Reasons to travel with Trafalgar during the holiday season

MANILA, Philippines - As it presents its newest travel experiences for autumn, winter, and spring 2014/15, Trafalgar, the world’s leading guided holiday company (with Philippine presence through local partner Pan Pacific Travel Corp.), shares four insider secrets on the benefits of traveling to Europe and Britain during the idyllic holiday period of October to March.

Fancy a change from the usual balmy Christmas? There are plenty of travelers who choose to holiday over Christmas and New Year to savor the holiday spirit in Europe with family.

All Trafalgar itineraries that operate through Christmas and New Year include special festive celebrations, alongside seasonal delights of mulled wine, Christmas markets, local cultural performances, and the scent of freshly baked stollen wafting through the air.

When traveling with Trafalgar, not only will guests visit iconic sights, stay in handpicked hotels, and meet local characters, but also enjoy insider experiences unique to the guided vacation company. These include exclusive “Be My Guest” dining experiences where a local family will host guests in their home and prepare a delicious meal made of local produce.

For this autumn, winter and spring, expect to listen to stories of local culture while enjoying hearty meals and tasting the Schieszl family’s best vintage at their winery in Hungary, or in Madrid, feast at one of the oldest eateries featuring tapas and nougat, followed by the tradition of eating 12 grapes — one at each strike of the clock to welcome the New Year.

Travel is all about partaking in authentic experiences and meeting the locals. Whether it is browsing through German winter markets, feasting your eyes on Christmas window displays or viewing spring tulips in Holland bloom, there is a special charm that can only be experienced in the months of autumn, winter and spring.

Trafalgar’s travel directors are experts at showcasing these hidden treasures, which can range from where to go for the best gelato to visiting the home of noted Swedish physician Dr. Axel Munthe known to provide free medical treatment to the poor, whose villa is located atop a panoramic cliff on the Isle of Capri.

Autumn, winter and spring equal less expensive vacations with smaller crowds as Europeans wind down for the holiday season. Chances of taking that special romantic shot on a gondola in Venice or that precious family photo in front of the Notre Dame will be easier compared to summer.

For this off-peak season, expect to save up to $224 per person with Trafalgar’s early bird discount of 7.5 percent. Those who book before Aug. 29 get to save hundreds of dollars or more, especially if traveling with a group or family of five.

For those looking to stretch their dollar even further, Trafalgar adds Costsaver itineraries to the autumn, winter and spring selections for the first time, with prices starting from $950 per person twin share. Itineraries included are 7 Days Taste of Britain, 7 Days Jewels of Italy, and 11 Days Wonders of Turkey.

With Trafalgar, exploring Europe and Britain during the most beautiful seasons of the year is bound to be meaningful and unforgettable.

Pan Pacific Travel Corp. is located at the ground floor, Pacific Place Apartelle Suite, 539 Arquiza cor. J Bocobo Sts., Ermita, Manila. For more information, call 523-1990, 526-6427 or 536-1265/67 or e-mail at trafalgarmanila@panpacifictravel.com.ph.