Elite Traveler Summer 2021

UNTOLD

TERRA INCOGNITA ECOTOURS Founded by Gerard ‘Ged’ Caddick in 2004, Terra Incognita Ecotours runs a limited number of small-group tours per year and sticks to a number of commandments: minimize impact, build cultural awareness and respect, provide financial benefits for conservation, and support international human rights. For every guest on one of the tours, a donation is made to a leading conservation organization, and occasionally this goes one step further as representatives from said organization join the tours to tell guests about their work firsthand, creating a rewarding and remarkable experience. Before founding the company, Caddick led trips for the National Geographic Society, the World Wildlife Fund and the Smithsonian, as well as working for Lindblad Expeditions for over a decade. An upcoming tour (scheduled for Feb 2022) will visit the Falkland Islands. This sublime archipelago is full of wild and gorgeously rugged terrain, and it’s home to five species of penguins and abundant birdlife (including the graceful albatross). Elephant seals and Southern sea lions breed in the waters, and imposing orcas can be spotted searching for their dinner. This trip will employ locals and will include a donation to Falklands Conservation. Contact Gerard Caddick, founder, info@ecotours.com, +1 855 326 8687, ecotours.com

STORY Launched in the midst of the first throes of the global pandemic, Untold Story is all too aware of the importance of staying close to home and supporting local communities. The ‘Adventures on your Doorstep’ collection encourages clients to seek new experiences and absorb the beauty of their own country. In turn, this supports local economies, reduces food miles and carbon emissions. Plus, it helps to rethink what a vacation means — is it necessary to fly hundreds of miles, or can you discover something wonderful about your country and gain a new perspective? The company is passionate about travel’s ability to create a story, with those precious memories that a magical journey can create; ‘story tellers’ are an integral part of this experience: Carlo Marenda is an Italian truffle hunter who takes guests to seek out the fungi in Langhe, Northern Italy, all while sharing his vast knowledge and charming anecdotes about the region. Sustainability is also a key factor when it comes to vetting new partners. The Dominica sperm whale expedition price tag includes a contribution to Marine Science Education in Dominica, ensuring that the marine environment is protected while simultaneously promoting awareness and understanding for the long term. Contact Mark Allvey, co-founder, team@untoldstorytravel.com, +44 776 284 8888, untoldstory.com

Photos Giorgio1978 / Shutterstock