15 Jan
Vancouver Tours Blog

Finding the Perfect Romantic Destination This Christmas

As the nights draw in and the weather takes a chilling turn, our thoughts turn more and more towards Christmas. More specifically, where will you be spending it? More and more couples are choosing to get away from it all over the holiday period and rekindle their love in a foreign city. After all, what could be more romantic than enjoying the snowy street scenes over a shared cup of steaming Viennese coffee, or walking hand in hand down a cobbled Seville street lit by fairy lights?

Here are just three romantic spots to think about this Christmas.

Seville

This passionate southern city, home of Carmen, Flamenco and the Giralda, retains the personal warmth and traditional charm that make a holiday in the real Spain a wonderful experience, worlds away from the stereotyped Costa break.

A series of processions and festive events, from the student concert at the cathedral for the Immaculate Conception (8th December), to the jubilant celebrations on the Nochebuena (New Year's Eve), conspire to make sure that you will never be at a loss as to what to do.

Alternatively, take a slower pace. Wander the pretty passages of this ancient city in search of Gothic and Moorish architectural gems, some of which double as hotels, and admire the many beautiful belenes, detailed life-size nativity scenes.

Copenhagen

If you like your Christmas a little more traditional, you could do far worse than to head to Denmark's magical capital. Copenhagen is famed for its statue of the Little Mermaid, a tribute to its most celebrated author, Hans Christian Andersen.

The Tivoli Gardens are a must see attraction. Set among 15 acres of charming parkland, this is the second oldest amusement park in the world, and incorporates a theater, concert hall, and amusement rides. At Christmas time, the small villages in the park come alive with a spectacle of lights and stalls offering warming food and drink ideally suited to the Scandinavian winter.

Edinburgh

The attractions of Scotland's historic and elegant capital are no secret. Hailed as a jewel of the North, Edinburgh has a rich cultural heritage and plenty to offer today's traveler in search of a romantic break.

The charming streets and squares of Edinburgh's Georgian New Town are an ideal place to ramble together as the streetlights flicker on in the early evening. When darkness falls, find refuge in one of the many cozy and exclusive wine bars or hotels nearby, or seek out a more traditional hearty Scottish pub and enjoy a glass of mead or mulled wine.

And don't forget the castle. The solid reminder of Edinburgh's long and often turbulent past stands atop Castle Rock, and will become as familiar and reassuring as an old friend. To pay a visit to the historic heart of the city is to fully appreciate the richness of Edinburgh, a modern city with its splendid roots intact.

Other highlights

Be inventive in your search for a getaway spot this Christmas. Avoid the madding crowds and crammed hotels by exploring other less notorious but nonetheless wonderful cities such as Berlin and Munich, with their famous German Christmas markets, and Vancouver, Canada's best-kept secret.

Source by Helen Unwin

13 Sep
Vancouver Tours Blog

Finding The Best Mexico Vacation Deals

A vacation to Mexico includes a little of everything, like beaches, rich marine life, archaeological ruins, colonial architecture, delicious food and a rocking nightlife. This Latin American nation, which connects the United States to the rest of South America, is a popular tourist spot.

For travelers on a budget, Mexico is a dream destination. The country offers affordable lodging and food, and traveling around is relatively cheap. Nevertheless, for tourists who plan well in advance, Mexico vacations can be cheaper still thanks to an array of exciting Mexico vacation deals.

Plan In Advance

If you have decided on traveling to Mexico on your next vacation, advance planning will help you grab the best Mexico vacation deals. Are you seeking really cheap Mexico vacation deals? Then the best time to head to Mexico is just after the rainy season. The weather is pleasant at this time, but hotel rates and airfare are cheaper. Since this is the low season, heavily discounted Mexico vacation package deals are easier to come by.

Tourists heading for a Mexico vacation during the peak tourist seasons between July and September and during the Christmas and Easter breaks have to deal with higher lodging and flight rates. The best way to combat the peak season hikes is by planning well in advance. Shop on the Internet or call your travel agent to get the best Mexico vacation deals. Remember, last-minute planning will only inflate your travel expenses. Moreover, there is the possibility of not getting suitable reservations if you keep your Mexico vacation planning until too late.

What About Last-minute Vacation Packages?

The problem with last-minute planning is that you might not get the hotel or the location that you were hoping to. However, if you are open-minded and flexible about your travel plans, big discounts are available on last-minute vacation deals as well.

Mexico is popular with the tourist class. What that also means is that there will be last-minute cancellations by other travelers. It is best to contact a travel agency to find out about available cancelled deals. Travel agencies are generally looking to sell off these packages. Often enough, these last-minute deals are available at throwaway rates. For those travelers that are brave enough to leave everything until the last moment, last-minute vacation deals to Mexico are a fantastic and affordable option.

Finding The Best Mexico Vacation Deals To Fit Your Budget

While shopping for Mexico vacation packages, look for deals that will allow you to visit most of the major Mexican attractions. The ancient Mayan city of Tulum should be on your must-visit list, along with Mexico City, the volcano at Toluca and the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen or Acapulco.

Mexico is largely a cheap vacation destination, but places like Cancun tend to be a little more expensive. Tourists on a shoestring budget are advised to avoid costly places like Cancun. However, if Cancun features heavily on your vacation itinerary, search for discounted packages to this happening city. All inclusive vacation deals to Cancun, Mexico are a good idea for travelers on a limited budget.

What Are The Different Types of Deals?

There are two basic types of vacation deals to Mexico. All inclusive vacation packages have been gaining in popularity in recent times, not just with families and large groups but with couples and solo travelers as well. All inclusive vacation packages are instrumental in helping tourists save money on accommodation, meals and travel activities. Such deals are easily available and often prove to be major bargains. Moreover, they make sticking to a budget that much easier. Since you already know your big travel expenses, it is easier to keep aside a little something for shopping, eating out, off-site tours and other extras.

Many tourists, however, prefer to go a la carte on their vacation. An a la carte vacation deal to Mexico ensures greater flexibility and is better suited to tourists who like exploring. Since meals are not included, travelers need not head back to the hotel for lunch, dinner or other activities. They have greater freedom to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this Latin American travelers’ paradise.

Source by Ben Schrijver