DESTINATION NEXT >>> ICELAND
Destination NEXT
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TAYLOR COULSON
The hottest cold destination : Iceland has travelers enchanted .
FOLLOWING A VOLCANIC ERUPTION IN 2010 , ICELAND BECAME KNOWN AS THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE AND TOURISTS HAVE BEEN FLOCKING THERE TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC EVER SINCE . ICELAND IS CLOSER AND EASIER TO BOOK THAN YOU MAY THINK , ESPECIALLY ON VAX .
The Nordic island nation ’ s truly magnificent beauty is a big reason its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years . “ It ’ s one of the few areas in the world where you can experience snow-covered mountains , volcanoes , ice fields and lagoons at the same time ,” says Amelia Sugerman , public relations manager at Collette . Since travelers are faced with so many options when they want to see the world , trying to settle on one particular adventure can feel overwhelming .
Once your clients have chosen their faroff , in-demand destination like Iceland , travel advisors should look to booking the adventure with a tour operator , who will handle all the details of the trip from start to finish . “ One of the best ways to visit a destination in high demand is to travel with a tour operator , who not only knows the ins and outs of the region , but is well connected with the locals , hotels and vendors in the area ,” says Sugerman . Tour operators often offer different types of travel styles based on travelers ’ vacation preferences , interests and their mobility . Sugerman says that classic-style tours are for those who want to see the sights , taste the cuisine and experience the world . Explorations-style tours are for the smaller groups looking for the opportunity to delve into engaging , immersive experiences .
Collette offers three carefully crafted tours to Iceland . According to Sugerman , the most popular tour from its Explorations line is called the Icelandic Adventure . “ On tour , guests will travel the stunning Golden Circle and visit Thingvellir National Park , Geysir thermal field and the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall ,” she says . The Icelandic Adventures itinerary also includes a chance to interact with friendly Icelandic horses , go whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay with specialized RIB Zodiac boats and savor Icelandic delicacies during a visit to a local goat farm . Plus , on this tour travelers can ascend the Langjökull glacier in a super truck surrounded by uninterrupted mountain scenery as well as have the chance to take a dip in the iconic Blue Lagoon . Travel advisors can ’ t be expected to know all these specific details of a destination , which is why booking with a tour operator can be really helpful .
As a travel advisor , you may not know how to get to every waterfall in Iceland , but you may want to have a general understanding of the island ’ s geography . Here are Iceland ’ s seven major regional destinations and popular hotels and flight origins to consider for your clients .
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