One travel company sticking to its commitment to affordable travel,  Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA), set its rates last year and they’’re holding to these in 2008, even though the cost of gas, lodging and meals, among others, has sky-rocketed.

“”This makes traveling with one of our small groups to, for example, British Columbia, a value compared to piecing the same components together by you,”” says Dan Austin, founding partner and Director.

“But there is some fleece, the warm fuzzy kind, involved,” he says. “We’’re giving away fleece vests to folks who book any of our Canadian adventures from now through the end of May. The North End “all climate wear” vest retails for $65.”

““We’’re using this as a booking incentive to remind folks that you need not cross an ocean for a truly exotic vacation with an international feel,”” he says.

Matt Delany, the company’s British Columbia specialist, says that this easy-to-access, culturally and naturally textured region is an emerging destination for ALA who specializes in immersive, multi sport adventures for families and adults.

His favorite highlights on trips in and around the Whistler region include:

• •Hiking through the coastal temperate rainforest into Joffre Lakes to witness the hanging Matier Glacier melting into aquamarine waters of the lake below.
• •Rafting the Elaho River in the Paradise Valley, fed by cascades and waterfalls from four pristine glacial systems.
• •Gazing out from the alpine heights of Whistler to the distant Coastal Range, surrounded by massive ice fields, towering peaks and vibrant wild flowers.

For details please see Whistler – British Columbia Wilderness Adventure and Whistler Family – Mountains, Meadows & Wildlife Adventure .


Another one of ALA’s BC destinations is Vancouver Island. The programs include kayaking, biking, wine-tasting and touring the world-class Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Follow these links to: Vancouver Island – Beaches, Black Bears, & Boreal Forests  and Vancouver Island Family – Northwest Family Adventure.


All of these 6-day / 5-night multi-sport vacations that combine adventure with high-end accommodations are fully guided and nearly all-inclusive. The per person, double occupancy rates, exclusive of air to/from Vancouver (Whistler trips) or Victoria (Vancouver Island trips), start at $1,998 with child and single supplements available.

ALA manages all of the arrangements in its selected destinations. Small groups are held at just 12 guests with a generous 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio. Rates include first-class accommodations, meals, expert guides, all necessary equipment, entry fees, ground transportation and more.

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is also the “go-to” company for planning and setting up a private, custom vacation throughout the Americas and Southern Africa.

To get a copy of the 2008 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 40 unique luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.austinlehman.com.

Source: Widness & Wiggins PR