Holidays conjure many emotions. Some are ready to deck
the halls. Others are motivated to have the most lights in the front of
their homes. And still others decorate both artificial and 'cut' trees with
the same ornaments year after year. In this era of long distance families,
multiple religions, second families, and step families, instead of enjoying
one another, many people find themselves depressed and often feeling overwhelmed.
There can be so many things to make decisions about. There can be too many
extra things to do. Disagreements about who to see and not see, who to visit
and not visit, where to go, or whether to stay home can create a great deal
of stress in your lives. So what am I getting at' Escape to Europe'off season!!
A very special time in Europe! Special rates! The summer
tourist crowds have disappeared. Seldom are there delays standing in lines
and best of all the prices are very affordable!! Prices are unexpectedly
reasonable and most of the time airfares are the lowest of the entire year!
During the off season (normally week after Thanksgiving
thru the second week of December) there are fantastic travel bargains in
Europe. A nine day excursion to Germany and Alsace will take you to the
roads between Strasbourg and Colmar in the eastern part of France. Savor
the flavors of the region famous for the origination of pate', a country
French dish. Visit Colmar, where the Statue of Liberty was carved. Travel
onward to Germany's Romantic Road to Rothenburg, one of Bavarians most scenic
village treasured with 18 century architecture and cobblestone streets!!
Visit artistic Cathedrals which took over 400 years to complete!
The Christmas Markets (from end of November to Christmas
Eve) were started many years ago to bring people together during the Holiday
Season. Most of the markets are in idyllic settings between the town hall
and the church. Rumor has it that the markets were created to lore people
back to church. Whatever the reason, they are a wonderful event that is
popular in Germany, France, Austria and the Scandinavian countries, but
by all means not the entire focus of the vacation.
At the markets you can just 'look' or purchase hand crafted
merchandise and gifts, especially traditional things such as toys, wood
carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes. Many are difficult to
resist because they are one of a kind!! The atmosphere is festive. Enjoy
a hot glass of gruhwein, freshly made gingerbreads, hot baked pretzels that
are very welcome on crisp days. The market's ambience is also enhanced by
the aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty snacks. Simply
a fun time, a couple hours of diversion added to spice up your off season
European vacation!!
For those who always thought of visiting Scandinavia
this is also a possibility. Insight Vacations offers a three day stay in
Stockholm, two night stay in Copenhagen with a guided tour of Christiansborg,
Amalienborg, the little Mermaid. Leaving Denmark you will travel via Rostock
ending with two days in Berlin at the luxurious Berlin Hilton. There will
be time for a city tour to see the Reichstag, the famous Brandenburg gate
and the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall.
There are departures on and around Thanksgiving thru
the month of December. For those who would rather make reservations than
visit the shopping malls, Insight Vacations offers Spain and Portugal leaving
December 25th returning January 03, 2007 with prices as low as $118 per
day. Visit the walls of the famed Alhambra in Granada, take a sightseeing
tour in Seville visiting the burial place of Christopher Columbus, the fashionable
Santa Cruz section, onward to the capital of Portugal for two nights at
a comfortable Marriott. Celebrate a fabulous New Year's Eve with a Highlight
Dinner at a local restaurant with tantalizing and thundering footwork of
Flamenco dancers!!
Do you have plans for Christmas or will you do the same
thing you did last year' Leaving December 22nd, there is a departure to
Italy, Rome, Sorrento and Sicily. Italy was the one tourist destination
for European Vacations in 2006. With its popularity also followed the crowds.
In the off season, rates are lower, fewer tourists, it is also a wonderful
time to visit major cities such as Rome. Travel down the coastline to Sorrento
a side trip to Capri. A finale is the Isle of Sicily. Sicily has always
been renown for its mild winter climate and a famous vacation spot any time
of year. Visit Taormina founded in 400 BC. The famous Greek amphitheatre
with acoustics that amaze even to this day! End your journey with two nights
in Palermo and visit the famous film locations for 'the Godfather' and who
knows Pacino maybe around the corner''!'! Arriving home on New Year's Eve
you will be able to show your friends pictures of this fascinating vacation.
This holiday season, put a festive ribbon on your suitcase
and change your routine! Wrap yourself in a winter coat that may be in storage
or borrow one from a friend! The change in atmosphere is an inviting adventure
and will be treasured in your holiday memories forever.
Written by Ramblin' Rose Mascarenhas of Gadabout Travel
