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Top 13 Travel Destinations for 2013

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Aimee

Well, not only did I survive another incorrectly predicted Doom’s Day, but another year of holiday festivities as well! And now as I clear away the Christmas rubble and loosen another notch on my belt (oh who am I kidding, the belt is long gone), I really enjoy looking toward the fresh new year ahead of me. What will 2013 bring? The events of 2012 came as somewhat of a shock to me (just like most years before it), so no matter how hard I try to predict 2013, I suspect it, too, will be filled twists and turns.

One thing I know for sure — I hope it includes at least some of these! Here are my top 13 wish list travel destinations for 2013:

13. Aurora Borealis: OK, it’s not a destination, but I’ve yet to experience this magical light show up close. They say that with the 11-year solar cycle in full swing, some of the best places to see the Northern Lights are in March and September in Alaska, Northern Canada, Iceland, Norway or Scotland. Hmm, perhaps an Alaskan cruise is in my future.

Photo by: Arctic light Frank Olsen, Norway

12. New Orleans, LA: I come from a long blood line of jazz musicians … and foodies! This puts New Orleans at the top of my 2013 destination wish list. Between the music and culinary festivals, well I think Louisiana may turn out to be my personal paradise.

11. San Francisco, CA: I spent a few days in Frisco many years ago. Unfortunately, it was a business trip, so I wasn’t able to truly explore and enjoy all the city has to offer. I look forward to returning to see the sights and nightlife on my schedule.

10. New England Cruise: It’s strange really — I grew up in a waterfront home, and spent most of my childhood and early adulthood out on the open water as an avid boater. Yet I’ve never taken a real cruise. I mean a real cruise. I think for my first time I’d like to take a short New England cruise …perhaps to enjoy the changing colours of autumn while the sun shines its last rays of warm September air.

9. European River Cruise: Speaking of cruises, a European river cruise is definitely on my bucket list.I’ve been fortunate to have visiting more than a dozen or so countries throughout Europe, but to see some of the sights aboard a Star Clipper, for example, now that would be truly magical.

8. Swiss Alps Ski Trip: I was only 17 years old when I first visited Switzerland. As much as I would have loved to go with the others on that ski trip, it was just out of my financial grasp at that time. I don’t have many regrets in life, but missing out on the opportunity to ski the Swiss Alps is definitely one for the books. But since I can’t go back and change the past, I’ll just have to return and hit those Swiss slopes!

7. Australia/New Zealand: I think this destination is on nearly everyone’s list. Fortunately, I have a friend living in Christchurch, NZ, which gives me the perfect excuse to visit! They say New Zealand has one of the best climates in the world — I’ll check that out and let you know

Photo By: Bmdavll

6. Jamaica: Another tropical setting I’m very eager to visit, Jamaica‘s chill vibe really appeals. As does the food … mmm, jerk chicken! There’s something about the warm waters, white sandy beaches, and friendly, relaxed atmosphere that draws me to this destination. Frosty beverages, reggae music — oh ya, I think I’m really going to like Jamaica.

5. Caribbean Cruise: This one’s self-explanatory. I mean, c’mon, it’s a Caribbean cruise, who doesn’t have that on their travel wish list?

4. Africa: The local African Lion Safari and Busch Gardens’ Gorillas in the Mist just doesn’t cut it. A guided tour of Morocco, Johannesburg and the Victoria Falls of Zambia, now that’s what I’m talking about.

Photo By: Vberger

3. Egypt: While I’m in Africa, I might as well pop on over to see the pyramids! Granted, it may not happen in 2013 (never say never!) but this is, after all, a wish list. I’ve always been intrigued by Egypt’s rich, archaeological history — and so I eagerly await my chance to be in the presence of some of the oldest remains of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

2. Turks & Caicos: Beaches, beaches, beaches. The most spectacular beaches in the entire world. Need I say more?

1. Banff, Alberta: This one tops my list for a few reasons — one, because it’s so close to home in our very own beautiful Rocky Mountains. Two, because I’ve never skied the Rockies. And three, because my chance to go is right around the corner! This February or March I’m planning a great escape to Lake Louise for some much-anticipated time on the sunny slopes. I’ll keep you posted as that trip unfolds, don’t worry!

So that’s my top 13 travel destinations for 2013. What’s on your travel wish list for the coming year?

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Warming up to the Idea of Ice Hotels?

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Aimee

Discover the world’s most beautiful ice hotels, located in Canada, Finland, Sweden & beyond.

What a luxurious vision – sleeping in a warm, soft comforter and gazing with sheer amazement at the walls made of ice, illuminated by the softest colours that soothe and comfort the soul. Ice hotels offer an experience like no other.

Here are some of the world’s most beautiful ice hotels we think will captivate your senses.

IceHotel, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

photo by Cyr (Tom Corser)

The IceHotel in Sweden was the first official hotel on the planet made of ice and snow. Every year, artists from all over the world take ice from the Torne River to build a new hotel that stays intact until it melts one spring arrives. The hotel is located conveniently close to the Kiruna airport (9 miles away), the Kiruna train station, and a shuttle service to Stockholm is available.

Hotel De Glace, Quebec City, Canada

Since 2001, Hotel De Glace has captured hearts and blown visitors away with its charm and elegance. Claiming to be the one and only hotel in North America made solely from snow and ice, it boasts a 36-room capacity with a café, an ice bar, several outdoor hot tubs and even a sauna! It takes nearly twenty sculptors to come up with a new design each year, and the ice hotel is a mere ten minutes from downtown Quebec City for your convenience.

Snow Village Canada, Montreal, Canada

photo by Snow Village

Quebec City’s Hotel De Glace isn’t the only kid on the block when it comes to ice hotels in Quebec, since Snow Village Canada is just a few hours away in Montreal. With a restaurant, outdoor recreation area and even a chapel at your disposal, there is a lot to do at this breathtaking hotel. Not only that, you can get there by the Metro subway system! Talk about convenience. Each year the designs change, depicting a different city in the snow village. The hotel is open from the beginning of January to the end of March.

Snow Village Finland, Kittila, Finland

photo by Snow Village

Finland’s ice hotel named Snow Village Finland is back for the 11^th season! With lovely details such as actual beds to sleep in (versus those made of ice) and restaurant tables carved from ice, guests can stroll from room to room in beautiful snowy hallways. To keep the ambiance cozy and friendly, the doorways are covered with fleece curtains. Talk about a stunning, inviting touch! Only a half hour from Finland’s Kittila Airport, there is also a connection to Helsinki available.

Kirkenes Snowhotel, Kirkenes, Norway

photo by Kirkenes Snowhotel

Norway is a perfect spot for an ice hotel with all the snow that arrives each year. Kirkenes Snowhotel makes the most of the snowy climate by having beautifully lit ice sculptures created by Chinese artists, gorgeous cavern-style rooms with ice beds, and a wake-up call to witness the Northern Lights! Three-course dinner and a wonderful breakfast is included in the room rates, as well as the sauna and transportation from the Kirkenes’ downtown center. There is a connection to Oslo from the Kirkenes Airport for added convenience.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway

photo by Visit Norway

Another Norwegian ice hotel escape is the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Located at the edge of a river roughly 15 miles from Alta, the architecture and pleasing atmosphere will take your heart away. With 30 bedrooms, lounge areas, an ice bar and a chapel, the accommodations are plentiful. There is also a restaurant, sauna and several hot tubs to be enjoyed at your leisure. For a winter adventure, try the snowmobile tour amidst the crisp, cool winter landscape. Breakfast, transportation to the city center, sleeping bags and sauna use are all included in the room rates. Alta Airport is the closest one nearby, with connections to Oslo available.

Igloo Village At Hotel Kakslauttanen, Saariselka, Finland

: photo by Hotel Kakslauttanen

Another ice hotel in Finland, Hotel Kakslauttanen takes a slightly different approach to embracing the winter wonderland. Professionally made snow igloos and thermal glass igloos are two of the options, with wool socks and amazingly warm sleeping bags available. Imagine taking in the snowfall from the comfort of your very own thermal glass igloo! Log cabins are also offered for those with a slightly different idea in mind, and the resort is open all year. There are bus rides to and from Ivalo Airport with a connection to Helsinki.

Ice Hotel, Balea Lake, Romania

photo by IceHotelRomania.com

Get this – you can only access Balea Lake’s Ice Hotel by cable car! How romantic is that? Located high up in the mountains, this very intimate location has no more than 14 rooms designed and built each winter. Another cool (pardon the pun) twist is that each room is designed with a musical theme! There is an awe-inspiring church carved from ice that will have you reaching for your camera the moment you see it! The nearest airport is Sibiu (30 minutes away), or Bucharest (roughly four and a half hours away).

Take your winter experience to the next level by going to one of the world’s most spectacular ice hotels. For a memorable winter adventure you will always cherish, ask your vacation expert for more details about ice hotels.

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Collette Vacations 2013-2014 Worldwide Travel Brochure: The Big Book

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Aimee

“THE BIG BOOK IS HERE!!!”

Alongside eight of my tripcentral.ca colleagues Thursday night, I was honoured to attend Collette Vacations’ announcement of the “Big Book,” which is said to contain everything travellers need to know to tour the world.

Ron Lonsdale, Cdn. Regional Sales Manager, Collette Vacations

On Thursday, November 15th, Brett Walker and Ron Lonsdale hosted an Italian buffet dinner at the Ontario Science Centre, where a select group of travel gurus gathered to learn about Collette Vacations’ 2013-2014 Worldwide Travel brochure — or the “Big Book” of tours.

Brett Walker Collette Vacations' General Manager

Brett Walker, General Manager, Collette Vacations

District Sales Manager, Christine Arthur, announced some new itineraries for the upcoming 2013-2014 season, including Inspiring Iceland, Discovering Poland, Cruising the Yangtze River, and From Rome to Paris.

Inspiring Iceland

Inspiring Iceland is a new, nine-day tour under its small group travelling brand Explorations, which caters to more adventurous customers looking to be immersed in local culture though hands-on experiences.

“I developed an Explorations tour that positions Iceland not just as a breathtaking destination, but also as an adventure!” said Bethany Manchester, Product Manager – Canada, Iceland and Africa for Collette Vacations. “Iceland is forecasting to grow another 200% over the next 12 months in the leisure market. To meet the growing interest, this tour truly showcases what the country is renowned for – mixing history and geology with active and relaxing excursions.”

Discovering Poland

The 12-day Discovering Poland trip, under Collette’s Classic Touring brand, features Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Torun and Gdansk. “Collette Vacations created a tour that focused solely on Poland to meet the requests of our customers, partner group leaders and travel agents and our sales team,” said David Lutz, Product Manager, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Cruising, Collette Vacations.

“Living in Eastern Europe allows me the opportunity to create tour packages that highlight the real feel of a destination. Through my travels, I have noticed that Poland, while very popular with European and international travelers, is often ignored by U.S. travelers. Each city within this country has such distinct character and charm, and more than enough historical, cultural, and religious sites to please the tastes of even the most seasoned U.S. traveler.”

Cruising the Yangtze River

This16-day tour, under Collette’s Classic Touring brand, begins with four days in Shanghai, China. On day five, passengers will board the cruise ship for a four-night river cruise, sailing into Xiling Gorge, the longest section of the Three Gorges. On day nine, disembark the ship and fly to the ancient city of Xian then continue on to Beijing. Days 13-15 are spent exploring all Beijing has to offer, including the Great Wall of China, the Peking Opera and intimate local experiences.

From Rome to Paris

This 13-day tour begins in Rome where travellers will enjoy the local cultures, delicacies and wines. On day five, continue on to Florence and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s statue of David. Then travel to Turin, Monaco, Eze, France and then onto Nice. Finally, days 10 through 13 are spent in Paris, visiting all the local sights, including the Champs Elysees, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and more. This tour wraps up with a fabulous Parisian dinner and then a charming Seine River cruise.

Save More, Earn Reward Dollars

The company also announced its new rewards program for 2013, TLC — Travel Loyalty by Collette. For each trip you take, TLC offers a $150 travel credit for future travel. And there’s no cap, so you could ultimately accumulate enough to travel for free.

The presentation also touched on Collette’s exceptional cancellation waiver — one of the best in the industry, really — providing a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure (minus the small cost of the waiver). Now that’s peace of mind.

If you’d like to learn more about Collette Vacations tours for 2013-2014, contact your local vacation expert at 1-800-665-4981 or check out the “Big Book” online.

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