Fernleaf Travel Digital Holiday Guide

UNLOCK OUR WORLD, YOUR WAY Give the gift of anticipation, adventure and excitement this holiday season FERNLEAF TRAVEL MAKES PLANNING EASY

YOUR BUCKET LIST Time spent together making memories is the magic of travel. It transports us to parts of the world so different from our own we can’t help but linger on them in our memories whenever we allow our minds to wander.

This year, much of the world has been closed off to us.

Our focus has been much closer to home. And now when our minds can wander, we think about the places we absolutely have to see, the moments we need to have. These are the places we’ve always wanted to go but put off for one reason or another. We assumed we’d always have another chance. All of us have reexamined our lives this year. We want to create better memories, memories with friends we haven’t seen for months, with family that involve the space outside our four walls and yard. We want to have fun. We want to check off the big trips on our bucket list. We might not be able to do them all yet, but as more destinations open, there’s more opportunity to capture at least some of those a-ha moments.

WHEN ONCE IN A LIFETIME IS JUST THE BEGINNING The Great Migration is a big one. Hundreds of thousands of zebras and wildebeests cross the plains of the Masai Mara each summer and fall, stretching out as far as the eye can see. East Africa is a great place to go in search of the big five, and if you go inland from there you trek after the equally impressive mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda. Southern Africa also gives safari-goers a chance to spot the big five, along with a vast array and landscapes itself, from the swamps of the Okavango Delta to the dunes of Namibia. Kenya’s Family Safari - Best with Pre-Teens (9-12): https://www.go2africa.com/tours-safaris/ kenyas-family-safari-best-pre-teens-9-12

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Another place unto itself is the Galapagos. The variety of wildlife and potential for discovery is no less awe-inspiring than it was when Charles Darwin first saw the islands almost 200 years ago. You can see the only penguins that go north of the equator and tortoises that have kept right on living for more than 100 years. Birds that make their homes hundreds of miles from the nearest coast show off their mating rituals and raise their families on these islands, timeless traditions carrying on far removed from the rest of the world. Wild Galapagos Escape: https://www.expeditions.com/itineraries/wildgalapagos-escape/ You don’t have to quite as far to marvel at some of the most majestic, and just plain big, animals in all of creation. Whale sharks may be gigantic, but they are gentle giants, and you can swim with them just off the coast of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, or Baja California on the other side of Mexico. Imagine a 30-footer (or bigger!) swimming by you, paying you little mind as it gulps down a mouthful of plankton.

Even to the people we call the ancients, Egypt was ancient. The pyramids at Giza had lorded over the

Western Desert for two thousand years before the Roman Republic was founded, let alone the empire.

The mysteries of the Land of the Pharaohs have intrigued travelers as illustrious as Alexander the Great, who founded Alexandria and conveniently discovered he was the son of a god and rightful ruler of Egypt on a visit to the oasis at Siwa. The fertile Land of the Nile and its queen Cleopatra VII captivated prominent Romans Julius Caesar and Marc Antony and became the breadbasket of the empire. A cruise along the river will take you past the Valley of the Kings, the engineer marvel of the Aswan High Dam, the island Temple of Isis and Philae and the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, which was rediscovered underneath the sands in the 19th century and taken apart and reassembled piece by piece to accommodate construction of the dam in the 1960s. Sailing Egypt’s lifeblood of a river was enough to seduce Caesar, and it will entrance you as well.

Luxury Small Group Journeys, Egypt & the Nile: https://www.abercrombiekent.com/tours/luxurysmall-group-journeys/2021/egypt-nile-river-cruiseon-sanctuary-sun-boat-iv

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AMERICA One bright spot of the pandemic is that many of us have rediscovered America and realized that there are gems in our own backyard that you don’t need a passport to visit. Plan early to secure the best reservations from National Park lodges to off-thebeaten-path adventures.

The American West is a great place to get out in the great outdoors and have an adventure. You can gather the whole family or your extended travel pod and head to a dude ranch in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado or Utah. With a never-ending array of activities from fly-fishing and horseback riding to archery and clay shooting, places such as Paws Up and Sorrel River Ranch let you live out your cowboy fantasies and burn off some of that pent-up energy from being at home for so long. It’s the wide-open space you need.

Another place to go into the wild is Alaska. Our biggest state has plenty of room to roam and so

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much wildlife to see. Whales and eagles and bears, oh my! After a successful, if abbreviated, cruise season in 2021, Alaska is ready to get back in the swing of things. For a deeper dive into nature without the crowds, an expedition cruise with Lindblad or a land-based adventure with Natural Habitat will get you up close and personal with Alaska’s most interesting residents.

Domestic travel also offers the opportunity for a quick getaway. There’s nothing like a four-day biking tour with Backroads among breathtaking landscapes like the Colorado Rockies and California’s Death Valley to send you back home recharged (perfect graduation gifts).

Star Burst: 4th Grade Parents Don’t forget your free parks pass! https://www.nationalparks.org/our-work/ campaigns-initiatives/every-kid-outdoors

SKIING When the snow is falling, those Rockies are a great place to hit the slopes. With a whopping 53 mountains peaking at 14,000 feet or higher, Colorado is at the top of any skier’s list. There are more than a dozen Virtuosopreferred ski resorts across the state, so there’s surely one for you. From Telluride to Aspen to Vail to Steamboat Springs, you’ll find winter wonderlands with charming towns to usher in the holiday spirit.

Utah checks in with a half-dozen Virtuoso-preferred resorts in and around the famed Park City, and there are another three in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole and Teton Village. Many of these have villas and condominiums affiliated with the resort so you can enjoy the best of both worlds with all the space you need to bring your travel pod with the amenities of a hotel.

New England’s mountains might not be as tall as the Rockies or the Alps, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a multitude of great ski destinations that are far closer to home for East Coasters. Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch is a great area for the whole family with all types of terrain for all types of skiers. Jay Peak has excellent instructors if you’re just a beginning and fantastic glades and backcountry for more experienced skiers to roam.

Killington spans six peaks and boasts the largest vertical drop in New England. New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain has 370 acres of skiable terrain, plus snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating and even a zip line over a frozen river. Average annual snowfall tops 200 inches, and three terrain parks ensure nobody could possibly get bored at Bretton Woods.

Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 a negative test can get you onto the fantastic slopes of British Columbia and Alberta. Whistler, just outside Vancouver, hosted the ski events for the 2010 Winter Olympics and has worldclass runs. Head east on the Trans-Canada Highway and you’ll hit Sun Peaks, 4,270 acres of alpine village complete with restaurants and shops you can breeze right by on your way to the chairlift. Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta shine in any season, but their skiing chops are often overlooked. Banff Sunshine is renowned for its light, dry snow. The iconic views of Lake Louise are even more impressive on a long cruising ski run, and Norquay has great conditions for beginners.

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ACTIVE ADVENTURE ABROAD Two destinations that are synonymous with adventure are Costa Rica and Iceland. Both have impressive volcanoes that are a big draw, along with plenty of coastline.

With coasts on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and a rainforest with a volcano in the middle, Costa Rica is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Whether you want to surf or relax on the beach, bike through cloud forest or ride a zipline past it, brave the white water in a raft or relax in a volcanic hot spring, you can do it in Costa Rica.

For such a compact country, it packs so much into the experience that you really need time to enjoy it all. For each day full of exhilarating action, you need a day of soaking up the sun on the soft sand or an evening curled up in a hammock with a good book as raindrops splash through the treetops around you.

Fortunately for travelers, there are two airports, one in Liberia near the Pacific coast and in San Jose in the interior, so you can plan an itinerary that maximizes your time. Get your fill of sea and sun on the Peninsula Papagayo, enjoy the nature reserve in Manuel Antonio National Park then head to the Arenal Volcano area for horseback riding, canopy tours, even a hot air balloon ride. There’s no shortage of wildlife in one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, and bird watchers will be able to check dozens of species off their lists.

While Iceland is an outdoor destination year-round, it really sparkles in the winter. Since it gets dark early, there’s more opportunity to see the Northern Lights, which are visible from just about anywhere in the country on a clear night.

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Nothing illustrates the winter wonderland better than a snowmobile ride to the top of Mýrdalsjökull glacier on the South Coast. The summit of the glacier is almost 5,000 feet above sea level and covers a volcano, making for an entrancing contrast of landscapes. Not far to the south is the stunning black-sand beach of Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. You can see it all in just one day, though it might feel like you’ve been to a couple of different planets.

Continue getting up close and personal with glaciers with a hike to an ice cave at Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, then enjoy a boat ride across Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Appearing in two James Bond movies and “Batman Begins,” Jökulsárlón provides otherworldly images of icebergs calving and making their way out to sea. Before you’ve had time to wrap your mind around the beauty of Jökulsárlón, you can be at Svartifoss, a 40-foot waterfall ringer by columns of black basalt that appear as though they must’ve been carved by hand.

There’s no better place to warm up than the Blue Lagoon. The world-famous geothermal waters and

silica-rich mud work wonders on sore muscles and skin. Soak under a man-made waterfall, hit the steam room or enjoy a massage right there in the 100-degree water. It’s the perfect stop as a day trip from Reykjavik or on your way to the airport for a flight home that will be much more relaxing after a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

The thaw and extended sunshine of summer make it the perfect time for a road trip along the Golden Circle or out to the less-visited Westfjords, which can be especially difficult to reach in winter. What you lose in snowmobiling opportunities, you gain in offroading on ATVs, and while the country’s dwindling glaciers are melting in summer, sighting one is an excellent reward after a long hike.

With the end of winter comes the return of wildlife, including mating and nesting puffins. Lest you forget, Iceland is an island, and the waters surrounding it teem with whales in the summertime, making cruises a great day trip when your legs need a rest. While the Northern Lights are tough to spot, the Midnight Sun is an equally impressive phenomenon.

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MEDITERRANEAN MOMENTS How many times have you envisioned yourself on a sun-kissed coast overlooking the Mediterranean? \When you daydream, where do you go?

Is it an idyllic Greek island? Where ancient gods and ancient heroes once performed epic feats? Myth and daily life are so intertwined in Greek life you can’t help but lose yourself in time and space.

Athens, the capital and main transportation hub, along with the Cycladic islands of Mykonos and Santorini have been extremely popular with travelers, and with good reason. The birthplace of democracy and ancient temples make Athens one of the most storied cities in the Western canon. The beaches and party atmosphere of Mykonos have earned an international reputation for good times. An ancient volcanic explosion left Santorini sitting on the rim above a caldera that the Aegean Sea has rushed into, creating some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. But there’s much more to Greece.

For starters, there are more than 100 inhabited islands to choose from. And the mainland gets short shrift as well.

There’s Crete, 100 miles south of the mainland and one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. It gave birth to the Bronze Age Minoan Civilization, which spawned its own myths thanks to the elaborate palace at Knossos, purported home of the labyrinth and the Minotaur. Today, Crete is an outdoor playground, with beach enclaves in the east and a giant gorge in the middle, as well as the cave Zeus was born in.

While it doesn’t have as many islands as the famed Aegean, the Ionian Sea to the west of the mainland is where you’ll find Corfu, Zakynthos and Ithaca. It took Odysseus 20 years to get back to Ithaca, but you can get there in just a few hours from Athens on your own legendary journey.

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CROATIA / MONTENEGRO Up the Ionian Coast and into the Adriatic, Croatia is enjoying its moment in the sun on the world stage.

From historic coastal cities such as Split and Dubrovnik to the awe-inspiring nature of Plitvice Lakes National Park and more than 1,000 islands and islets, visitors have ample opportunity for their own moments in the Croatian sun. Tourist numbers are growing every year; plan now for a city-to-city experience or a fabulous cruise.

With a pleasant Mediterranean climate, the coastal areas are great for an active adventure from May-early October. Between Split and Dubrovnik, you can visit the picturesque Pakleni Islands, kayak in Palmizana Bay and visit an islet that boasts a beach, a couple of cafes and no cars. A journey down the Dalmatian Coast to Montenegro showcases Kotor, Montenegro, situated at the head of Southern Europe’s deepest fjord. Go kayaking in the majestic Bay of Kotor, and you’ll see why the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And just as with Croatia, you’ll discover a previously hidden gem that is relishing its time in the spotlight.

On the other side of the Adriatic is the place we all dream of, Italy, home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites of any country.

The world’s first metropolis, celebrated as the caput mundi (“head of the world”) and La Città Eterna (“the Eternal City”), Rome is so full of history it requires several days just to make a dent. The Colosseum and ancient city hearken back to the days of the Roman Empire. Vatican City contains priceless works of art and is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics worldwide. The

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city’s many fountains are a testament to the brilliance of Renaissance sculptors and architects.

From classics such as cacio e pepe to new hits such as trapizzini (a sandwich-pizza hybrid perfect for eating on the go, the food is out of this world. No wonder as many as 10 million people visit annually.

A few hours to the south and pairing perfectly with Rome, the Amalfi Coast is a seaside oasis of stunning views from cliffside retreats. Limoncello flows like water and sunny days are never in short supply.

The most popular towns are Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. Not technically on the Amalfi Coast, but on the northern edge of the peninsula, lies Sorrento, another popular resort town and gateway to the islands of Capri and Ischia. Just to the north, right on the way from Rome or Naples, are the Roman ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum. The cities were destroyed by the A.D. 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius but today are well-preserved time capsules of ancient life.

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The heel of the boot was a favorite summer getaway of the ancient Romans, but long overlooked by modern visitors to Italy. Travelers have discovered the charming towns of Puglia, such as Alberobello, which is full of traditional stone huts with conical roofs known as trulli. While Puglia has the most coastline of Italy’s regions, Basilicata features the ancient cave dwellings of Matera known as sassi. The ancient look has allowed Matera to stand in for any number of ancient sites on film.

At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily has absorbed a lot of different cultures into its culinary history. Influences from Greeks, Spaniards, Normans and Arabs blend to form a rich cuisine, from the arancini of Agrigento, Palermo’s revered street food and the pasta, sardines and eggplant of the islands east. The volcanic soil around Mt. Etna produces spectacular wines to wash it all down.

LAKE COMO Long a playground for the rich and famous, Lake Como combines natural and man-made beauty to form one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

It’s a shopping mecca, with excellent silk products in Bellagio, and a paradise for hikers and water sports enthusiasts. Lavish villas (and affordable home rentals) on the shores have priceless art and artifacts inside and lush gardens outside. It’s best seen from the water, where you can take in the majesty of the alpine foothills descending to picturesque lakeside towns. Fernleaf Travel will design a perfectly paced itinerary to avoid the crowds and soak in la dolce vita.

A city unlike any other, Venice is a fragile testament to human ingenuity. Refugees fleeing foreign invaders as the Roman Empire collapsed founded

a city on the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, and their descendants built it into La Serenissima (“the most serene”) an unrivaled maritime power. Today, the city built on water inspires romantics and puzzles climate scientists trying to preserve it against ever increasing water levels. The outer islands of the lagoon have made their mark on culture, as well, with Murano famous for its glass-blowing, Burano for its lace and brightly colored houses, painted so fishermen could distinguish their homes while returning from a day’s work. From gondolas to Carnival, Venice has made an indelible mark on culture that may well last beyond the city itself.

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME Taking the whole family on a beach vacation this summer? Want an apartment in the big city for a long weekend? A villa or apartment rental can give you all the space you need with all the comforts of home. Utilize the vast resources of the Fernleaf Travel and Virtuoso network and stay at a place that has been properly vetted, offers services such as housekeeping and lets you enjoy your experience instead of worrying about what’s actually waiting for you when you arrive and potentially dealing with issues that turn your vacation into a big hassle.

Our preferred partners offer a vast array of accommodations around the world. In addition to many Virtuoso-preferred hotels having private villas and apartments, there are several companies who specialize in just this sort of thing.

Villas of Distinction features properties all throughout the Caribbean, in several European countries, Hawaii, Colorado, Florida and so much more. Fernleaf Travel can customizethe number of bedrooms you need, the type of experience and level of service you’re looking for, and special features such as beachfront or fully staffed until we’ve found the villa that is perfect for you and your crew.

Abercrombie & Kent doesn’t just do great tours, from magnificently crafted group and family journeys to completely customized private itineraries, the company also has alpine chalets and luxury villas from Andalucia to Umbria at the best addresses in Europe. So after you return from a day of breathtaking touring with your driver and guide, you can sit down to a gourmet meal prepared by a private chef. Sure beats rummaging through the fridge at an Airbnb.

You might need help finding a place for ski season that checks off all the items on your wish list. Ski-in/ski-out, hot tub, whatever the request, Alpine Adventures has the rental for you, from Vail to Verbier, Crested Butte to Courchevel and just about anywhere else skis and snowboards tear lines.

There are so many more choices, from the villa collections of Fernleaf Travel partners to the beautiful villas along Lake Como available through the alleverything Italy specialists at IC Bellagio. Now aren’t you glad you don’t have to worry about an Airbnb host dropping by without notice during your romantic dinner?

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GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL We have a lot on our bucket lists. We know you do too. Giving the gift of travel to someone you know it would do a world of good — this includes yourself — this holiday season is the perfect way to get started making those travel dreams come true.

More and more studies show that people value experiences over things. So when you find yourself this holiday season searching for the perfect present to delight the special people in your life, give the gift of travel. Whether they already have a destination in mind or need inspiration, we’ll help you and your loved ones unwrap the world one journey at a time.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway close to home to relax and unwind, a warm-weather getaway for some fun in the sun, or the bucket list adventure of a lifetime like a safari in Africa or an expedition in Antarctica, the gift of travel is always the perfect gift.

Our Travel Dreaming gift boxes are a way to still give the gift of travel this year with a customized gift certificate for future travel and any other type of materials on trip specific destinations and experiences you would like to add. As a special thank you, we will also include some of our curated travel items so you and your loved ones experience your next getaway to its fullest potential.

There is a world of adventure out there. If you’re ready to get a trip on the books now, or you want a gift certificate to let the gift receiver choose, we have you covered. Call Fernleaf Travel at 203-524-1641 or email us at fernleaftraveldesign@gmail.com. We’ll take care of all the arrangements and you’ll get all the credit for being so thoughtful. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to come along. Travel, it’s one of the few things in this world you can buy that makes you richer.

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PERSONALIZED TRAVEL PLANNING – $250* This option allows you to purchase four hours of personalized travel planning services, including the following: •15-Minute initial trip consultation •Use of the Wanderlist interest & destination platform •Suggested destinations •Research of destinations •Flight suggestions and planning •Accommodation recommendations •Transport logistics: planes, trains, car, ferry, subway, etc.

•Suggested tours and activities •Trip insurance recommendations •Travel health review •Currency and banking preparations •Cell phone recommendations when traveling internationally •Packing lists and tips to prepare •Passport & Visa information •Trip financing and payment recommendations •Personalized travel planning certificate * Note that this option includes travel planning for up to four hours of travel planning, which is the average time needed for planning a trip. For itineraries that require more extensive travel planning, such as multi-city itineraries, recipients can upgrade the package at the time of planning. This upgrade will always be discussed in advance of travel planning.

PERSONALIZED TRAVEL PLANNING WITH TRAVEL CERTIFICATE ADD-ONS •Personalized travel planning with a travel gift certificate – $250 plus the value of the travel certificate with the value of your choice, which can be used toward any type of travel.

•Personalized travel planning with a specific trip or group departure – $250 plus the cost of the trip booked.

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CUSTOM GIFT OF TRAVEL GIFT BOXES Once you have selected which option best suits your needs we will begin putting together a personalized gift box that includes a customized gift certificate for future travel as well as any other type of materials on trip specific destinations and experiences you would like to add.

As a special thank you we will also include some of our own curated travel items to help you and your loved ones experience your next getaway to its fullest potential.