Archive for Europe

What Makes Spain a Great Travel Destination? 09 Jan 2018

Hola! Spain is a great destination to visit for many reason, even visting multiple times. It is a country with much diversity, deep history and natural beauty. From bustling cities to charming villages, stunning beaches, natural wilderness areas, winelands and snow skiing in the Pyrenees Mountains, Spain has a lot to offer. Madrid and Barcelona are easily accessible by non-stop flights from the U.S. which makes Spain an easy European destination to reach and the currency is Euro, making it easy to combine with other nearby European countries.

Once there, travel within Spain is quite easy via rail, rental car, or even by bus. Local flights in some cases are the best way in order to save time (e.g. – Barcelona to San Sebastian or Seville). If your are adventuresome and have enough time, doing a self-drive in some areas is highly recommended and easy to do as roads are in good condition with good signage. Recently, France and Spain have collaborated to offer high-speed train travel between several cities in France to Barcelona or Madrid, making it very easy to include both destinations. A short ferry ride connects southern Spain with Morocco as well.

You can cover a lot of Spain in two weeks, but sights will need to be prioritized. If a future trip is possible, then focusing on either northern Spain (Barcelona, Costa Brava, Madrid, Toledo, Verde Coast & the Basque region) or southern Spain (Seville, Valencia, Cordoba, Granada, Costa del Sol) is preferable. A customized, seamless itinerary including local transportation can be created to suit your requirements. Unusual sightseeing such as private Flamenco dance lessons, olive oil tasting in the Lecrin Valley, a bullfight, cooking classes and foodie tours are ideas to consider including.Perhaps an escorted group tour is more to your liking?

One of my favorite hotels includes the Hostal de la Gavina on the Costa Brava north of Barcelona. In Barcelona, I recommend Hotel Claris, Majestic Hotel & Spa or Hotel Neri. The Westin Palace in Madrid has a great location and the Villa Real is another great option for Madrid. Hotel Maria Cristina is the best luxury option in San Sebastian and the Gran Melia Colon is an excellent choice for Seville. For Granada, you may want to consider reserving Hotel AC Palacio de Santa Paula, Alhambra Palace Hotel or NHCollection Victoria. I always recommend to stay in at least one Paradores property which are luxury hotels located in historic buildings – former castle, palace, convent, monastery or fortress and are sprinkled throughout the country.

Spain’s rich history was largely influenced by the Romans and Moors. As a result, Roman ruins are plentiful and beautiful Moorish architecture can be found in Barcelona and Madrid and to the south. A Gaudi architecture tour in Barcelona is recommended for clients who appreciate architecture. Both Madrid and Barcelona are home to lively outdoor markets that are well worth a visit and both are centers for the arts. Spain’s entire eastern coastline offers numerous beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean, with southern opportunites on the Alboran Sea and the Atlantic bordering its beaches to the north and northwest. Largely Catholic, Spain observes a number of religious holidays and has a lot of festivals to enjoy, one of the most well-known being Fiesta de San Fermin in Pamplona. And, of course, the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is where four Christian pilgrimage routes culminate from various parts in Europe.

In summary, Spain is an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples (including honeymooners), families and groups.

 

Categories : Blog, Europe
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Elevate Your Cruise Experience 01 Dec 2016

Do you enjoy cruising the oceans, rivers or intimate canal waterways? Get the most out of your cruise vacation by considering these three essential elements:
 

    1. cruise, river cruise, BudapestExtend your vacation by adding on a land journey before and/or after your cruise. You likely will travel a great distance to begin your cruise, so why not make the most out of your investment of time and money by seeing more of the destination where you begin or end your cruise? Several options can be considered from an escorted group tour, private chauffeur-driven tour, self-drive exploration or city stay.Many cruise lines offer an escorted group tour or city stay but there are also many other sources that may be more affordable and offer much more flexibility.
    2. Private, customized shore excursions can add a more enriching experience to your cruise and allow you to focus on what is more meaningful to you instead of having to settle for what is designed for a group.Shore excursions are an additional cost by most cruise lines and are typically rather expensive as this comprises a large part of their revenue. A completely private experience for you and your fellow travelers will be more expensive than a group excursion offered by the cruise line, of course, but offers total flexibility and an opportunity to immerse yourself more in the destination. In addition, there are several companies who specialize in providing shore excursions in various parts of the world and do so more affordably and in smaller groups than most cruise lines.
    3. cruise, River cruise, couple,Upgrade your cabin if your budget allows for this as this can greatly impact your enjoyment of the cruise. A better location on the ship to minimize noise and motion, a larger cabin, having a balcony versus a window, or selecting a concierge or club level with added amenities, or butler service are all upgrades that may be well worth the additional expense.

 
Not sure what cruise is right for you, and what enhancements are available? Gateway Destinations specializes in premium and luxury cruises for individuals, families and groups to all worldwide destinations. As a member of the Signature Travel Network, we offer very competitive pricing and amenities on many cruises. Have your own group of travelers? We can help choose the right ship and itinerary, take care of all the details and secure added benefits for your group.

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Redefining Celebrations 01 Nov 2016

Celebration vacationDo you have a romantic celebration coming up such as a destination wedding, honeymoon, wedding anniversary, or perhaps have thought about renewing your wedding vows? There are so many details to consider when it comes to hosting a wedding. It is important that it reflects you and your partner as a couple and lets you share your love and happiness with your family and friends in a setting that reflects your values, style and budget. When it comes to celebrating your honeymoon, we understand that it’s all about you and your partner as individuals and as a couple, and enjoying a vacation that excites you and creates the unforgettable memories you seek. Celebrating your anniversary deserves an equally unforgettable experience. It should transport you away from it all, only to bring the two of you closer together. It should honor the amazing moments you have shared in the past years, while making new ones.

Celebration vacation, family vacationPerhaps you have an important life event such as a milestone birthday, graduation, retirement or even bachelor/bachelorette party you want to celebrate with friends or family? Travel is a delightful and fun way to mark special occasions in your life and we can help you determine just the right vacation to commemorate these milestone achievements.

Celebrating the reunion of friends or family members through travel creates memories that will last forever. It brings people, even generations, together and forges closer bonds.Whatever the special occasion, we can help you find the best hotels, resorts, cruises, and activities to suit your entire group. With our knowledge, expertise and connections, you can entrust the intricate planning to us.

Unlike a travel booking website, Gateway Destinations will take the time to get to know you, making sure your vacation is perfectly tailored to your needs. Leave the details to us and simply enjoy your celebratory journey.

Categories : Blog, Custom Tours, Europe
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5 Tips to Stress-Free Holiday Travel 01 Oct 2016

Looking to travel somewhere to spend the holidays? Make the most out of your vacation or family time by taking a few simple but important steps:

  1. European ChristmasPlan well in advance – this alone will help reduce stress. If flying, purchase tickets three to six months in advance to obtain optimal schedules and pricing. Take care to avoid high travel days whether flying or driving if at all possible (such as the Sunday after Thanksgiving). Hotel reservations should be made three or more months before travel as accommodations will be in high demand – some destinations should be even a year in advance. Make a checklist so you don’t overlook something as you get close to the busy holiday season.
  2. If flying for your holiday, save time and minimize frustration at airports by signing up for either TSA PreCheck (to expedite security screening for domestic travel) at www.tsa.gov or Global Entry (to expedite U.S. Customs and immigrations clearance for international travel) at www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply.
  3. Allow extra time while traveling during the holidays – on the road if driving, at train stations or at airports. If mailing holiday gifts, get to the post office early in the season and avoid long waiting lines.
  4. Pack smart. Plan what you really need to take with you and try to minimize luggage as trains and planes will be full and more luggage will likely be lost during the high holiday travel season. Make sure your identification is on all luggage, use only TSA locks and include a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase. Save space by shipping holiday gifts – if you do take some with you, leave them unwrapped as TSA may need to inspect them. Pack a change of clothes and healthy snacks in your carry-on bag if flying in case there is a travel delay or your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do.
  5. Stay healthy! Avoid ruining your trip by getting sick, so take some preventative measures before you leave. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, eat well and get enough fresh air and exercise. Also, carry some hand sanitizer with you.
Categories : Blog, Custom Tours, Europe
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Plan to Travel Frequently to the United Kingdom? 15 Sep 2016

If you travel frequently to the United Kingdom (or know someone who does), you may want to consider joining the UK’s new Registered Traveller Service (similar to our Global Entry). You must be 18 years or older, have an eligible passport, and have visited the UK at least four times in the last two years. Having this will eliminate the need for a landing card and expedite your arrival or connection time process. The cost for the first year is 70 GBP and 50 GBP per year thereafter. Interested? Go to: UK Registered Traveller. Please share this with your friends or colleagues.

Categories : Europe, Travel Tips
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