. Located on a fourth-generation coffee plantation near the pounding Pacific, guests will partake of sunrise yoga classes, hikes to local swimming holes, kayaking through lush mangrove swamps and beach-side lunches. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/mexico---argovia-finca-resort-trips-119.php

Wellness Adventures at Mexico’s Argovia Finca Resort are six-day / five-night programs priced at $2,198 per person, double occupancy ($680 single supplement). Dates for 2013 coincide with spring break and blossom time; March 10-15, March 17-22 and March 24-29. The gateway city is Tapachula, Mexico (TAP).

Research is currently being done and plans are on the table for the development of new wellness resort programs for 2013-14 in the US and Latin America including Costa Rica.

About Austin Adventures      

Austin Adventures, with a 40-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on six continents building an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in The Americas, Europe, the Pacific Rim, Africa and (new for 2013) Antarctica. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

In the September 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure, ALA was ranked the #1 Family Tour Operator in the World; in March 2012 the magazine awarded ALA the 2012 World’s Best Values Award for Tour Operators.  ALA has also received Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award (a Top 3 finisher) for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. In 2011 the company was honored with the Global Vision Award for its Wheels of Change bicycle empowerment initiative. For a comprehensive 2013 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinlehman.com/. 

# # #

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Austin Adventures Announces 2013 Catalog: Company Holds or Lowers Rates on 72 Percent of Tours

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Released on Thursday, 25 October 2012 10:30

Adventure Travel Programs Steeped in Authenticity and Value Span Five Continents

Billings, MT, Oct. 25, 2012– Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure travel standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, announces that 21 new itineraries both domestic and foreign will bring its 2013 roster of trips to over 80 scheduled programs on five continents, with pricing on 72 percent either held at 2012 levels or lowered.

“We took a hard look at our established competition and can safely say we can’t find anyone in a similar arena with better pricing. We work hard to see that Austin Adventures continues to maintain recognition for best service and vacation value,” said Dan Austin, founder.

Austin said the company’s overall health and strength and an improving economy have allowed it to maintain prices on 46 percent of its trips and drop prices on 26 percent of its itineraries.

“A combination of growth in 2012, improved buying power and yield management, inventory increases and the strength of the dollar all bring benefit to our clients,” he said. “We’re focused on maintaining our reputation for exceptional value.” In the March 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure, Austin Adventures was recipient of the 2012 World’s Best Value Award for Tour Operators. 

Even on those trips that saw a modest rise in price, Austin noted that the increase averaged just less than 5 percent. 

The results, said Austin, include a new cycling tour in Holland running from $300 to $600 per person less than comparable trips from other companies; an improved itinerary with a price drop on their Bryce and Zion Adventure in Utah; and through partnerships in Southern Africa, four new scheduled wildlife safaris in Namibia and Botswana starting at just $3,498 per person. 

The new-for-2013 itineraries include expedition cruising in Alaska and the Antarctic; wellness spa, yoga and retreat packages in Utah and Chiapas, Mexico; cycling trips in Arizona, the Dordogne region of France and Holland; expansion of Africa programs in Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania; and creation of new multisport adventures to Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park, Nicaragua, Ireland, Scotland and Turkey. 

New family adventure itineraries are being launched in Normandy, France and Oregon’s Crater Lake; and online visitors will see an expansion of website-only listed trips to Croatia, Whistler BC, Slovenia and Cuba. 

“Family travel has always been an important part of Austin Adventures’s trip program,” says Austin. “We continue to be recognized for our quality and exceptional value.” In the September 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure ALA was named the “Top Family Adventure Outfitter” in the world from a field that also included top brands such as Disney Adventures and Micato Safaris. The company has also received Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award (a Top 3 finisher) for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. For its humanitarian work, in 2011 the company was honored with the Global Vision Award for its Wheels of Change bicycle empowerment initiative that sends donated bicycles to Africa. 

Austin Adventures’ 2013 program is outlined in a free 100-page, four-color catalog, “our best effort to date!” said Austin. To request a copy please call 1.800.575.1540 or visit: http://www.austinlehman.com/request-a-catalog-pages-621.php. See all the new trips for 2013 at: http://www.austinlehman.com/2013-new-trips-pages-451.php. 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Lehman Adventure Travel, with a 40-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents building an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in The Americas, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee. 

# # # 

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Austin Adventures Brings Award-Winning Small-Group and Custom Itineraries to Nicaragua, Combining Culture with High Adventure

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Released on Monday, 15 October 2012 12:51

Billings, MT, Oct. 12, 2012– Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting land-based adventure travel standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, for the first time in 2013 will bring its award-winning small-group and custom itineraries to Nicaragua, announced Dan Austin, founding director. 

The 8-day/7-night Nicaragua: Cerro Negro to San Juan del Surprograms with scheduled departures Jan 26, Mar 23, Mar 30, Jul 27, Aug 03, Nov 16, Nov 23, Dec 21, and Dec 28, 2013 begin and end in Managua. The per person double occupancy rate is $2,398 ($380 single supplement) See: http://www.austinlehman.com/nicaragua---cerro-negro-to-san-juan-del-sur-trips-134.php 

Often referred to as “unvisited and off-the-radar as Costa Rica was 50 years ago” Nicaragua had a special appeal to Austin who is always on the lookout for the next “hot” travel destination.

“This is Austin Adventures’s first foray into the wilds of Nicaragua,” says Austin. “We wanted to design a tour that offers a broad, behind-the-scenes look at Nicaragua’s extraordinary natural and cultural treasures.”  Guests overnight in accommodations known for their cultural, environmental and historic significance. 

From surfing black volcanic sands to zip lining through tropical rainforest, this adventure has it all, he promises. Home to countless volcanoes, a spectacular coastline, the two largest fresh-water lakes in Central America and rainforests teeming with flora and fauna, Nicaragua has been designated one of Mesoamerica’s “biodiversity hotspots.”

Guests climb to the rim of Cerro Negro crater before surfing on an ash board down its black volcanic sands; tour the cathedral, galleries and museums of Leon, the intellectual capital of Nicaragua; hike Masaya Volcano National Park, home to a 54-square-kilometer caldera and two (one active, one dormant) volcanoes; kayak on the Asesse Peninsula among the famed Mombacho islets of Lake Nicaragua to witness some 250 species of birds; soar with a boisterous population of monkeys and birds on a zip line tour of Mombacho Nature Reserve; and relax on the white sand beaches of San Juan del Sur.

About Austin Adventures    

Austin Adventures, with a 40-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on six continents building an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in The Americas, Europe, the Pacific Rim, Africa and (new for 2013) Antarctica. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee. 

In the September 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure, ALA was ranked the #1 Family Tour Operator in the World; in March 2012 the magazine awarded ALA the 2012 World’s Best Values Award for Tour Operators.  ALA has also received Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award (a Top 3 finisher) for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. In 2011 the company was honored with the Global Vision Award for its Wheels of Change bicycle empowerment initiative. For a comprehensive 2013 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinlehman.com/. 

# # # 

Contact Widness & Wiggins PR for photos, interviews and more information: 

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A Personal Message from Dan Austin

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Released on Wednesday, 19 September 2012 09:23

Dear Friends,

While on an adventure in Oregon you happen to mention that you have a passion for micro beers. The next thing you know, your guide has put together a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery. In France, learning that a couple loves classical music, another trip leader arranges for a string quartet to play for guests before dinner.

These are a few of many signatures on Austin Adventures' active, international multi-sport, cycling and family vacations. These "wow" moments, some scripted, some serendipitous, deliver powerful and deeply meaningful physical, mental and spiritual experiences that guide our guests beyond their comfort zones and that set a very high bar for our competitors.

Next year Austin Adventures reaches a significant milestone marking a 40-year legacy of offering the finest in adventure travel.  For four decades we have enabled our guests to experience destinations, wildlife and communities in a deeper and richer manner than they would on their own, along the way inspiring them to become clients for life. (The company enjoys a 44 percent repeat guest factor year in and year out.)

Look for the launch of some very exciting new destinations and programs for 2013. We’ve doubled our African Safari program with new itineraries and camps in Namibia and Botswana. In Europe we are unveiling new trips in Turkey, Ireland, Scotland, Holland and France.  Closer to home we have a new expedition cruise program in Alaska, cycling in Crater Lake NP and northern Arizona. My favorite is a first-ever multi-sport tour in Nicaragua.  Keep an eye open for future press releases on these and more!

As ALA continues to flex its wings throughout the Americas, Africa, Europe and beyond, philanthropic initiatives are being layered into our concerns, improving the lives of people in the places visited and helping our staff and guests travel with an open heart and small footprint.

Two examples include our nonprofit Wheels of Change initiative, providing donated bicycles and new empowerment to communities in Namibia and Kenya, and Preserve a Park, offering a portion of guest fees to a designated National Park every year. Since the park program began in 2010 ALA has donated over $10,000 to organizations promoting park conservation and preservation.

Guests tell us we exceed their expectations and sometimes transform their lives. This is thanks to our staff's attention to detail and to the empathy and charisma of our guides.

We're excited to embark on our next decade. Thanks to you and all our friends in the media who have supported us all these years.

In a few weeks we’ll be sending out our 2013 catalog. Please let us know if you would like to be on our mailing list.

Namaste,

Dan Austin

Director | Austin Adventures 

Phone: 800.575.1540 | Cell: 406-671-6067

www.austinlehman.com | Find us on Facebook

P.S.  I’ve just returned from an incredible 10 days touring Montana and Yellowstone with a delegation of tourism and conservation professionals from Namibia.  From what I can tell the experience of sharing mutual challenges and solutions with American contemporaries - park rangers, cattle ranchers, representatives of the Crow Nation and others by-in-large exceeded everyone’s expectations. This all adds up to an incredible story to tell and if you are interested I’d be happy to fill you in on all the details – with knockout pictures as well!

Nicaragua: Cerro Negro to San Juan del sur

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Released on Monday, 03 September 2012 16:56

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Managua-León

Meet at the airport and transfer to León

Accommodation hotel in León: El Convento

Day 2: León-Cerro Negro Volcano

The more adventurous should try their hand at Ash Boarding; the new extreme sport which allows visitors to descend the black sands of Cerro Negro strapped onto a board.Once inside make your way up to the Cerro Negro crater where you will receive a short technical training from your experienced bilingual guide. Put on the protective equipment provided for your safe descent and get ready for the ride of your life!

Afternoon León City Tour. The new town, is a warm and welcoming peaceful city. The Leon Cathedral, declared a World Heritage; more than a dozen of Catholic churches, the Great Poet Ruben Dario Museum, Ortiz-Gurdian Art Gallery, and other cultural and historical sites make Leon the intellectual capital of the country.

Accommodation hotel in León: El Convento

Day 3: León- Masaya Volcano - Granada

This tour gives you a unique experience of hiking though Masaya Volcano National Park. This was the first national park of Nicaragua established in 1979. The park includes a great caldera of 54 squared km.  In this excursion, you will visit two volcanoes in the same day, one is a dormant volcano and the other is an active volcano which was known by the first Conquerors as “The Entrance to the Hell”.

Later, you can enjoy shopping at The National Handicraft Market in Masaya, followed by a photo tour around Catarina view point.

Accommodation hotel in Granada: Hotel Granada

Day 4: Granada- Kayak in Lake Nicaragua

Kayak along the ASESE Peninsula in single or double kayaks. This is your opportunity to be in contact with the existing nature between the towering volcano and the famous Mombacho islets of Lake Nicaragua.

The tour is 2 hours long and you can see several species of birds-over 246 species. You can visit Zopango Island where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and relax at this beautiful site.

Accommodation hotel in Granada: Hotel Granada

Day 5: Granada- Mombacho Volcano

Mombacho Volcano with its lush vegetation and pleasant climate is home for many plant and animal species, some of which are endemic. 4x4 vehicles are needed to enter this Nature Reserve. Zip line across the treetops using high angle equipment and technology. After the tour, you can relax and enjoy the coffee farm, take in the views, and taste a delicious hot cup of coffee “Café Las Flores”.

Accommodation hotel in Granada: Hotel Granada

Day 6: Granada- San Juan del Sur

Private transfer to Morgans Rock Hotel & Ecolodge

Accommodation hotel Morgan´s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge .

Day 7: San Juan del Sur

Accommodation hotel Morgan´s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge .

Day 8:San Juan del Sur - Airport

Timed transfers to International Airport

Distinctive Accommodations

El Convento - is a first class hotel located in the department of León, in the Pacific side of Nicaragua. It is a project that belongs to national investors - the majority of them are locals - who wanted to give an elegant touch to the city and a high quality service.

The establishment has a colonial architecture and a large backyard that provides tranquility to guests. The restaurant El Victoriano is open to the public 24/7 and offers a wide variety of international food.

Hotel Granada - is a colonial fortress, located in the historical center of the city of Granada, offers comfortable and elegant rooms with a colonial design, in addition to unique spaces for business and social meetings. 

Morgan’s Rock -  You will stay in a luxurious bungalow open to the ocean. You´ll enjoy typical Nicaraguan food, excellent climate and experience the warmth of its people.  The surrounding jungle offers a variety of monkeys, wild birds, sloth, and other wild animals that are great for viewing. The private beach is great for relaxing, bathing and having fun in the white sand. You can experience this and many other tours with  local guides that will open your eyes to unusual experiences that make you appreciate wild Nicaragua.

South Dakota – Black Hills to Mt. Rushmore

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Released on Monday, 03 September 2012 15:15

Austin Adventures Expands Tour Portfolio; Adds 19 New Domestic and International Itineraries for 2013

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Released on Wednesday, 29 August 2012 09:02

Recently recognized as the #1 Family Tour Operator in the World, ALA Holds 2013 Rates at 2012 Prices for Existing Trips Booked by Sept. 30, 2012

Billings, MT, Aug. 29, 2012– Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting land-based adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, announces new additions to its 2013 tour schedule while coming off a record 2012 season with bookings up 21 percent over the previous year.

To keep up with past guest demand for ever-new destinations and itineraries, the company announces it has expanded its 2013 tour roster with 19 new trips home and abroad. And, as it has done for the past 10 years, Austin Lehman Adventure Travel is freezing next year’s rates at 2012 prices for trips booked by Sept. 30, 2012.

This is one of the most ambitious new itinerary expansions in the company’s 40-year legacy of creating multi-generational, multi-sport, hiking, paddling, cycling, safari, and small ship cruising opportunities.

“We have a growing roster of alumni who want to travel to undiscovered destinations with us,” said Dan Austin, founding director, noting that ALA’s returning guest factor stands at 40 percent annually. Some parties have traveled with ALA as many as 30+ times. Austin expected this number will continue to climb in part due to the September 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure that recognized ALA as the #1 Family Tour Outfitter in the World.

“We’re both honored and thrilled to be listed on top of a distinguished line-up that also includes such travel icons as Micato Safaris, ROW and Disney Adventures,” said Austin.

The trips new for 2013 include a number of new family trips as well as adult-oriented tours featuring multi-sport activities exploring America’s national parks: Oregon’s Crater Lake (along with Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival); Arizona’s Colorado Plateau (with the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Mormon Lake); and Utah’s Red Mountain Wellness Retreat in the high desert outside of St. George.

Last year ALA added a small ship cruise division and in 2013 will add a journey through Alaska’s Northern Passages and Glacier Bay, as well as an expedition into the wilds of Antarctica.

Six new tours swell the opportunities for cycling in Europe to 26 unique itineraries. These are Ireland’s Cork to Killarney, the Scottish Highlands, France’s Dordogne region, a second route through Normandy, a time-budgeted version of a popular trip through Holland and an exploration of the Aegean Sea along Turkey’s shore.

South of the border the new 2013 catalog will feature a wellness week in Chiapas, Mexico; a hiking/boating trip through Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park and Osa Peninsula; and a journey to undiscovered Nicaragua.

Rounding out the expansion are five new wildlife safaris in Africa encompassing lesser-known regions of Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.

In what is now Austin Adventures’s most successful season to date, in 2012 the company saw family bookings increase 14 percent, European bookings 18 percent (with bookings to France up 32 percent), national park bookings up12 percent and trips to Latin American (including ALA’s new Cuba trip) up 35 percent over 2011 numbers.

See all the new trips for 2013 at: http://www.austinlehman.com/2013-new-trips-pages-451.php?.

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 39-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents building an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in The Americas, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

In the September 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure, ALA was ranked the #1 Family Tour Operator in the World; in March 2012 the magazine awarded ALA the 2012 World’s Best Values Award for Tour Operators.  ALA has also received Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award (a Top 3 finisher) for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. In 2011 the company was honored with the Global Vision Award for its Wheels of Change bicycle empowerment initiative. For a comprehensive 2013 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinlehman.com/.

# # #

Contact Widness & Wiggins PR for photos, interviews and more information:

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

Billings-Based Nonprofit Wheels of Change Teams Up with Zoo Montana In Drive to Collect Donated Bicycles Destined for Namibia

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Released on Thursday, 16 August 2012 16:00

Drop Off a Bike at the Zoo and Receive One Free Admission 

Billings, MT, August 17, 2012 –  Billings-based humanitarian organization Wheels of Change http://www.wocinternational.org/, that brings empowerment and mobility to the people of rural Africa through donated bicycles has teamed up with Zoo Montana to help fill a shipping container targeted for delivery to the Wuparo Conservancy in the Caprivi region of Namibia. The public is invited from now until the container is full, to drop off donated mountain bikes at the zoo and in return receive a free pass for admission.

A representative of the Wuparo Conservancy in Namibia while touring Montana as part of a “No Borders” Tourism Exchange Mission September 6-16 will give his blessing to the shipping container (which can hold up to 400 donated bikes and parts) during a private welcome dinner at the zoo on September 6^th. The shipment will travel from Billings to his homeland thanks to Wheels of Change, an international non-profit created by Billings-based Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/) dedicated to the simple belief that a bicycle can make a difference.

Dan Austin, ALA and Wheels of Change founder pointed out, “We will continue to accept donated bikes right up until we close the container doors. The good folks at Zoo Montana have been generous and allowed us to not only use their location as a staging area, but have also agreed to incentivize the public to donate with the reward of free zoo admission.”

Dan Austin is the director of Austin Lehman adventure travel which has a 38-year legacy of offering upscale active vacations in the Americas, Europe and Africa. ALA establish the international headquarters of Wheels of Change in 2011 which quickly received international commendation as recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2011 Global Vision Award for corporate innovation.

WOC partnering with the Bicycle Empowerment Network Namibia will use the bicycles to create a Bicycle Empowerment Center at the Wuparo Conservancy in the Caprivi region of Namibia. It is a coordinated effort involving Austin Adventures, World Wildlife Fund, Catholic Services and Wheels of Change http://www.wocinternational.org/.

An award-winning safari camp in Namibia, Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge http://nkasalupalalodge.com/, expects to establish a village bike tour using some of the donated bikes. The tour will augment ALA’s safari programming on the wetland paradise known as Mamili or Nkasa Lupala National Park created by the many channels of the Kwando-Linyanti river system. The lodge and the Wuparo Conservancy are part of the successful and award winning Namibian conservancy program that won the 2011 Hospitality Association of Namibia Conservancy Tourism Award.

Wheels of Change, through the donation of new and used bikes, helps the people of Africa gain access to mobility and thus, a better life for all in their communities. As an organization, WOC wants to help form the foundation for positive economic and social change in Africa.

Bicycle Empowerment Network http://www.benbikes.org.za/namibia/ has grown since 2006 to more than 28 shops where Namibians can buy or rent affordable bikes and receive repairs thanks to Namibia's Bicycle Empowerment Centre.

A Bicycle Empowerment Center is achieved after up to 400 bicycles along with tools and spare parts are loaded into one shipping container that itself becomes a village operated bike shop providing a source of employment and revenue. A center provides refurbished bicycles free of charge to, among others, healthcare outreach volunteers and school children. Income from bike-related activities goes to assisting a sustainable business model while creating local jobs. Profits are reinvested in other community projects such as growing food for AIDS orphans, making micro loans to foster small enterprises, purchasing school uniforms, and paying school fees for disadvantaged children.

Austin asks that anyone wishing to donate money, bikes, helmets, parts and/or tools for the current shipment to bring them to Zoo Montana http://www.zoomontana.org/ located at 2100 S Shiloh Rd, Billings, MT ph: (406) 652-8100.  Those wanting to get involved and support the general work that is being done are asked to call or email Dan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-406-671-6067.

NOTE TO EDITORS / WRITERS: Please contact Widness & Wiggins PR (below) if you are interested in covering the “No Borders” cultural exchange.

# # #

Contact Widness & Wiggins PR for photos, interviews and more information:

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

ALA / WOC Contact information:

Dan Austin / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 1-406-671-6067

Austin Adventures Announces Exclusive Adventure Travel Partnership with Eastern Mountain Sports

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Released on Wednesday, 08 August 2012 09:05

Customers of the Two Award-Winning Companies Will Benefit With Enhanced Services and Privileges

Billings, MT, Aug. 8, 2012– Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active tour company setting land-and-cruise adventure travel vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, announces that Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) http://www.ems.com/ has selected ALA to be its exclusive adventure travel partner and purveyor.

The announcement was made this week by Dan Austin, ALA’s founding director and Scott Barrett, EMS Vice President.

“This new preferred partner relationship brings together two companies whose respective clientele expect only the best in quality and service,” said Austin. “Clients of both companies will benefit from the alliance as EMS refers customers to ALA for their active adventure tour needs and Austin Adventures in turn, directs tour participants to EMS for fulfillment of apparel and equipment needs.”  See: http://www.austinlehman.com/about-us/eastern-mountain-sports-pages-645.php

Austin said that ALA and its guests will enjoy the advantages of EMS’s superior buying power and quality product offerings. Guests will benefit from links to easy online EMS shopping lists and ALA-suggested packing lists, special VIP incentives at EMS for all ALA trip guests, and coupons and awards for ALA travelers that can be redeemed at EMS online and in store.

In turn, ALA will engage EMS customers by providing special VIP and exclusive offerings of ALA trips as part of a developing EMS Customer Loyalty Program. The partnership also plans cross-promotional opportunities including in-store promotions, kiosks and video on ALA adventure trips. Exclusive EMS tours and departures will be featured. EMS will host ALA-sponsored Travel Nights (with slides, speakers, refreshments) at some of their flagship locations.

“Eastern Mountain Sports is all about helping our customers have unforgettable outdoor experiences,” said Barrett. “In addition to the top-quality gear and expert advice our customers expect from us, this partnership with Austin Adventures enables us to connect our customers with world class adventure trips straight from our stores and web site.”

About Eastern Mountain Sports

Founded in 1967 by two New England rock climbers and based in Peterborough, N.H., Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) is one of the nation’s leading outfitters of outdoor gear, clothing, footwear and accessories with 68 retail stores in 12 states.  The Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School was started in 1968, and currently has 4 major locations and 7 satellite locations throughout the East, making it the oldest and largest climbing school in the eastern U.S. More information is available at http://www.ems.com/.

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures Adventure Travel, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents and has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Small group trips feature excellent regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning.  ALA offers each traveler a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

In the March 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure, Austin Adventures was recipient of the 2012 World’s Best Values Award for Tour Operators.  ALA has also received Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award for four consecutive years (2009-2012). In 2011 the company was honored with the Global Vision Award for its Wheels of Change bicycle empowerment initiative that brings mobility and hope to rural Africa villages.

For a comprehensive 2012 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinlehman.com/. To access a digital version of the 2012 catalog go to: www.austinlehman.com/2012catalog

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For photos and/or more information on Austin Adventures please contact: Widness & Wiggins PR:

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

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Representative of Namibia’s Wuparo Conservancy to Bless Shipment of 300 Donated Bikes Traveling from Billings, MT, to Namibia

Details

Released on Tuesday, 07 August 2012 14:12

Namibian-Montana Tourism Exchange Sept. 6-16 to Focus on How Sustainable Tourism Fits Into Respective Ideologies and Lands.

Billings, MT, Aug. 7, 2012– A representative of the Wuparo Conservancy in Namibia while visiting in Montana this September will give his blessing to a shipping container of some 300 donated bikes that will travel from Billings to his homeland thanks to Wheels of Change, an international non-profit created by Austin Adventures (ALA) dedicated to the simple belief that a bicycle can make a difference.

The conservancy guest will be among 14 delegates participating in a Sept. 6-16 cross-cultural “no borders” exchange between US-based land owners, Native American tribal leaders, government representatives and park conservationists and their counterparts from Namibia who are gathering here to share ideas on how tourism fits into their respective ideologies and onto their lands.

Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and others are organizing their itinerary. http://www.austinlehman.com/about-us/namibia-conservancy-tourism-exchange-pages-648.php

WOC partnering with Michael Linke of the Bicycle Empowerment Network Namibia will use the bicycles to create a Bicycle Empowerment Center at the Wuparo Conservancy in the Caprivi region of Namibia. It is a coordinated effort involving Austin Adventures, World Wildlife Fund, Catholic Services and Wheels of Change http://www.wocinternational.org/.

An award-winning safari camp in Namibia, Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge http://nkasalupalalodge.com/, expects to establish a village bike tour using some of the donated bikes. The tour will augment ALA’s safari programming on the wetland paradise known as Mamili or Nkasa Lupala National Park created by the many channels of the Kwando-Linyanti river system. The lodge and the Wuparo Conservancy are part of the successful and award winning Namibian conservancy program that won the 2011 Hospitality Association of Namibia Conservancy Tourism Award.

Wheels of Change, through the donation of new and used bikes, helps the people of Africa gain access to mobility and thus, a better life for all in their communities. As an organization, WOC wants to help form the foundation for positive economic and social change in Africa, driven by the simple belief that a bicycle can make a difference.

Bicycle Empowerment Network http://www.benbikes.org.za/namibia/ has grown since 2006 to more than 28 shops where Namibians can buy or rent affordable bikes and receive repairs thanks to Namibia's Bicycle Empowerment Centre.

A Bicycle Empowerment Center is achieved after up to 400 bicycles along with tools and spare parts are loaded into one shipping container that itself becomes a village operated bike shop providing a source of employment and revenue. A center provides refurbished bicycles free of charge to, among others, healthcare outreach volunteers and school children. Income from bike-related activities goes to assisting a sustainable business model while creating local jobs. Profits are reinvested in other community projects such as growing food for AIDS orphans, making micro loans to foster small enterprises, purchasing school uniforms, and paying school fees for disadvantaged children.

On the September Namibia/Montana tourism exchange delegates will meet with property owners, managers and government officials to explore how they manage wide open spaces and incorporate sustainable adventure tourism activities such as biking, rafting, wildlife viewing and horseback riding. In turn, the international guests will discuss how their land conservancy model works in Namibia and how it might work on reservations, public and private lands. The 10-day tour will wrap up in Bozeman with an American football game as guests of Montana State University. See: www.austinlehman.com/namfam.

The delegation of 14 Namibian tourism industry representatives, including four conservancy representatives (some of whom are members of the Himba and Herrera tribes), will experience a tour of southeastern Montana and Yellowstone National Park.

Participants include ALA, Conservancy Development Support Services (CDSS), Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management Support Organizations (NACSO), including members of the Himba and Herrera tribes, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and award-winning safari operator Wilderness Safaris.

The foreign visitors will learn about adventure tourism, inclusive of such issues as client safety, security and liability, and sustainability as practiced by ALA, an established adventure tour operator conducting business worldwide. Along the way they will be exposed to the guiding practices and interpretation techniques that comprise a significant part of the visitor experience while on an adventure travel tour.

In Yellowstone National Park they will meet with park officials as well as representatives of Xanterra Corporation, the largest US National Park concessionaire, about how they manage their environmental footprint, including management of such issues as clean water, sewage, solid waste, energy and wildlife.

Cross-cultural exchanges between the Namibians and Native American tribal leaders from southeast Montana will delve into how to establish and operate indigenous tourism experiences, while Montana state officials will discuss how to establish and manage a dedicated fund to support small and medium tourism enterprises.

Because of the sheer volume of Namibia’s tourism joint ventures, Dan Austin, ALA’s founder and owner, says Namibia offers a true education into how private and public sectors collaborate with host communities. All the joint ventures in the communal conservancies combined represent 1,356 bed nights, over 900-plus full-time jobs and over 250 seasonal positions.

“In the process, not only are communities benefitting in ways previously unimaginable, but the national tourism product is being redefined in more equitable and sustainable ways,” notes Austin, pointing out that nearly half of the country’s 76 registered conservancies are adjacent to national parks or in key corridors between protected areas.  Wildlife-friendly land uses adjacent to and between parks are enhancing the viability of Namibia’s protected area network.  The recovery of prey species, combined with an increased tolerance of community, is facilitating the recovery of high-level predators on a landscape level in north-western Namibia.

Namibia is the only country in Africa where black rhinos are successfully being translocated out of a national park and into communal conservancy land areas, in stark and dramatic contrast to the poaching taking place in many countries in the region.  Its free-roaming lion population is expanding thanks to a dramatic decrease in poaching.

As this country repeatedly undertakes the largest road-based wildlife count in the world, its conservation success stories stand out in sharp contrast to most African countries where wildlife populations and habitats are rapidly declining.

“Namibia very well may be one of the greatest African wildlife recovery stories to be told,” believes Austin whose company has run multi-sport vacation opportunities here since 2008.

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents building an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in The Americas, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

In the March 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure, Austin Adventures was recipient of the 2012 World’s Best Values Award for Tour Operators.  ALA has also received Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award (a Top 3 finisher) for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. In 2011 the company was honored with the Global Vision Award for its Wheels of Change bicycle empowerment initiative. For a comprehensive 2012-2013 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinlehman.com/.

NOTE TO EDITORS / WRITERS: Please contact Widness & Wiggins PR (below) if you are interested in covering this cultural exchange.

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Contact Widness & Wiggins PR for photos, interviews and more information:

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