Gray Line Worldwide Debuts Original Video Series, "The Bucket Life"

"Over the years, the way we approach traveling has become distorted and we just feel there should be a better way. The Bucket Life reminds us that it's time to travel right, to make travel personal again," said Brad Weber, CEO, Gray Line Worldwide.  "Our goal every day is to connect travelers with the local people, places and experiences that make life a little more inspired, enhanced and personally meaningful in some small way.  The local's perspective is at the core of what we do and the reason millions of travelers have trusted and traveled with Gray Line for more than 100 years. "

Chapter One: Iceland introduces travel from the perspective of homeostasis and hydration, where nature and unproduced experiences provide a much needed "reset."  Iceland, and all future episodes, are free and available to view at Grayline.com/the-bucket-life and its YouTube channel found here: bit.ly/1ScQac2.

Inspiration for "The Bucket Life"
In early 2015, Gray Line entered the travel video space with "Find A Reason To Go" – an incredible journey of four friends, all videographers, who traveled around the world, visiting six continents in 21 days. The widely syndicated original video and content program highlighted what travel industry research has indicated for decades: in-destination activities, events, tours and attractions are the reasons people travel. 

"Realistically, we know most people won't travel around the world in three weeks – most of us dream about what we'll do, eat, see and experience on our vacations and then spend most of our time scouring different sites to book the best flights and accommodations," Weber said.  "It's a sad irony what inspires our trip in the first place is the last thing we actually book, and it's no wonder we have grown accustomed to travel as a to-do list instead of an impact point in our lives, a part of our personal journey."

While The Bucket Life series is informed by research on emerging vacation habits, traveler preferences and intentions, the series organically blends destination information with real people, real stories and baseline themes for each episode: homeostasis, security, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization**.

Hometown Guides Are Family
"This series is very near and dear to us, as it looks at travel as an investment, not just a transaction," said Guðrún Þórisdóttir, Gray Line Iceland.  "We see travelers as guests in our homes, and that our local perspective and authenticity help develop relationships that make us all better for it. We like to think visitors feel the same way once they return home."

On average, travelers spend $2,400 per trip, and just under 60 percent is spent in the destination*.  "The Gray Line family of local guides in our 400 locations around the world have the hometown pride and historical knowledge that hit many notes while in a destination," said Weber.  "We believe their critical roles in The Bucket Life and with travelers every day inspire people to ask 'because I've traveled, how will my life be different once I'm home?' Anyone can take a trip, but not everyone travels right."

Technical Complements
Gray Line also unveiled a new online nomination program for deserving individuals, tour itinerary videos and enhanced social travel content:

Pay It Forward: Nominating a Loved One
In conjunction with The Bucket Life video launch, Gray Line is now accepting submissions for deserving individuals via its nomination system.   By paying it forward and nominating a loved one to "Live The Bucket Life" – a $10,000 grand prize trip for the winning nomination – those who nominate are automatically entered into a separate sweepstakes to win a second $10,000 grand prize Gray Line getaway.  Additional prizes will be awarded in conjunction with the launch of the monthly episodes.

Tour Itinerary Videos
Creating interesting and inspiring content has long been the Internet standard when it comes to motivating people to travel, and the new Gray Line tour itineraries make inspiration immediately bookable.  Detailed video itineraries on Grayline.com of the top tours in each destination give travelers an authentic view of the door-to-door experiences offered by Gray Line.

Digital Programming
Gray Line is also enhancing its social travel content on /grayline (Facebook), @GrayLine (Twitter), and @GrayLine_Sightseeing (Instagram), including destination hero overviews, special The Bucket Life shorts, behind-the-scenes footage and in-depth articles on the creation of each episode.

Gray Line's original video series, The Bucket Life, was shot by Denver-based Wit House Productions.  Gray Line Worldwide will air five episodes in its inaugural season spanning through August 2016.  Season 2 will launch shortly thereafter in fall 2016.

*Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2013

**Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; "A Theory of Human Motivation" (1943)

About Gray Line Worldwide
Since 1910, Gray Line has been a trusted provider of traveler experiences and sightseeing tours in the world's most sought after locations. Helping millions of travelers discover a new destination each year – that's the Gray Line passion. With hundreds of local offices on six continents, the global Gray Line team of on-site experts connects people with destinations with a warmth, wisdom and authenticity unique to its guides.  For more information, visit www.grayline.com, or /grayline on Facebook, @GrayLine on Twitter, and @GrayLine_Sightseeing on Instagram.

About Wit House Productions
Wit House is a full-service production company with experience spanning startups to global brands. Combining a unique network of producers, directors, cinematographers and editors, Wit House helps brands tell engaging, authentic stories while helping guide and drive media planning. From brand overviews and training video to product launches and feature-length documentaries, Wit House is an award-winning content team of collaborative experts.  More information can be found at: WitHouseProductions.com.

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SOURCE Gray Line Worldwide

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