Kensington Tours Reconnects Flight Attendant to Iceland 60 Years after Emergency Landing

For mother Ellen Beam and daughter Anne Hemingway, a trip to Iceland meant more than just a visit to its top attractions and majestic landscapes – it was a return to a place where Hemingway’s life unexpectedly began.

Sixty years ago, Ellen Beam, then eight months pregnant, was working as a flight attendant on Trans World Airlines and travelling across Europe with her husband. During one particular flight on November 15, 1958, Beam’s water broke, she went into labour and the plane had to make an emergency landing in Iceland. Beam was rushed into delivery and ended up giving birth to her daughter Anne at Keflavik Hospital (now known as The Southwest Health Center).

Drawing on this tie, the ladies worked with Kensington Tours to plan a monumental week-long trip back to Iceland in celebration of Hemingway’s 60^th birthday. The private-guided tour company arranged for a stay in one of Reyjkavik’s finest boutique hotels; organized an exclusive city tour and Northern Lights escape with an expert private guide; and provided luxury airport transfers. To make it a truly memorable experience, Kensington Tours went above and beyond by locating the hospital where Hemingway was born and organizing a meet-and-greet with staff who worked there back in 1958. The event was even covered by Iceland’s biggest newspaper Morgunblaðið.

Beam, now 89, reminisced of the unexpected delivery telling Morgunblaðið that "it was as if God just meant for us to [land] here.”

“We felt like we had to come,” she added. “We have a remarkable story that we thought we had to share [and experience together].”

“We are honored to play a part in Ellen and Anne’s story,” said Alison Hickey, President, Kensington Tours. “We make it our mission to not only provide our clients with unparalleled, carefully curated itineraries but also truly unforgettable experiences. Going above and beyond, and providing exceptional service is part of our DNA.”
 
 
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About Kensington Tours
A pioneer in private-guided excursions, Kensington Tours offers travelers personalized experiences in the most remarkable locations in the world.  Handcrafted itineraries, spanning more than 90 countries; experienced destination experts; and local insights have positioned Kensington Tours as a leader in luxury travel. This unique approach has earned the company awards and recognition from prestigious publications such as National Geographic and Travel + Leisure. Visit kensingtontours.com for more information.
 

Contact Information

Jovana Pavic

PR & Communications Specialist

Kensington Tours

(1) 647 943 8998 ext. 4522

jovana.pavic@kensingtontours.com