welcome to northern summer

N O R T H E R N S U M M E RA J O U R N E Y A R O U N D T H E W O R L D

B Y P R I V A T E J E T

W E L C O M E T O

J U N E 2 8 – J U L Y 2 0 , 2 0 1 9

P R I VAT E J E T T R AV E L

Accommodations

Expedition Staff

P rivate Jet & Air Crew

Meals & Beverages

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P O L I C I E S & T R AV E L R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Smoking Policy

Single Travelers

Passports

Visas

Photo Requirements

Air Requests

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6

6

6

6

6

T R AV E L H E A LT H

Health Assessment

Physicians Approval for Travel

Inoculations

Travel Health Tips

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7

S A F E T Y & S E C U R I T Y

Personal Safety

Payment P rotection

Insurance

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8

T R AV E L T I P S

U.S. Customs

Clothing

Laundry

Luggage

Contact with home

Electricity

Photography

Money & Credit Cards

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10

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D E S T I N AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

Weather

Currency

Time Zones

Languages

12 – 15

12 – 15

12 – 15

12 – 15

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NORTHERN SUMMER

The diversity and abundance of cultural and natural experiences available on this expedition is truly extraordinary. This trip pursues not only adventure but understanding, bringing discoveries you can enjoy both as part of a group and as very personal experiences. We request only that you join us with the same spirit of adventure and curiosity.

It is important to remember that the areas we visit are not immune to events that may require us to make changes as we travel. Weather, political occurrences, and visits by dignitaries require flexibility as we adjust our program to accommodate any unexpected events.

Although this expedition offers special, expedited service around the world, please understand that in this age of heightened security we may encounter some new precautions that could result in unexpected delays. Our expedition staff will keep you informed of these and all other expedition details as we travel.

The itinerary that you will receive in your Final Documents notebook before departure should be considered a preliminary guide. Once we are on the trip, a daily schedule more specifically informative of our various activities will be provided to you.

In the Final Documents, you will receive details about each area that we plan to visit, complete with history, political status, cultural highlights, and other useful information. We hope you will enjoy the unique features of each destination while we search out the common links among all peoples.

A R O U N D T H E W O R L D

E X P E D I T I O N D E T A I L S

4

A C C O M M O DAT I O N S

On this journey, you will enjoy several superior and deluxe hotels as well as some more basic properties at more remote destinations. All of our hotel properties feature private bathroom facilities and the necessary amenities to make your stay a comfortable one. Further hotel information, along with optional suite upgrade details for each property, will be included in the coming months.

E X P E D I T I O N S TA F F

Our talented expedition staff will make sure all the logistics of this complex program run smoothly. You will travel with an expedition leader and two assistant expedition leaders. Also traveling with you for the entire journey will be an expedition physician providing health care services whenever they are needed. The doctor’s services are free of charge; however, if it is necessary to obtain medications for any treatment, that cost is your responsibility.

At each destination, you will be met by a staff of local guides and experts who will accompany our group. A team of dedicated staff travel in advance of your arrival to ensure our world-class standards are met on the ground.

P R I VAT E J E T & A I R C R E W

Our private jet is operated and maintained by TAG Aviation. Founded in 1999, TAG Aviation operates over 130 private aircraft on behalf of many of the world’s elite travelers and major corporations. They have bases in the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Spain. TAG Aviation is part of the larger TAG “Techniques d’Avant Garde” Group (Holdings), which includes McLaren Racing, airports, hotels and until recently the watchmaker TAG Heuer. The Boeing 757 aircraft was selected for this expedition due to its superior performance, allowing us to take off and land with ease at airports with shorter runways. The 757 is one of the most reliable aircraft in service.

Because this is a private jet expedition, we set most of our own schedules and when possible our guests enjoy special privileges such as expedited boarding, luggage handling, and customs and immigration formalities. Seats are equipped with individual power connections to recharge batteries for cameras or laptop computers, with standard U.S. outlet compatibility.

For your entertainment, an iPad will be available in the storage compartment of your ottoman on board the jet. This iPad allows you to access our new in-flight entertainment system. The in-flight entertainment system provides every guest with individual access to a selection of current movies, documentaries, and TV shows. While in flight, the entertainment system on this iPad can be used along with your Bose headphones, available on board the jet.

P R I VA T E J E T T R AV E LAn experienced TAG Aviation crew of 16 accompanies us the entire way. The three pilots, two engineers, operations officer, chef and catering operator, along with the eight flight attendants, ensure the time spent in the air is one of our most pleasant experiences.

There are three lavatories on board, one forward and three towards the back of the plane. Storage can be found in overhead compartments and under seats. In some areas, overhead storage may be required for special airline equipment. If that happens, the flight attendants will assist in the storage of your onboard items elsewhere in the cabin.

Once you disembark our aircraft, we will divide into smaller groups for our sightseeing. We utilize all modes of transportation when we are at our destinations, from deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches to light aircraft, local ferries and four-wheel drive vehicles.

M E A L S & B E V E R A G E S

All meals are included, beginning with dinner in Seattle, Washington on June 28, 2019 through breakfast in Boston, Massachusetts on July 20, 2019. A special emphasis is placed on food safety, both on the airplane and while visiting our local destinations.

In-flight menus feature dishes prepared before we take off at local hotels or airport kitchens using only the freshest ingredients. Our onboard chef plans and supervises all food preparation. If you have food allergies or special diet requests, please provide this information on the Traveler Information Form. The information you provide will be forwarded to our onboard chefs as well as each hotel and restaurant along the way. We will do our best to make sure each meal meets your specifications. If you have a special diet or food allergy, it is important that you also advise your food servers at each destination. Although they will be informed in advance, they will not always know who you are or where you will be seated.

Meals at our destinations will reflect a wide range of regional specialties along with many of your Western favorites. Group breakfasts will be at our hotels (room service breakfast is not included) with lunches at local restaurants or our hotels. On some evenings you may dine à la carte at hotel restaurants, and on others we will dine as a group and enjoy exciting cultural events. Should you choose to skip a group meal, please keep in mind that you will be responsible for the expense.

All beverages, including alcohol, are included while on board our private jet. Our jet carries a wide variety of beverages, but due to weight and space restrictions, not all brands can be supplied. While we are on the ground, lunch and dinner will include wine, beer, and soft drinks. During scheduled cocktail receptions and dinners, a selection of liquors are also included.

Bottled water is available at no extra charge at all times while touring and in our hotels.

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NORTHERN SUMMER

6

S M O K I N G P O L I C Y

Smoking is not permitted on the aircraft at any time. Smoking is also not permitted in vehicles or during group meals and events.

S I N G L E T R AV E L E R S

We welcome single travelers on this journey. All accommodations for single travelers are the same quality as those for couples. If you would like to request a roommate, we will do our best to assist in matching you with a share partner. Please note, however, that you will be booked and billed as a single traveler until a roommate is confirmed and then refunded the single supplement.

PA S S P O R T S

Passports must be valid for six (6) months beyond the completion of our journey, or until January 20, 2020. In addition, your passport should have ten (10) unused pages for visas and entry and exit stamps. (This number should not include those pages reserved for amendments and endorsements at the back of your passport.)

V I S A S

U.S. citizens will require a visa to enter Russia. A Visa Kit from Pinnacle Travel Document Systems (PTDS) will be enclosed in a future mailing. Please note that your passport will be required to obtain these visas and the charge for this service is paid directly to PTDS. The cost for visas is not included in the journey cost.

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens to enter Japan, Mongolia, Norway, Iceland and Greenland.

Non-U.S. citizens should contact us at 800-454-4149 or 206-254-0228 to discuss specific requirements.

An Important Note: Visa processing can be unpredictably lengthy and in some instances your passport may not be returned to you until shortly before departure. If you have any concern about needing your passport for other international travel between March and May 2019, we highly recommend you contact PTDS, at 888-838-4867 or 425-244-9685 at this time for information about obtaining a second passport.

Processing time for obtaining a second passport will be approximately 3 weeks if done through our visa service, but approximately 4-6 weeks if done directly with the U.S. Passport Agencies, or 2-3 weeks if using expedited service. You must

P O L I C I E S & T R AV E L R E Q U I R E M E N T S

surrender your existing passport during this period.

Once your second passport has been obtained your existing primary passport will be returned to you for any interim international travel. Visas for this trip will be placed in your second passport, which you will use on the journey.

At this time, please send a copy of the front Photo and Information page of the passport you will use for this journey. This information is critical to confirm all arrangements.

If you must get a new passport, please forward a color copy of the new passport to us once it is obtained to ensure our manifest is correct. We suggest you always use a traceable overnight service whenever sending your passport away for processing.

P H O T O R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Please note: machine or home snapshots are not accepted by the consulates. India requires that photos be taken without eyeglasses, and photos must be different from the photo in your passport.

Eight (8) passport-sized photographs are needed for this journey: Four to obtain the required visas, two for your security badge, and two extras to carry with you for easy replacement if your passport is lost. These photos should be recently shot, 2” x 2”, and face-forward with a clean, white background.

Please send two (2) of these photographs to us at this time and keep the remaining photos for your later use when obtaining visas.

A I R R E Q U E S T S

We are pleased to assist you with your flights from your home city and Seattle, Washington at the start of our expedition, and from Boston, Massachusetts to your home city at the end of our expedition.

If you would like to request air schedules and rates, please contact your guest services manager, Eunice Reynoso, at 800-454-4149 or 206-254-0228, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Please also feel free to e-mail [email protected].

Special Note: Due to increased airline restrictions, we kindly ask you to contact your mileage program directly to book award reservations or upgrades.

If you are making your own air arrangements, please send us your airline confirmation number once your arrangements have been confirmed.

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NORTHERN SUMMER

H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T

This program is active and ambitious, requiring a realistic health assessment by your physician. You should be active and in good general health prior to departure. There will be walking excursions at every destination, some of which are as long as one mile and often over uneven terrain. Stair climbing is also required, sometimes on narrow, steep steps. Changes in time zones can also affect energy levels.

For those travelers who require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements can be made for private touring at each destination if necessary, at the discretion of our expedition staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be your responsibility.

Of course, while traveling, you may choose to take a day off to rest and rejuvenate at any destination.

P H Y S I C I A N A P P R O VA L F O R T R AV E L

We travel great distances and experience frequent time zone changes on this journey. Because your doctor is most familiar with your personal medical history and expertly qualified to determine your physical limitations and requirements, we require that you see your personal physician for medical advice regarding this trip.

A doctor’s signature is required on the Physician Approval for Travel Form in order to participate on this expedition.

I N O C U L AT I O N S

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, recommends all normal vaccines be up to date when traveling outside the United States for common immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. For more information you can access the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/travel or call them toll-free at 800-232-4636.

T R AV E L H E A LT H T I P S

To avoid illness, you should select food with care, and always drink bottled water. (Bottled water will be available to you at all times while touring, at meals, and in your hotel rooms.)

Please pack an ample supply of medications for malaria, along with your personal prescription medications. Please also plan to bring your preferred brands of cold and flu medication, as well as diarrhea and constipation medication. The expedition physician carries only a small supply of medicines, and your preferred brands may not be available in the countries we visit on this journey. Although our physician will be available, any extra medications you may require, both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, will be charged to you. Many over-the-counter medicines you use may not be available internationally, so it is best to bring your own supply. Medication should be in the original packaging to avoid risk of confiscation.

T R AV E L H E A LT H

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P E R S O N A L S A F E T Y

Your personal safety is of the utmost importance. Whether you are in the air or on the ground, we have procedures in place to allow you peace of mind when traveling on such an exciting journey. Traveling by private jet allows us control over the safety and security issues we would not otherwise have. If it becomes necessary, we can change destinations or routings, even while we are en route.

Access to the jet is controlled and every piece of luggage placed onboard is under the watchful eye of our staff and airline crew. In addition, special identification/security tags are attached to all pieces of luggage, giving us instant recognition of the bags that belong to our group.

Overhead bins and all access doors are sealed while the jet is parked at local airports. A thorough check of the exterior and interior of the aircraft is conducted by our flight crew before each departure.

While you are visiting destinations, we require all local tour staff to be properly identified by a name badge. We do not post our itineraries in hotels but rather deliver a schedule of the next day’s activities directly to your room.

For your personal security and to prevent loss due to petty crime, we offer the following recommendations:

• Carry photocopies of your passport, visas and airline tickets, and at least two extra passport-sized photographs in a separate location from where you carry your actual passport. If your documentation is lost, this precaution provides the details for quick replacement.

• We highly recommend you leave valuable items, such as expensive jewelry, at home. Dress is usually casual on our journey and items of high value could attract unwanted attention while you are out touring.

• Use the hotel safe to store your valuables, including cash and documents.

• Always close and lock your luggage when you are not in your room.

We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

PAY M E N T P R O T E C T I O N

All of your payments, payable by check or wire transfer, are protected upon deposit into an escrow account at the commerce Bank of Washington. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted for the initial deposit only. Payments are refundable based on the following cancellation schedule:

If notice is received on or by: The cancellation fee is:

On or before June 28, 2018 $5,000 per personFrom Jun. 29 to Aug. 28, 2018 $10,000 per personFrom Aug. 29 to Oct. 29, 2018 $15,000 per personFrom Oct. 30 to Dec. 28, 2018 $25,000 per personAfter Dec. 28, 2018 No refund.

I N S U R A N C E

A Travel Guard trip insurance plan can help protect your investment should you need to cancel for a covered reason. Please review the enclosed insurance information and be aware of the pre-existing medical conditions waiver deadline noted on the enrollment form.

All participants will automatically receive basic emergency evacuation coverage up to $100,000. This evacuation coverage is subject to limitations and does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Check with your own medical insurance provider to determine what, if any, assistance they provide when you are traveling outside of the country. (Please note: Medicare alone does not provide payment for any medical service outside the USA). Also, review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to determine your coverage for luggage and possessions while traveling.

If you find you require medical attention or hospitalization while on the trip, you will be expected to pay at the time of service. You must obtain proper copies of all bills, statements, and reports regarding your condition and the costs you have paid in order to submit to the insurance companies upon your return home.

S A F E T Y & S E C U R I T Y

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NORTHERN SUMMER

U . S . C U S T O M S

Returning U.S. citizens are allowed an $800 per person duty-free exemption every 30 days for accompanied purchases. Many shops will ship your selections home for you. Shipped items are not considered part of your $800 per person allotment. While we encourage shipping, please keep in mind that overseas shipments can take up to six (6) months unless you use more costly expedited services. You may send items worth up to $100 free of duty and tax as long as no more than one package per day is received at any one address. The outermost wrapper of the package must indicate the value as less than $100 and have printed clearly “Unsolicited Gift Package” and “Consolidated Gift Package.”

A note about shipping: most hotel concierge desks and reputable shopkeepers can arrange to have your items shipped home. We encourage you to take advantage of this service to alleviate excess baggage, but also keep in mind that costs can be significant for shipping, shipping times can be lengthy, and prices are never guaranteed. We cannot be responsible for the value, quality, condition, or shipping arrangements for any purchase.

Do not rely on friends or shopkeepers to give you accurate advice regarding what items will “clear customs” or what is a prohibited item. Obtain information directly from United States Customs and know the rules. Customs kiosks now are found at several major U.S. airports, or you can review online information at: www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go.

For all non-U.S. citizens, please check with your country’s customs’ regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods prior to the journey.

C L O T H I N G

Plan to take comfortable, casual clothing that will work well for full days of touring in moderate to cool weather. Items that can be layered are best.

Formal dress is not required for this program; however, ladies may want to bring one or more dressier ensembles, and gentlemen a jacket and tie, for a few of our evening events or when you dine on your own in more formal hotel restaurants. We recommend that you accessorize basic clothing by adding a scarf or costume jewelry, and leave valuable jewelry at home.

Pack items that travel well and afford comfort in cool weather, including long-sleeve shirts and long pants as well as a sweater or jacket. Cottons are always popular and are easily laundered, as are lightweight nylon materials. For protection from sunburn and insects, plan to bring long-sleeve shirts and long pants. The most essential items to bring with you are two pairs of comfortable walking or athletic shoes with good tread. Many people tend to over pack for this expedition. Remember that you often will have the opportunity to make purchases along the way, so pack lightly and utilize laundry services when available.

L A U N D R Y

Efficient express laundry service is available at most of our hotels. Your expedition staff will keep you informed of the best opportunities to take advantage of these services.

L U G G A G E

You will be allowed one standard bag per person (with combined dimensions of height + width + length of 62 inches or less as in accordance with commercial airline requirements). In addition, we will provide you with a small, wheeled suitcase and a backpack, which will be yours to keep. The small, wheeled bag will be required on the trip and used exclusively in certain countries.

Commercial airlines have set restrictive weight allowances for domestic and international luggage with many limiting weights to 50 pounds per luggage item. Some airlines are also now charging fees for any checked luggage. Please check with your air carrier for further details.

Luggage weight allowances for our private jet, operated by TAG Aviation, is a total of 90 pounds per guest. There is a maximum of 50 pounds for one large suitcase and a maximum of 40 pounds for the small, wheeled suitcase.

While on our private jet your large bag and small, wheeled suitcase will be stored in the cargo hold during flights. Your backpack will be available to take into the cabin for your use during flights along with other small personal items such as purses and camera bags. We strongly recommend when choosing your standard bag that you consider the complex trip you are about to undertake. We travel to very remote destinations and your luggage will be transported in a variety of luggage vehicles and subjected to wear and tear due to our many stops. We highly recommend that you do not bring new or designer luggage with you.

T R AV E L T I P S

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C O N TA C T W I T H H O M E

You will receive two copies of a Hotel Contact List including the addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of the hotels prior to departure. Leave one copy at home with family or friends in case of an emergency. In the event that they are unable to reach you, they may call our office, and we will make every effort to contact you.

Cellular fees while traveling abroad can be quite expensive, particularly the use of data. We recommend you contact your service provider prior to the trip and request a relevant international plan. Complimentary internet at hotels (where available) is provided throughout the expedition for all group nights. Pre- and post-night internet costs are not included.

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Different plugs, voltages, and currents in each country can present a challenge to travelers using small electrical appliances. On this journey you will find countries vary from 220 to 230 or even 240 volts. Many hotels have hair dryers available for your use. This mailing includes hotel information listing the properties where hair dryers are available.

A universal plug adapter will be sent to you in the Final Documents mailing. However, you may want to bring a voltage converter kit, which you can purchase at many travel or electronics stores. Most devices requiring a charger have built-in voltage converters. Bring a battery charger and a supply of spare batteries, if necessary.

P H O T O G R A P H Y

The rugged landscapes, detailed architecture, local people, and indigenous wildlife make this journey a photographer’s dream. The key to successful photography is to know your equipment, whether it be a “point-and-shoot,” a new digital model, or a video camera. Always read your instruction book carefully and experiment with your camera before the journey. The following camera equipment list should help you be prepared: • Fresh batteries and two spare sets for all camera types • Padded camera bag to protect against vibration • Ziploc bags or a drybag prevent dust and moisture problems • Lenses as desired: wide angle 20-28 mm/telephoto zoom 35-200 mm macro lens 50 mm with close-up capability • Filters: skylight and polarizing • Extra memory cards for digital cameras • Film: 100-200 ASA (slower) / 400-800 ASA (faster)

The photographic possibilities are endless and memory cards or film may be costly and difficult to find if you run out. Plan to bring more film and memory cards than you imagine you will use.

Camera Security: Take extra precautions to be certain that you do not leave your camera unattended. If you have a new foreign-made camera, it could be subject to duty when you return to the United States unless you provide acceptable proof of prior possession. Documents that fully describe the article, such as a bill of sale, are acceptable.

M O N E Y & C R E D I T C A R D S

You should plan on funds for extras such as shopping, laundry, beverages not included in the itinerary, telephone and fax costs, shipping charges, etc. As a general rule, we suggest that you carry approximately $500 per person in cash. Plan to bring more funds if you enjoy shopping, as you will be amazed at how quickly small purchases can add up. Your cash should be newer, unmarked bills in small denominations. In some of the destinations where we travel, only cash is accepted.

You may be able to obtain local currency at ATM machines in larger cities; however, you should not count on finding them everywhere. If you do plan to use an ATM card, make sure your PIN is programmed for use abroad. There are several websites that list ATM locations worldwide: www.mastercard.com/global/atmlocations/, www.visa.com/atmlocator/index.jsp, and https://network.americanexpress.com/en/atm_locator/.

Travelers’ checks are another option, but they are not universally accepted. You may find yourself unable to cash them, even at hotels, which may not have enough currency on hand to accommodate all requests. Travelers’ checks are exchanged for local currencies only, not U.S. dollars. Although credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger shops, you may find the best price is offered when paying in cash. Also note, the price you finally pay on your credit card bill is the price registered the day the charge hits your bank along with any fees your bank may add. Conversion rates can fluctuate, and on occasion, the final cost may be higher than you originally calculated.

We suggest you contact your credit card company to advise them of the dates and destinations of your travel itinerary to avoid any problems.

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NORTHERN SUMMER

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D E S T I N A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N

Please note, the following charts outline the general weather information for our journey and should help you with your trip preparations. Please keep in mind that daily conditions could be quite different. To check the conditions closer to departure, refer to your local newspaper or check current weather conditions around the world at www.weather.com.

S E AT T L E , U S A

Currency U.S. Dollar

Time Zone GMT -7

Language English

Average High (°F) 70

Average Low (°F) 52

Average Rainfall (in.) 1.6

K YO T O , J A PA N

Currency Yen

Time Zone GMT +9

Language Japanese



Average Rainfall (in.)

9.0

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NORTHERN SUMMER

T H E G O B I O R G O R K H I -T E R E L J

N AT I O N A L PA R K

Currency Tughrik

Time Zone GMT +8

Language Mongolian

K A Z A N , R U S S I A

Currency Ruble

Time Zone GMT +3

Language Russian




S T. P E T E R S B U R G , R U S S I A

Currency Ruble

Time Zone GMT +3

Language Russian




ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

Average High (°F) 71Average Low (°F) 53Average Rainfall (in.) 3.1

THE GOBI


G O R K H I -T E R E L J

N AT I O N A L PA R K


14

I L U L I S S AT, G R E E N L A N D

Currency Danish Krone

Time Zone GMT -2

LanguageGreenlandic, Danish




R E Y K J AV I K , I C E L A N D

CurrencyIcelandic Krona

Time Zone At GMT

Language Icelandic




S VA L B A R D I S L A N D S , N O R WAY

CurrencyNorwegian Krone

Time Zone GMT +2

Language Norwegian



Average Rainfall (in.)

0.5

D E S T I N A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N

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NORTHERN SUMMER

B O S T O N , U S A

Currency U.S. Dollar

Time Zone GMT -4

Language English




N O R T H E R N S U M M E R