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Make Travel Matter

Connect With the Natural World Through These Exclusive Experiences

July 19, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments
An Iberian lynx sat on a fallen tree, with dense foliage in the background

 The Travel Corporation (TTC) launched its 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy in September 2020 and has made some incredible progress in achieving its goals. We’re sharing all our progress in our 2022 Impact Report, including all the actions we’ve completed against our 11 goals in the past year. One of our major goals was to include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 50% of TTC itineraries by 2025. We’re proud to say we’ve already surpassed that goal with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences now on 62% of TTC itineraries, and a total of 571 experiences across all TTC brands, including Luxury Gold. 

Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are important to us as they have been carefully chosen to leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit. They’re developed exclusively for TTC brands, are endorsed by industry experts, and support communities, environments and wildlife all over the world. 

We’re celebrating some of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that help you connect with the natural world. From helping save the Iberian Lynx in Portugal and the Kiwi bird in New Zealand to meeting the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies and a wildlife ranger at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, here’s how you can connect with nature through our exclusive experiences. 

Read more: 2022 Impact Report

Meet the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies

Matricia Cree Warrior Woman holding plants in a field

There are few better places to connect with nature than the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll get to the heart of this extraordinary region with this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. As we sit down to enjoy a fireside barbecue, you’ll have views of the stunning Pyramid Mountain on the shores of Trefoil Lake in Jasper. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with the women, including matriarchs Matricia and Mackenzie Brown. You’ll learn more about their Indigenous culture, spirituality and their passion and connection to their land and home. We’ll also enjoy music, drumming and storytelling, and learn some Cree songs and phrases to take home as a memento of this special experience. 

Discover it on: Majesty of the Rockies

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Protect the Iberian Lynx in Portugal

Iberian Lynx in a forest in Portugal

Journey to beautiful southern Portugal to connect with nature and the Iberian Lynx on this unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. The Iberian Lynx is the world’s most endangered feline and the species was quickly disappearing due to hunting. In 2015, the region established conservation programs to protect and re-introduce this beautiful cat in its natural habitat, the Vale do Guadiana Nature Park. 

We’ll visit the gorgeous hilltop town of Serpa with its cobbled streets, red-sloped roofs, white facades and shady olive trees. Here we’ll meet with Local Experts to learn about the conservation programs in the nearby nature park. You’ll discover how the Iberian Lynx population has steadily increased to a total of 400, yet more needs to be done. Visits like ours will help continue the preservation of this beautiful cat and its stunning natural habitat.

Discover it on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Read more: 4 incredible MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences you can enjoy with Luxury Gold

Marvel at the waterfalls of Plitvice, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia

With its cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes and primaeval forests, Plitvice Lakes National Park ranks among nature’s most enchanting wonders. The park centers around a system of 16 lakes flowing into the next, ending with the spectacular Sastavci Waterfalls. Over millennia, the water has created limestone and chalk travertine barriers and natural dams, forming this dreamy series of cascades.

While it’s magical to simply gaze over the landscapes, we really connect with Plitvice on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet a Local Expert and wander along the wooden footbridges while learning about the diverse plants and animals of the park. You’ll gain insights into the park’s critical research and conservation programs for its Indigenous species. You’ll also hear about the challenges the region faces including overdevelopment and the ensuing deterioration of water quality. 

Discover it on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

Help save the Kiwi in New Zealand

person holding a kiwi bird

While the Kiwi bird is the iconic national emblem of New Zealand, it’s also an endangered species, with only around 70,000 left in the wild. The little Kiwi’s numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and predators such as dogs and cats. We’ll get to know more about this special bird on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll connect with nature as we wander through the magnificent Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua and visit the National Kiwi Hatchery. 

The hatchery is New Zealand’s leading institution for Kiwi conservation. You’ll meet the experts to learn more about their dedicated egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and chick rearing. You’ll even get to see some adorable, newly hatched Kiwi chicks. As we stroll through the towering redwoods, you can also spot other wildlife such as geckos and bellbirds. 

Discover it on: The Long White Cloud

Read more: 5 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences to Have in New Zealand

Join a local ranger at the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

sunset over Giant's Causeway Northern Ireland

Get to know one of the world’s most ancient natural landscapes at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spectacular natural phenomenon features around 40,000 hexagonal stones rising out of the Atlantic Ocean, remnants of a volcanic age about 60 million years ago. This nature reserve is also steeped in ancient lore. Legend says it was formed by an Irish giant, Finn McCool, who created a path of stepping-stones for a battle with a Scottish giant. 

Today, the Giant’s Causeway battles the challenges posed by overtourism, the pandemic, and climate change. However, a significant conservation plan is underway to protect this fascinating site. As part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll join a local wildlife ranger to learn about the Causeway’s ancient history, formation, and folklore. You’ll also learn about the region’s unique plants and wildlife and conservation efforts, with each visit contributing to the preservation of the site for future generations.

Discover it on: Ultimate Ireland

Read more: Hives and honey: Meet Ashford Castle beekeeper, Steve Watson Oughterard

Explore a bird paradise in, Iguazu, Brazil

woman looking at colorful birds in Parqu da Saves in Iguazu Falls

@parquedasaves

If you love to connect with nature, you’ll be amazed when you step into this avian oasis at Parque das Aves. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience takes you to the world’s only institution dedicated to conserving Atlantic Rainforest bird species. As you wander through the stunning forest, you’ll spot colorful toucans, parrots, flamingos and hummingbirds. You might even see eagles, hawks, herons and owls. 

Loss of habitat is the greatest threat to the birds, with less than 10% of the original rainforest remaining. The sanctuary not only provides shelter and protection for these animals, but it also rescues many birds from mistreatment. They also run breeding programs to help rebuild population numbers. While this extraordinary sanctuary focuses on birds, you’ll also spot reptiles and butterflies from across South America. 

Discover it on: Classic South America

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

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Luxury Journeys, USA and Canada

Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

March 3, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

First Nations communities of Canada’s Alberta have been connected to the extraordinary landscapes of Jasper National Park since ancient times. At the heart of these communities are the Warrior Women, who play an integral part in upholding the beauty and heritage of this otherworldly place.

Travel on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour for a unique opportunity to explore the Indigenous history of Canada, and develop a deeper connection to Mother Earth with the Warrior Women. 

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Make Travel Matter

Slow and sustainable: The expectations of the luxury traveler in 2023 and beyond

January 18, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Luxury travel in 2023 is set to be slow, sustainable and immersive. From extended train journeys to memorable encounters with nature and spending longer at each destination, luxury holidaymakers are seeking a more meaningful escape. Research shows that sustainable travel experiences, connecting to the local culture and leaving a positive impact on the places you visit are all high on the travel agenda. We take a look at this gratifying travel trend and show you how our Luxury Gold limited-edition tours can help you tick these boxes.

A new rationale for travel

Travelling slowly, immersively and sustainably is an absolute expectation for luxury travel in 2023. The most recent American Express Global Travel Trends Report revealed widespread changes in the rationale of travelers. 81% of respondents want to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture. 78% of respondents expressed a desire to have a positive impact on the community they were visiting. While 62% agreed they wanted to be more thoughtful about where and how they travel.

While travelers are spending on immersive experiences and longer holidays, the luxury traveler is doing so with an increasingly eco-conscious mindset.

Read more: 5 common misconceptions about luxury travel (and why they are wrong)

Slow and immersive with Luxury Gold

From timeless train journeys to luxury safaris, there are many ways to enjoy slow and immersive travel on our limited-edition journeys. Defining luxury travel in 2023, picture multi-night stays in magnificent hotels that enable you to unwind and make your time more meaningful with friends a family. Private access to galleries and landmarks away from the crowds, enabling you as a VIP traveler to soak up culture at your own pace. And MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you go, the ultimate in immersive responsible travel experiences. Here you can connect to the communities you visit, exchange stories with locals, make a positive impact and create lasting memories.

Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Sustainable travel has long been at the heart of Luxury Gold. And this is brought to life through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on most of our limited-edition tours. Thoughtfully chosen, these experiences offer the chance to immerse yourself deeper in your destination, through its people, nature and wildlife. If you are looking to make time and travel more meaningful, this is a unique opportunity for new learnings. To make lasting connections and leave a positive legacy.

Aligned to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, each MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience is carefully selected and assessed for its positive, and long-term impact. Even though the experience might be for just a couple of hours, the memory that you leave with, this feeling of having contributed, stays with you forever.

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

If traveling slowly, immersively and sustainably sounds like you, then to whet your appetite further here are three of our limited-edition tours, defining luxury travel in 2023.

Majesty of the Rockies

Meet the Warrior Women and travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: On the stunning limited-edition tour Majesty of the Rockies we invite you to explore Western Canada’s treasures. Travel through the majestic Rocky Mountains, spending two luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Here lose yourself in the most spectacular scenery and take time to reset, admiring nature at its most sublime. The tour also offers a plethora of immersive nature experiences. Including setting foot on a glacier and gentle canyon hikes. Multiple-night stays in the most luxurious mountain retreats allow time to enjoy the amenities, such as golf clubs and spas. This is the ultimate opportunity to relax and absorb the true magnificence of your surroundings, and reflect on the curated experiences you’ve been enjoying.

Read more: Rustic luxury: why Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the ultimate mountain escape

In the stunning setting of Jasper National Park, an exclusive invitation and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits. Here you will meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, over an intimate fireside meal with a spectacular view of Pyramid Mountain. Learn about Indigenous spirituality, music and drumming as you engage in a fascinating conversation about the aboriginal culture of Canada. Leave enthralled and enlightened with some amazing stories to share with family and friends.

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies

Spectacular South Africa

Bask in nature on a three-day safari and support local youth: Experience the magic and wonder of South Africa on Spectacular South Africa. This nine-day luxury tour features an extended stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. And a three-day safari with a stay in a memorable bush lodge. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over Cape Town and view the city from atop Table Mountain. In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of some of the earth’s most magnificent beasts. Led by professional trackers, this once-in-a-lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

On the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, enjoy the opportunity to connect to the young people of the area as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Amy Foundation. Here you will meet people from the foundation and see first-hand how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programs. This is a unique opportunity to see the area through a different lens. And, through your visit, contribute to the important work taking place and give something back.

On Robben Island, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit down with Christo Brand. As former prison guard to Nelson Mandela, you’ll be treated to fascinating stories about one of history’s most inspirational figures.

Read more: Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Majestic Switzerland

Journey aboard the Glacier Express and discover sustainable transport: From St. Moritz to Zermatt and onto Geneva, Majestic Switzerland offers a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary across one of Europe’s most sustainable destinations. Take your first-class seat onboard the Glacier Express, a spectacular and sustainable way to travel through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at unrivaled views of snow-covered peaks, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to the summit of the mountain. Glimpse of some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. Then take all the time you need to wander the art-filled halls of the Rosengart Collection on an after-hours private tour. Relax, reflect and enjoy this special time surrounded by the masterpieces of Chagall, Renoir, Kandinksy and Picasso.

Read more: Geneva’s Hotel D’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

@verkehrshaus

An inspirational MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience lies in store at the Swiss Transport Museum. From luxe Monteverdi cars to alpine trains, discover Switzerland’s fascinating transportation and energy systems and innovations with your Local Expert. Learn about sustainable energy and fossil fuel alternatives. Chart the history of alternative transport methods, from horses and steam to electric and solar power. As well as a fascinating tour, this experience will leave you educated, and inquisitive to learn more.

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a travel concierge

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

 If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury travel in 2023, take a look at the full Luxury Gold collection of limited-edition tours.

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