Experience Insight’s Christmas markets

Frankfort, Germany Christmas Market

INSIGHT Vacations (www.insightvacations.com) is offering three European Christmas vacations with deluxe accommodations and premium sightseeing for travellers who would like to experience “the holiday season absorbed in spectacular lights, endless trinkets, savoury flavours and age-old traditions” that are unique in these European regions during the Christmas season.   And for a limited time they are offering savings of $300 per couple.

The three Christmas markets on offer:

- The eight-day Vienna, Prague and Budapest offers its own unique culture and history.  Deluxe accommodations such as the Hilton and the Crowne Plaza allow guests to relax while enjoying all of the wonderful inclusions on their week-long winter escape;

- The ten-day Winter Wonderland weaves its way through Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is ideal for clients looking to tour some of Europe’s best holiday markets; and

- On the nine-day German Christmas Markets trip which begins in Berlin and ends in Munich, guests will enjoy holiday cheer while tasting delicious warm chestnuts and hot apple cider.

“What better way to create the most unique and memorable Christmas than with a relaxing vacation steeped in charming European tradition and holiday cheer,” says Cris David, President of Insight Vacations Canada. “The quieter season offers fewer crowds and more savings with off-season pricing and the addition of our limited time winter offer.”

Those travelling from October 31 to March 31, 2013 save $300 per couple ($150 per person) on most Insight Vacation’s 2012/13 Winter tours when they book by July 31*. 

15 Destinations getting popular

Found this article on TripAdvisor, thought it was interesting. I think all 15 on the list are great travel destinations, worthy of learning more about through a personal visit. Here's the link to read "15 Destinations on the rise"

http://www.tripadvisor.com/InfoCenter-a_ctr.ontherise_world_en

6 Tips for a Memorable European River Cruise

Six tips for a memorable European river cruise

excepts from blog posted by the Cruise Maven (Sherry Laskin) on January 16, 2011, appears in European River Cruise

What are the advantages of a European river cruise? While cruise ships only touch the edges of continents, river boats take you to the very heart of magnificent cities and ancient towns. Quietly glide past hillside vineyards, medieval castles and historic monuments. Disembark and walk right into town for a café lunch. Stroll along the pier or borrow one of the river boat’s bicycles to explore further.

With so much to do and from three to twenty-five days to experience a river cruise, here are my Top Six suggestions for getting the most enjoyment.

1. Pack light.  Not just for the airline requirements but for convenience.  Without the cruise ship’s formal nights, men need only a collared shirt and sport coat.  Women can leave their long dresses and high heels at home.  Attire is country club casual even at dinner.  Best of all, there are do-it-yourself launderettes on many of the river boats.  Complimentary laundry service is included with many suite-level accommodations.

Spring rains can make cobblestone streets a bit slippery...

2.  Know your limitations. Cobblestone streets, walkways and stairs can be a bit tricky to navigate if you are unsteady on your feet.  Europe doesn’t subscribe to the Americans with Disabilities Act.  If you are out of shape or have a heart condition, you might want to reconsider that 200-step climb to the top of the castle.   Pace yourself accordingly.  Some of the river boats do not have elevators, so make sure the boat you choose has one if you need one.  Alternatively, many river cruises lines, including AMAWaterways, offer an easy-paced walking tour option.

3.  Wine and dine. Unlike cruise ships, river boats have “open seating.” Stroll into the dining room (7am-9am) for a leisurely buffet breakfast.  Lunch is fairly relaxed, too, as it is mainly buffet-style dining.  Dinner however, doesn’t operate the same.  To facilitate good service and freshly prepared entrees,  you are expected to arrive fairly close to when the dining room opens.  Dinner times can vary based on the timing of the shore excursions, so check your daily planner.

On some river cruise lines, the complimentary wine with dinner tends to abruptly stop when your entrée plate is removed.  So if you like to sip wine after dinner be sure to flag down your waiter for a refill before your place is cleared.  This has not been the case on AMAWaterways.  I keep reminding myself that wine is from grapes so I’m getting my daily fruit requirement, in liquid form!

4.    When in “Rome…” Nothing garners a warm welcome quicker than saying hello in the local language.  Learn to say “hello,” “thank you” and “excuse me” in as many of the countries’ languages as possible.  Write it on a cheat sheet and put it in your pocket.  Chances are that the local shopkeeper, upon hearing your broken German or Romanian will immediately speak to you in English.  But you’ve made the effort and it won’t go unrewarded.

5.  Cash is king. Make a list of the countries you will visit and find a local bank that sells the currency. Mainly, you’ll need Euros.  But if you can get any of the other currencies (and there are quite a few on the lower Danube river ) you can avoid the high commission exchange fees. Of course, the boat’s front desk will also exchange currency, but there are some limitations.  Tipping at the end of your cruise is expected to be in Euros.

6.  Weather reports. If you travel on the rivers in the spring or fall, there will certainly be a variance in temperatures and precipitation.  Bring that nerdy plastic pancho and a folding umbrella. And leave that backpack at home.  Nothing says “American Tourist” more than an Eddie Bauer backpack.  If you must carry belongings, a tote bag is much more European. Also, when taking a motor coach tour, the bus is locked and you can leave that extra sweater or bag on your seat.

Here you have it, six easy ways to make the most of your European river cruise.  Bon Voyage!

Trafalgar Announces 2013 Europe Brochure

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Trafalgar has announced the launch of their 2013 Europe Preview program, including a price guarantee. The trips include the UK, mainland Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Clients that book their 2013 summer Europe trips before September 3 will be able to guarantee the 2012 rate, despite any potential price increases once the full Europe brochure launches. (Tip: Booking early also ensures a spot on some of Trafalgar’s most popular trips.)

Early birds who are ready to book and pay in full now, can also take advantage of Trafalgar’s Early Payment Discount:

•    Pay (min) 12 months prior to departure and save up to 10 percent
•    Pay (min) 10 months prior to departure and save up to 7.5 percent
•    Pay (min) 6 months prior to departure and save up to 5 percent

Trafalgar’s 14-day Best of Italy trip can be booked at the 2012 price starting at $3,750 per person. Beginning and departing in Rome, guests visit Sorrento, Assisi, Venice, Florence, Lake Maggiore and more in between. In Sorrento, Trafalgar’s guests can try an exclusive Be My Guest 4-course dinner at a family-owned lemon grove, including a cellar tour and wine tasting. Other highlights include a cruise to the beautiful Isle of Capri, a canal cruise and visit to a glass-blowing factory in Venice and plenty of time for personal in Rome, Venice and Florence.

Clients can also book Trafalgar’s 11-day Amazing Britain, locking in the 2012 price starting at $2,075 per person. This trip, starting and ending in London, spans England, Scotland and Wales, with stops in York, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlights, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and more. At a day stop in Tintern, clients can try the Be My Guest early dinner at the historic 12th century Anchor Inn, situated against Tintern Abbey. Trafalgar guests on this trip can also visit a whisky distillery for a tasting and enjoy a traditional haggis dinner in the Scottish Highlands, head to the 18th hole at the famous golf course in St. Andrew’s and visit the mysterious prehistoric monoliths at Stonehenge.