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New adventures, destinations on five continents for vacation packages and tours in 2006 says USTOA
The United States Tour Operators Association whose members provide vacations for more than 10.5 million people yearly consider wrong to think that a vacation package or tour means hours on a bus being herded into museums.

Nearly 80% of USTOA tour operators responding to a recent informal poll conducted by the organization said they offer adventure components or experiences, and are adding more for 2006. Among 2006 offerings are explorations of Ethiopia, Aboriginal Australia, the Himalayas, and Mongolia. European cooking tours, new hiking, biking and sailing excursions; plus zip line and repelling in Alaska are some of the adventure experiences in store.

Below are some new USTOA member offerings on five continents

AFRICA

Travelers can explore Ethiopia`s rich cultures and its Orthodox Christian tradition visiting ancient forts and monasteries that date back to the 12th Century, including legendary Lalibela with its Tomb of Abraham. Against a Mediterranean backdrop some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world are uncovered as the tour follows ancient trading routes between Libya and Egypt.

A Kenya Wing Safari provides game viewing at Amboselli against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.

AUSTRALIA & NEW GUINEA

Aboriginal Australia, on the Cobourg Peninsula, is the jumping off point for a trip back in time to Papua New Guinea, home to over 1,000 distinct ethnic groups as isolated from one other by the island`s rugged terrain as their island is from the world at large.

ASIA

Travel to Tibet or take a tour visiting the fabled Silk Road. Visit the Himalayas, learning about Buddhism and Tibetology, journeying back in time to a place still slowly waking up to the present.

Rugged adventure seekers can travel in a small group of 12 to 16 guests, seeing Tibet, Mongolia, and Bhutan and spending nights in traditional ger camps as they follow in the Footsteps of the Khans, crossing Mongolia`s sweeping steppes and desert plains.

Sample a Wildlife Safari in India, exploring the extraordinary Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in addition to three other reserves where the legendary Bengal tiger can be found.

NORTH AMERICA

Cruise Alaska and see it from above on Zip line/ forest canopy tours in Ketchikan, go rappelling in Skagway, or take a heli-hiking trip near Denali National Park. Add adventure to an escorted U.S. motorcoach trip with a day of river rafting.

EUROPE

Immerse yourself in local culture while living and cooking like the locals on Culinary Experience tours where you learn a bit of the language, about the culture and cuisine, as well as shop for food.

USTOA members have met the travel industry’s highest standards including participation in the association’s Travelers Assistance Program. The program requires, among other things, that each company set aside $1 Million security to protect consumers’ payments in the event the company goes out of business. Theodore Koumelis - Wednesday, January 11, 2006