At Austin-Lehman, we fancy ourselves as experts in the business of gift giving. Travel, the way we think about it, is just about the best gift anyone could ask for. Why? Because while possessions are nice (we’ve got nothing against Elmo dolls, Lego sets or sweater vests), travel offers shared experiences. Experiences that leave us with memories (happy ones!) that tend to stick with us long after we’ve returned home and unpacked our bags.

So as you think about the importance of family and of giving this holiday season, think about the gift of travel – the gift of a shared adventure that will not only bring you, the kids and the hubby closer, but that your family will remember, long after poor Elmo has been relegated to the top shelf of the toy closet.

Zig-zag through the treetops on a jungle canopy tour in Costa Rica. Kayak protected bays in search of whales, seals and puffins in Alaska. Come nose to nose with a 600-pound, 150-year-old tortoise in the Galápagos. Hike into the forest to a fairytale Castle in Germany, take a spin on a toboggan in the Austrian Alps and spend a day in the bush up-close with giraffe, zebra, lion and hippo in South Africa.

At ALA, our family adventures span the globe from North, South and Central America to Europe and Africa. Each trip is tailored to appeal to families with children ages 7 and up (5 and up in Costa Rica and 6 in Yellowstone). Not only do we take care of all of the day to day stresses (leave the cooking, cleaning, driving and entertaining to us), we also provide an extra guide, extra vans, special equipment and the perfect blend of cross-generational activity, R&R and comfort on each of our family vacations to satisfy adventurers of all ages.

 

Travel + Leisure Award
In 2009, ALA was recognized as the #1 Tour Operator in the World by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. To view the press release...click here >>

Planning a Family Reunion?
Call an Austin-Lehman Custom Trip Expert today: 800.575.1540
In our next issue...
Austin-Lehman's New Years resolutions and tips for healthy living.

Nothing sparks a child’s imagination like the medieval castles of the Loire!

What better playground than Yellowstone, Big Sky and Paradise Valley?

Awaken your inner child as you share the magic of Africa with your family

1. Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
3. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired).
4. Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm.
5. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle).

* Makes about 2 pounds of candy.