Austin Adventures Displays Online Trip-Planning Tips / Resources Compiled by Accomplished Staff of Veteran Adventure Travelers

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Released on Tuesday, 03 January 2012 17:02

Billings, MT, Jan. 3, 2012 –Creating seamless adventures around the world is Austin Adventures’ specialty, and by so doing sets award-winning adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.  

“Remember that Irving Berlin tune that goes ‘Anything you can do I can do better’?” asks Dan Austin, owner and founder of this nearly 40-year-old company. “Just take a look at our website. Drawing from decades of personal experience, we have staff vying to outdo each other in creating on-line guidelines on how to plan the perfect trip: How to Plan the Perfect Custom Adventure Vacation; Top 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Couples Getaway; How to Plan the Perfect African Safari Vacation and Top 10 Tips for Planning Your Solo Adventure.”  

“We created these easy-to-use resources and tips to assist and inform travelers worldwide. Whether they choose to go on an ALA tour, with another company or independently the goal is to help them have the best experience possible,” explains Austin.  

Although pride of authorship rests with Austin himself when it comes to How to Plan the Perfect Family Adventure Vacation, he gives full credit to team input regarding How to Choose the Right Tour Operator.  

There are also website etiquette tips and a few basic phrases in five languages that help guests break the ice with locals and feel more comfortable on foreign soil when enjoying a Europe Adventure.  

In addition, Austin Adventures has compiled and posted its Top 10 Lists for hiking, biking, dining, lodging, wildlife, scenery and more.  

A detailed list with links of travel-related resources and information includes just about everything one would need for their journey: airlines, state departments, gear suppliers, weather, currency converters, health information, etc.  www.austinlehman.com/resource  

The compiling and posting of these tips and resources coincides with strategic updates and enhancements to the entire Austin Adventures website. These include:  

-A new destination menu on the homepage, making it even easier to find a destination and trip opportunities. One can search by Continent, Country and State. More robust trip information and photos accompany search results. http://www.austinlehman.com/destinations/index-pages-361.php

 -ALA has made it easier to now find a trip based on the activities included. Whether it is biking, hiking, rafting or even wine tasting, appropriate tour options are now easier to define. http://www.austinlehman.com/activities/index-pages-80.php  

-In another upgrade one can now search for trip type or package such as a family tour, couples adventure, solo traveler escapes, custom and exclusive group trips or by criteria such as national park destinations. http://www.austinlehman.com/packages/index-pages-108.php

-And to keep pace with the growing trend of online sharing, ALA has added easy to use social media tools to their site, so sharing that trip of a lifetime is a "like", tweet or +1 away.  

“At the end of the day, these tips and resources reflect the reality that on each and every one of our adventures we are constantly upping the ante for our clients by way of services, destinations and professional staff. This is what sets us apart after 38 years of creating “wows” for, by now, three generations of guests. Our 65 percent repeat guest factor speaks volumes on client satisfaction,” says Austin.  

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  

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, 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.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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.  

# # #  

For photos and/or more information on Austin Adventures please contact:  

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

Austin Adventures Weaves Sensory Web around Guests On New-for-2012 Spain – LaRioja Bike Tours

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Released on Wednesday, 07 December 2011 16:25

Billings, MT, Dec. 8, 2011– 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, weaves a sensory web around guests on its new-for-2012 Spain – La Rioja Bike Tours. 

These seven-day / six-night active wine and cycle tours, the newest in ALA’s line-up of Europe bike tours, are scheduled Apr. 21-27, May 26-June 01 and Sept. 29-Oct. 5. The per person rate, based on double occupancy is $3,498 ($780 single supplement). The arrival / departure city is Pamplona. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/spain---la-rioja-trips-110.php 

“I just returned from doing a fall dry-run of this trip with tour architect and European operations director Ron van Dijk and we both were blown away by the friendly people we met, their farm to table cuisine, the rich oak and vanilla-infused Rioja wines and the feeling we stepped into a time capsule where very little has changed for centuries - with the exception of the modern luxury of the distinctive lodges in which we stayed,” said Dan Austin, ALA founder and director. 

Guests wander into the foothills of the Pyrenees with a visit to historic Pamplona (think running of the bulls) en route along the ancient pilgrimage Camino de Santiago and the wine capital of the Navarra province, Olite. Also think hilltop towns, cruising cliffs overlooking the Rioja’s Cidacos Valley, the medieval town of Languardia and a typical meal of fresh artichokes, Piquillo peppers, cordero al Chilindrón (lamb) and bacalao ajo arriero (salted cod) washed down with wines of the region. 

Sleep-filled nights are assured in such lodgings as Hotel Los Agustinos, a convent founded in 1373 and converted into a first-class hotel in 1989. It is under the protectorate of the Government of La Rioja. Guests stay for two nights at Parador de Olite, a hotel in an historic medieval castle in the Pyrenees region of Spain. 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

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 

# # # 

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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

Austin Adventures Announces New Yoga and Wellness Adventure in Chiapas, Mexico

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Released on Monday, 28 November 2011 15:47

Billings, MT, Nov. 28, 2011 – A March 19-24 wellness adventure on a private coffee plantation in Chiapas, Mexico, may well be the best way to deal with the winter doldrums of March, says Austin Adventures (ALA-http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and most recently, Cuba. 

“This is ALA’s first-ever adventure itinerary built around wellness and yoga,” said Dan Austin, founding director. “But there’s no arguing with the curative powers of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains around us, a tropical forest and a luxurious coffee plantation where we dine and lodge.” See: http://www.austinlehman.com/argovia-finca---chiapas--mexico-trips-119.php  

Argovia Finca Resort Yoga Retreat is a six-day / five-night program beginning and ending in Tapachula. Guests fly into Tapachula International Airport which offers daily service from Mexico City. The per person double rate (exclusive of air) is $2,198 with a $680 single supplement. 

"The combination of sunrise yoga accompanied by the sounds of the tropical forest, a steaming mug of Argovia's own plantation coffee, and the inner peace and soul cleansing that results from a week immersed in the wonders of the surrounding jungle makes for a restful, full body vacation,” reflected Kasey Austin, trip architect and field operation liaison. 

Activities include daily yoga, flora/fauna and sustainability / conservation tours including commentary on the traditional uses of plants in medicine, exploring the Mayan ruins of Izapa dating to 1200 BC, kayaking through mangrove swamps on the Pacific Coast (think crocodiles and jaguars), touring the fourth generation coffee plantation, hiking waterfalls and enjoying an Argovia’s temazcal, a traditional indigenous sauna bath and cleansing before a dinner overlooking a Mexican sunset. 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

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 

# # # 

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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

Austin Adventures Announces New Yellowstone in Winter Tour

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Released on Tuesday, 08 November 2011 12:18

Three February 2012 Departures of Snow-Filled Fun Include Snowshoeing Among Geysers, Dog Sledding, X/C Skiing 

Billings, MT, Nov. 8, 2011 – If you think Yellowstone is a warm weather destination only, think again. For the first time, Austin Adventures (ALA-http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, will host three February 2012 five-day/four-night Yellowstone in Winter programs. 

Activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, ranger talks and sipping hot chocolate fireside. The per person, double occupancy rate is $2,198 ($580 single supplement) inclusive of accommodations and meals at historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (dates to 1883), Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Chico Hot Springs Resort and Spa (dates to 1920’s and features pools fed by mineral hot springs, a spa and exceptional dining); intra-lodge/activity snow coach transfers, sporting equipment and more. Departures based from Bozeman, MT, are Feb. 5-9, Feb. 12-16 and Feb. 26-Mar. 1. 

“We live and play in this special corner of Wyoming and Montana and Yellowstone National Park is literally our back yard. It’s a natural,” said Dan Austin, founding director. “Devoid of crowds, winter in Yellowstone is an amazing time. The cold temps make even more dramatic the thermal activity (geysers, bubbling mud pots, hot spring pools and steam vents), and wildlife is concentrated in the warmer, snow-free geyser basins for easier viewing.” 

Austin noted that while snowshoeing the Upper Geyser Basin Trail guests will experience in an approximately two-square-mile area the largest concentration and nearly one-quarter of all the geysers in the world. This is the home of Old Faithful. 

Yellowstone in Winterhttp://www.austinlehman.com/yellowstone-winter-trips-117.php is one of six brand-new ALA adventures that won’t be found in their new 2012 print catalog but are only featured on the ALA website. The new trips include: The Real Cuba - http://www.austinlehman.com/cuba-trips-107.php; Glacier National Park Family Adventure - http://www.austinlehman.com/glacier-park-tours-trips-118.php; Croatia – The Dalmation Coast - http://www.austinlehman.com/dalmatian-coast-trips-95.php; Slovenia – The Julian Alps Adventure - http://www.austinlehman.com/slovenia-tours-trips-89.php; and Chile / Argentina - Salta to Atacama - http://www.austinlehman.com/chile-argentina---salta-to-atacama-trips-104.php  

“National Park vacations have always been a major part of our offerings,” said Dan Austin, founding director, noting that his company first began offering trips into Yellowstone decades ago. “Year after year it’s our Yellowstone Park vacation packages that outsell all others; however we have seen interest in all of our National Park vacations grow at an astounding rate.” 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

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 

# # # 

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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

Austin Adventures Receives Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2011 Global Vision Award for Corporate Innovation

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Released on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 10:17

Recognized For Its Wheels of Change Initiative That Sends Used Bikes to Africa,  Converting Shipping Containers into Bike Shop/Rental Centers 

Billings, MT, Oct. 26, 2011– Travel + Leisure magazine announced on Oct. 19, 2011, that tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA) (http://www.austinlehman.com/) is a recipient of its 2011 Global Vision Award. ALA is the active travel company setting adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and most recently, Cuba. 

The award in the category of corporate innovation and community development recognizes the Austin Adventures-driven program called Wheels of Change that from a collection center in Billings, MT, receives used bicycles for eventual delivery to African villages. 

“This award is for everyone involved in Wheels of Change both in Montana and abroad where the tires ultimately hit the ground in Africa.  We are honored and appreciative of the recognition but our work has just begun,” notes Dan Austin, director of Austin Adventures and founder of Wheels of Change (http://wocmontana.org/). 

Austin points out that a bike can change a life in a poor country, but for millions of low-income individuals a new bicycle is financially out of reach. Wheels of Change helps coordinate and establish Bicycle Empowerment Centers throughout Africa to ensure that disadvantaged people have access to improved mobility, food and water, employment, health care, education, and social opportunities. 

The project came about in 2010 when Austin realized that bikes used in its own domestic and international touring programs needed to be replaced. Along with an equal number of donated bikes he shipped them to Ngoma, Namibia, where his company operates a luxury wildlife tour. Here his team helped locals turn the used bikes into a rental and repair business operating out of a shipping container that carried the bikes. The shop became self-sufficient within 10 months, inspiring Austin to create the nonprofit Wheels of Change. The benefits are significant: 10 million bikes are discarded annually in the United States, and each can give someone in the developing world vital access to water, schools, jobs and medical facilities, he said. 

Cyclists on Austin Adventures Adventure’s Namibia Family Adventure http://www.austinlehman.com/south-african-tours-trips-85.php and a new Kenya Adventure http://www.austinlehman.com/kenya---meru-to-nairobi-trips-106.php can visit bike shops set up by Wheels of Change. 

The 2011 Global Vision Awards are featured online at: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/global-vision-awards-2011 and in the November issue of the magazine, currently on newsstands. 

Nancy Novogrod, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure said, “It is always a source of deep satisfaction to see the dedication and inspiration our winners apply to preserving the world's precious cultural and natural resources. These are not only our heritage, but a defining element of destinations and humanity." 

The jury was comprised of José Andrés, chef and owner of ThinkFoodGroup; Bonnie Burnham, president and CEO of the World Monuments Fund; Lauren Bush, cofounder, creative director, and CEO of FEED Projects; Megan Epler Wood, executive director of the Planeterra Foundation; Premal Shah, president of kiva.org; Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize-winning economist; Kate Stohr and Cameron Sinclair, founders of Architecture for Humanity. 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 37-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

# # # 

Austin Adventures Contact:

Dan Austin, Director / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 800-575-1540 / 406-655-4591 / www.austinlehman.com 

For photos, interviews and/or more information 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 / 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

Austin Adventures Adds Three New European Cycling Trips for 2012

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Released on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 08:52

Brings Number of Across-the-Pond Bike Trips to 19 With Award-Winning Company That Specializes in Castles, Culture, Cuisine 

Billings, MT, Oct. 11, 2011– 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 now the Caribbean, announces three brand-new European cycling tours for 2012, bringing to 19 the number of distinct opportunities for Europe adventure on two wheels. They are France’s Burgundy region, Spain’s La Rioja and a family program in the Danish isles. 

An advantage to travelers booking Europe bike tours with Austin Adventures is the fact that the Euro is significantly down off its spring 2011 highs. 

“Our 2012 rates reflect the prospect of a stronger dollar. Once prices are set, that’s what the consumer will pay regardless of unfavorable fluctuations later on in the Euro versus the dollar. This all means price security for the traveler and the best possible value in Europe,” noted Dan Austin, ALA founder and director.   

With departures beginning in May of 2012, here are the new trips: 

New! France – Burgundy Bike Tours begin in Dijon where living like the Dukes of Burgundy of yore is easy to do before embarking on two wheels through villages surrounded by vineyards and along the Route des Grand Crus enroute to Beaune and an elegant dinner of lobster ravioli, foie gras and homemade soufflé ice cream. Other alluring sips come with such esteemed labels as Meursault, Mercurey and Santenay, among others. The per person double rate is $3,198 ($680 single supplement) for May 6, June 10, July 15, Sept. 2 and Sept. 30 six day / five night departures. The host city for the journey is Dijon. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/france---burgundy-trips-109.php 

New! Spain – La Rioja Bike Tours wander into the foothills of the Pyrenees with a visit to historic Pamplona (think running of the bulls) en route along the ancient pilgrimage Camino de Santiago and the wine capital of the Navarra province, Olite. Also think hilltop towns, cruising cliffs overlooking the Rioja’s Cidacos Valley, the medieval town of Languardia and a typical meal of fresh artichokes, Piquillo peppers, cordero al Chilindrón (lamb) and bacalao ajo arriero (salted cod) washed down with wines of the region. The per person double rate is $3,498 ($780 single supplement) for April 21, May 26 and Sept. 29 seven day /six night departures. The host city for the journey is Pamplona. See:  http://www.austinlehman.com/spain---la-rioja-trips-110.php. 

New! Denmark Family – Danish Isles is an island hopping exploration of the Vikings, inclusive, of course, of The Little Mermaid and more in Copenhagen before ferrying to Helsinger where Hamlet once roamed, pondering the ways of the Vikings on a tour of the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, reviewing a vintage car collection at Egeskov castle, a fleet of 750 bottled ships in Aeroskobing and a castle built on 12,000 wooden poles on the island of Funen. Open air markets supply picnic lunches and local seafood surfaces at dinners. The per person double rate is $3,998 ($880 single supplement); $3,198 to $3,598 for children for June 23 and July 28 eight day / seven night departures. The family-focused journey begins and ends in Copenhagen.  See: http://www.austinlehman.com/denmark-cycling-tours-trips-116.php 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

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 

# # #

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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

Austin Adventures’s The Real Cuba Itinerary Includes Daily Meetings with Artists, Farmers, Others Who Help Shed Light on Heretofore Mysterious Island

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Released on Tuesday, 04 October 2011 13:33

Billings, MT, Oct. 4, 2011– 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 now the Caribbean, begins in mid February the first of six 10-day / 9-night cultural tours of The Real Cuba scheduled for 2012. 

The double occupancy, per person rate is from $4,498 plus charter air from Miami. Tour dates are Feb 11-20; Feb 25-Mar 5; Mar 17-26; Apr 28-May 7; May 26-June 4 and June 9-18. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/cuba-trips-107.php. Required visas will be coordinated and handled by ALA that is among only a handful of adventure tour operators to be granted a special license to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba. 

The Real Cuba itinerary was developed expressly for Austin Adventures by noted Cuba travel expert Christopher Baker. Baker or an assigned associate will personally accompany each ALA group, leveraging their years of hands-on experience and countless connections to Cuban individuals of all walks of life.   

The Real Cuba begins over a welcome dinner where Baker’s Cuban friends spanning a spectrum of ages and professions provide insights into Cuba’s political, social and economic environment. After this it’s one handshake after another, with Eusebio Leal, Official Historian of Havana, conducting a walking tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana), and visits to private homes and community projects such as colonial mansions turned into rehabilitation centers, maternity clinics, and schoolrooms. 

Guests meet Casa-Estudio de Fuster, the studio-home of Baker’s friend José Fuster, commonly called the ‘Picasso of the Caribbean’. Fuster’s dwelling represents a remarkable urban community art project. After lunch at El Aljibe comes a walking tour through the upper middle-class Vedado region, including the Hotel Nacional, the Hotel Habana Libre and the University of Havana. 

The tour journeys through the province of Pinar del Río to Finca Pinar San Luís, the private residence of the late legendary tobacco farmer and Cuban cigar ‘ambassador,’ Alejandro Robaina. His son and workers explain tobacco growing, cigar production and the daily life of tobacco farmers. The time-warp colonial village of Viñales reflects on yesteryear’s rural lifestyle. Over a dinner at historic Casa de Don Tomás, performing troubadours inform on traditional Cuban country music. 

Gardener Ana Lydia leads a tour of an orchid garden at Soroa before guests arrive at Las Terrazas, a post-revolution model rural community built in a sustainable manner around a lake. Another friend of Baker, artist Lester Campa, welcomes Austin Adventures visitors. Among possible visitation sites are a women’s artisan cooperative, a serigraphy workshop, a colonial-era coffee plantation to learn about the restoration of this colonial enterprise and a community center. 

Meetings with The Real Cuba continue with photographer Julio Muñoz at his colonial home (featured in the October 1999 issue of National Geographic).  A 1906 steam train transports guests to the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills). Over lunch at Hacienda Iznaga, a former slave plantation, light is shed on the roles of sugar and slavery in Cuba’s history, and nearby local women showcase traditional lace making. In Trinidad a babalawo (high priest) introduces the santería religion. In the industrial-university city of Santa Clara, a local historian explores Che Guevara and the battles that he led here that resulted in the toppling of General Fulgencio Batista in 1958.   

Eduardo Monsejo, Director of the Museo de Automóviles (the Car Museum) and members of the Club de Autos Clásicos de Cuba, provide classic, pre-revolutionary autos for an escorted VIP ride to Museo Hemingway where another Baker friend, Ada Rosa, Director of the Museo Hemingway, introduces a Cuban perspective on Hemingway, his associations with the isle and the difficulties of restoring and maintaining Finca Vigia, his former home. Following is lunch at a seafood restaurant in Cojimar that the author favored.  

Private restaurant dining, exemplary lodgings and optional horseback riding are additional pleasures of this ground-breaking adventure. 

 “Excitement about an ALA tour program in Cuba has been running high among staff and past trip alumni," said Austin. “There’s already a wait list with enough interest to fill the first two departures!”  Austin recommends that interested travelers contact ALA as soon as possible to ensure space availability.  

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 38-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

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 

# # # 

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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 

2012 Cultural / Educational Adventures to Cuba To Be Offered by Award-Winning Tour Operator, Austin Adventures

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Released on Wednesday, 14 September 2011 09:32

Billings, MT, Sept. 14, 2011– 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 beyond, announces it will host cultural / educational adventures to Cuba beginning in early 2012.  

With license in hand from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Affairs, ALA’s programs will promote cross-cultural, people-to-people contact through licensed guided tours in Cuba in a style similar to its other culturally immersive international programs, said Dan Austin, Founder and Director.  

One 10-day tour itinerary with an as-of-yet undetermined number of scheduled departures will launch in early 2012. Custom / exclusive small group trips will also be offered. Additional itineraries (requiring separate approval) are on the drawing board for the future, he said.  

“Excitement about an ALA tour program in Cuba has been running high among staff and past trip alumni, said Austin. “There’s already a wait list with enough interest to fill the first two departures!”  

Austin said the formal permitting process began early in 2011 after nearly three years of research into the possibilities of conducting guided adventure tours in Cuba.  

“Because most Americans have been prevented from visiting Cuba since the US embargo in the 1960s, we are extremely curious about our neighbor just 90 miles to the south of Key West, FL. Our license will allow us to finally lift the veil and rediscover this destination that’s been off-limits to Americans the past 50 years,” said Austin. He noted that Cuba is an untapped market that “fits well with our core goals of exotic/desirable destinations, easy access from the US, lots of activities, a distinct and colorful culture, a friendly and welcoming host population and opportunities to immerse travelers in authentic Cuban life including world-renowned music, cuisine, art and dance.”  

Noted Latin American authority Christopher Baker, author of six books on Cuba, worked hand-in-hand with Austin to create an itinerary exclusive to ALA. Baker will lead many of the set tour departures as will other recognized experts in Cuban lifestyle and culture.  

Baker is well-known on the speaking circuit for his insightful lectures on Cuba before the National Press Club, National Geographic Society (televised “Live from National Geographic”) and World Affairs Council, among other prestigious organizations. He has also appeared speaking about Cuba on ABC, CBS, Fox TV, NBC, NPR, and dozens of other radio and TV outlets.  

With years of hands-on experience and countless connections to Cuban individuals of all walks of life. ALA proposes to use interactions with Baker’s personal Cuban acquaintances as a core component of the educational tours.  

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 37-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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.  

For a comprehensive 2011 catalog and to get on the list for the 2012 edition (available in the fall) 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/. 

# # # 

Austin Adventures Company Contact:

Dan Austin, Director / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 800-575-1540 / 406-655-4591 / www.austinlehman.com 

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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

Award-Winning Tour Operator, Austin Adventures, Announces Nine New Domestic / International Trips for 2012

Details

Released on Monday, 12 September 2011 09:50

Freezes 2012 Season Prices at 2011 Rates through Oct. 10, 2011 

Billings, MT, Sept. 12, 2011– Innovative and 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 beyond, announces nine new 2012 itineraries for cyclists, wine enthusiasts and families. Plus there’s an early bird booking incentive on all past programs offering 2011 pricing on trips booked on or before Oct. 10, 2011. 

The full 2012 season lineup is now online at: http://www.austinlehman.com/2012-schedule-pages-570.php and a listing of all the new trips for 2012 is at: http://www.austinlehman.com/2012-new-trips-pages-451.php. 

Available winter of 2011 is Yellowstone Winter, a five day/four night program out of Bozeman, MT, with departures in February and March.  

“With sold out Yellowstone programs in 2011, we needed to look for additional opportunities in the Park,” said Dan Austin, ALA founder and owner. “Yellowstone Winter is just that, a completely different season in our nation’s first National Park. Activities will include cross country skiing, snow shoeing and dog sledding.”  

Five new domestic trips starting in the late spring and running through the fall are the six day/five night California: Napa/Sonoma wine country beginning and ending in San Francisco featuring cycling, hiking and wine tasting;New Mexico: Poblanos, Peaks & Pueblos with Santa Fe/Taos as the hub; and South Dakota Family: Black Hills to Mount Rushmore out of Rapid City, SD. Another new addition to ALA’s national parks trips is the Yellowstone Family Camp Adventure, a five day/four night lodge and cowboy camp program based out of Bozeman, MT. 

In Europe guests can sip award-winning vintages and cycle country roads in early May and throughout the summer and fall on ALA’s new France: Burgundy for six days/five nights out of Dijon, or head farther south for Spain: Rioja in April, May and September for seven days/six nights. 

A nine day/eight night Chile/Argentina: Wine Country program has departures in February, March and over the 2012 December holiday, beginning and ending in Santiago. 

“The popularity of trips that focus on wine and cycling has exploded over the last few years,” said Austin, noting that his team is pedaling hard to keep up with demand and look to develop and feature new cycling trips to the planet’s top wine regions over the next few years. 

Austin said that the enjoyment of these active vacations is enhanced by “engaging guests on bike, horseback and on foot in the living cultural experiences available in these extraordinary destinations.”  

To round out their portfolio of new trips, ALA will be offering a long-awaited safari program in Kenya to compliment their community and culturally-themed African adventures in Morocco, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

Travelers looking for significant savings are advised to book their 2012 trip before the Oct. 10, 2011 early bird booking deadline to enjoy 2011 season prices and to reserve preferred departure dates. 

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/. 

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 37-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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. 

# # # 

Austin Adventures Company Contact:  Dan Austin, Director / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 800-575-1540 / 406-655-4591 / www.austinlehman.com 

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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

Looking at Life from Both Sides of the Andes Possible on Three 2012 Austin Adventures Spanning Argentina and Chile

Details

Released on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 09:31

New Adventure Vacations Visit Wine Regions, Highest Mountains, Driest Desert and Two Faces of Patagonia 

Billings, MT, Aug. 24, 2011– 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 beyond, announces three new itineraries for 2012 embracing the diversity, culture, cuisine and natural wonders of both sides of the Andes in Argentina, Chile and south to Patagonia. 

Wine aficionados will appreciate Argentina & Chile - Wine Country, a 9-day multi-sport (trekking, horseback riding, cycling) program at $5,098 per person, double, that begins in Mendoza and ends in Santiago. The 2012 tour dates are Feb. 13-21, Mar. 5-13 and Dec. 24-Jan. 1. See: www.austinlehman.com/winecountry  

This itinerary encompasses the Uco Valley of Argentina and Mendoza´s wine regions (Malbecs and Torrontés) in a dry desert at the foothills of the Andes as well as Chile’s vines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere) that grow in the Colchagua Valley, a lusher colonial-flavored landscape near the Pacific. The scenic drive across the Andes takes guests along the base of Mt. Aconcagua (22,841 foot elevation), the highest peak of the Americas and anywhere outside of the Himalayas.  

Dan Austin, ALA’s founder and owner said that the enjoyment of these trips is enhanced by “engaging guests on bike, horseback and on foot in the living cultural experiences available in these two extraordinary countries.”  

“We completely avoid the “factory” winery tour,” says Austin. “At one winery we will blend our own wine; at another there’s a superb culinary experience.”  One stop is for a five-course lunch planned around Argentina wines at Chef Lucas Bustos’ restaurant at Rica Malen Winery. Another is an overnight stop at a Colchagua Valley (Chile) vineyard. 

“Our choices for lodging are boutique hotels at the vineyards, haciendas and estancias (authentic working cattle ranches) that become true highlights of the trip,” he says. 

Two other new trips for 2012 that span both Argentina and Chile:  

Argentina & Chile - Patagoniais a 10-day, moderately paced mountaineering adventure with hiking trips and horseback tours priced at $5,498 per person, double, that begins and ends in El Calafate (South Patagonia) for transfers to Buenos Aires and covers much of the territory of Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia. The 2011-2012 tour dates are Dec. 19-28, Feb. 20-29, Mar. 12-21 and Dec. 31-Jan. 9. See: www.austinlehman.com/2012patagonia  

Highlights include (in Argentina) trekking to the best views of the Southern Face of CerroTorre, its lake and hanging glaciers, and the Egger and Standhard spires plus views of the Fitz Roy massif, Mt. Saint Exupery, and Poincenot peaks. There’s also a glaciologist-led ice hike over the Perito Moreno Glacier to observe its surreal formations of ice peaks and blue crevasses. 

Crossing into Chile participants take in Torres del Paine National Park including Lago Grey Beach for iceberg viewing, Grey Glacier (a 3.75-mile-wide wall of ice), and Lago Pehoe where Andean Condors are regularly seen soaring above. 

A third new tour is Argentina & Chile – Salta to Atacamaa 10-day cycling, horseback and hiking adventure priced at $5,298 per person, double, that begins in the northwest Argentine city of Salta and ends at the Atacama town of Calama with air transfers to Santiago, Chile. The 2012 departures are offered year-round.  See: http://www.austinlehman.com/chile-argentina---salta-to-atacama-trips-104.php 

Highlights include cycling Los Cardones National Park, wine tasting at local bodegas, museum visits, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Humahuaca Canyon and three full days exploring Chile’s Atacama, the driest desert in the world.  

About Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures, with a 37-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on five continents, has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and 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.  

For a comprehensive 2011 catalog and to get on the list for the 2012 edition (available in the fall) 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/. 

# # #  

Austin Adventures Company Contact:

Dan Austin, Director / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 800-575-1540 / 406-655-4591 / www.austinlehman.com  

For photos and/or more information 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 / 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