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Transat - The Sorrento, Capri & Ravello Package

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Calling all limoncello lovers! Sorrento is the place to sip this local specialty while contemplating the Mediterranean views and strolling the historic centre of this colourful city. Sail off to the romantic island of Capri, then get swept away by the fascinating architecture of Ravello, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Sorrento, Capri & Ravello package includes:
•    9 days
•    7 nights
•    7 meals
•    Bilingual
•    Moderate rythm
•    Transport by coach and ferry
•    Departures from Toronto on Wednesdays and Saturdays

All our Europe vacation packages include :
•Roundtrip flight in Economy Class with Air Transat
•    Accommodations and daily breakfast1
•    Roundtrip transfer between the airport and hotel2
•    One piece of checked baggage of (23 kg)
•    À la carte visits featured in the package description
•    Hotel service charges2

Quark Expeditions - Great Voyages. Great Savings!

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures,has brought back last season’s popular Polar Promo Sale offering travelers up to 40% off voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic, plus a variety of booking incentives that apply to all upcoming seasons.

Bermuda Weddings and Honeymoons

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Bermuda Weddings & Honeymoons

Moonlit beaches, warm ocean breezes, photo-ready backdrops around every corner: Bermuda’s romantic allure makes it the perfect place to tie the knot. Exchange vows in a secluded cove, lush garden, or historic venue. And all this is a surprisingly short flight from the U.S. making Bermuda an easy destination for ceremonies with guests or vacation elopements. Once you arrive, your accommodations, venue, and vendors are all within easy reach, and expert on-island wedding planners will help bring your dream vision to life.

Wedding Venues

In a place where gorgeous vistas rule the landscape, an outdoor wedding is simply a must. Find unique and scenic settings on land and on the water. Infuse some fairy tale romance into your special day at the Unfinished Church, make it an exclusive celebration on a private island, toast your nuptials aboard a luxurious yacht like The Spirit of Bermuda or elevate the drama with a historic fort as your backdrop.

Transat - The Magic of Minos Package

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Surely this itinerary bears the mark of magic, as it will brighten your eyes with sights of surreal beauty. On top of soaking up the Mediterranean’s sparkling blue vastness in the Greek islands, Turkey and Crete, you will indulge in Athens’ rich culture. Maybe you’ll catch sight of Minos!

The Minos Magic package includes:
•    16 days
•    14 nights
•    24 meals
•    Bilingual
•    Transport by ship and ferry
•    Departures from Toronto on Sundays

Transat - Sorrento & Amalfi Package

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Renowned for its cliffs, Sorrento overlooks the turquoise waters that surround Ischia, Capri and the Gulf of Naples. Follow the awe-inspiring coastline to the ravishing city of Amalfi, tucked into the cliffs on the coast of a beautiful bay. Explore its medieval streets and let yourself be dazzled by the Arab-Norman architecture of its stunning cathedral.

The Sorrento & Amalfi package includes:
•    9 days
•    7 nights
•    7 meals
•    Bilingual
•    Moderate rythm
•    Transport by coach
•    Departures from Toronto on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Transat - The Wonders of Croatia Package

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

The Wonders of Croatia package includes:
•    16 days
•    14 nights
•    14 meals
•    English and French
•    Transport by coach and ferry
•    Departures from Toronto Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Transat - Apollo Treasures Package:

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Apollo’s legacy of sun and light has cast a spell on this itinerary, which will take you on a fascinating jaunt through architectural gems and awe-inspiring scenery. Embark on a cruise around the stunning Greek Islands and vibrant Turkey, set foot onto spectacular Santorini, dance the night away in lively Mykonos, and, to top it all off, pay glorious Athens a visit.

The Apollo Treasures package includes:
•    14 days
•    12 nights
•    20 meals
•    Bilingual
•    Transport by ship and ferry
•    Departures from Toronto on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays

Celebrate your love with Transat!

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Wedding Group Promotions
Get plenty of extras*!

You don’t have to wait until the big day to unwrap our wedding gifts. Choose Transat for your South destination wedding package, and we’ll pamper you and your beloved—and even your guests—with the dedication of a maid of honour or best man.

$ 100 Excursion Credit for the newlyweds¹
$ 500 Future Travel Voucher for the newlyweds²
Free Option Plus upgrade on Air Transat for the newlyweds³
Hold up to 40 seats for 90 days with only a $300 deposit. A second deposit of $150 per person is due 90 days after booking4
Reserved Compartment for your Wedding Gown on Air Transat
Complimentary airport lounge access for the newlyweds5

Aruba Destination Weddings

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Thu, 04 Jan 24 01:58:43 +0000

Unite Your Hearts in Aruba: The Perfect Destination Wedding

Are you dreaming of a destination wedding that captures the essence of love and adventure? Look no further than the idyllic paradise of Aruba. Say "I do" against the backdrop of stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and endless sunshine, making your special day an unforgettable experience. Discover why Aruba is the ultimate choice for your destination wedding.

Why Aruba?

Getting married in Aruba is the ideal way to unite two happy hearts. Whether you dream of finding a small and intimate spot, or want to exchange vows outside, with our sparkling blue sea as your witness, there are Aruba wedding venues—and on-island wedding planners—perfect for you.

Aruba Weddings Made Easy

Aruba weddings are a breeze. Explore our Aruba wedding packages to build the Aruba destination wedding you've always dreamed of. Or view Aruba’s luxury resorts, including our many all-inclusive options, to find the perfect spot to begin your happy lives together.

So Many Ways to Make It Yours

Aruba hosts all-inclusive resorts, private villas, and adults-only options as well as a range of cuisine, outdoor activities and, of course, our famous crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Create your special day exactly how you want it.

Imagine exchanging vows with your toes in the sand, saying "I do" inside a chapel on a hilltop, or sharing a first dance beneath swaying palms of a seaside resort. The possibilities are endless.

Weather You Can Count On

With Aruba’s consistent balmy weather and caressing trade winds, you can breathe easy knowing there's less chance of needing a backup venue location due to bad weather or humidity. Your dream outdoor wedding is more likely to go off without a hitch in our perfect climate.

Personalized Perfection

Aruba offers customized and personalized weddings by wedding planners and resorts, and the wedding laws in Aruba make it a breeze. Unlike cookie-cutter wedding packages found in other Caribbean locations, the majority of Aruba's hotels and resorts typically have only one wedding a day at most resorts.

This means that with an Aruba wedding, all eyes are on you, the happy couple!

Ready to start planning your dream Aruba destination wedding? Contact us today and let us help you create the perfect beginning to your happily ever after. Your love story deserves the breathtaking beauty of Aruba.

Pretty in Pink: Where to Meet the National Bird of the Bahamas

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

The Caribbean flamingo is an iconic symbol of the tropics, with its vivid pink plumage standing out against a backdrop of turquoise waters, green palm leaves, and pastel-colored buildings. In the Bahamas, where it’s the national bird, flamingos have made a strong comeback thanks to conservation projects. The Islands of The Bahamas may be one of the best places in the world to get up close to this iconic, almost cartoon-like wading bird.

Fun facts: the same carotenoids that make carrots orange and ripe tomatoes red also make flamingos pink. They are also found in the microscopic algae that brine shrimp eat (which is why shrimp turn pink when you cook them) and as flamingos eat the algae and brine shrimp, they also turn flamingos’ feathers pink!

No wonder a group of flamingos is called a ‘flamboyance!’

Here are three of the best places in The Bahamas to see a flamboyance of flamingos in all their glory:

Ardastra Gardens, Nassau

Ardastra Gardens in Nassau (pictured, top) is the only wildlife conservation center in The Bahamas. Don’t miss the Flamingo Show which happens three times a day, when the adorable stick-legged birds march into a white-picket-fence enclosure for some up-close viewing.

So vivid and oddly shaped, it’s tempting to think of flamingos as coming from the imagination of someone like Dr. Seuss – but they are a quirky wonder of nature, and during the Flamingo Show, these majestic birds will walk right up to you with their beaks held high in an orderly procession. Don’t miss out on this stately avian parade!

Baha Mar, New Providence Island

Maybe you’ve heard of puppy yoga or even goat yoga. The Bahamas takes stretching to the next level with Flamingo Yoga! Practice your poses with the flexible-necked birds at the Baha Mar luxury resort complex.

Image Courtesy of Baha Mar

The flamingos here are known to be friendly, and at times, goofy as they try to mimic your yoga poses right next to your yoga mat! The Flamingo Yoga sessions take place on Saturday mornings and can be booked through the Baha Mar spa.

Flamingo Cay, Nassau

Flamingo Cay is a habitat that helps preserve the flamingo population. You can walk alongside the flamingos every morning as they make their leisurely way down to the white sand beach or ask about a more intimate experience at the Flamingo Encounter.

Inagua National Park, Great Inagua

Inagua National Park was established in the 1960’s by The Bahamas National Trust as a conservation project for flamingos. The 220,000 acre park is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of West Indian (Caribbean) flamingos.

Flamingos in Inagua - Image Courtesy of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Since the early 1900’s, there had been growing concern about the Caribbean flamingo population, and the establishment of Inagua National park helped flamingos make a comeback from the brink of extinction to a colony of over 50,000 birds today. The park is even helping increase flamingo numbers beyond The Bahamas and is now a designated and protected wetland – as well as a birdwatcher’s paradise for its tremendous flamboyance of flamingos.

Start your Trip!

Image credits as noted. Top image: Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre

The Beach Is Just The Beginning

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Hey Jet-Setters!

No matter what kind of traveler you are or how often you’re at the airport, there’s bound to be a time when you want a travel experience that’s close to home, yet makes you feel like you’re a million miles away. For us, that very place can be found in Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean. What’s not to love about crystal-blue waters, sugar-sand beaches, delightful dining, and having a seemingly endless list of water and onshore activities that will keep even the most active adventure seeker busy for days?

While Mexico and the Caribbean are perfect for couples, families, and groups, that doesn’t necessary mean planning a vacation or wedding here is always a cakewalk. Far from it! With so many great beaches, historical sites, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises throughout the Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean, choosing where to go can leave you scratching your head. Also, keep in mind that if you like to stay active throughout your trip you may want a little more in the way of cultural immersions, historical sightseeing, or other adventures such as jungle trekking, ziplining, or even culinary tours. Whatever you do, don’t leave your vacation to chance. Make sure you take the time to research those places that most interest you.

Of course, we have much better and easier option for picking just the right vacation spot in Mexican and the Caribbean: enlist a travel professional for your all your travel planning. Whether you know where you want to go or need a little help in deciding, only an experienced travel professional will know which resorts, cruises, and wedding packages best fit your vision for the perfect getaway. They’ll save you valuable time so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your trip, including the time leading up to it.

4 Reasons to Spend the Holidays in Puerto Rico

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

This holiday season, trade the snow for sand!

Besides being a tropical paradise with a colorful culture, it has a vibrant festive season with many fun traditions, customs, and events for everyone to enjoy.

Feel the warmth this Christmas and set your mind to paradise! Trade snowmen for sandcastles, turn caroling into parties with parrandas, enjoy mouthwatering lechón asado (roasted pork), and try a chilled shot glass of coquito, a creamy coconut-based holiday drink.

Yes, many things make the Island your perfect holiday getaway, but here are four reasons you should experience this Christmas in Puerto Rico.

Celebrate the longest holiday season in the world

If Christmas is your favorite time of the year, you won't find a livelier place to celebrate it than Puerto Rico. It has the longest holiday season in the world, which lasts around 45 days. The Navidad Boricua is a huge fiesta that kickstarts in November, after Thanksgiving, and concludes mid-January with the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. There are many holidays celebrated throughout the season, and they all have their special traditions and festivities, like Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), Navidad (Christmas Day), Víspera de Año Nuevo (New Year's Eve), and Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day).

No passport needed to visit

Don't let planning your holiday getaway ruin the most wonderful time of the year! Arranging your vacation in the heart and soul of the Caribbean, filled with pristine beaches, soft ocean breezes, and sunny days is accessible and hassle-free. If you are traveling from the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico is just a short and easy plane ride away. And you don't need a passport, but you must always travel with a valid ID. However, travelers coming from outside of the country must follow the same guidelines as in any other U.S. airport.

Winter feels like summer

Christmas doesn't have to mean coats, boots, and cold weather! So this festive season, escape the windchill and chill beachside in the heart and soul of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico has a winter that feels like summer, with an average temperature of 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit from November to January. So take advantage of the Boricua warmth to soak up the sun and partake in all the fun outdoor experiences the Island offers, like snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Join in the jolgorio (party) of the season

Feel the warmth of the Island and its people, joining the many fiestas and festivals during Christmas. Enjoy delicious fritters, dance to live music, and get lost in a festive tropical winter wonderland when you align your vacation schedule with the iconic holiday jubilees all over Puerto Rico. You'll surely find an event that suits your interest, like the Festival de Pascuas, which celebrates the official Puerto Rican Christmas flower, the Festival de Máscaras de Hatillo (Hatillo Mask Festival), which commemorates the Puerto Rican version of April's Fools, and the world-famous Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also known as the SanSe, that officially closes the holiday season and kicks off the New Year.

Tropical, Travel-Inspired Cocktails to Ring in Your New Year

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Mulled wine, snowballs, and spiked eggnog may headline the list of festive favorites for many cocktail drinkers, but why not switch it up and greet the New Year by projecting your tropical travel resolutions?

Here are our picks of some sunny, island-inspired sips to take you into next year – and hold you over until your next sun-kissed vacation.

Cheers!

The Bahamas: Goombay Smash

The Goombay Smash is a rum-based cocktail with a historic pedigree in The Bahamas. While the original recipe may remain a secret, versions of the drink have spread to all of The Bahamas' major islands, impressing locals and visitors alike with its strong fruity flavor.

^{(Photo courtesy of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation)}

Recipe for a shareable pitcher:

11 oz dark rum

11 oz light rum

11 oz coconut rum

11 oz apricot brandy

46 oz pineapple juice

Mix in a pitcher before serving over ice with a fruit garnish.

St. Martin: Guavaberry Kir

Guavaberry is one of St. Martin’s most famous flavours and exports. Boasting a complex flavour profile including woody, sweet, and spicy notes, Guavaberry is carefully cultivated on both the French and Dutch sides of the island and used in jams, spreads, and spirits.

This simple cocktail, a take on a French kir royale combining black currant liqueur and champagne, highlights the incredible flavour of St. Martin’s Guavaberry Liqueur.

^{(Photo courtesy Nicola Blazier / Jesson + Company Tourism Marketing)}

Recipe for a glass:

1 oz St Maarten Guavaberry Liqueur

5 oz champagne

Pour pre-chilled liqueur into a frozen champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne and dress with a small curl of orange skin.

Antigua & Barbuda: Hibiscus Sangria

Nothing says lazing around in the sunshine like Sangria, which originated in the Mediterranean sun of Spain. This version, from Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean, draws on the local flavor of refreshing sorrel. Sorrel is a tangy, intensely aromatic brew with a trademark red colour derived from the plant of the same name - a close relative of Hibiscus. Sorrel drinks are the holiday drink in the Caribbean!

Recipe for a pitcher or punch bowl:

1 bottle of red wine

1 cup of sorrel juice

1/2 cup of hibiscus tea

1/2 cup of brandy or rum

Assorted fruits (pineapples, oranges, limes, grapes)

Brew your own hibiscus tea: place several (2-3 fresh or ¼ cup of dried flower) petals in a teapot and cover it with boiling water; allow to steep for approximately 5 minutes. Strain and bring to room temperature (preferably the tea should be chilled).

Combine red wine, sorrel juice, and hibiscus tea with brandy or rum in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add sliced fruits of your choice to the mixture and let steep half a day before serving. When serving, include a mixture of the fruit.

(Pictured, top, image courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority).

Hawaii: The Mai Tai

Often mistaken as Hawaiian, tiki is actually imaginary, made of a collection of romanticized concepts of Polynesian and South Seas culture, including humanoid teak carvings, coconut shell bikini tops, grass skirts, pineapples… and powerful cocktails featuring pineapple, coconut, rum, and other tropical flavors. Tiki and tiki bars have become shorthand for ‘Pacific Island getaway’ and they abound in Hawaii.

A staple in any tiki bar, the Mai Tai is the perfect Summer drink - or your drink of choice during a visit to America’s Pacific island state. You’ll be carried to Hawaii’s clear blue waters after your first sip of this fruity concoction.

^{(Image courtesy of Hawaii Tourism)}

Recipe for a single glass:

1 oz spiced rum

1 oz coconut rum

1 tsp grenadine syrup

2 oz pineapple juice

2 oz orange juice

Combine the rums, grenadine, and juices in a cocktail mixer with ice. Shake and strain into a glass of ice. *Party Tip: make these up a pitcher at a time with a bucket of ice and garnish handy.

Garnish with wedges of fresh pineapple on a skewer topped with a cherry.

With these 4 recipes delivering up the taste of tropical travel, why not dress up in beach wear and make your NYE party tropical beach-themed!

And to actually get away from winter weather, ask us to help you plan the perfect sun-kissed, island vacation for the New Year.

Happy New Year!

Image credits as noted.

The Cayman Islands - Hotels for Every Type of Traveller

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Whether you imagine an accommodation off the beaten track or an ocean-front suite with breath taking sea views, the place in the Cayman Islands where you put your feet up during the day and lay your head down at night will be everything you hoped for.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman lies directly along the legendary Seven Mile beach. Set within two contemporary towers, the property has received numerous accolades over the years and has just completed a stunning top-to-bottom renovation. This flagship property also offers the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert, an interactive culinary studio, a tennis centre and more. Additional property highlights include the Starfish Cay water park, Oculus glass bottom boat and the renowned Ambassadors of the Environment family program by Jean-Michel Cousteau.

Just steps from the pristine sands of Seven Miles Beach and a short walk from shopping and dining at Camana Bay, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach (hero image) is a top choice for a convenient stay on Grand Cayman. The property’s picturesque tropical garden pool has been making waves amongst Instagram lovers. Its adorable design complements the on-site restaurant, Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden, with its al fresco restaurant and lounge.

WestJet offers year-round, 4 hour, nonstop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman with easy connections across Canada and up to 6 flights a week starting December.

Contact your trusted travel advisor for detail

Made You Look: The Quirkiest, Most Creative Tourism Marketing Campaigns of 2022

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Now that we’re traveling again, destinations around the world have been wooing visitors back – with promotional videos from the weird to the wild to the wonderful that have been vying for the attention of international travelers like us.

In 2022, did any of these campaigns make you look - or want to book?

Iceland Wants to “Out-Horse Your Email”

In a clever play on the word ‘outsource’, in its not only quirky, but incredibly cute video, Iceland promises to 'out-horse your email' to Icelandic ponies that have been trained to write your out of office reply while you’re on vacation in Iceland so you never get distracted from your exploration of the country. (Image, top, via youtube.)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

'Nothing ruins your vacation like work,' explains the video, before showing seven adorable and iconic Icelandic horses hoofing it over a giant keyboard and typing emails with their toes. They’re joking – but not joking! On the tourism board’s web site dedicated to the gag, you can actually pick one of three horses to write your own out-of-office email. Visit OutHorseYourEmail.com to try it!

“Spooky” Sweden

In a tie-up with Hallowe’en, Sweden’s creative campaign called ‘Spellbound by Sweden’ includes a two-minute ‘horror’ film with ‘Sweden’ as the narrator, explaining “this place is my soul,” as she tells the tale of a man visiting a forest and encountering a traditional Swedish folklore character of an irresistible forest nymph.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

The twist on dark storytelling ‘Spellbound by Sweden’ web site explains: “We’d like to invite you to experience our country’s nature in a way you’ve never done before. Sweden’s nature has always been an integral part of our culture and played a central role in Swedish folklore. Inspired by this heritage, internationally-celebrated author John Ajvide Lindqvist has brought some of our mythological creatures to life in a chilling tale and audio story – only available for listening to in our Swedish nature.”

Happy Cheesy Belated Birthday to Vilnius, Lithuania

Admit it: you didn’t know the capital of Lithuania! The lesser-known destination is playing up its under-the-radar reputation by inviting people around the world to celebrate its 700th anniversary in 2023, even if they don't know what or where Vilnius is!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

'After most of the world forgot Vilnius' last 699 birthdays, we came up with a solution for its 700th,' the cheesy, late-night infomercial-style video says, offering up a 'belated birthday e-card collection,' with the video displaying various cards before asking you to send your own, “shamelessly and in style,” which you can actually do at this web site.

This isn’t the first quirky tourism campaign from the city that’s trying to put itself on your travel map. Previous campaigns have called the city 'the g-spot of Europe' and rewritten a Christmas carol.

Vienna: The Way to your Heart is Through your Stomach

The capital of Austria is playing up all the stomach clichés: the old wives’ advice that the ‘way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous quip that an army ‘marches on its belly,’ and in its own short film, Vienna tourism gives visitors permission to travel on their bellies, playing up its culinary reputation.

Vienna is giving visitors permission to let themselves go during their trip to the city, with the hero of its video a walking belly (yes, that's right), which has left its fitness-focused human, Harry, because he no longer feels welcome.

Visiting Vienna’s iconic destinations and enjoying lots of food, eventually, the Belly is reunited with Harry, and they together enjoy a Viennese restaurant. 'The most beautiful way to love yourself is to indulge,' the video ends.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

No One Upstages the Grand Tour of Switzerland – Not Even Anne Hathaway and Roger Federer

Anne Hathaway and Roger Federer parkour-ing across Swiss glaciers? Synchronized swimming through a crystal-clear lake? You won’t see that in this video by Switzerland Tourism. The video portrays a film screening session where the American actor and Swiss tennis great are viewing a theoretical tourism video in which they both star, and have performed crazy feats.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

But the director has chosen only all the heroic wide shots of the scenery, with the two celebrities indistinguishably tiny in the shots, proving that even Roger Federer and Anne Hathaway can’t upstage the incredible vistas of the Grand Tour of Switzerland, a 1020 mile road trip taking visitors to 46 top attractions and past 22 lakes, 5 Alpine passes and 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Find out more about the Grand Tour of Switzerland - and Switzerland’s celebrity spokesperson Roger Federer’s favorite

places at www.myswitzerland.com/roger.

Animated Australia’s Warm Welcome

In another celebrity mash-up that is a tourism take on Toy Story, Australia tourism’s quirky animated video, titled 'G'day,' stars Australian actress Rose Byrne as Ruby, a toy kangaroo (which of course, is one of the country’s iconic creatures) and Canadian actor Will Arnett as Louie, a toy unicorn (which isn’t a real creature at all, let alone Australian or even Canadian).

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

The two stuffed animals escape from a Great Barrier Reef gift shop and travel to scenic Australian destinations like Nitmiluk Gorge, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House.

'Down Under, 'g'day' is the start of every good adventure,' explains Byrne at the end, in real life. 'It's our way of saying, 'If you're not a friend yet, you will be, mate.''

The People - Literally – ‘Make’ the Destination in the Philippines

No celebrities – and no actual scenery. The Philippines took a different approach with its video, deciding to not actually show any real imagery of the actual country.

Instead, dancers in second skins move in choreographed formations to recreate some of the country’s famous landscapes, projected in color onto the dancers’ bodies, to communicate to viewers and visitors that – literally - “The people make the destination – it’s more fun with you”.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

All the audio was recorded in 23 locations across the Philippines, from crashing waves in Samar to mountain hikes in the Cordilleras to T’boli instruments from South Cotobato.

START YOUR TRIP!

All images via their respective tourism authorities' videos on youtube.

Mexico's Top 5 Archaeological Sites

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Break away from the beach and inject the wonder of history into your next vacation! Mexico’s ancient past comes alive at archaeological sites around the country that allow you to walk in the footsteps of the inhabitants of highly evolved societies who built pyramids, elaborate cities, and culture rivalling any ancient civilization in the world. Pre-Columbian (the era prior to Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World) archaeological sites are true wonders of the world. It’s not everywhere you can enjoy an epic beach vacation and walk back in time over a thousand years.

Every year, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reveals the most popular historical monuments and archaeological sites in the country.

Luckily, of the top five, many can be visited from your beach resort or cruise port of call.

1. Chichén Itzá in Yucatán

More than 2 million people visited Mexico’s most famous archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site this year, making it the most popular historic site in the country. On the Yucatan peninsula, it’s easily accessible from resorts or cruise ports in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Chichén Itzá is the ruins of a 4 square mile ancient Mayan city that was once home to 35,000 people and was a religious, military, political and commercial center that dates back 1500 years.

The most spectacular remains are of El Castillo (The Castle), a pyramid rising nearly 80 feet above the city’s Main Plaza. The four-sided pyramid has 91 steps on each side, with a top step that combine for a total of 365 steps – the number of days in a solar year. El Castillo is perfectly aligned with compass directions, and during spring and fall equinoxes (the days of the year when there are equal hours of light and darkness), shadows cast by a setting sun create an appearance of a snake on the staircases – reflecting the carving of the major snake god carved at the top.

Chichén Itzá also has the largest ball court in the Americas, a site 545 feet long and 223 feet wide, where Mayans played tlachtli. It was not a game for the faint-hearted, as carvings on the walls show victors holding the severed head of a member of the losing team.

And don’t miss the Temple of the Jaguars, which once roamed the area and whose form is still represented in front of the imposing building.

2. Teotihuacán in the State of Mexico

About an hour north of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is another vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that normally takes top spot on the most-visited list but was edged out by Chichén Itzá this year.

Teotihuacán is even older than Chichén Itzá, with its famous Pyramid of the Sun believed to have been constructed around 200 AD – 300 years before Chichén Itzá. Historically, it may be even more significant. With a population of 125,000 at its peak before 500 AD, it is believed to be the sixth-largest city in the world for its times. Its masterpieces, still standing today, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon with the Avenue of the Dead joining them, represent the greatest architectural achievements of the pre-Columbian era in the Americas. It’s also anthropologically important in that the city also build complex, multi-floor and multi-family residential compounds.

Don’t miss the sensational murals or the chance to take a hot air balloon ride over the ruins to get a completely different perspective and awe at the vastness of the Teotihuacán site. (Pictured, top)

3. Tulum in Quintana Roo

The 3^rd most-visited historic ruins in Mexico this year registered more foreign visitors than Mexican nationals; no wonder since they are so close to popular resorts. Tulum’s archaeological sites are less than 3 miles from Tulum’s town center, less than an hour from Playa, and only one and a half hours from Cancun.

Tulum is the only Mayan city built on a coast – and one of the few protected by a wall, an imposing limestone structure over 2500 feet long and up to 16 feet high.

Much ‘younger’ than Chichén Itzá or Teotihuacán, Tulum dates from the 1200’s. The ‘Castillo,’ or Castle, is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, thought to have been built as a watch tower. The Temple of the Frescoes is one of the best-preserved buildings with restored murals representing three levels of the Mayan world: the dead, the living, and the gods. Above the doorway of the temple is a figure with a bird’s wings and tail diving – believed to represent a Mayan god who protected the people.

4. Monte Albán in Oaxaca

Believed to date from an incredible 8^th century BC, Monte Albán is in on high ground in the hills of Oaxaca. The nearest resort area is Huatulco on the coast half a day’s drive away.

Four square miles of the site are occupied by pyramids, temples, terraces, plazas and canals. The Grand Plaza has massive platform mounds at either end, and you can also see a ball-playing court, underground passageways and the most elaborate tombs yet uncovered in the Americas.

5. Palenque in Chiapas

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palenque’s historic ruins and surrounding jungle together make up the Palenque National Park, which is home to howler monkeys and jaguars.

The site is 400 miles from the Riviera Maya, so you need a three-day round trip from your beach resort to see a site that rivals Chichén Itzá’s importance, especially as its Temple of Inscriptions, with hieroglyphic writings, attest to the mythology and history of the Mayan people. Palenque is also home to a 160 foot-long canal crossing the city that was the first pressurized canal in the world.

Less than 10% of the site, which dates to 200 BC, has been excavated, so many more mysteries and wonders from Palenque have yet to be revealed.

Start your Trip!

Images via Getty

The Top 5 List of the World's Most Expensive Shopping Streets Just Got a Shakeup

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Travel and treating yourself to luxury shopping go hand in hand for many, so this year’s list of the world’s most expensive shopping streets may help you plan a retail therapy trip or holiday shopping spree for those loved ones who like to see presents under the tree with labels that take their breath away.

Sometimes, it’s even fun just to walk around famously extravagant shopping districts on vacation and people-watch to see how the ‘other half’ – or rather, that other 1% - lives.

If any of those travel activities appeal to you, a new report might give you some ideas for your next urban vacation. It compares how rents in the world’s top luxury shopping streets stack up now – and reveals that the last couple of years has changed the lineup of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.

1. In December, 2022, the most expensive shopping street in the world is New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

Fifth Avenue may be New York’s most recognizable street, running north-south through Manhattan past Central Park. It’s the street that’s home to most of the city’s celebratory parades, and the section between 59^th and 96^th streets across Central Park is dubbed ‘Millionaire’s Row.’ Just before that section of historic mansions in the 50’s is the most expensive shopping street on the planet.

Naturally, you’ll find eye-popping U.S. flagship stores of global brands, plus American designers, and legendary department store Saks Fifth Avenue.

Don't miss: flagship stores of ‘high street’ brands that are a lot more high concept than the ones you see in your local mall at home, making them well worth the visit just for the lifestyle experience.

2. Hong Kong’s Canton Road has dropped from its first place position as the world’s most expensive shopping street.

That’s not surprising as Hong Kong, as of the beginning of December, 2022, remains essentially closed to visitors due to the pandemic. As a result, its rents have dropped to ‘only’ three-quarters the price of rents on NYC’s Upper Fifth Avenue. Still, that keeps Canton Road in second place among the world’s most expensive shopping streets.

Close to the Star Ferry Pier on the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Hong Kong, the section of Canton Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road is home to some of the most bedazzling flagship stores of the world’s most iconic designer brands. Here, the secret to success is excess, where eye-catching design, spectacular storefronts, and awe-inspiring displays and experiences - and of course, those wallet-lightening products – beckon.

Don't miss: Harbour City, the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong, with hundreds of stores.

It may not surprise you to learn that all the other top five most expensive shopping streets in the world are in Europe.

3. Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone comes in at third place globally, and the most expensive shopping street in Europe.

Not surprisingly in the capital of Italian fashion and design, Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone celebrates Italian high style. The designers who became among the first household names of fashion in the world have their ateliers in Milan, and their global flagship stores are right here. They are housed in the street’s Neoclassical palaces, originally built for the Italian aristocracy, now aptly home to Italy’s fashion royalty.

Don’t miss: shoe shopping. The most exclusive Italian shoemakers for men and women – some you may not know of unless you are really obsessed with fine footwear – have their boutiques right here.

4. London’s New Bond Street has dropped behind Milan, now coming in as the world’s fourth most expensive shopping street.

In the tony West End of London, Bond Street is the only street connecting Picadilly in the south, to Oxford Street in the north, with New Bond Street in the northern section. Since the 1700’s, it’s been home to some of London’s most prestigious fashion retailers, and that tradition continues today in historic, protected buildings. According to local authorities, it has the “highest density of haute couture stores anywhere in the world, including iconic British brands and international favorites.

Don’t miss: Bond Street’s history as the location for London’s top-shelf art dealers and antique shops. Sotheby’s auction house has been on Bond Street for over a century.

5. Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Élysées rounds out the top five most expensive shopping streets in the world.

While ‘only’ ranking fifth in the most expensive shopping streets, it may be the street in Europe most people could name first. Not only is the Champs-Élysées the heart of French couture, it’s the most famous street in the city that perpetually ranks one of the top three city travel destinations worldwide.

Running between Place de la Concorde and the city’s epic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe, this wide, tree-lined avenue is the center of French public celebrations, from the finish of the Tour de France to Bastille Day parades. It is often named the most beautiful street in the world. In recent years, global fashion brands have joined historic French couture houses.

Don’t miss: the spectacular holiday lighting that makes a spectacular avenue even more magical between late November and early January (pictured).

Start your Shopping Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise / travel journalist and expert.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors In San Francisco

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

When you visit San Francisco, you’ll have miles of trails, breathtaking scenery and spectacular views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and the city’s famous terraced hills and skyline—all right outside your door.

Our city is an outdoor haven with parks, play spaces, trails and bikeways in every neighborhood. In fact, as of 2017, San Francisco was the first and only city in the U.S. where all residents had access to a park within a 10-minute walk. New parks and protected spaces continue to be created at a remarkable pace.

Presidio Tunnel Tops, which opened in July 2022, are among the most anticipated, innovative, and unique attractions to arrive in San Francisco in years. Designed by James Corner Field Operations, the team that created New York City's High Line, Tunnel Tops encompasses 14 acres of new parkland at the heart of the historic Presidio. By being ingenuously built over Highway 101, the Tunnel Tops connect the Main Lawn of the Presidio to Crissy Field, giving visitors a safe and car-free way to walk all the way to the shoreline.

The 4.5-acre Francisco Park opened in the Russian Hill neighborhood in April 2022. The park combines previously inaccessible open space with the long-abandoned Francisco Reservoir, offering a panoramic view over the Bay and 100,000 square feet of recreational space. Visitors can hop off the Hyde Street cable car and explore the 25,000 square foot main lawn, viewing platforms, and a children’s playground.

Created by a coalition of passionate urban hikers and bikers, the 17-mile Crosstown Trail was completed in June 2019. It stretches diagonally across the city from the southeast to the northwest, connecting many of San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods, open spaces and local trails. The Crosstown Trail shows off the city’s diversity, bringing visitors to locations not typically found in most guidebooks.

Downtown’s newest park is Salesforce Park. Opened in August 2018, it sits 70 feet above street level atop the roof of the Salesforce Transit Center. The 5.4-acre urban park runs a nearly four-block stretch and offers the tranquility of spacious lawns and botanical gardens.  While commuters on the lower levels are catching buses, visitors to the park will find 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in 13 different botanical ecosystems.

With all this open space and San Francisco’s temperate year-round climate, travelers looking to get their fill of fresh air need look no further than the City by the Bay for their next adventure.

Why More and More People are Giving the Gift of Travel this Season

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

‘Tis the season for good cheer, family togetherness and dreams coming true… and for us, that all adds up to travel. More than ever before, this may the year to give the gift of travel - to yourself or to your family.

More and more people are trading in exhausting entertaining for holiday trips where you’re not the one doing all the work – instead, you’re being pampered and living your best life as you celebrate the season.

Others are pulling the plug on lengthy, stressful shopping wish lists, and going all-in giving loved ones a special trip in the coming year.

They’re giving themselves or their loved ones a thoughtful, heart-felt, and memorable gift they’ll cherish and remember forever.

Here are some more reasons to consider the gift of travel:

We value experiences over things.

Study after study shows that what we remember and cherish are experiences, not stuff from the mall - even stuff we think we really want - we’ll never remember if it’s gone. Travel experiences take us out of our daily grind, give us a fresh perspective on the world and each other and create a lifetime of memories.

For many people, travel is the ultimate dream, and the gift they’ll cherish most.

Time spent together is the best treasure.

As the world gets ever faster and people ever busier, the most valuable commodity is time. Time spent together, nurturing relationships, creating shared memories that uplift us and that we can cherish through the years ahead – those are among the real gifts that travel with our loved ones gives us.

Put less in the landfill.

Every human activity has an impact on the world, but less shopping and fewer things mean less waste in creating them – and less waste when thrown away. Many of us already have too much ‘stuff’: clothes, accessories, devices… Giving the gift of travel to ourselves or to loved ones lets us show how much we care for them – and helps care for the planet in keeping waste out of landfill.

Those are just some of the ways the gift of travel helps us celebrate that good cheer, togetherness and dreams coming true that embody the spirit of the season.

Thank you for trusting us with helping you make travel memories, and wishing you the very best of the season, wherever you spend the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

The Christmas Markets You Can't Miss on a Viking 'Christmas on the Rhine' River Cruise

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 18 Jan 23 15:52:15 +0000

Viking has debuted a new river cruise that would make even the Grinch burst with Christmas spirit! And if you already love Christmas like I do, Viking’s new ‘Christmas on the Rhine' river cruise may be the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the beloved and authentic European Christmas traditions right at their source.

From March until November every year, Viking operates river cruises on the Rhine, but in late November, for the four weeks leading up to Christmas, the Scandinavian, family-owned cruise line transforms Rhine river cruises into voyages of Christmas cheer.

Even if you’ve sailed a Viking Rhine river cruise before, this is a whole new way to experience the Rhine. I wasn’t surprised to learn that joining us on board were dozens of guests who’d sailed the Rhine with Viking in the past – but were back just for the unique Christmas experience in ports of call and for the Christmas atmosphere and activities on board the ship.

One of the most iconic rivers in Europe, the Rhine river flows north from Switzerland, forms the border between France and Germany for a ways, then continues flowing through Germany and the Netherlands where it empties into the North Sea.

That means the Christmas on the Rhine cruise takes you into the heart of four countries. And Viking’s excursions ensure you can experience Christmas just as the locals do. At nearly every port along the way, we had the opportunity to take an excursion to local Christmas markets, sometimes more than one, each with its own charms and flavors.

Here are my festive favorites – and I’m sure you’ll find your own.

Basel, Switzerland

We embarked on our Christmas market cruise from Basel, the port nearest the source of the Rhine, and our only Swiss port. Basel doesn’t concentrate its Christmas cheer just in one town square. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be delighted to encounter another immense – and real! – Christmas tree brightening streets and squares outside the town hall, the cathedral, and more. Each decorated differently, and putting a smile on your face.

At the town hall, there’s a one-of-a-kind, giant Christmas wishbook, where locals and visitors can write down their heartfelt wishes in nearly every language under the sun.

By day, we have that moment of delight – always one of my favorite moments of a cruise: meeting our Viking ‘Longship,’ Viking Sigyn, on the Rhine near the Old Town, and we embark on our Rhine river cruise.

Strasbourg, France

The only French Christmas market on the route, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest in France – with a delightful mixture of German Yuletide traditions and French style and savoir vivre reflecting the Alsace region’s historic back-and-forth between two nations.

This is where you’ll find a twist on German ‘gluhwein’ or mulled red wine. One variation found in Strasbourg is mulled white Alsace wine with clementines, perfect for those of us who don’t drink red wine!

Maybe my favorite example of French-German traditions coming together is ‘Beignet Bretzel:’ French doughnuts shaped like German pretzels. My camera guys opted for chocolate – good call!

Freiburg, Germany

This charming little medieval town in Germany’s Black Forest is even more charming at Christmas. The Christmas market is held near a regular town market in the cathedral square, where I was smitten by the abundance of Christmas greens, flowers, Advent wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and Christmas floral arrangements that speak to the heart of the earliest winter / Christmas tradition of celebrating ‘ever-greens’ and bringing greens indoors to remember that Nature continues even during the darkest days of the year. (Pictured, top).

I couldn’t resist: I bought a Christmas bouquet of pine, boxwood, berries and scarlet amaryllis and brought it back to the Viking Sigyn, where the front desk staff kindly took the flowers from me and had them put in a vase in my room where they were a perfect Christmas addition!

Cologne, Germany

One of the biggest cities on the Rhine, Cologne’s imposing cathedral is just minutes walking from our prime docking space near the Old Town. It’s one of the perks of taking a river cruise!

We wandered off the ship along the riverbank to a series of festive squares, each with different themes. Cologne really gets into the spirit of winter, not just the holidays, with an outdoor skating rink and curling around the base of an historic statue, in one area.

Nearer to the cathedral, ornate, Olde Tyme market kiosks with many vendors in historic costumes make you feel you’ve stepped back in time. In addition to shopping and delicious seasonal foods and more of that gluhwein mulled warm wine, blacksmiths are smithing, and other artisans are practicing their crafts in costume for visitors.

Each Christmas market along the Rhine is so unique from all the others – yet all are so brimming with Christmas spirit. You won’t want to miss any of them, and our Viking Christmas on the Rhine river cruise is the ideal way to experience the best of the region: unpacking once, and sailing daily into new places to discover local versions of the spirit of Christmas.

Start your Viking Christmas Market River Cruise!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Cruise/ Travel Expert and Journalist

Images: Lynn Elmhirst

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Start your Trip!

The Top 5 List of the World's Most Expensive Shopping Streets Just Got a Shakeup

It may not surprise you to learn that all the other top five most expensive shopping streets in the world are in Europe.

Start your Shopping Trip!

Enjoy The Great Outdoors In San Francisco

Why More and More People are Giving the Gift of Travel this Season

Happy Holidays!

The Christmas Markets You Can't Miss on a Viking 'Christmas on the Rhine' River Cruise

Basel, Switzerland

Strasbourg, France

Freiburg, Germany

Cologne, Germany

Start your Viking Christmas Market River Cruise!

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