We’ve collected a few FAMs that will take you everywhere from Machu Picchu to far-flung Mongolia and Bhutan.
off to asia with far & high
Far & High offers adventure travel to the more exotic destinations in Asia including Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, India and Mongolia, and this latter destination is yours to see (it’s becoming a hot item on discerning travelers’ bucket lists) if you join the tour company on the 12-day Mongolia with Naadam Festival FAM. The FAM will take you to visit Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital and its largest city, as well as the Gobi Desert, Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert; the Terelj National Park, with its unique rock formations, scenic valleys, a winding river, and restful groves of trees (how cool is this—many nomads live in the park); the Hustai National Park, renowned for the successful re-introduction of wild horses; and Karakoram, the capital of the Mongol empire in the 13th century. The FAM is July 2-13, 2015 and rates for travel agents are $2,360; companions, $2,650; and $350 sgl supplement. The adventure company’s 10-day Highlights of Western & Central Bhutan FAM, with departures in December 2014 and 2015, visits Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Phodrang, Phobjikha, Trongsa and Bumthang. Along the way, you’ll discover local farmers’ markets, museums that tell the story of Bhutan, hiking trails, small towns, temples and amazing landscapes. Rates are $1,670 for travel agents; $1,870 for companions; and $350 sgl supplement. (866) 838-5818; highlandasiatravel.com
exeter international’s luxe europe
There are two FAM options with Exeter International coming up in November. The 7-day Poland & Austria FAM heads off on Nov. 7, 2014 to explore the grand cities of Warsaw, Krakow and Vienna. And boy are we jealous, because we hear this trip features the newly restored Hotel Bristol Warsaw and the Sacher Vienna. For more adventurous souls, Exeter International is offering a FAM to Georgia—no, not where the peaches grow in abundance, it’s the other more exotic Georgia—and Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea. This trip takes you to the capitals of both of these countries—Tbilisi and Baku. And check this out: It features the stunning Four Seasons Baku (can you pack us in your suitcases, please?!). But really, start packing soon because this FAM has a set date for Nov. 2-8, 2014. (800) 633-1008; exeterinternational.com or exeterinternational.com/fams
explore peru with tara tours
You need to hurry if you want to tag along with Tara Tours on its 8-day Peru/Machu Picchu Adventure FAM Oct. 17-24, 2014. The FAM includes a half-day city tour of Lima; private guided visit to the Larco Herrera museum; private guided tour to the Pisac Market and the town of Ollantaytambo; half-day private escorted tour to Machu Picchu; train trip to Machu Picchu; and half-day private tour of Cuzco. Accommodations include the JW Marriott Miraflores in Lima; the Aranwa Hotel in Cuzco’s Sacred Valley; the El Mapi Hotel in Aguas Calientes; and the JW Marriott Cusco. Rates are $2,599 and include accommodations, sightseeing and roundtrip international and domestic air from Miami on LAN Airlines (companions are welcome at an additional cost). (800) 327-0080; taratours.com or taratours.com/travel_agent_fams.htm
get rewarded with alexander+roberts
Can’t yet decide where you want to head to get the first-hand experience that so many of your clients are asking you for? If you are part of the Alexander+Roberts Rewards program, you have the opportunity to experience one of the company’s Small Group Journeys. Over the course of the year, the company offers Rewards members (it’s free to enroll), the chance to actually experience these Small Group Journeys just like your clients would at agent-only net rates. As marketing manager Mickey Huang says, “We feel that this experience provides much better insight into the elements that make our original Small Group Journeys so distinctive—thus making it easier to present and sell to clients.” (800) 221-2216; alexanderroberts.com or alexanderroberts.com/Rewards/Login.aspx
