Norway WESTERN FJORDS ADVENTURE

Norway WESTERN FJORDS ADVENTURE HIKING AND KAYAKING 10 DAYS June 15-24, 2019 July 13-22, 2019 July 27-August 5, 2019 TRIP ITINERARY 1.800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com

How we deliver THE WORLD S GREAT ADVENTURES A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will connect you with the very best qualities of each destination. Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, handcrafted journeys have received accolades from the world s most revered travel publications. Beginning from our appreciation for the world s most breathtaking and interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries to match your sense of adventure. Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like dinner with their extended family in Peru s Sacred Valley, or meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed over many years allow you to experience our destinations through a well-connected friend. Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of likeminded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average group size is just 8 10 guests, allowing us access to opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group. Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey to fulfill your travel dreams. Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? There is no request that is too big or too small for our staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your adventure, and hold your hand until you return home. Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine s World s Best Tour Operator ; and recognized by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth. 2 Boundless Journeys 2019

Norway WESTERN FJORDS ADVENTURE Thank you for your interest in this fantastic journey to Norway. We have handcrafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love with the area as we have! THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY Very few places in the world have scenery as dramatic as the Norwegian fjords. Known for staggering peaks, deep-blue waterways, charming seaside hamlets, giant glaciers, and lush forests, the landscape is as grand as the legends and folktales told in the region. Experience the essence of the Norwegian fjords, mountains, and valleys on this epic 10-day adventure. From the historic city of Bergen, to the small, yet sophisticated city of Ålesund, kayak, cruise, and hike through this majestic region. Travel inland where smaller fjord arms, glaciers, and mountains greet us with fewer crowds and impressive vistas. Along the way, embrace local culture with visits to working farms, seaside villages, and historic stave churches. A trip to the UNESCO-protected Western Fjords will make you feel as if you have crossed into the farthest corner of the Earth. TOC TOUR OVERVIEW... 4 THE JOURNEY... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS... 10 WHAT TO EXPECT...11 OUR GUIDES... 13 NEXT STEPS... 14 BOUNDLESS BEYOND... 15 HIGHLIGHTS Hike through the dramatic and unusual scenery of fjords and mountains Full-day sea kayaking excursion on the spectacular Nærøyfjord Guided glacier walking adventure Norway s fascinating history, folklore, and local communities RIB boat ride through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 3

TOUR OVERVIEW THE BASICS Duration: 10-day trip Tour start: Bergen Tour end: Ålesund Accommodations: 9 nights in hotels Trip rating: 1 2 3 4 5 Easy...............Strenuous (See page 11 for more details) Land cost: $6,195 per person* Single Supplement: First two reserved on each departure: $250 (must reserve at least 120 days ahead); Additional singles: $750 WHAT S INCLUDED Just pack your bags we ve got you covered! When you re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes: Expert leadership All accommodations All meals beginning with breakfast on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 10 All on-tour transportation Entry fees All activities as noted in the itinerary House wine and beer with dinners All gratuities except for those for your guide and driver, which are at your discretion International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please contact Boundless Journeys directly at 800-941-8010 for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs. 4 Boundless Journeys 2019

ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAY 1 Arrive in Bergen and explore independently, perhaps visiting some of the city s iconic sights within easy walking distance of our hotel. DAY 2 Transfer to Ullensvang in the Hardangerfjord region. Visit the Barony manor house in Rosendal and the Hardanger Folk Museum along the way. DAY 3 Hike through the Buer Valley region to enjoy astonishing views of the Buer Glacier. Afternoon visit to the small town of Odda. DAY 4 Hike through the Husedalen Valley past cascading waterfalls, known as one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway. Sample ciders at a local farm and transfer to the town of Voss. DAY 5 Full-day sea kayaking expedition into the spectacular UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord led by expert guides, with a mid-day break for a barbecue lunch. DAY 6 Learn about the old traditions of summer farming in Sivle and enjoy a local meal. Visit the Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik. Cross Sognefjord and transfer to Balestrand. DAY 7 Kreklingen hike with views over Balestrand and the Sognefjord. Free afternoon to rest or visit St. Olav s Church. DAY 8 Ferry crossing and transfer to the glacier region of Jostedalen. Glacier exhibition and orientation, followed by a guided walk onto the blue ice. DAY 9 Scenic drive to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord where we board a RIB boat for an excursion to hidden waterfalls. Afternoon transfer to Ålesund. Farewell celebration dinner. DAY 10 Transfer to airport and departure. 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 5

THE JOURNEY Day 1: Arrival Welcome to Norway! Upon arrival in Bergen, you have the afternoon and evening free to explore town or rest in the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to visit some of the sights such as historic Bryggen, local museums, and the city center. We recommend taking a ride on Fløybanen, the local funicular up to Mt. Fløyen, which offers great views over the city and lovely walking trails. Our hotel is centrally located in downtown Bergen near the harbor promenade, fish market, and tourist office. Accommodations: Hotel Bergen Børs, Bergen No meals DAY 2: Hardangerfjord Activity Overview: Transfer and cultural touring Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 8 hours After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and meet our guides at 9 a.m. in the lobby. After a short orientation, we embark on a transfer to the Hardangerfjord region, home to many fruit growing farms situated along the steep mountains. Our first day will be spent visiting the Barony in Rosendal, a manor house built in 1665 that offers insight into Norway s creation, culture, and shaping as a nation. We have lunch in the Rosendal greenhouse, situated in the rose garden of the manor. During the afternoon we visit the Hardanger Folk Museum in Utne, which offers insight into community life and culture along the fjord. The museum has an attached outdoor museum with buildings spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Later this afternoon we cross the Hardangerfjord between Utne and Kinsavik, arriving shortly afterward at our hotel in Ullensvang, ideally-located along the fjord. Accommodations: Ullensvang Hotel, Lofthus DAY 3: Buer Glacier Valley Activity Overview: Hiking Activity Level: Moderate, elevation gain of 1,800 Activity Length: 3-4 hours This morning we head to the Buer Valley a narrow valley leading up to the majestic Buer Glacier. The glacier is one of the largest outflow glaciers attached to the larger Folgefonna Glacier plateau. The glacier edge is visible for large parts of the hike, and if we are lucky, we may witness smaller calvings from a safe distance. Our hike leads us through lush forest at the lower part of the trail and along the Buer River, which is fed by glacial meltwater running off the Folgefonna plateau. After returning from our hike we pay a visit to the small town of Odda, situated at the end of the Sørfjord. We take a welldeserved rest at a local café and return to our hotel midafternoon. Accommodations: Ullensvang Hotel, Lofthus 6 Boundless Journeys 2019

DAY 4: Husedalen Hike Activity Overview: Hiking on trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate, elevation gain of 2,800 Activity Length: 2-4 hours, up to 5 miles Our hike today begins in Kinsarvik and wends through the Husedalen Valley along one of the most beautiful trails in Norway. We see a succession of stunning waterfalls on the way from Kinsarvik to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, the largest high mountain plateau in northern Europe. Because the hike is an out-and-back trail, it can be shortened for those who prefer a less strenuous day. This afternoon we sample some of the region s unique ciders on a local farm overlooking the scenic bay of Ulvik at the Hardangerfjord. Afterward, we transfer to Voss and our hotel for the next two nights. Voss is a charming, small town in the lake district, situated between the mountains and the fjords. Most of the melting water from snowmelt and rainfall comes through this region, and the lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are everchanging depending on the waterflow. Voss is known for outdoor and adventure activities. Accommodations: Hotel Store Ringheim, Voss DAY 5: Sea Kayaking Nærøyfjord Activity Overview: Sea kayaking Activity Level: Moderate Activity Length: 4-6 hours with stops, 7-12 miles Today we venture into the waterways of Norway the fjords! By sea kayak, we explore the spectacular Nærøyfjord, which was named by UNESCO as one of the world s natural wonders. Our guides offer expert instruction, and all necessary equipment is provided. No previous experience is required to complete this day. Our adventure takes us past small villages, unique rock formations, waterfalls, and local small-scale farms. We stop for a break at a suitable pull out point and enjoy a delicious barbecue cooked by our guides. The return journey in the afternoon brings very different views, looking at the inner part of the fjord back toward Gudvangen. Upon completion of our kayaking route, we enjoy some light refreshments before returning to our hotel, where we have a chance to freshen up before dinner. Accommodations: Hotel Store Ringheim, Voss DAY 6: Farm Visit & Stave Church Activity Overview: Farm visit and walking Activity Level: Easy, 300 elevation gain and loss Activity Length: 1-hour visit, 1 hour walk We leave our hotel after breakfast and drive to the historical hotel and viewpoint of Stalheim, offering great views of the Nærøy Valley. A short hike up the side valley brings us to the farm of Sivle, where we enjoy a local meal and hear about the old traditions of summer farming. As we depart, we take the steep serpentine road leading down the front side of the mountain. A spectacular view of Sivlefossen appears half way down the mountain as melting water plunges over the cliff edge, making its way from the mountains to the fjord. Early this afternoon, we visit the Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik, believed to have been built around 1130, it is one of 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 7

the oldest existing stave churches. Inside, we see examples of carvings from the Middle Ages, and a guided tour of the church offers insight into the era connecting modern day Christianity and Viking beliefs. Mid-afternoon we embark on our Sognefjord crossing and reach the township of Balestrand, where we check in to our fjordside Kviknes Hotel. Accommodations: Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand DAY 7: Balestrand Hike Activity Overview: Hiking Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 2-4 hours Today s hike takes us to Kreklingen Trail, which offers some of the best local viewpoints looking over Balestand, the main part of Sognefjord, and some of the side arms of the connecting fjords. This is an easy trail with ascents of 300-800 feet, with a few options for longer or shorter mileage. We lunch at a scenic point and enjoy a rest before completing the last leg of the hike. This afternoon brings a good opportunity for rest or independent exploration upon returning to Balestrand some may choose to visit St. Olav s Chuch. This evening we gather again for dinner. Accommodations: Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand DAY 8: Blue Glacier Walk Activity Overview: Glacier walk Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3 hours This morning we depart for one of the most accessible glaciers in Norway, Nigaardsbreen a sidearm to the largest glacier in Europe, Jostedalsbreen, which covers an area of about 144 square miles! After breakfast, we enjoy a ferry crossing to Hella, from where we drive further into the fjord system and up towards the glacial region of Jostedalen. In order to deepen our understanding of glaciers, we begin with a visit to the Jostedalen Glacier Center, where we have lunch and view the local exhibition. Our adventure begins shortly after, with a short glacial lake boat crossing, which takes us to the banks below the glacier foot. From here, our local guide leads us onto the glacier itself and we get to experience its magical blue ice up close. All technical equipment is provided, and we spend a couple of hours on the ice, depending on weather and ice conditions. During the afternoon, we continue our journey further north as we approach the Jotunheimen Mountains. This evening, we stay in Bøverdalen at the unique Elveseter Hotel. Accommodations: Elveseter Hotel, Balestrand 8 Boundless Journeys 2019

DAY 9: Geirangerfjord Activity Overview: RIB boat excursion Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 1-2 hours We enjoy a scenic drive past Lom as we head to the Geirangerfjord region this morning. The Geirangerfjord was granted UNESCO status in 2005 and offers stunning views of several waterfalls, including the famous Seven Sisters, many only accessible by boat. We embark on a RIB boat adventure in the early afternoon and get to experience waterfalls and magic scenery up close. Upon returning to Geiranger, we begin our final drive to the coastal city of Ålesund. Here, we make our way up to the Mount Aksla lookout, which offers fantastic views of the city. This evening we gather for our final dinner and celebration of our journey, where we raise a glass to new friendships, shared memories, and the many adventures Norway has to offer. Accommodations: Hotel Brosundet, Ålesund PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise. See our booking terms and conditions for more information about our change policy. DAY 10: Departure A group transfer is provided to Vigra airport after breakfast, or you may check out individually any time for your onward travel arrangements. Meals: B 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 9

ACCOMMODATIONS NIGHT 1 Hotel Bergen Børs Bergen, Norway Tel: +47-55-33-64-00 booking@bergenbors.no Located by Torgalmenningen, Bergen Børs occupies the old stock exchange that dates back to 1862. Rooms are sleek and modern, and the onsite restaurant is one of the city s best. NIGHTS 2 & 3 Ullensvang Hotel Lofthus Hardanger, Norway Tel: +47-53-67-00-00 ullensvang@hotel-ullensvang.no The Ullensvang Hotel has been run by the same family for five generations and offers the perfect balance of rich traditions with modern facilities on the beautiful Hardangerfjord. NIGHTS 4 & 5 Hotel Store Ringheim Voss, Norway Tel: +47-954-06-135 booking@storeringheim.no This 15-room historic hotel in a restored old farmhouse offers views over different parts of the surrounding farm landscape and distant mountains. NIGHTS 6 & 7 Kviknes Hotel Balestrand, Norway Tel: +47-57-69-42-00 booking@kviknes.no This historic hotel boasts a large art collection, an onsite restaurant and bar, and beautiful views. Past guests have included Kaiser Wilhelm II and other prominent figures. NIGHT 8 Elveseter Hotel Bøverdalen, Norway Tel: +47-612-12-000 post@elveseter.no This old family farm estate has been in operation since the 1870 s. In the last century, the estate has been transformed into a beautiful hotel with modern facilities and folk décor. NIGHT 9 Hotel Brosundet Ålesund, Norway Tel: +47-701-14-500 post@brosundet.no Ideally-located on the water, Hotel Bosundet has a contemporary and rustic design. A central fireplace and onsite restaurant create a particularly welcoming and cozy communal space. 10 Boundless Journeys 2019

WHAT TO EXPECT TRIP RATING Boundless Journeys trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Western Fjords Adventure is rated 3, moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The hikes on this trip are day hikes with minimal vehicle support. The hikes will be easy to moderate with some longer options, averaging 3-4 hours per day and 3-5 miles. The sea kayaking excursion is suitable for beginners and no experience is necessary. We may cover 7-12 miles in 4-6 hours, depending on weather and water conditions. PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities (such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour. THE GLACIER WALK A glacier walk is planned for Day 8, weather permitting. All necessary equipment is provided, including crampons and ice axes. The mountain guides we will hike with are experienced mountaineers with a great deal of knowledge about glaciers and safety procedures. After being fitted with gear and a safety briefing, we head onto the ice itself for a unique perspective on the importance and beauty of glaciers. WEATHER Summer in Norway brings long days full of sunshine and warmer temperatures. You are unlikely to have sunshine every day, but it is also unlikely for it to be cloudy for long. June, July, and August see 18-20 hours of daylight. The following are average temperatures in the fjord regions of Norway during the summer months. AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (High/Low ºF) JUNE JULY AUGUST BERGEN 62/50 ºF 64/53 ºF 64/53ºF VOSS 66/46ºF 68/50 ºF 66/49 ºF ÅLESUND 56/49 ºF 59/53 ºF 59/53 ºF You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.storm.no. WHEN TO GO Summer in Norway is short, and the best weather for hiking and outdoor pursuits is generally from June through August. Landscapes of lush greens, ripe fruits, and wildflowers peak this time of year. While it is often bright and sunny, cool and/ or wet weather is possible any time of year, and the weather can change quickly in the mountains and on the coast. TRAVELER S RESPONSIBILITY Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 11

with Boundless Journeys staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers. SMALL GROUP TRAVEL Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 8-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure, are all part of this intimate experience. DRINKS WITH MEALS At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine, and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we typically include local beer and wine with group dinners. If you prefer premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal. DRINKING WATER We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This will be the case in much of Europe, as well as a few other destinations, where tap water is safe to drink. In parts of the world where water must be purified, bottled water may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles, rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more responsibly, and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to protect the extraordinary places we visit. Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more about TAP s efforts at www.travelersagainstplastic.org. CUISINE Norwegians love fish smoked, grilled, fried, salted, cured, poached, pickled. Menus for most meals will have fish options. In addition, you will find a variety of meat dishes, soups, root vegetables, and salads for lunches and dinners. Breakfasts offer breads, cheeses, yogurts, muesli, and yes, more fish. It is common even for small hotels to offer meals buffet-style, as this allows travelers to try traditional local dishes alongside more familiar fare. Simply put, Norwegian cuisine is hearty and fresh. Please inform us of any specific dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please call our office with any questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs. TRANSPORTATION All on-tour transportation is provided in private passenger vans. 12 Boundless Journeys 2019

OUR GUIDES With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work the mark of a truly great leader our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Here is one of the guides we work with in Norway. EINAR RAA NILSEN Einar has been working in the outdoors for more 30 years. When not guiding groups in the summer months, Einar manages the local ski school in Voss. He is often found on the largest glaciers, in the deepest valleys, or the highest mountain peaks of Norway, and always returns with a big smile on his face and plenty of stories to share. His guests appreciate his great sense of humor and depth of knowledge. In his free time, Einar enjoys kite surfing, kayaking Norway s whitewater rivers, and backcountry skiing. He is fluent in Norwegian and English. 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 13

NEXT STEPS TO MAKE A RESERVATION You can call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, request a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure. ONCE YOU RESERVE As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival and departure instructions, a complete packing list, regional information, required documents, a reading list, and other details. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE In addition to your detailed trip planner, we will email you a quote for Travel Guard trip insurance. Please let us know if you would like us to purchase a policy on your behalf. If you choose to decline this service, we ask that you sign and return the Insurance Waiver included in your trip planner package. Boundless Journeys strongly recommends purchasing Trip Insurance. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the day that we receive written notification: >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $100. 90-61 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 25% of the trip price. 60-46 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 50% of the trip price. <45 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 100% of the trip price. QUESTIONS? WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Adventure travel may involve exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, and activities that may be new to you. If you have any questions about the level of comfort, difficulty, or activities included on your trip, please call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, or email us at info@ boundlessjourneys.com. Our travel experts look forward to helping you select the perfect adventure. VISIT US ONLINE www.boundlessjourneys.com for: additional departures special promotions detailed itineraries inspiring photography guide bios ENJOY FOOD & HIKING Check out... ITALY: Ancient Sicily Hiking CROATIA: Dalmatian Coast Kayaking & Hiking SLOVENIA: Julian Alps Hiking PREFER A PRIVATE TRIP? The perfect option for alumni and family reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, or just to catch up with friends in fabulous destinations. Mark your calendar and leave the planning to us! Call our travel experts today: 800-941-8010. 14 Boundless Journeys 2019

BOUNDLESS BEYOND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we aim to travel responsibly: MAKING CONNECTIONS On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to visit organizations working to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with the people and places they visit. GOING LOCAL Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine; we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of responsible practices; and we employ local guides and support local economies. CONSERVING WILD PLACES On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors, we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the conservation of parks and protected areas. LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places they have explored with us: The Botswana School Project was created in 2012 by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there was a need for books, supplies, and computers in schools they visited in northern Botswana. A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she met on mountain trails and in rural communities and schools. Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour. Learn more: www.boundlessjourneys.com/responsible -travel/ PROUD MEMBERS Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following organizations and the important work that they do: 800.941.8010 www.boundlessjourneys.com 15