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Follow on Google News | Austin Adventures Sees Strong Growth and Trend In Demand for Exclusive, Custom VacationsThe joint mission is to come up with an itinerary that addresses and satisfies the needs and desires of each member of the party or family. Then it is the company’s goal to create and run a one-of-a-kind trip that will exceed all expectations.
By: Austin Adventures Custom trips this year will comprise 31 percent of Austin Adventures’ overall business, up from 12 percent five years ago. Custom tour bookings are up 28 percent over 2013. “We have a record number of requests for exclusive and private trips and as far as experiences and itineraries go; one is only limited by their imagination (or ours),” says Dan Austin, President. As Austin explains, designing a custom trip usually starts with a call to the Austin Adventures (http://www.austinadventures.com/) “Clients seem better informed when it comes to where to go and what to do. As creative as our set itineraries are, many want to modify a few activities or craft the week into a completely different private trip. We love the challenge!” Austin’s company can handle groups of two to 20+ on existing itineraries that can be custom tweaked. The following sketches of recent custom itineraries help capture some of the creativity used when planning private adventures: 1) Private Multisport Group Trip with Austin Adventures in Southern France A group of 28 arrived in two private jets from New Haven, CT. Here’s a blow by blow account of their tour: Daily they split up to bike, hike or sightsee/shop depending upon personal desires. They visited the Sunday antique market in L'Isle-sur-la- A guided visit (with a local expert) was arranged to the Synagogue in Carpentras, the oldest in France (13th century). Eighteen participated in a cooking class at the Michelin starred restaurant Le Phebus. Luncheons included three saffron-infused courses at a saffron producer’s home and another at a pastry maker’s home where mille-feuille (aka Napoleon) starred. Guests enjoyed a Jeu de Boules tournament and kayaked from Collias to Remoulins under the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. A masseuse who works on Tour de France cyclists treated these guests who all agreed that he’s the “best masseuse they ever encountered.” A local expert guided them through the mental hospital where Van Gogh was treated and revealed stories of St-Rémy. More than 10 electric bikes were brought in for guests who don’t cycle regularly. Arrangements were made for special early-morning photography sessions. 2) Private Yellowstone/ This year a number of Austin Adventures Yellowstone- One trip was modified to accommodate a fly fishing excursion on Lewis Lake for six guys (three boats and three fishing guides). The gals went kayaking on Jackson Lake. On an exclusive trip for 10, half wanted to go horseback riding. On an already jam-packed program, the company arranged this and a covered wagon ride for the others. All met up for a cowboy cookout steak dinner. For the one-year-old the company provided a bike trailer (Burley) and invested in cribs (pack and play) to place in the parents’ and the nanny’s rooms. The company arranged a stay at a dude ranch in Jackson Hole followed by a visit to the Park for nine who flew in on their private jet in June. Included were custom airport transfers and red carpet treatment. 3) Canadian Rockies Custom A multigenerational family of 12 is traveling to the Canadian Rockies (http://www.austinadventures.com/ 4) Custom Corporate Retreat in Big Sky Country A corporate retreat was chauffeured from Bozeman to engage in such team building activities as rock climbing in the Gallatin Canyon, snowshoeing up Beehive Basin and equestrian challenges at the 320 Guest Ranch. Two meeting days were squeezed in at Old Faithful Inn, with a private guide available for outings there. 5) Utah’s Canyonlands program A family of six reserved two Austin Adventures guides for their exclusive tour in Arches and Canyonlands National Park (http://www.austinadventures.com/ 6) High End Camping – Yellowstone Country The dream of one family of four is to camp under the Montana night sky (http://www.austinadventures.com/ Because of this marked increase in people looking to create a private trip, an expanded section dedicated to planning bespoke vacations was recently added to the company website: http://www.austinadventures.com/ For a comprehensive 2014 catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.austinadventures.com/ About Austin Adventures In addition to multi-sport adventures, Austin Adventures offers family, biking and hiking tours and small ship cruising, in total spanning 35 countries on six continents. Outside Magazine recently singled out Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations and trip leader extraordinaire, as the world’s top Family Guide for 2014. In March 2012 Travel + Leisure awarded ALA the 2012 World’s Best Values Award for Tour Operators (http://www.austinlehman.com/ Contact for more information: Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com End
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