If South America Isn’t on Your List Yet, It Should Be

Come for the ancient magic of Machu Picchu in Peru, and stay to discover the extraordinary diversity across South America’s eleven other countries. With minimal time difference for North American travelers, every corner of the continent invites discovery. Travelers are often surprised by how seamlessly one journey can include both dynamic cities and untouched natural landscapes/expansive wilderness.

Stop at the blinding white salt flats of Bolivia, where after rainfall the mirrored reflection of the sky creates an otherworldly scene. Continue south to the glaciers and craggy peaks of Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, a region that belongs on every traveler’s list. Balance these natural wonders with cultural immersion in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, where the rhythm of the tango fills the streets and a parrilla steakhouse pairs perfectly with a glass of Malbec. Round out your journey with the thundering beauty of Iguazú Falls, a natural wonder straddling the border with Brazil.

The romance of Rio de Janeiro doesn’t fade after February’s Carnival. Dance samba in the streets year-round, walk the shorelines of the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, or hike into the surrounding hills. My favorite is the Pico da Tijuca; from its highest point, the views of the city below are spectacular

If the mysterious stone figures of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) are something you’ve always wanted to see, make this the year you go. It’s a long way to reach this island in the eastern Pacific, but I can help you plan a seamless journey that makes every mile worthwhile. Pair your visit with other Chilean adventures, such as the Atacama Desert, which will surprise you with its color, star-filled skies, and luxurious eco-lodges that defy expectations.

Some destinations you visit once; South America is one you’ll dream about forever.

Contact your Far and Away Travel Specialist for planning to begin!

Fabulous Fiji and Awesome Australia

The allure of the South Pacific is strong—warm waters, tropical breezes, and soft sandy beaches that take your breath away. The distance North Americans must travel to reach this slice of paradise makes it ideal for island hopping. May we suggest pairing Australia for adventure and Fiji for relaxation? 

Sydney Harbour | Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens | Bondi Icebergs Pool

In Australia, recover from that long-haul flight in Sydney. Spend a day or two exploring the renowned harborfront – take a ferry from Circular Quay to admire the skyline: the famous Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge (and for a real thrill, join a tour that climbs over its iron arches). This is Australia's biggest city with over 5 million people; you'll find fine hotels, grand museums, botanical gardens, spectacular dining and coffee shops with the best flat whites around

Australian Outback | Photo Credits: Tourism Australia

Next stop? Australia's "red center." Take a three-hour flight into Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory. This small city is a gateway to the Outback and the red rock monolith of Uluru. Watching the sun rise over this cultural landmark has drawn visitors since time immemorial is a must. Tour the rock by camel or on foot and watch for kangaroos. Many hotels offer an evening outdoor dining experience which is not to be missed – sip Australian Shiraz and see if you can find the Southern Cross sparkling above.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay | COMO Laucala Island | Six Senses Fiji

Fiji is only a four-hour flight from Sydney, and this tropical island country (made up of 332 islands in the archipelago) is unforgettable because of its culture and beaches. This is also where you'll want to splash out on any overwater bungalow fantasies. Landing in the capital of Suva puts visitors on the larger main island of Viti Levu.

Head further to resorts on smaller atolls in the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups for miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches. Here, resorts often offer day trips to the uninhabited islet of Monuriki, where the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away was filmed. Locals may welcome you with a cup of kava, the national drink of Fiji. Attending a kava ceremony is an essential part of learning the country's culture.

Contact your Far and Away Advisor to begin planning.

Would you like to hike through or ski down the Alps? Switzerland is fantastic any time of year.

Switzerland is a land full of beauty and wonder. A country that’s famous for so many things is also easy and safe to visit any time of the year. Independent of the EU (so you’ll be spending Swiss francs), Switzerland is also one of the highest countries in Europe, since it is covered by the Alps, so it is perfect for hiking or winter sports.

Over eight million people live in the country, where four national languages are spoken: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The crime rate is exceedingly low wherever you go – and heading a little off the beaten path can lead to unforgettable Swiss adventures with fewer tourists.

Graubünden is the largest region of Switzerland, famous for its famous resort towns of Davos and St. Moritz – but why not try nearby Celerina as well? The historic village center is enchanting and visiting in wintertime offers a chance to sled down the world’s only natural and oldest bobsleigh track in the world, or snowshoe through the Staz Forest Trail.

Summertime is for horse-drawn carriage rides to Lake of Staz, returning to the forest for a sensory hike through fragrant meadows, and savoring a gastronomic walking tour through town. Experience the season in the world’s most picturesque landscapes by train, from the Alps to Lake Geneva to the Matterhorn. The Rhaetian Railway is part of the UNESCO heritage list, thanks to the mind-bending engineering that went into its construction up, down, and around the Alps.

In a country with 7,000 lakes, it’s not hard to find a jaw-dropping view, especially when exploring Lake Lucerne. Surrounded by mountains, Lake Lucerne sits at 1400+ feet elevation and still maintains a mild climate. The best views will come to those who hike the Swiss Path – a loop around one arm of the lake – or opt for tours aboard a wooden paddlewheel steamer ship. 

Just 30 minutes outside Lucerne, discover Fräkigaudi, the longest summertime toboggan ride in the country. Surrounded by the snow-capped beauty of the Alps, the sled ride drops 4,400+ ft with steep turns, tunnels, and built-in jumps.

Gourmands looking to discover important new chefs will want to travel to the Italian-speaking south. Lugano, the largest town in the Ticino canton, created a Michelin sensation last year when three restaurants earned their first star: I Due Sud at the Hotel Splendide Royal, META and Principe Leopoldo at the Villa Principe Leopoldo hotel. Don’t forget that when making a toast in Switzerland, say "Proscht!" and always make eye contact when you clink glasses.

Truly a perfect year-round escape!

Thinking ahead for Spring Break? We have some ideas...

After months of gray winter weather, there is something special about spring break vacations. Imagine getting out into sunshine and warmth and wandering the bright tulip fields of Lisse in the Netherlands; discovering delightful spring ski conditions in Sestrière, high in the Italian Dolomites, or heading off-piste in Andermatt, Switzerland. Maybe it’s time for one last multigenerational gathering in Tuscany or Lisbon before the kids get busy with their own schedules.

No matter how you envision that escape, the best time to plan is now. Planning early has always been a good idea, but there’s never been a more advantageous time to secure an advanced booking in this economic climate.

If you know where you want to go, or if you just want to get a few ideas on where to mark a big birthday or anniversary, reach out to your Far and Away Luxury Advisor. This will gives us ample time to find the most convenient flights that work for you, and the best accommodations and experiences for your family. Give yourself and your family a destination to look forward to; We are great at making your travel dreams come true.

South America - Vamonos! Let's go!

South America is a destination that can please everyone. You can discover twelve countries in a continent that boasts the world’s longest mountain range, largest river basin, and driest region—not to mention one of its greatest concentrations of biodiversity.

Come for the ancient civilizations, wildlife, the eye-popping ice fields, and the incredible resort hotels you’ll find to relax and recharge in. No matter when you want to travel, there’s a must-see sight but also a whole lot more to explore. Here are a few of my favorite stops:

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

After wandering the ruins of Machu Picchu and taking in those valley views, stay a few extra days to see more of this stunning country. North of Cuzco, discover even more Inca ruins and shop the stunning artisanship found in the local markets of towns in the Sacred Valley. The area is rich in culture, and the time you spend in the valley allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude of Cuzco.

Visitors can also head to the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca for a culture hit—the area is the mythological birthplace of the Incas. Before you fly home, the food scene of Lima is a must-try. There are more Michelin-starred chefs here than you would expect.

Chile

After you’ve used up your vocabulary of superlatives admiring the Andes spires and the mind-blowing sights of Torres del Paine National Park, make sure you don’t head home right away.

Pack your bathing suit—and find an online dictionary—to prepare yourself for the natural beauty of the Atacama Desert oasis pools—slipping into geothermal waters at the driest place on Earth is something you won’t soon forget. Then, take time to sample the inviting sauvignon blanc and Syrah of Casablanca Valley, about 45 minutes outside Santiago.

Ecuador

Once you’ve been blown away by the "cageless zoo"—the Galapágos Islands are renowned for wildlife that lives without fear of humans, there’s still so much more to see and do. Since you’ve come this far, make sure you spend time in the Amazon rainforest. One of the easiest ways to do this is to book a tour at the resort near the Mashpi Reserve, along the western slope of the Andes and a three-hour drive from the capital, Quito.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of Mashpi Lodge let you feel like you’re in the jungle even when you’re kicking back from a day of wildlife viewing in the cloud forests. And while you’re in the neighborhood—stand on the equatorial line for a fun photo, and make sure to explore Quito’s excellently preserved Historic Quarter.

South America works any time of the year, let’s figure out when you can start exploring!