Time designer James Wallman and ACS have launched their second collaborative travel itinerary that makes the most of every minute.
Feel on top of the world
In his best-selling book Time And How To Spend It: The 7 Rules For Richer, Happier Days, time designer James Wallman cites global research to explain how positive experiences can result in enduring, sustainable happiness.
Many of us feel time-poor, so James outlines the STORIES framework to help readers decide which experiences are worthwhile and will add to our happiness.
More recently, James has been working with ACS’s Gavin Copus, Global Director of Executive Jet Leasing, to create itineraries that embody the STORIES checklist. Previously they launched a South American odyssey named ‘Journey to the End of the World’, and now comes a new trip called ‘Across the Top of the World’. This itinerary offers an exceptionally rewarding luxury travel experience that takes in Iceland, Greenland, Norway (Lofoten Islands), Denmark (Faroe Islands) and Finland. By applying James’ theories and using private aviation, the two-week trip has been meticulously designed so that no time is wasted in transit, with just 11 hours of travel by private jet as opposed to the 55 hours it would take to cover the same ground with commercial airlines.
James comments: “Travellers who select these itineraries will not only take a break from their norm, but will embark on a life-affirming journey that provides them with show-stopping memories and stories. When else will you, and how else could you, take in so much in so little time?”
Gavin agrees: “You get the maximum experience in the minimum amount of time, and it’s only made possible using private aviation. We’ve curated the itinerary to include several experiences that would usually take weeks to complete using scheduled forms of transport. Guests can expect to have experiences that last a lifetime in their memories, to learn new skills and to see the world from a totally new perspective. For me personally, the Nuuk Fjord is the main highlight – here you can kayak, fish and paddleboard among icebergs and glaciers.
“Creating this itinerary was straightforward in terms of choosing locations – the difficulty was combining all the destinations at the right time of the year [August], as well as the many logistical challenges to overcome, from flight timings to runway capabilities. For this trip we are using several types of aircraft to overcome these challenges.”
Lofoten Islands, Norway
These fairy-tale islands are steeped in natural beauty with their glassy lakes, humpbacked mountains, rolling farmland and rocky shoreline. You’ll head out into nature from a nearby white-sand beach, embarking upon a kayaking adventure across a lake before hiking in the mountains with your host, owner of the luxury hotel Holmen Lofoten. There’s also a boat ride to spot the local wildlife – sea eagles and, if you’re lucky, pods of orcas – and a lesson in traditional Viking knife-making techniques.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
Home to some of the steepest cliffs on Earth, the Faroe Islands are the perfect place for a thrilling abseiling adventure. After a 25-metre descent with the ocean crashing dramatically below, scenic views of the Fossdalsfossur Waterfall will await you at the bottom. You’ll then climb aboard a traditional Faroese boat to fish for Atlantic cod, haddock or saithe while watching Arctic terns, guillemots and puffins fly around you. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to sample the exquisite traditional cuisine of the region.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Depending on conditions, you’ll either experience lava flowing from Mount Fagradalsfjall or explore the inside of a dormant volcano that last erupted about 4,000 years ago, hiking to the crater before descending inside for a closer look. You’ll visit the ‘Pompeii of the north’ on the island of Heimaey and learn about the volcanic eruption of 1973 that earnt it this moniker. There’s the opportunity to hike up Fire Mountain, a rocky hill created by the eruption where the ground often still feels warm.
Camp Kiattua, Greenland
Nestled near the base of Mount Kînaussak in the remote wilderness of the Nuuk Fjord, this cosy campsite will be your base from which to explore the awe-inspiring landscape of 3.8-billion-year-old mountains, sheer cliffs and sparkling waterfalls. You’ll take part in a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, spearfishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring 800-year-old Viking ruins. You’ll also fly by helicopter to a rarely visited glacier in the Nuuk Fjord, watching in amazement as great chunks of ice break off every 15 minutes.
Svalbard, Norway
With its gargantuan landscapes and ferocious wildlife, this is the wildest stop on the tour. A thrilling expedition through the wilderness will lead you to an open RIB boat, upon which you will explore the fjords in search of Arctic wildlife such as walruses, seals and belugas. You’ll hike up and down the mighty Nordenskiöld Glacier, taking in spectacular views of
Adolfbukta and Billefjorden, before kayaking to the glacier front. You’ll end your time in Norway with an insightful visit to a Soviet ghost town named Pyramiden, frozen in time since the coal mine closed in 1998.
Lapland, Finland
Here you’ll head to luxury remote escape Octola Private Wilderness, surrounded by 300 hectares of private forest. You’ll familiarise yourself with the lives of the native Sami people by taking a horseback ride to a reindeer farm, where you’ll meet reindeer herders and help with their daily tasks. This will be followed by a guided walk through the countryside to spot elk, birds and wolves, before you camp out under the stars. Your final day will be spent enjoying outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, paddle boarding, fishing and swimming, before travelling home with a head full of memories.
To find out more detailed information and to book, contact our team.
The STORIES framework
James suggests using the below checklist when you’re trying to determine whether an activity is worth doing.
Story: A valuable and worthwhile experience is something that will add to your life story and create a treasured memory.
Transformation: Experiences that change you and further your personal development, helping you to lead a more fulfilling life. Outside and offline: the most worthwhile activities take place outside in nature and away from your phone or computer.
Relationships: Studies have shown that loneliness is deadlier than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Connecting with people is key to sustained happiness.
Intensity: Do things that are challenging and worthwhile.
Extraordinary: Activities with ‘peak experiences’ will be more memorable as they offer something out of the ordinary.
Status and significance: Status comes from education and accumulating wealth, and can play a considerable part in your happiness levels, but it’s important to do significant things with whatever that status unlocks. James explains: “status when you’re successful but on your own isn’t meaningful – it’s about giving back into the community.”
About James Wallman
James is an international best-selling author, entrepreneur, futurist and experience strategist and designer. He has written two books and is one of the founders of the World experience organisation, as well as advising companies from Absolut to Zurich financial, James advises the British government in his role as ‘sector specialist, experience economy’ for the department for international trade.
Image credit: Getty