This year, we cruised through the Greek Islands, trekked the deserts of Morocco, and sipped limoncello on the coast of Italy; we marveled the ancient structures of Rome, wandered the colorful streets of Colombia and chased the northern lights in Lapland. In other words...we had a blast!
We're turning it up a notch in 2020 and adding new trips that will blow your mind. Amazing new cultures, top bucket list destinations and new adventures - unlike any you've had before.
Here's a brief recap on what we had going on this year and what you can look forward to in 2020.
See you in the new year!
A recap...
Most of southern Italy is still relatively un-touristed, giving you an authentic experience of Italian life in places like Lecce, Otranto, and Matera. The areas that are popular, like Capri, Positano, and Sorrento, are so for a reason - they're unbelievably beautiful with great food and constant sunshine.
Nice, the queen of the French Riviera, hosts magnificent architecture, a charming old town, and miles of prime, seafront real estate. Having origins that date back to 350 BC, its beauty has attracted sun-seekers for centuries who have come to soak up the glorious Mediterranean lifestyle.
Barcelona needs no introduction - admiration of its architecture, lifestyle, food, and nightlife are well documented and it proudly lives up to the hype. If you haven't been, you must. And if you have, we already know you're dying to go back.
(Browse this trip here!)
Cartagena is a major port city on Colombia's beautiful Caribbean coast. This is a vacation spot unlike any other. Cartagena has a little bit of everything: breathtaking beaches, volcanos, snow-capped mountains, extensive cultural history, a thriving theater and art scene and some of the most incredible food. The mix of new and old makes Cartagena the perfect spot to improve relax as you wander the cobblestone streets of the 16th century during the day, and watch the sun set over the modern skyline by night.
(Browse this trip here!)
Mix stunning scenery, laid back vibes, and delicious food, then add sunshine, sailboats, and some fun-loving new friends and you have the best vacation ever. We start off in Milos, known for it's sunning scenery and otherworldly rock formations. Then head to Santorini, by far the most popular and well known island of Greece, but worth a stop to check out it's multi-colored cliffs, famous blue and white Cycladic houses, and spectacular sunsets. End the trip in Paros, located at the heart of the Cyclades and said to be what Mykonos was like ten years ago before being taken over by cruise ships. It is best known for its golden sand beaches, amazing food, and fun nightlife.
(Browse this trip here!)
This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip like no other. You'll trek to find the northern lights, float in pools of ice, cuddle huskies, sleep in glass igloos, snowmobile through Swedish forests, and make friends for life in this winter wonderland. This trip is a mix of fun, active experiences during the day and getting to know your travel buddies over hot toddies in local pubs at night (after your daily sauna, of course).
(Browse this trip here!)
We've curated a foodie-inspired trip to one of the hottest culinary scenes in the world - Mexico City. This trip will spend four days exploring the intricate and varied flavors of Mexican cuisine as well as the vibrant restaurant and craft cocktail scene blossoming in this cosmopolitan city. From gourmet restaurants to bustling street food markets, this trip will fill your belly and your soul with the flavors of Mexico.
(Browse this trip here!)
Spend nine days discovering the enchanting land of Morocco with a group of like-minded explorers. Every step of this trip is packed with adventure and life-changing experiences. You'll ride camels through the Sahara desert, experience the sights and sounds of a Moroccan bazaar, and learn about this fascinating culture.
(Browse this trip here!)
As a region, Scandinavia offers a winning combination of delicious food, cool locals, intriguing architecture, progressive thought, phenomenal shopping, and modern design.
Located in in northern Europe, Scandinavia is traditionally made up of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, all three of which consistently rank as the happiest countries in the world, with Denmark currently being number one. According to National Geographic, this is in thanks to "an abundance of free public services, such as health care and education" as well as a strong sense of community.
(Browse this trip here!)
South Africa is an amazing country, filled with a variety of adrenaline-fueled activities, cultural learning experiences, and tons of exotic wildlife- making it a top travel destination for adventurous jetsetters. Spend eleven days exploring the majestic regions of South Africa - Greater Kruger and Cape Town. Between the early mornings on safari and late nights in Cape Town, you will 100% fall in love with this incredible country.
(Browse this trip here!)
Italy is a place like no other.
The country's physical beauty is matched in magnificence by its delectable cuisine, its animated natives, and its fascinating history.
Come experience the cultural mecca that inspires greatness in literature, art and film. We take you from a hilltop town in the middle of Tuscany, surrounded by rolling hills and famous vineyards, through the elegance and richness of Florence, and finally to the eternal city, Rome (once capital of the world, and now a vibrant modern metro, built up around 2,500+ years of history.)
(Browse this trip here!)
Vietnam is high on many people's bucket lists... and for good reason. The country's stunning landscapes, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and unique culture make for an amazing experience you're unlikely to forget. On this trip, we start off in a smaller village where we'll learn about Vietnam and get to know some of the local customs. From there, we'll head to the more remote parts of the country - Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay - for a glimpse of local life and some amazing natural landscapes. The trip ends in the bustling capital, Hanoi, a rich cultural center filled with fantastic food, a buzzy local social scene, and hundreds of cute shops for you to pick up souvenirs to bring back home.
(Browse this trip here!)
New for 2020...
With days full of sunshine and sparking blue waters,
Croatia used to be one of Europe's best kept secrets. However now, it is the place to be with beautiful islands, charming medieval towns, local vineyards and superb seafood cuisine. If you are looking for an adventure with style and relaxation, this is the country for you!
(Take a peek here!)
Jordan's unique culture, surreal landscapes, welcoming people, and adventurous nature makes for an unforgettable trip.
On this excursion to the Middle East, you can expect to encounter nature at its finest, with expanses of beautiful desert, natural reserves, and ancient monuments and ruins in the midst of it all. For seven days you’ll move through Jordan’s deserts and dunes, camp under starry skies, explore ancient ruins, get to witness amazing sunsets over the desert, float in the dead sea, and hike through Jordan’s extraordinary canyons.
(Take a peek here!)
Japan is a highly modern and innovative country, rooted in ancient traditions and culture. For first-time visitors, Japan can be a total culture shock, full of the quirky, the wonderful, and the unusual everywhere you go. This trip will take you from the traditional parts of Japan’s more remote regions to the fast-paced and futuristic city of Tokyo. Throughout the trip, you’ll try some of Japan’s authentically prepared cuisine that will delight your palette and expand your horizons.
(Take a peek here!)
Ireland is defined by its natural beauty, warm and welcoming people, fun environment, and of course, rich culture and history.
This European trip is a bit shorter than others and will take you through Ireland’s popular cities of Dublin and Galway, and through its lovely countryside and Atlantic Coast. You’ll get to take in some of the most dramatic and gorgeous views in the world (enter, Cliffs of Moher!), and you’ll get to spend time mingling with locals, sharing stories, and enjoying beers as you listen to street performers in some of the youngest and hippest spots of Dublin and Galway.
(Take a peek here!)
Come adventure through Costa Rica's incredible jungles and beaches, where you'll encounter stunning wildlife, go for morning surfs, canyon through rivers and down waterfalls, and relax in natural hot springs.
Embrace the pura vida!
(Stay tuned for this one...it's gonna be awesome ;))
...and more trips to come! Interested in traveling with FTLO? See what we're all about.