Fernwayer, a curated travel marketplace, has launched its platform in five countries, focusing on high-end travel experiences. The platform connects discerning travelers with carefully crafted, mostly private experiences led by local experts in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Croatia, providing travelers with a deeper, more meaningful approach to exploration.
Recent industry data shows that 75 percent of travelers seek authentic experiences representative of local culture, while 62 percent feel a trip is wasted without experiencing local culture. Fernwayer meets this growing demand by offering exclusive access to experiences beyond traditional sightseeing, cultivating genuine human connections, and supporting sustainable tourism practices.
“There’s a shift in how luxury in travel is defined,” says Vinitaa Jayson, co-founder of Fernwayer. “Travelers now prioritize meaningful connections and unique experiences over traditional opulence. Our marketplace connects them with skilled Experience Makers who offer deep local insights, and inspire curiosity on every tour.”
Travelers today face challenges with an outdated system. On one side, uncurated platforms overwhelm them with a sea of lookalike options, offering bare-minimum experiences with little to no creativity. On the other, traditional travel agencies impose hefty mark-ups within opaque package structures — including hotels and transport — driven by layers of intermediaries. This approach demands endless email chains and, in the end, still delivers mostly generic experiences from within their networks. Fernwayer redefines this ripe-for-change model with curated, distinctive experiences, upfront pricing, instant booking, and a steadfast commitment to fairness for travelers and local guides alike.
“We are committed to reshaping how travelers connect with the world. Our experiences are meticulously curated to emphasize arts, cultural immersion, gastronomy, photography, social impact, and the great outdoors,” explains Alok Singh, co-founder of Fernwayer. “We choose our Experience Makers not just for their expertise, but for their storytelling abilities and cultural insights that make every journey meaningful and unforgettable.”
Consider this: Tiago Neiva, a local historian and architect, guides travelers through Lisbon’s invisible layers, revealing saudade — a uniquely Portuguese blend of longing and nostalgia — through its azulejos tiles, Fado music, and hidden corners. It’s a deeply personal journey into the soul of the city.
“At Fernwayer, storytelling is at the heart of every tour we curate,” says Jayson. “Our mission is to weave these stories into exclusive experiences that open the world with a little more understanding and empathy.” Inspired by the belief that storytelling connects us and shapes how we see the world, Fernwayer partners with local experts who bring vivid, authentic narratives to the essence of a place, inviting travelers to feel welcome and truly belong.
In Madrid, feel the city’s pulse with a local art historian, uncovering its storied past and vibrant neighborhoods. In Barcelona, gain an architect’s perspective on modernisme and the genius of Gaudi. From Seville, journey to nearby Andalusian towns, rich in scenery and tradition, where locals warmly welcome you into their world. In Marrakesh, explore an artist’s studio with an expert gallerist, or capture dawn in Rome with photography tips from an architect-photographer. Each experience is designed to leave travelers with a deeper appreciation of the places they visit and the people they meet.
Building on its successful launch, Fernwayer plans to expand its offerings rapidly to more countries. With each tour, Fernwayer reimagines what it means to travel thoughtfully, inviting travelers to leave a positive impact on the places they visit.
