Canadian couple travel the world in Fairmont hotels
"Can all of you say your name and what media you are from? We are making a video of our journey and you are now part of it," Traci Langford's request caught me by surprise as she and her spouse Doug entered the Fairmont Jakarta's Gold Lounge Meeting Room on the 21st floor for an interview with me and a few other journalists.
"This time, it's us interviewing you," said Doug Langford, laughing.
The amiable Canadian couple were indeed cheerful and seemed to enjoy sharing their exciting stories regarding their fascinating quest to visit all properties owned by FRHI Hotels and Resorts -- Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel -- around the world.
Fairmont Jakarta, where they were staying from April 11-13, marked the Langfords' 97th stop on their journey.
"Both of us are business people living in Canada who have been working for so many years. Whenever we have the opportunity to travel, we like to stay in nice hotels such as those owned by FRHI," said Doug.
The Langfords’ odyssey started back in 2008 when the couple spent their holiday in Quebec City at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and discovered Fairmont destinations guidebook, displaying beautiful properties around the world. From then on, the couple challenged themselves to visit every FRHI property in the world.
"For many people, the hotel is probably their third priority when planning a holiday; certainly not the first. Our approach is to plan the hotel first before traveling. Spend a little extra to stay at a nice hotel and then go explore the destination. And before you go there, get in touch with the hotel people and tell them about your concerns, and they will look after you," said Doug.
For the couple, FRHI offers a different atmosphere and experience in its many properties throughout the world, yet always provides basic consistencies such as excellent quality of bed and great service from friendly employees.
Regularly going on a vacation for up to 4 months a year, the couple have visited around 45 countries thanks to their hard work to save money. Fortunately for them, the company got wind of their project, and they now enjoy complimentary stays at all FRHI properties.
Not only that, the Langfords have also been welcomed worldwide, with each hotel vying to create a one-of-a-kind experience by offering the most authentically local stay as possible. From a helicopter arrival at Raffles Istanbul, a private candle lit dinner at the Mara River at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Kenya, to a bespoke “The Langford Express” tram ride at the historic Waterlot Inn at Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
During their stay in Fairmont Jakarta, they were treated to a city tour on the hotel's BMW bikes during Car Free Sunday, toured the Monas area on an andong (traditional horse cart), learned how to make batik at the National Museum and enjoyed a lovely dinner in Kota Tua.
“We are delighted to be hosting Doug and Traci Langford at Fairmont Jakarta. They have become ambassadors for the brand and love to talk about their memories that they have from different properties," said Fairmont Jakarta general manager Carlos Monterde.
The next stop for the couple is Raffles Jakarta and Fairmont Bali.
"After that we will celebrate our 100th stay with FRHI's international president Jennifer Fox in California. We don't know yet what they are planning for us, but surely it will be fantastic," said Traci, excitedly.
The culmination of this adventure is a book about all of their travels and moments turned memories at all of the FRHI hotels, planned to be released at the end of 2017.
"Coming from North America, we know that many people are scared to travel. We want to encourage them to take the chance. Open up your mind and celebrate the differences," said Doug.
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