Austin Adventures Announces New Staff Hires, Social Media Consultant As Result of Two Years of Double-Digit Growth in Adventure Tours

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Released on Wednesday, 23 March 2011 10:20

Billings, MT, Mar. 23, 2011– Leading adventure tours operator Austin Adventures (ALA), the active travel company setting the standard for adventure travel companies in Yellowstone National Park, Europe, Africa and beyond, reports double-digit growth for two consecutive years, prompting a spate of new hires. 

Dan Austin, Austin Adventures http://www.austinlehman.com/ owner, said that thanks to the fact that “our name continues to be associated with the best adventure travel companies in the business, it’s easier and easier to recruit exceptional help. With sales up significantly two years running, we have been adding depth to our already amazing and proven staff. This includes outside consultants and new staff hires.” 

A Boulder advertising agency, SmartClick Adworks http://www.smartclickadworks.com/, has been appointed to consult and lead SEO and social media initiatives. This online social media and search engine marketing company will work on natural search engine optimization and paid search marketing programs for Austin Adventures.  Search engine optimization programs will not only include link building, and landing page optimization, but also a blog outreach campaign, partnering with past travelers and influential travel bloggers to create increased brand awareness in the online space.  Paid search marketing will focus on Google advertising, to supplement ongoing natural search engine optimization efforts. 

“We’re honored to be working with Austin Adventures,” says Glen Spencer, President of SmartClick AdWorks. “For years, we’ve admired the strong consumer brand they’ve built, and our goal now is to make ALA ubiquitous on the web.” 

New staff hires for the Billings-based adventure tours operator include Jonathan Burnham who will serve as webmaster and marketing assistant. His video/photographer skills will also be utilized on the website. 

Kristen Donisthorpe is a new administrative assistant who brings a marketing and communications background to the table. Another new administrative assistant, Kendra Wehmeyer, will support sales team and client communications outreach. 

Mindy Vanderhoof is new to the team as adventure tours consultant, having spent well over a decade globetrotting through 35 countries. 

Austin noted that the 2011 season is beginning to fill up and that people who want to travel with one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Tour Operators in the World should consider booking their plans now. 

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 free 2011 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 Introduces Electric Bicycle Option on All European Biking Tours

Details

Released on Tuesday, 08 March 2011 14:35

‘World’s Best’ Tour Operator Again Breaks New Ground For Guest Enjoyment of International Cycling Adventures  

Billings, MT,Mar. 8, 2011 – Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure tour standards in Yellowstone National Park, Europe, Africa and beyond, announces that it is charging up its European biking tours this year by being one of the first US tour operators to introduce electric bicycles as an option on all of its European cycle tours.  

This move has already made a difference for business. One New York couple who have taken 54 Austin Adventures biking vacations were ready to hang up their helmets until they learned that electric bikes would now be an option. They’ve just booked three more adventures this summer. Tour alumni Patty and Brian Hohner always had a Tuscany biking adventure on their bucket list but they were intimidated by the hills. Once they heard about e-bikes they immediately signed up. 

The company’s cycling tour veteran and director of European operations, Ron van Dijk, explained that e-bikes can enhance an experience and widen the appeal to travelers who were once intimidated by cycling hill terrain or moderate distances.  

“With e-bikes now anyone, regardless of age, strength or ability, will be able to take on even the most strenuous tour itinerary,” said van Dijk.  Over his 40 years in the industry he has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations, from the use of increasingly lighter touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes.  

“Electric bikes, originally the rage of bike commuters, are quickly becoming the next major evolution in recreational cycling, with Austin Adventures leading the way in Europe by offing an e-bike option to guests on all of their multi-day cycle tours,” said Dan Austin, founder and owner.  

Essentially e-bikes level the playing field, Austin said. Couples can cycle together without fear of leaving a companion in the dust. For the first time the arm chair/casual cyclist thinking of an Italy bike tour can do a challenging trip like Tuscany without fearing long ascents. The bikes are ideal for multi-generational groups and families. 

The use of e-bikes has grown in popularity with European commuters over the past several years; statistics show that there has been an 83 percent increase worldwide e-bike use since 2007.  

Austin Adventures will use the latest model Diamant electric bikes with Trek Ride+™ technology. This is a lightweight aluminum frame bike with a lithium ion battery-operated motor that when engaged boosts a rider’s natural human power, enabling him/her to pedal with less effort farther and faster. When the course gets steep and a rider is ready for extra power, the rider hits a button and selects an assist level I to IV and continues pedaling. At day’s end batteries are removed and charged for tomorrow’s ride.  

Those opting for an environmentally friendly e-bike option will be assessed $25 per day per e-bike on European itineraries. Plans call for adding the same service on US itineraries in the near future.  

Austin noted that the 2011 season is beginning to fill up and that people who want to travel with one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Tour Operators in the World should consider booking their plans now.  

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 free 2011 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 Explores Italy by Bike: Guides New Trips from Innsbruck to Lake Garda and Through Tuscany

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Released on Wednesday, 23 February 2011 14:02

Billings, MT, Feb. 23, 2011 – Award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures (ALA - http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure tour standards in Yellowstone National Park, Europe, Africa and beyond, commemorates the 150^th anniversary of a unified Italy with two new cycling explorations in the north of il bel paese, “the beautiful country.” 

Planning these trips is European cycling tour veteran Ron van Dijk, Austin Adventures director of European operations, who has nearly 40 years of experience pedaling the continent. 

Over the years van Dijk has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations, from the use of increasingly lighter (and more pricey) touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes. 

“Even the Tuscan hills become quite doable for the novice cyclist. But what hasn’t changed is the leisurely pace at which you immerse in the landscape, the towns, the villages and therefore the culture. No other mode of transportation can give you this much variety and depth,” van Dijk said, noting that accommodation choices have moved from the youth hostels of decades ago to multiple-star hotels, country inns, converted monasteries and luxurious chateaux. 

For the 2011 season ALA announces two new Italy bike tours that celebrate the nation’s 150^th anniversary and in the words of van Dijk, “bring back the easy Italian cycling vacation.” 

Tyrol Bicycle Tour - Innsbruck to Lake Garda  http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/italy_austria___innsbruck_to_lake_garda/88.php 

This tour is mostly downhill or flat with the Dolomites constantly in view but without having to climb them. Guests move from Austria into Italy visiting castles, ancient churches and a mummified corpse caught in Alpine ice. Participants sip regional wines and dine on local fare. There are three departures of this 10-day/9-night journey: May 21-30, June 18-27 and Sept. 3-12, 2011. The per person, double rate is $4,598 ($980 single supplement).

TuscanyBike Tour  http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/italy___tuscany/61.php

This is a more challenging ride beginning with Florence’s splendors and moving out to Chianti vineyards, Siena, the elusive Etruscans and San Gimignano, all snapshots of this delectable region of Italy. There are five departures for this 7-day/6-night tour: April 9-15, May 14-20, June 11-17, Sept 3-9 and Oct 1-7, 2011. The per person, double rate is $3,398 ($680 single supplement). 

Both trips offer all-inclusive adventures with double occupancy rooms with private baths, all breakfasts, most dinners, several lunches, professional and first-aid certified guides, high-tech bicycles, luggage service and vehicle support as required. Not included are international and in-country air, guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. 

ALA’s legacy of biking in Europe began in 1974 when Ron’s father Wim, became the first U.S. bike tour company to establish operations in Europe. “In 1974, Richard Nixon resigned, Han Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record, and our own Ron van Dijk began what would be a lifetime career of guiding cycling clients across Europe,” reflected Dan Austin, ALA director and owner. 

Austin noted that the 2011 season is beginning to fill up and that people who want to travel with one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Tour Operators in the World should consider booking their plans now. 

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 free 2011 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 Offers Online Resources for Writers and Editors Looking for Adventure Travel Concepts, Photos, Expertise and More

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Released on Tuesday, 15 February 2011 09:36

Dear Friends, 

Austin Adventures wants to do whatever they can to make your life easier. They have come up with several quick and easy online guides and references for writers and editors looking for adventure travel concepts, photos, expertise and more. We think they are worth a look. 

Webinars: www.austinlehman.com/webinars  - A page listing upcoming educational webinars and archiving past recorded events. You might be interested in Ron van Dijk's upcoming webinar on cycling in Europe Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 5:00 pm PST.  It is worth noting that this is Ron’s 37th year in the European bike tour business; no one is a better resource for all things cycle-related in Europe than Ron! (Please contact him directly if your interest is cycle-related This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..) 

How Best to Source a Tour Operator- 10 Tips:  www.austinlehman.com/adventure  - A helpful consumer guide of 10 tips on how best to select the right trip with the right tour operator. 

ALA’s Top 10 Lists: www.austinlehman.com/best  - A compilation of what Austin Adventures’s guides, staff and industry partners consider the best of the best.  You will see a diverse selection of exciting and beautiful places, amazing foods and unforgettable experiences.

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_hiking_trails/482.php

• Best Hiking Trails 

These trails belong on bucket lists. 

• Best Biking Trails

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_biking_trails/483.php

These biking trails include challenging uphills, scenic downhills and rolling hills for the best of all worlds.

• BestRafting Rivers

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_rafting_trips/484.php

This list features the world’s most scenic and enjoyable waterways for rafting.

• Best Hotels

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_hotels/485.php

These hotels offer the best combination of comfort, history and location.  

• Best Restaurants

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_restaurants/486.php

A “where to go” source to the best steak in Montana or the finest European fare.

• Most Active Trips

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_most_active_trips/489.php

These trips are either diverse in the activities they provide and/or the activities provided are a bit more intense than traditional trips.

• Best Wildlife Trips

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_wildlife_trips/488.php

These trips bring guests to Africa's Big 5, to howler monkeys in Costa Rica or to bison grazing on the high plains of Wyoming.

• Best Scenic Trips

http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/top_10_scenic_trips/487.php

These are breathtaking encounters with nature at her finest.  

Photo Gallery:  http://www.austinlehman.com/pages/image_gallery/441.php - For your use and convenience Austin Adventures maintains an extensive photo gallery with high quality, professionally shot low and high res digital photos for use with any ALA article, mention or listing. This photo gallery is provided as a courtesy to authorized and approved media representatives. Please use the photos as you see fit; in return all we ask is that you credit Austin Adventures and provide us with a link or copy of your story. 

Travel Resources: www.austinlehman.com/resource - 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.  

Media Alert!New York Times Travel Show  http://www.nyttravelshow.com/  Feb. 25-27. Dan and Carol Austin with Ron van Dijk will be exhibiting at the show (corner booth #560) and welcome all media to come by for some lively conversation and a little gift. If you'd like to set up a more private meeting before, during or after the show please let Sara and Dave know. 

Please utilize these great resources and let us know how we can support you in including Austin Adventures in your stories, listings and articles. Thanks! 

Sara and Dave

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/

Ten Tips to Planning Active Vacation From World’s Top Tour Operator – Austin Adventures

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Released on Tuesday, 01 February 2011 14:21

How to Research, Compare, Select Best Tour Operator By Knowing Right Questions To Ask 

Billings, MT, Feb. 2, 2011 –It is summer vacation planning time again and knowing how to find and vet the best options is an important step. Following are Ten Tips from a “world’s best” tour operator to take you from research to R&R as you strategize when and where to spend precious vacation time and dollars. 

“A little time and energy spent on the front end helps ensure the vacation of your dreams. The planning process should be a fun part of the overall experience,” says Dan Austin, owner of Austin Adventures (ALA) http://www.austinlehman.com/ that was named the World’s Best Tour Operator by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for the past two consecutive years (#1 in 2009 & #2 in 2010). 

In 2011 ALA will host guests on small group departures to 28 countries around the world. 

The first bit of advice in choosing the right tour operator is to get everyone involved and as Austin points out, “remember it’s the journey, not the destination that counts.” To help guide the consumer through the maze of vacation options, the tour experts at Austin Adventures offer these useful tips (http://www.austinlehman.com/adventure) when starting the trip planning process: 

#1 Build Files  Organize brochures, maps, notes from conversations to website links. 

#2 Google is Your Friend!  96% of all travel research is now done online.  Use “long tail” search terms to hone in on your questions such as: “Best family adventure vacation to Yellowstone.” Bookmark the better sites you visit. 

#3 Shop for Information off-line  Pick up travel magazines and regional guides reflecting your interests. Talk to friends and co-workers. Visit your local travel counselor for input. 

#4 Create a bucket list  Create a list of dream destinations and activities; cut it to a short list. Use logic. Is Mexico too hot in summer? Maybe. Then consider fall travel. Keep track of your thinking and why. 

#5 Who Gets Your Business?  Seek tour operators specializing in the kinds of vacations on your short list. Again,Google is your friend. For example, search for “best bike tour operator in Italy” and note results. Pour through travel magazines that often list the “best of the best” in special annual editions.  Look for them online. In the end you will have created a list of operators that best match your short list of destinations and activities. 

#6 Work Your Shorts List!   With your A-list ofdestinations/activities and tour operators, begin emailing or calling.  Track all interactions.  If a company fails to get back to you in a timely manner and/or fails to answer your questions accurately and thoroughly, do you really want to trust your vacation to them?  The best will rise to the top. 

#7 Ask Questions  How long has the tour operator been in business? Is the owner involved in day-to-day operations? Does the company run its own tours or outsource? What are deposit/cancellation/trip insurance/satisfaction guarantee policies? What happens to a small group trip if nobody else signs up? Who takes these trips, what is average group size and guide-to-guest ratio? (For a full list of questions to ask see: http://www.austinlehman.com/adventure). 

#8 Ask About Specific Tours/Itineraries  How long has the tour operator been running a particular trip? What is/isn’t included? Where does trip begin and end and how do you get there? What’s the best time of year to visit? What’s a typical day and how many miles daily, on average, of biking, hiking, paddling? Describe the accommodations, amenities and food? Why is your trip so special and why are you the best tour operator to travel with? 

#9 Digest and Summarize  Digest and quantify everything learned. Narrow it down to a couple of options. Review final concerns, make some final calls, remove all doubt. 

#10  Book Em!  Make sure everyone agrees, pick up the phone and confidently book the trip!  

In addition to the above, to assist travelers in better understanding their various destinations, itineraries and tours, Austin Adventures, like many leading tour operators, also offers interactive webinars during the winter and spring. ALA invites the public to join two upcoming webinars; Cycling Europe with 35-year veteran Ron van Dijk; Thursday, February 17 at 8:00-9:00 PM EST (to register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/632806144), and Adventure Travel with ALA moderated by Dan Austin; Tuesday, March 1, at 8:00-9:00 PM EST (to register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/702686257 

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 free 2011 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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ATTA Taps Dan Austin to Serve On Its 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit Advisory Committee

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Released on Tuesday, 25 January 2011 16:01

SEATTLE, WA, January 25, 2011– The Adventure Travel Trade Association today named Dan Austin to the Advisory Committee for the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), the adventure tourism industry’s annual gathering of executives set for October 17-20 in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.  

Austin, director of Austin Adventures (http://www.austinlehman.com/) is a 35-year adventure travel industry veteran who was instrumental in his company’s rise in stature and reputation to become the “World’s Best Tour Company” for 2009 and 2010 as recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Austin Adventures is known for its small group active travel to iconic destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Pacific Rim and Africa.  

In addition to Austin, the 2011 ATWS Advisory Committee is comprised of leaders who bring diversity in expertise, geographic and sector representation, including:  

• Scott Adams, Founder and President, Birchbark Media
• Stephen Austin, Executive Marketing Director, CPTM (PROMTOUR)
• Ajeet Bajaj, Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures
• Kelly Bricker, Chairman – TIES (The International Ecotourism Society), Chairman of the Board – GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), Associate Professor, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, University of Utah
• William (Bill) L. Bryan, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chairman, Off the Beaten Path
• Tullia Caballero, Director, S-CAPE Travel
• Maryann Fernandez, Founder & President, Philanthropy Indaba
• Lauren Hefferon, Founder & Director, Ciclismo Classico
• Alex Herrmann, Director Americas, Switzerland Tourism
• Andy Levine, Founder and President, DuVine Adventures
• Monica Malpezzi Price, Director of Operations, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours
• John Sheppard, Director, Outdoor Programs, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI)
• Ben Sherman, Medicine Root, Inc. & Co-founder American Indian/Alaska Native Tourism Association
• Jens Thraenhart, Co-Founder & President, Dragon Trail & China Travel Trends
• Bruno Giesemann, President, Argovia Finca Resort

 “Dan Austin joins a powerful cross-section of industry leaders who commit personal and professional time, energy and mind share to support the thoughtful and professional development of our growing community,” said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. “We believe our selections carry weight, and we’re especially grateful for their contributions - their convictions, sensibilities and strategic input that helps to ensure the ATTA’s Summit events continue to meet or exceed delegate expectations.”  

Advisory Committee members reflect the core composition of the delegation, primarily international tour operators, tourism boards, destination marketing organizations and industry service partners. Selected annually, Advisory Committee members are tasked to provide advice and direction to Summit organizers to ensure their respective sectors of the industry are properly represented at the ATWS. Among their specific responsibilities, Summit advisors provide feedback on Summit plans and activities, facilitate ATWS sessions, and serve as ambassadors before, during and after the Summit.  

Entering its seventh year, the ATTA’s Summit executive conferences engage, enlighten, inspire, and energize the leaders of the adventure travel community with networking, business and professional development programs, educational seminars and emerging adventure destination product review opportunities. Summit delegates, who also reflect ATTA’s membership composition, include tour operators and adventure travel ground suppliers, tourism boards and destination marketing organizations, media, travel agents, lodges, and related tourism service organizations.  

Partners for the 2011 ATWS, delivered in English with sessions translated into Spanish, include the Chiapas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the State Government of Chiapas and the Tourism Ministry of Mexico and the Mexico Tourism Promotion Board.

Established in 1990, Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit (www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com), the ATTA also makes possible www.Adventure.Travel, the traveler’s hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators.

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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/

Austin Adventures Announces 2011 Family Rafting Trips

Details

Released on Monday, 24 January 2011 11:56

Adventure Travel Company Rooted in Whitewater Rafting Legacy Dating Back to 1970’s 

Billings, MT,January 25, 2011 – When Dan Austin discovered the excitement of family rafting trips as a guide and later, as a partner in a small raft company back in the early 1970’s, little did he know more than three decades later he would still be sharing this same excitement and passion with a new generation of adventure travelers and their families. With this legacy, Austin Adventures (http://www.austinlehman.com/) announces a 2011 trip line-up full of family adventure vacations with whitewater rafting worldwide. 

“This is where I got my first taste for adventure travel,” says Austin. “I started out as a guide on family whitewater rafting trips and soon afterwards, a partner in a small rafting company navigating the waters of the West in the early 70’s. It’s wonderful how things have come full circle and once again, I’m able to turn families onto the joys of rafting.” 

Austin Adventures, award-winning multi-sport, cycling and family vacation company (Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Tour Operator for two consecutive years - 2009 & 2010) has introduced a new Idaho family rafting adventure for 2011 along the legendary Salmon River. Adults and kids (as young as five) will travel by raft or inflatable kayak down 60 miles of Idaho’s Salmon River, famous for its playful rapids, massive sandy beaches and historic Nez Perce Indian sites on this five-day Salmon River family adventure. These trips are run in partnership with ROW Adventures. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/idaho_family___salmon_river_raft/87.php 

Trips are staffed with a, “River Jester”, who leads nature-oriented games and activities for kids of all ages. Families begin and end the trip in Lewiston, Idaho and can choose from nine departures throughout the summer.  Rates are $1,638 for adults and $1,438 for children and include most meals, pre-post trip lodging, transfers to the put-in and from the take-out, all equipment, guides, special kid’s meals and land and water access fees. 

In total, Austin Adventures offers 16 separate itineraries that include whitewater rafting for the 2011 season. Other Rocky Mountain Adventures in the U.S. include rafting down these waterways; Wyoming’s Snake River, Montana’s Yellowstone and Flathead Rivers, and the Colorado River outside of Arches National Park in Utah. 

In the Alberta’s Canadian Rockies and British Columbia’s Pacific Northwest, ALA offers adventure vacations with rafting down the Kananaskis River, the Kicking Horse River, Elaho and the Cheakamus Rivers. 

Further afield, Austin Adventures combines whitewater rafting with other activities such as hiking, biking, ziplining and snorkeling while conquering the rapids of Costa Rica’s Pacuare River. And in the Andes of Peru, prior to an exploration of Machu Picchu, ALA guests enjoy the thrills of Urubamba River rafting. 

For a 2011 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 the complete line-up of 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. 

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Austin Adventures’ GPS Targets Flower Spotting From Holland to Havasupai This Spring

Details

Released on Thursday, 13 January 2011 10:46

Billings, MT, Jan. 13, 2011 –Following your bliss just became simple thanks to an award-winning adventure tour company’s GPS targeting where in the world to stop and smell the flowers this spring. 

From bike tours in Holland to hiking in Havasupai (Grand Canyon), multiple opportunities for active pleasures abound as surely as the blossoms, says Dan Austin, owner of Austin Adventures http://www.austinlehman.com/, the active travel company setting adventure tour standards in the Americas, Europe, Africa and beyond. 

Says Austin Adventures cycling guide, Sajid Litjens, “The best trips for spring flowers in all of Europe are our cycle tours in Holland.  Everywhere are the most amazing colors.  You have to visit "de Keukenhof" http://www.keukenhof.nl/, a tulip fair with all kinds of bulb flowers, but the ultimate highlight is just cycling through the tulip fields. The landscape almost looks like an abstract painting.” 

Carol Austin of the Austin Adventures family notes that “Havasupai in the Grand Canyon is a must for spring flower seekers. From late March to early May all of the desert flowers are in bloom, and up against the backdrop of red rocks and blue skies the colors are amazing!” 

Guide Doreen Rae loves “going up to the Skagit Valley (Washington) in April and wandering their fields of tulips. I then hop on the ferry to the San Juan Islands to enjoy some hiking and mountain biking, the lavender fields and wineries.” 

Following are additional details on viewing tulips in Holland. Spring displays will be at their prime on these biking departures: 

Holland- Haarlem to Odoorn  http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/holland___windmills__woodlands___wildflowers_biking_adventure/71.php. Eight day/seven night departures are $2,998 per person double. 

Holland- Netherlands Highlights http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/holland___netherlands_highlights/72.php. Five day/four night departures are$1,998 per person double. 

The lavender fields of Provence France are legendary. In May and June these blossoms as well as hyacinths abound. Seven day/six night biking departures spiced with cuisine and culture begin mid April and continue through early autumn. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/france___provence/59.php. The per person double rate is $3,598 (single supplement is $680). 

Can’t get to Europe? How about the Pacific Northwest’s Skagit Valley and San Juan Islands for a six day/five night tour with biking, hiking, paddling and horseback riding beginning June 12 and continuing through September; $2,798 per person double. http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/washington___san_juan_islands/94.php  

A five day/four night hiking trip to Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon offers iconic waterfalls and Native American culture tossed with patches of lupine, serviceberry, butterweed, morning glory and blooming cacti for an explosion of color in May and June. Departures begin March 20 and continue through the summer and early fall - $1,698. http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/havasupai__a_grand_canyon_oasis_adventure/53.php  

In Yellowstone National Park the display of alpine wildflowers comes a little later, in June and July. Flowers that gardeners covet such as blue penstemon, glacier lilies and violets abound as does the Wyoming state flower, Indian paintbrush.  This region is particularly popular with ALA families. A six day/five night trip includes hiking, paddling and horseback riding.  The per person double rate is $1,998. Children’s rates are from $1,598. http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/yellowstone_national_park_family/16.php 

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 free 2011 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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Yosemite National Park to Benefit from Austin Adventures’ 2011 Preserve a Park Program

Details

Released on Tuesday, 04 January 2011 10:02

Billings, MT,Jan. 4, 2011 – For the second consecutive year a leading adventure travel company will donate a portion of its profits to US National Park preservation.  

Austin Adventures (ALA) http://www.austinlehman.com/, the award-winning active travel company setting adventure tour standards in the Americas, Europe, Africa and beyond, announces that its 2011 Preserve a Park Program recipient will be Yosemite National Park. In 2010 it was Glacier National Park that benefited from the preservation program. 

As a youngster, Dan Austin, ALA’s founder and owner, says, “I was blown away by Yosemite’s surreal, natural beauty. So much so that the experience helped propel me on the path of backcountry adventure that I still find myself on today.” He notes that, “such grandeur and magic will leave its mark on anyone of any age who is open to being so humbled by nature.” 

Throughout the 2011 season, his company will donate to the Yosemite Conservancy $100 per guest booked on each of the five scheduled small group departures of Yosemite Family Vacation. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/yosemite_national_park_family/34.php  

Austin promises that this active six-day/five-night program will “focus on rappelling, not rap and on tubing, not texting, with a lot of awe mixed in from Mother Nature after hiking to a 2,425-foot waterfall, looking up at an 8,842-foot granite dome and embracing a 3,000-year-old, 300-foot Giant Sequoia.”  

Rates per adult are from $2,398 ($780 single supplement) and $1,918 to $2,158 per child dependent on party size and room configuration. Departures are July 10, 17, 24* (*adult only), July 31 and Aug. 7.  

In 2010, the Yosemite Association and The Yosemite Fund merged to form the Yosemite Conservancy(http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/). Today it is a not-for-profit organization that preserves and protects Yosemite for generations to come through habitat restoration, trail repair, education, wildlife management and scientific research. Over the years the effort has generated over $60 million in contributions which in turn has funded over 300 completed projects.  

Although not America’s first designated national park, Yosemite was central to the development of the national park concept. It is on the list of World Heritage Sites primarily due to its exceptional natural beauty portrayed by five of the world's highest waterfalls, a combination of granite domes and walls, deeply incised valleys, three groves of giant sequoia, numerous alpine meadows, lakes, diversity of life zones and variety of species.  

Austinsaid Preserve a Park donations help National Park programs face a proposed 2011 $22 million funding cut. Last year his company’s Glacier National Park departures sold out, resulting “in a significant donation” to the Glacier National Park Fund (www.glacierfund.org). Preserve a Park is the platform for ALA’s ongoing conservation and educational initiative, an annual program that will be aligned with a different national park each year. The company will provide financial contributions to an organization that best supports that designated park, while featuring an educational experience for guests who book one of the tour company’s Preserve a Park trips.  

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 free 2011 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 Offers Both Land and Sea-Based Options For In-Depth Exploration of The Galapagos Islands

Details

Released on Monday, 27 December 2010 11:38

Billings, MT, Dec. 27, 2010 – Austin Adventures (ALA) http://www.austinlehman.com/, the active travel company setting adventure tour standards in Yellowstone National Park, Europe, Africa and beyond, announces two options for exploring one of the world’s most iconic vacation destinations. 

Choices are by land or by sea for a Galapagos holiday, announced Dan Austin, owner of Austin Adventures. The company engages Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges for its land-based, island-hopping programs and for expedition cruising, the eco-sensitive, visionary small ship company, Ecoventura. 

“We’re thrilled that we can offer a choice of upscale, active vacation programs in this astonishing environment,” said Austin. “Bottom line for each option is that our travel partners practice the highest standards of sustainability on behalf of this region – without sacrificing the level of service and activity that our clients count on.” 

Each program runs eight days and seven nights with weekly departures throughout 2011. The Galapagos land-based option utilizes three intimate lodges on three islands and is priced from $3,016 per adult. Guests are motored by high-speed boat among the islands. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/ecuador___galapagos_land_based/93.php 

On The “Galapagos by sea” option guests enjoy accommodations aboard a signature fleet of three identical 20-passenger luxury motor yachts that stop at choice islands by day and motor amongst them at night. Rates are from $3,375 per adult. See: http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/ecuador___galapagos_islands/36.php 

Either option offers discounts of up to 30 percent for ages 7 and up traveling with an adult. The all-inclusive adventures include double occupancy rooms with private baths, all meals, professional and first-aid certified guides, site-appropriate equipment such as snorkeling gear and sea kayaks, luggage service, vehicle support as required, and some taxes and gratuities. Not included are international and in-country air, park entrance fees, transit cards and optional pre/post lodging and tour packages. 

Austinnoted that spring break 2011 is beginning to fill up and that families who want to introduce their youngsters to The Galapagos should make plans soon if they want to travel with one of the Best Tour Operators 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 free 2011 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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