REI Adventures Announces New Trips for 2011

REI's award-winning outdoor adventure travel company, REI Adventures, today announced an exciting lineup of new action-packed trips to some of the world's most iconic destinations for 2011. These adventures blend human powered activity and unforgettable experiences in remarkable global locales including Vietnam, Portugal and the Pyrenees, as well as favorite U.S. destinations such as the Rocky Mountains, California's wine country and Alaska.

In addition to cruising, hiking, backpacking and trekking trips, REI Adventures has added 10 new bicycling trips and a mountain biking excursion to its 2011 program offerings. Travelers will now have the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the Provencal countryside, taste the celebrated wine and cuisine of Tuscany, pedal across the Pyrenees, or be immersed in the cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia, all by the seat of a bike.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to traverse the inside passages of Alaska's eastern and western Coves via small, nimble ships to enjoy whale watching, paddle boarding, kayaking and more; hike through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks while soaking in the spectacular colors and rock formations of the high desert; or experience the history and culture of one of the world's most iconic adventure destinations, Nepal, during an exceptional lodge-to-lodge trek in the Everest region.

Like all REI Adventures, each new itinerary has been carefully developed by REI's knowledgeable and experienced staff to ensure travelers enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in incredible destinations, all at a great value.

"We are thrilled to expand our worldwide list of trip offerings to include several exhilarating new cycling trips," said Cynthia Dunbar, manager of REI Adventures. "We are also excited to introduce many new itineraries based on feedback we have received from our members as to which destinations and activities they are most interested in exploring."

With more than 140 different trips on every continent, REI Adventures provides travelers the journey of a lifetime. Paired with local guides fluent in the area's history and traditions, adventurers are immersed in the natural beauty and culture of each destination and enjoy chance encounters with wildlife, conversations with local residents, camaraderie with active like-minded travelers and more. Guides are dedicated to making each trip truly memorable, thorough careful planning and a willingness to always embrace the impromptu. Trips include most meals, and the necessary equipment guests need to comfortably enjoy their experience such as kayaks, tents and high-end bicycle options.

Furthering REI's mission of sustainability, all REI Adventures trips are carbon neutral. Additionally, each REI Adventure trip patronizes local businesses, from lodging to guides to restaurants, and creates meaningful exchanges with each regions people, treating their cultures and places with respect.

New 2011 trips are ready for booking immediately. Each trip, rated on a scale of one (relaxed) – five (strenuous), varies by activity level so guests can easily choose an REI Adventure that is best suited for them. REI Adventures offers family adventures, weekend getaways, volunteer expeditions and more. For a more intimate experience with a select group of people, guests can also book private departures for events such as family reunions, girlfriend getaways or corporate retreats. For more information, visit www.rei.com/adventures.

About REI Adventures:

Award-winning REI Adventures has been a global leader in worldwide guided active adventure programs since 1987. The company offers unique itineraries focused on sustainable, human-powered outdoor adventure including: hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and more. Guests will experience iconic destinations as guides take them off the "beaten path," and provide opportunities to explore a destination, get to know the local people, their culture, the flora and fauna and discover things they would not be able to duplicate on their own or with another travel company. REI members receive a special discount price on most trips. For more information, full itineraries and trip reviews provided by guests, visit www.rei.com/adventures.

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