Christmas - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T07:07:26Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/ChristmasChristmas in the Wild: South Africa Safaris with a Festive Twisthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/south-africa-ecotourism-safaris-christmas2024-01-30T12:12:11.000Z2024-01-30T12:12:11.000ZKaren Anthonyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KarenAnthony<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12368340063?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>For the ones searching for a completely unique and unforgettable excursion experience, consider celebrating Christmas surrounded via the untamed splendor of the South African wilderness. South African safaris offer a festive twist to the traditional holiday season, blending the magic of Christmas with the joys of encountering majestic wildlife. Here's how to make your Christmas within the wild an great and remarkable adventure.</p>
<h2>1. Safari Lodge Celebrations</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.safari.com/blog/best-value-for-money-luxury-safari-lodges">Many luxury safari lodges in South Africa</a> cross the greater mile to create a festive atmosphere for their visitors. Picture arriving at a club adorned with Christmas decorations, wherein the nice and cozy African breeze includes the heady scent of festive spices. Lodges regularly host unique Christmas Eve dinners with traditional South African dishes and international cuisine. Guests can revel in the sounds of the bush while savoring a festive feast underneath the stars.</p>
<h2>2. Bushveld Christmas Traditions</h2>
<p>Experience Christmas traditions with a South African twist in the heart of the bushveld. Some lodges organize Christmas morning sport drives, permitting guests to witness the dawn over the savanna and notice natural world stirring inside the early light. Imagine replacing presents with cherished ones in the presence of elephants, lions, or giraffes—a definitely particular and intimate birthday celebration surrounded by using nature's wonders.</p>
<h2>3. Festive Game Drives</h2>
<p>Christmas Day inside the wild may be packed with great adventures. Instead of the acquainted sight of a decorated tree, imagine the pleasure of monitoring wildlife through the desolate tract. Festive sport drives often consist of surprises like encountering animals with Christmas-themed names, inclusive of reindeer-like impalas or birds with excursion colorings. It's a pleased and lighthearted manner to celebrate the season.</p>
<h2>4. Christmas Bush Dinners</h2>
<p>Safari resorts often organize unique Christmas bush dinners, imparting a fascinating placing beneath the full-size African sky. The glow of lanterns and the bonfire crackle create a paranormal environment as guests dine al fresco. Traditional South African braais (barbecues) may additionally function prominently, offering a flavor of neighborhood flavors amidst the rugged beauty of the bush.</p>
<h2>5. Community Involvement and Giving Back</h2>
<p>Christmas is a time for giving, and a few safari lodges embody the season's spirit via regarding neighborhood groups. Guests may additionally have the possibility to participate in community initiatives, along with gift drives for neighborhood youngsters or helping conservation tasks. This provides a significant and philanthropic aspect to the vacation experience.</p>
<h2>6. Christmas Wildlife Surprises</h2>
<p>Nature frequently offers its festive surprises. Imagine witnessing a herd of elephants transferring gracefully through the bush, their majestic presence developing a unique Christmas memory. The calls of nocturnal animals because the solar units can upload a melodic backdrop to the vacation celebrations, making it an revel in not like every other.</p>
<h2>7. A Relaxing Retreat</h2>
<p>While Christmas inside the wild is full of adventure, it also offers moments of tranquility. After a day of exploring, visitors can unwind in expensive resorts that seamlessly combination consolation with the charm of the African landscape. Whether it's a private chalet overlooking the savanna or a tented camp nestled in the heart of the wilderness, the accommodation becomes an vital a part of the general safari experience.</p>
<h2>In Conclusion: A Christmas Celebration like No Other</h2>
<p>A South African safari throughout the Christmas season is a party of nature, journey, and network. It's a chance to get away the ordinary and embrace the exceptional, developing reminiscences with a purpose to ultimate a lifetime. Whether you're tracking wildlife on a sport pressure, playing a festive bush dinner, or simply basking inside the serenity of the African bush, Christmas inside the wild gives a unique and enchanting manner to experience the magic of the holiday season. For the ones searching for the superb, a South African safari affords an unforgettable Christmas birthday party below the huge celebrity-studded African sky.</p></div>A Quirky Christmas to All! 10 of the World´s Weirdest Yuletide Traditionshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/unusual-christmas-traditions-of-the-world2023-12-24T10:05:00.000Z2023-12-24T10:05:00.000ZJosé Balidohttps://tripatini.com/members/JoseBalido<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12332141285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12332141285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12332141285?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Krampus_Salzburg_2.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">MatthiasKabel</span></a></p>
<p><br /> All across the world, all sorts of holiday activities– both religious and secular, age-old and relatively new – are in full swing during this season, including festive lights, special street markets, trees, Santa and elves everywhere, and the rest of it. But a handful of places feature oddities which range from whimsical to scary to occasionally potentially offensive. Here´s a particularly memorable top ten:</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Austria & Germany: Demonic Doings</strong></span><br /> <br /> December 5 is celebrated as <strong>St. Nicholaus Day</strong> in parts of <strong>Europe</strong>, particularly Austria and Bavaria, where it´s also known as <strong>Krampusnacht</strong>. It´s when folks dressed up as the half-goat, half-demon <strong>Krampus</strong> – thought to be rooted in pre-Christian folklore and used to scare kids into behaving – run rampant through the streets of various towns and cities, mock-terrorizing all and sundry but particularly the little ones. Charming bit of holiday cheer, eh? In my opinion it´s enough to keep the couches of <strong>Sigmund Freud</strong>´s descendants full for the rest of their lives. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Iceland: The Boys Are Back in Town</strong></span> <br /> <br /> In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, Icelandic kids get visits from the “<strong>Yule Lads</strong>,” a series of characters rooted in Icelandic folklore, with names like “Spoon-Licker” and “Door-Slammer,” and each with distinct personalities and behaviors, ranging from nice to naughty. Good little tykes might get good little gifts, and the bad ´uns rotting potatoes. So lick them spoons and slam them doors!</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12331483460,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=800"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12331483460,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=800" alt="12331483460?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/truusbobjantoo/2177868558" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Truus, Bob & Jan too!!</span></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/truusbobjantoo/2177868558"><br /> </a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Italy: Which Witch?</strong></span></p>
<p>Never mind Santa Claus, here on the eve of the <strong>Epiphany</strong> on January 6th (the 12th day of Christmas) a friendly <em>strega</em> (witch) called <strong>La Befana</strong> comes overnight to leave good children candies and presents and the bad ones lumps of coal (though since every kid (though since every kid has likely been bad once or twice during the year, in their stocking they´ll also get dark-colored rock candy, to symbolize coal).</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Japan: Finger-Lickin´ Weird</strong></span><br /> <br /> Though Christians make up just 1½ percent of all Japanese, but all the secular Yuletide trimmings are out in full force here. And the strangest tradition – which started as a marketing stunt in the 1970s – has many of the locals eating fried chicken at <strong>KFC</strong> on <strong>Christmas Day</strong>. WTF, you might say? Well, <strong>Colonel Sanders</strong> does look a little bit like Santa, don´t you think? Leave it to the Japanese. 😉</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Netherlands: Sooty Is the New Black</strong></span><br /> <br /> Like the Teutons have Krampus, on St. Nicholas Day the Dutch roll out <strong>St. Nick</strong>´s sidekick <strong><em>Zvarte Piet</em></strong> (<strong>Black Pete</strong>),– depicted as a “black Moor” in blackface, colorful Renaissance garb, red lipstick, and curly-haired wigs – who hands out cookies and candies to kiddies. Naturally, in this day and age blackface is frowned upon by many, so many places have a more politically correct version dubbed <strong><em>Roetveegpiet</em></strong> (<strong>Sooty Pete</strong>), with the actors´ faces streaked with black makeup (though who knows, maybe after the recent <strong>Geert Wilders</strong> election, full-on Zvarte Piet might just make a comeback!). And by the way, Piet can also be found to an extent in the Flemish part of <strong>Belgium</strong> as well as the Dutch <strong>Caribbean</strong> islands of <strong>Aruba</strong> and <strong>Cura</strong><strong>ç</strong><strong>ao</strong>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Norway: Sweeping Brooms Under the Rug</strong></span></p>
<p>Instead of being wholly gung-ho about <strong>Christmas Eve</strong>, superstitious Norwegians take the alarmist view it´s a night when witches and malign spirits wake up and look for brooms on which to take joy rides hither and yon. Quick, stash ´em!</p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12331478096,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12331478096,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12331478096?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/caganer-gm499399498-80205375?phrase=caganer" target="_blank">agafapaperiapunta</a></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Spain: Catalonia Is Full of Shit</span> <br /> </strong><br /> Catalans are traditionally a bit scatological, and they’ve got not one but two traditions to prove it. First is a Christmas log called <strong>Tió de Nadal</strong> or <strong>Caga Tió</strong> (“pooping log”), a hollowed-out bit of rustic wood – usually around a foot long – with a smiley face and draped with a blanket. When kids smack it with sticks, they´re rewarded with candies, nuts, <em>turrón</em> (holiday nougat), and little gifts which get “pooped” out of its back end.<br /> <br /> More explicitly fecal-centered, the <strong><em>caganers</em></strong> (shitters) are small figurines which have adorned Nativity scenes and other holiday décor since at least the 18th century. They depict bare-assed peasants (inevitably dudes) in their traditional red caps, in the act of squatting and taking a dump. The idea is that they´re fertilizing the earth and thus bringing good luck. In recent years, variations have arisen of <em>caganers</em> depicting politicians and other celebrated figures both real and fictional – from Hollywood celebrities to the <strong>Pope</strong> to <strong>Darth Vader</strong> – meant as a satirical device to cut them down to size a bit.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Sweden: Giving Up the Goat</span> </strong><br /> <br /> This one´s particular to the little city of <strong>Gävle</strong>, in central Sweden a couple of hours north of <strong>Stockholm</strong>, which every holiday season since 1966 has put up a humungous <strong><em>Gävlebocken</em></strong> (<strong>Gävle Goat</strong>) made of straw – their version of the “Yule goat” which harks back to Norse mythology (the chariot of the thunder god <strong>Thor</strong> was pulled by a pair of goats). Anyhoo, contrary to the Swedes´ law-abiding reputation, most years the big guy ends up vandalized or even burned down despite efforts to protect him. Such kidders!</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12331481898,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=1000"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12331481898,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=1000" alt="12331481898?profile=RESIZE_1200x&width=1000" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_spider_ornaments_ukraine.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Erika Smith</span><br /> </a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Ukraine: Itsy Bitsy Spiders</strong></span></p>
<p>Plenty of Ukrainian Christmas trees feature ornaments in the form of spider webs. This comes not just from the tradition of spiders bringing could luck, but more specifically from an old western Ukrainian folk tale. It seems a family too poor to decorate their tree woke up on Christmas morning to find it covered with cobwebs. Then when they opened the windows, the sun´s rays turned the webs into gold and silver. Yuletide wonder restored and bye-bye poverty! Now if there were only some magic that could make these damn invading Russians disappear.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Venezuela: Roll ´Em!</strong></span></p>
<p>In capital Caracas, not only do some kids (and a few overgrown kids) set off firecrackers in the streets on Christmas morning, but quite a few caraqueños whimsically whizz themselves to church for Christmas mass on roller skates. The city authorities even close down key roads to facilitate this curious custom.</p>
<p><br /> .</p></div>What are the good places to visit on Christmas in Bangalore without spending moneyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-are-the-good-places-to-visit-on-christmas-in-bangalore-witho2023-12-21T09:28:40.000Z2023-12-21T09:28:40.000ZTarannum Nishahttps://tripatini.com/members/TarannumNisha<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12332187460?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Christmas in Bangalore is a magical time filled with joy, lights, and festivities. While the city is adorned with Christmas decorations and cheer, you don't need to empty your wallet to experience the holiday spirit. There are plenty of budget-friendly places to visit and activities to enjoy in Bangalore during this festive season. Let's explore some of the best spots that won't cost you a dime.<br /><br /><strong>Commercial Street:</strong> <br />Commercial Street is a bustling market area that transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas. Take a leisurely stroll along the lively streets adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. Window shop at the various stores and enjoy the festive vibes without spending a penny.<br /><br /><strong>St. Mary's Basilica:</strong> <br />Visit St. Mary's Basilica, one of the oldest churches in Bangalore. The church is beautifully illuminated during Christmas, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Attend the midnight mass on Christmas Eve for a soul-soothing experience.<br /><br /><strong>UB City Mall:</strong> <br />UB City Mall, known for its upscale shopping and dining, turns into a Christmas spectacle during the holiday season. The architecture is adorned with dazzling lights, creating a captivating ambiance. While shopping may not be budget-friendly here, simply basking in the festive glow and enjoying the decor is completely free.<br /><br /><strong>Cubbon Park:</strong> <br />Cubbon Park is a green oasis in the heart of Bangalore, and during Christmas, it takes on a magical charm. The park is lit up with decorative lights, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening stroll or a family picnic. Enjoy the cool breeze and the festive spirit under the twinkling lights.<br /><br /><strong>St. Patrick's Church:</strong> <br />Another iconic church in Bangalore, St. Patrick's Church, hosts Christmas celebrations that are open to the public. Attend the choir performances and soak in the festive ambiance. The church's architecture and decor make it a delightful spot for those seeking a peaceful Christmas experience.<br /><br /><strong>Church Street:<br /></strong> Church Street, named after the historic St. Mark's Church, is a lively place to visit during Christmas. The street is beautifully lit up, and the cafes and restaurants here often have outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere while sipping on a cup of coffee.<br /><br /><strong>Explore Local Markets:</strong> <br />Bangalore is home to various local markets that come alive during Christmas. Head to places like Russell Market or Malleswaram Market, where you can experience the local culture, shop for inexpensive trinkets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.<br /><br /><strong>MG Road:</strong> <br />MG Road, one of Bangalore's most famous boulevards, transforms into a festive haven during Christmas. Walk along the boulevard, take in the Christmas decorations, and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by street performers and vendors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p><p><a href="https://crowncab.in/" target="_blank">This Christmas</a>, don't let budget constraints dampen your festive spirit. Bangalore offers a plethora of free and delightful experiences for you to enjoy the magic of the season. Whether it's the glittering lights of Commercial Street, the serene ambiance of St. Mary's Basilica, or the vibrant energy of local markets, there's something for everyone to cherish without spending a dime. So, gather your loved ones, put on your festive attire, and explore the joyous side of Bangalore this Christmas season.</p></div>Christmas Travel Deals with Reeling Offershttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/christmas-travel-deals-with-reeling-offers2023-12-16T10:40:52.000Z2023-12-16T10:40:52.000ZPeterhttps://tripatini.com/members/Peter222<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12326953065?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p> </p><p>Do you have the plans on travelling around the Christmas? Flightoffice.co.uk comes with amazing Christmas travel deals for making your Christmas Eve just incredible.Book your airline tickets now and make this Christmas special.</p><p> </p><div class="christmastext"><p>Christmas is celebrated with immense fervour and religious Christian traditions across the globe. Unlike the Christmas traditions that are followed in the western world and the Europe, Anglo Saxons have uniquely different ways of celebrating the Christian festivity. Decorations and illuminations raging out from the psychedelic fireworks transforms the night sky into an entirely shimmering canvas, and the onlookers are completely awestruck.</p></div><div class="titles abot-common"><p>Christmas is the time when people in Britain and the UK are looking ahead for holidays with “Advent” and it is the starting point of the merriments that runs through the days of Christmas. The ecclesiastical calendar accords December 24 as the Day of <strong><a href="https://www.flightoffice.co.uk/deals/christmas-day-flights" target="_blank">Christmas Eve</a></strong>, although the English lay emphasis on the Christmas Day and Boxing Day. During these times, activities like carol songs, midnight church attendance alongside the pub crawls hold the prominence and families set out on holidays to visit other cities or countries with the purpose to break themselves free from stringent work schedule. Airlines offer cheap flights and attractive deals on the flight tickets around the days of Christmas Eve as well Christmas and the days after.</p></div><div class="titles abot-common"><p>The ancient medieval traditions on St. Stephen’s Day includes a ceremonial gift giving, and much of it happens around on Boxing Day. Christmas feasts are organised by the rich and the elite class and gifts are offered to the economically weaker sections. These are treated as the gifts in disguise.Distributing the Christmas cards, or preparing Mince pies and Christmas pudding, and prepping up turkey for Christmas luncheon party are a few common rituals witnessed in English, Irish and Welsh households. Pantomimes are also arranged as the part of storytelling.</p></div><div class="titles abot-common"><strong>Merry Time for Expandable Journeys</strong></div><div class="titles abot-common"> </div><div class="titles abot-common"><p>Christmas and the days preceding and proceeding it are enriched by the holidays. Big and small organisations are closed and the days of festivities set in. Households in the UK have plenty of free time available for undertaking journeys to the hot spots in other countries or within the UK.Alicante, Tenerife, Lisbon, Cape Town, Dublin, Dubai and Amsterdam are the few top notch destinations that are always in the bucket list of the British people. The excitement of visiting to these places is amazing to the senses.</p></div><div class="titles abot-common"><p>Journeys to Christmas Fair Budapest – Hungary, Winterfest Boat Parade – USA, Strasbourg – France, Krakow Christmas Market – Poland, Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market – Germany, Santa Claus Village – Finland, Christmas Market – Ireland, and San Juan Christmas – Puerto Rico will turn out to be extremely zealous and offbeat.</p></div><div class="titles abot-common"><strong>Cheap Flights from the UK for Christmas Travel</strong></div><div class="titles abot-common"> </div><div class="titles abot-common"><p>Christmas is a beautiful moment when business travellers are planning to head to their homes whereas the usual holiday goers plan for the weekend Christmas journeys to exotic destinations. Attractive deals on cheap flights are offered by commercial airlines in the UK. Discounted offers are also made by many international airlines around the time of Christmas.</p></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Colmar, the Alsatian City Transformed into a Christmas Card this Time of Yearhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/colmar-alsace-france-christmas2022-12-22T05:40:00.000Z2022-12-22T05:40:00.000ZRiccardo Rhttps://tripatini.com/members/RicardoR<div><p> <a href="https://joven.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colmar-Luces-Navidad-Francia-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://joven.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colmar-Luces-Navidad-Francia-scaled.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Colmar-Luces-Navidad-Francia-scaled.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Europe</strong>’s towns and cities famously light up and don holiday finery for Yuletide, but during <a href="https://www.noel-colmar.com/en" target="_blank">the Christmas season in Colmar</a>, in northeast <strong>France</strong>’s <strong>Alsace</strong> region – already famous for its charming historic quarter, with its cobblestone streets, canals, and half-timbered houses – the displays reach another level entirely, going far beyond lightbulbs adorning the main streets to the façades of the small houses in its old town illuminated in all the colours of the rainbow. The results, as any perusal of <strong>Instagram</strong> will demonstrate, are utterly magical.</p><p>And let’s not forget <a href="https://reservation.tourisme-colmar.com/medias/documents/documentation/documentation-NOELAPPEL-UK.pdf" target="_blank">Colmar’s half dozen festive Christmas markets</a>, drawing from Alsace’s Teutonic heritage to dispense holiday cheer with more than 180 stalls hawking holiday décor, gifts, food, and drink.</p><p>This in addition to the other attractions the city has to offer, such as the Gothic <strong>St. Martin’s Church</strong> with its colourful tiled roof and 13th-century stained glass; the <strong>Pfister House</strong> with its wraparound wooden balcony and octagonal turret; and the <strong>Koïfhus</strong>, the town’s former customs house. Museums include the <strong>Unterlinden Museum</strong> with its famous 16th-century <strong><em>Isenheim Alterpiece</em></strong> (which by the way is France’s most visited museum outside <strong>Paris</strong>); a toy museum; and the <strong>Bartholdi Museum</strong> in the house where local artist Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi was born (he’s best known for designing <strong>New York City</strong>’s <strong>Statue of Liberty</strong>). And don’t forget, Colmar is also the wine capital of Alsace, with plenty of cosy <strong>Weinstuben</strong> (wine bars) as well as wineries and wine cellars which welcome visitors.</p><p> <br /> So to experience an especially magical <em>Noël</em> next year, check out <a href="https://tourisme-colmar.com/en/" target="_blank">the page of the local tourism office</a> and book a flight to Paris (a five-hour drive or just over two by train) or <strong>Zurich </strong>(an hour and a half by road, an hour 45 minutes by rail). And make sure your mobile has plenty of space for all the gorgeous pictures you’ll be capturing!</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>These Are the Best Days for Christmas Travelhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/these-are-the-best-days-for-christmas-travel2022-12-13T14:01:16.000Z2022-12-13T14:01:16.000Zflyustravelshttps://tripatini.com/members/flyustravels<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10909257867?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>It would help if you started by making vacation flight reservations as soon as feasible. The Traveler advises that holiday flight reservation must be before Thanksgiving. It is recommended to plan an international flight for at least two and up to eight months. Most airlines give their best Christmas travel pricing between August and September, so book early.</p>
<p>Since the holiday date varies yearly, picking the best flying days might be tricky. This year's Christmas also happens on a Saturday, adding an extra layer of complexity.</p>
<p>To that end, when would you recommend flying this coming Christmas, 2022? The staff at Flyus travel surveyed many U.S. gateway and destination locations to agree on the best and worst travel dates.</p>
<p>Their 2022 Christmas Travel Survey found that approximately 43% of Americans plan a trip for Christmas or the holiday season.</p>
<p>As the <em><strong><a href="https://flyustravels.com/flight/usa-to-india-flight-deals" target="_blank">USA to India Flight Deals</a></strong></em> travel sector recovers in 2022, many people will take their first flight in years. Book your Christmas or New Year's flight early for the best rates (ideally, you have already booked your holiday travel).</p>
<p>The number of passengers and the price of airfare might vary significantly on different days of the week. Information about the best and worst days to fly over the holidays, long in advance to schedule your trip, can be found in this handy guide. Please refer to their comprehensive best and worst days to fly a guide for the other days of the year.</p>
<p><strong>When Is the Best Time to Reserve Holiday Flights?</strong></p>
<p>Thanksgiving and Christmas flights are best booked far in advance. You should typically book domestic flights one to three months in advance. Ideally, you would book your foreign ticket two to eight months in advance. If you want to ensure that you get the desired flight, arrival time, seat, and price, you should make your vacation reservations as far as possible.</p>
<p>Reservations for international and domestic flights (revenue and award tickets) often become available 11 months in advance. In contrast, domestic flights should be with caution if you plan to travel during the shoulder seasons. Most people find the best deals on international flights right at the start of the booking period. It's common for the price of domestic flights to be higher when they first go on sale and then decrease after some time has passed. Because of this, it is recommended that you book your foreign ticket well in advance of your domestic journey, particularly during the holidays.</p>
<p><strong>The Best and Worst Days of the Holiday Season to Fly</strong></p>
<p>Because Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday, the best and worst days to book a flight around the holiday are consistent. Since Christmas does not always occur on a Sunday, it presents a unique set of challenges. Below are the best and worst days to shop and travel over the holidays. They analyzed hundreds of airline pricing data points around Thanksgiving and Christmas to develop their best and worst dates projection. The many cities in the United States included in their sample were both points of departure and arrival.</p>
<p><strong>Are flights on Christmas Day safe?</strong></p>
<p>The days leading up to and including Christmas see a significant rise in airport passenger volume, whereas Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tend to see much lower passenger volumes. The farther you are from the vacation, the fewer people there will be.</p>
<p><strong>It's also a popular time to travel before Christmas</strong></p>
<p>Before December 25th, these were the busiest days at U.S. airports: 2021's busiest day before Christmas was Thursday, December 23rd. Friday airline traffic was light since few individuals wanted to travel on Christmas Eve.</p>
<p>Once again, the most popular day to travel in 2020 was Wednesday, December 23rd, the day before Christmas Eve. Despite being a few days after the actual holiday, Friday, December 20th was the busiest travel day in 2019, demonstrating that people were anxious to begin their festivities as soon as the work week concluded.</p>
<p>The Wednesday before Thanksgiving (usually a Thursday) is traditionally the busiest day to travel in advance of the holiday, much like the day before Christmas Eve.</p>
<p><strong>The best and cheapest time to leave for a Christmas vacation flight</strong></p>
<p>If your Monday-through-Friday work schedule conflicts with federal holidays, go Friday, December 23rd after work (Christmas is on Monday, December 26th, this year). If you plan your ticket around certain times, you'll face a busy airport and pay extra.</p>
<ul>
<li>However, if you have any leeway in your schedule, you might consider the following alternative departure days to Friday.</li>
<li>Earlier in the week is ideal if you can work from home or take time off. Flyus travel data suggests that passengers may save up to 35% by departing earlier in the week than on the Thursday or Friday before Christmas.</li>
<li>According to Flyus travel, they are taking round-trip airfare from the <a href="https://flyustravels.com/blog/indian-travel-agency-in-chicago" target="_blank">Indian travel agencies in USA</a>, Mexico, on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before Christmas is $200 cheaper per person than taking the same route on the Thursday or Friday before Christmas.</li>
<li>Flyus travel analyzed passenger records for the seven days before and after Christmas over the previous three years to find out how busy the airports and checkpoints tend to be on Christmas Day. The day of Christmas itself always had the fewest drivers on the road.</li>
<li>With minimal crowds and joyous spirits, Christmas Day flying wouldn't be so bad. If you take the first flight of the day, you may cook your holiday dinner.</li>
<li>If you must arrive by Christmas, leave on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is busier than Christmas Day, but less so than the days before.</li>
<li>Flying out on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, November 20–22, will allow you to spend more time with loved ones (or more time touring if you're going on a nontraditional vacation) and less time waiting in lines dealing with harried fellow travelers. If you're flexible with your travel dates, November 24th flights might be the most cost-effective option.</li>
<li>These are the most significant and cheapest dates that will send you home feeling full and gluttonous: This is next Friday, November 25th (hum, Black Friday: maybe go for the duty-free deals instead?)</li>
</ul>
<p>If Christmas is a holiday you observe, then they will move on to it. Since it doesn't always occur on the same day each year, the dates shown here will fluctuate. Don't go anywhere this year on these days to escape the crowds:</p>
<ul>
<li>You may save money on airfare by departing on the following dates: Sunday, December 18th; Monday, December 19th; Tuesday, December 20th; Saturday, December 24th (yes, it's Christmas Eve, and many people won't be booking this ticket); Sunday, December 25th (Christmas Day? There's never been a better time to buy because everything is cheap.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p></div>5 Highlights of the Holidays in Puerto Ricohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/puerto-rico-san-juan-christmas-new-year2021-12-19T00:55:00.000Z2021-12-19T00:55:00.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9885285894,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9885285894,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9885285894?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><em><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/christmas-fuente-en-san-juan-con-exposici%C3%B3n-prolongada-gm174477246-8053847" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">TexPhoto</span></a></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There may be no snow - and precious little ice skating or hot cocoa - on this lush, tropical Caribbean island, but there’s certainly holiday cheer, and lots of it, for a good long time – in fact, <strong>Puerto Rico</strong> takes pride in having the world’s lengthiest season of <em>Navidad</em> (Christmas), around 45 days or so, beginning right after Thanksgiving (meaning the third Friday in November) and lasting through mid-January. Along the way are various festivities, activities, and highlights not to miss. Here are five of them:</p>
<h3> </h3>
<p><br />
<a href="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-lechon-pernil-istock-1160423599.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-lechon-pernil-istock-1160423599.jpg?profile=original" alt="l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-lechon-pernil-istock-1160423599.jpg?profile=original" width="1278" /></a><em><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/pernil-cerdo-asado-adornado-con-cilantro-y-naranjas-gm1160423599-317636646" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Candice Bell</span></a></em></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br />
<span style="color:#ff0000;">Holiday Feasting</span></strong></span></h3>
<p><br />
In restaurants you’ll find Puerto Rico’s classic holiday menu consists of <em>arroz con gandules</em> (rice with pigeon peas), <em>lechón asado</em> or <em>pernil</em> (two versions of marinated roast pork), and <em>pasteles</em> (tamale-like patties of green plantain and meat); typical side dishes include potato or pasta salad and <em>morcilla</em> (rice-stuffed blood sausages). And for dessert, you’ll love <em>tembleque</em>, a coconut-flavored pudding topped with cinnamon; and in place of eggnog, you’ve got <em>coquito</em>, a thick drink also based on coconut and usually served in shot glasses with a tot of rum. Then for New Year’s Eve and day, the dish to eat is <em>asopao</em> (rice soup with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp).</p>
<h3> </h3>
<p><br />
<a href="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-christmas-mass-candles-istock-108178676.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-christmas-mass-candles-istock-108178676.jpg?profile=original" alt="l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-christmas-mass-candles-istock-108178676.jpg?profile=original" width="1254" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/fe-gm108178676-4813563" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Instants</em></span></a></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br />
<span style="color:#ff0000;">Attending Christmas-Eve Mass</span></strong></span></h3>
<p><br />
Whether you’re a believer or not, it’s a cultural experience to see the reason for the season – celebrating the birth of <strong>Jesus Christ</strong> – at midnight on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). These <em>misas de gallo</em> (“rooster masses”) are held across the island, and some even include re-enactments of the nativity. Among Puerto Rico’s more atmospheric churches are Old San Juan’s 16th-century <strong>Iglesia de San José</strong> and <strong>San Juan Bautista Cathedral</strong> and the early-20th-century <strong>Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe</strong> in the island’s second city, <strong>Ponce</strong>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-new-years-eve-fireworks-istock-1189150080.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-new-years-eve-fireworks-istock-1189150080.jpg?profile=original" width="1269" alt="l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-new-years-eve-fireworks-istock-1189150080.jpg?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/multitud-frente-a-la-vibrante-exhibici%C3%B3n-de-fuegos-artificiales-gm1189150080-336597153" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-size:8pt;">kamisoka</span></em></a></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span style="color:#ff0000;font-size:14pt;"><strong>Partying Hearty on New Year’s Eve</strong></span></h3>
<p><br />
As in many parts of the world, Puerto Ricans love to pull out the stops on NYE, and in addition to lively crowds on the cobblestone streets of <strong>Old San Juan</strong>, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and hotel/resort ballrooms are rocking all night long. There’s also a full roster of live performances and partying – including the countdown to midnight – at the glitzy entertainment/nightlife complex <strong><a href="https://distritot-mobile.com/" target="_blank">Distrito T-Mobile</a></strong> in San Juan’s <strong>Condado</strong> neighbourhood. Meanwhile, fireworks are shot off over <strong>Condado Lagoon</strong> and the <strong>Puerto Rico Convention Center</strong>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YkLBF7FUsHI" width="1269" height="714" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span style="color:#ff0000;font-size:14pt;"><strong>Welcoming the Three Wise Men</strong></span></h3>
<p><br />
As in much of the rest of the Spanish-speaking world, one of the highlights of the holiday season is Ephiphany on 6 January, commemorating the visit to the newborn Jesus in <strong>Bethlehem</strong> of the <strong>Three Kings</strong> (aka the <strong>Magi</strong>, and known in Spanish as the <strong><em>Reyes Magos</em></strong>). And it’s the Reyes who bring Puerto Rican kids gifts rather than <strong>Santa Claus</strong> (though with U.S. influence Santa has of course made inroads on December 25 as well), and they leave shoeboxes of grass or straw under their beds the night before for the Reyes’ camels. Reyes impersonators make appearances around the island today; for example, more than 25,000 locals and visitors alike throng to the good-size town of <strong>Juana Díaz</strong> (20 minutes east of Ponce and an hour or so south of San Juan) to participate in the pageantry around the 137-year-old <strong><a href="http://www.reyesdejuanadiaz.com/" target="_blank">Fiesta de los Reyes Magos</a></strong>, with actors playing the Magi <strong>Melchior</strong>, <strong>Caspar</strong>, and <strong>Balthazar</strong>. There’s even <a href="https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/casa-museo-de-los-santos-reyes/9298" target="_blank">a museum about them</a> here – the only one of its kind in <strong>Latin America</strong> – open all year round.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-san-sebastian-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-san-sebastian-1.jpg?profile=original" width="1600" alt="l2f-dec-21-pic-puerto-rico-holidays-san-sebastian-1.jpg?profile=original" /></a></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:8pt;"> <em><a href="https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/fiestas-de-la-calle-san-sebastian#!grid~~~date~1~~" target="_blank">Discover Puerto Rico</a></em></span></h3>
<p><br />
</p>
<h3><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;font-size:14pt;">Ringing Out the Holidays at a Big Street Party</span><br />
</strong></h3>
<p><br />
Although for most Catholic countries <strong>Epiphany</strong> marks the end of the Christmas season, here in <strong>Borínquen</strong> (a popular nickname for Puerto Rico) it’s extended by eight more days of <em>octavitas</em>, originally religious celebrations but later secularised and marked by parties and <em>parrandas</em> (like a more festive version of Christmas carolling, including instruments like guitars, tambourines, and maracas). And capping it all off to finally mark the end of the season is Puerto Rico’s most vibrant and colorful festival: las <strong><a href="https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/fiestas-de-la-calle-san-sebastian#!grid~~~date~1~~" target="_blank">Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián</a></strong> (<strong>SanSe</strong> for short), a four-day, music-filled cultural jubilee centred around one of Old San Juan’s main streets. During the day, people throng to the plazas to see artists and artisans as well as live music, dance, and even circus acts. After sundown, the party really gets started and the street fills with people and music, with one of the highlights of the festivities a parade featuring <em>cabezudos</em> (marchers wearing cartoonish, satyrical papier-mâché heads). Next month the 68th year edition of SanSe will be held from Wednesday 13 January through the following Sunday.</p>
<p> </p>
<h6> </h6></div>Celebrate fascinating Christmas traditions in Central Americahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/celebrate-fascinating-christmas-traditions-in-central-america2014-12-14T21:21:00.000Z2014-12-14T21:21:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906864,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906864,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008906864?profile=original" /></a>Some of the most <b>elaborate traditional Christmas celebrations</b> take place in the <b>seven countries of Central America</b>. Read on for more about each country’s unique festivity.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Christmas Celebrations in <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/" target="_blank">Central America</a><br /></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Panama/3-7-*/" target="_blank">Panama</a></strong></p><p>The Panama City Christmas Parade is the big festivity here. Decorated floats, marching bands and dancers in traditional costumes parade through Panama City to the beach where there is a tree lighting ceremony. At nightfall, there is also a parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights. On Christmas Eve at midnight, Panamanians shoot off fabulous fireworks. Traditional foods include chicken tamales and rice with chicken.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907065,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="9008907065?profile=original" /></a> </strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Costa-Rica/3-2-*/" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p>In Costa Rica, roads, shops and houses are beautifully decorated at least a month before Christmas. Lavish dinners accompany Christmas Eve celebrations, traditionally with roasted pork leg and tamales. In Costa Rica it's not Santa Claus who brings the Christmas gifts; they are instead brought by Baby Jesus on the night before Christmas called “La Noche Buena” (the Good Night).</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907264?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Nicaragua/3-6-*/" target="_blank">Nicaragua</a></strong></p><p>The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, called “La Purísima”, starts off the Christmas season in Nicaragua. On Dec. 8, young people go caroling from house to house in celebration of the Immaculate Conception, and there are processions with statues of the Virgin Mary.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907297,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907297,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907297?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-El-Salvador/3-3-*/" target="_blank">El Salvador</a></strong></p><p>Christmas in El Salvador focuses on family. Most families go to midnight mass together and then return home to begin an all-night party with a large dinner, serving roasted turkey, rice and chicken, and potato salad. As they wait for the arrival of Santa Claus, children play with sparklers, and fireworks are set off.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296593267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296593267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296593267?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Guatemala/3-4-*/" target="_blank">Guatemala</a></strong></p><p>In Guatemala, Christmas blends the Mayan culture with Roman Catholicism. Antigua, Guatemala, one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial cities in Central America, stages impressive traditional Catholic Christmas processions and festivals. In the nearby Mayan market town of Chichicastenango, vividly costumed indigenous dancers act out plays and musicals that blend modern Christianity with ancient Mayan beliefs. Most churches and public areas display Nativity scenes, and everyone always goes to Midnight Mass on Dec. 24, known as “La Misa del Gallo,” or the “Mass of the Rooster”.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907700,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907700,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="427" alt="9008907700?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Honduras/3-5-*/" target="_blank">Honduras</a></strong></p><p>People in Honduras also go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve, followed by a special dinner with tamales, roasted pork, chicken with rice, and torrejas – bread fried with honey and cinnamon – for dessert with eggnog. Las Posadas is a common tradition in Honduras, held from Dec. 16 to 24 when participants reenact the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem searching for a place to stay. The ritual involves statues of saints traveling to different designated homes each night as a way to symbolize the historic journey.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592683,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592683,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="438" alt="9296592683?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Belize/3-1-*/" target="_blank">Belize</a></strong></p><p>Having been colonized by the British, Belize is mainly a Christian nation, so you will see Christmas traditions like Christmas trees, decorated homes and midnight mass celebrations. However, indigenous and West African cultures also influenced local traditions like the Garifuna Wanaragua celebration, which happens on Christmas Day in towns like Dangriga where the West African culture is strong. Wanaragua is a masked Christmas procession where locals dress up in costumes meant to mimic the dress of their original European captors.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907869,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907869,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="440" alt="9008907869?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Travel to Central America</b> with <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/" target="_blank">Central America Experience</a>, a Costa Rica-based travel agency specializing <b>vacation packages to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>A horse and the Virgin Mary -- Costa Rica Christmas Legendshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-horse-and-the-virgin-mary-costa-rica-christmas-legends2014-12-13T22:40:04.000Z2014-12-13T22:40:04.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901082,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008901082?profile=original" /></a>What do a <b>little black mare</b> and the <b>Virgin of Guadalupe</b> have to do with <a href="http://nicoyapeninsula.com/general/traditions.php" target="_blank">Christmas traditions in Costa Rica</a>?</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901459,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="80" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901459,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="188" alt="9008901459?profile=original" /></a>One of the more interesting <b>Christmastime festivals held in Costa Rica</b> is the <a href="http://outwardboundcostarica.org/2012/fights-legends-and-the-virgin-of-guadalupe-la-festival-de-la-yeguita/" target="_blank">Festival of “La Yeguita”</a> (the little mare) on <b>December 12</b>. Held annually on the <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica</a>, the celebration combines traditional native beliefs and Roman Catholic customs.</p><p></p><p>According to the University of Costa Rica, the <b>indigenous legend</b> tells about two brothers caught in a machete-fight over a girl. People leaving the local church saw the fight and started praying to the <b><a href="http://www.catholic.org/about/guadalupe.php" target="_blank">Virgin of Guadalupe</a>, the patron saint of Nicoya and the Americas</b>, for a miracle. At that moment, a small black mare appeared, running between the fighting brothers to separate them and stop the conflict. <b>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU3JbQtL80k" target="_blank">Festival of “La Yeguita”</a> coincides with the Roman Catholic celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe</b>.</p><p></p><p>The celebration on <b>Dec. 12,</b> <b>in the city of Nicoya on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula</b>, <b>features a procession</b> with a man dressed as the “little mare” dancing with another man carrying a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe to the music of flutes and drums. The procession leads to the <b>Catholic Church for a mass</b>, and afterward, there is <b>food, concerts and general dancing</b>.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901268,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901268,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="9008901268?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008858655?profile=original" /></a>Where to stay on the Nicoya Peninsula</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> on the <b>southern Nicoya Peninsula</b> is known as one of the <b>most beautiful beaches in the world.</b> It is a place with warm and clear Pacific Ocean, spectacular sunsets over the sea, and the home of <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</a> specializes in <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf holidays</a> and <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">yoga retreats in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>.</b> They feature <b>comfortable and charming</b> <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">accommodations</a>, a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/spa.html" target="_blank">beachfront spa</a>, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a> and an <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/dinning.html" target="_blank">award-winning restaurant</a>.</p><p></p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>Christmas in Costa Rica is for the birds!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/christmas-in-costa-rica-is-for-the-birds2013-12-18T15:08:05.000Z2013-12-18T15:08:05.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://profimercadeo.com/test/club/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Trogon-at-Veragua-Rainforest-photo-by-Daniel-Torres-203x300.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://profimercadeo.com/test/club/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Trogon-at-Veragua-Rainforest-photo-by-Daniel-Torres-203x300.jpg?width=203" width="203" alt="Trogon-at-Veragua-Rainforest-photo-by-Daniel-Torres-203x300.jpg?width=203" /></a>Christmas is a special time of year for birders</strong>. Equipped with binoculars, bird guides and checklists, <strong>avid birders throughout the Americas</strong> brave snow, wind, rain, or maybe even tropical sun, to take part in the <a title="Christmas Bird Count by U.S. Audubon Society" href="http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count" target="_blank"><strong>Christmas Bird Count</strong></a>. The longest running “Citizen Science survey” in the world, <strong>the annual Christmas Bird Count provides critical data on bird population trends</strong>. The <a class="zem_slink" title="National Audubon Society" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.7292258056,-74.005211&spn=0.01,0.01&q=40.7292258056,-74.005211%20%28National%20Audubon%20Society%29&t=h" target="_blank">National Audubon Society</a> of the USA and other organizations use data collected in this wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to assist in conservation efforts.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>The Christmas Bird Count began more than 100 years ago</strong> on Christmas Day by the U.S. Audubon Society. This year, the <strong>114<sup>th</sup> annual Christmas Bird Count</strong> in the United States is from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5. <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20%28Costa%20Rica%29&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a> also participates in the <a title="Schedule of Costa Rica Christmas Bird Count 2013" href="http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress/2013/11/21/a-november-update-on-birding-in-costa-rica-and-2013-christmas-bird-counts/" target="_blank">Christmas Bird Count</a></strong>. This year, the count began Dec. 1 at Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui, and ends Jan. 5 at Maquenque near San Carlos, with nine other counts in between at locations around the country.<a target="_blank" href="http://profimercadeo.com/test/club/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Barn-swallow-at-Veragua-Rainforest-photo-by-Daniel-Torres.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://profimercadeo.com/test/club/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Barn-swallow-at-Veragua-Rainforest-photo-by-Daniel-Torres-271x300.jpg?width=161" width="161" alt="Barn-swallow-at-Veragua-Rainforest-photo-by-Daniel-Torres-271x300.jpg?width=161" /></a></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Last year, the highest number of birds counted in Central America was in <a title="2012 Costa Rica Christmas Bird Count a huge success" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/christmas-bird-count-record-soars-in-costa-rica-for-2012/" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a></strong>. A record number of <strong>417 different bird species, and 12,665 individual birds</strong>, were identified in a 24-hour period on Dec. 5, 2012 in the <strong>Central Caribbean by Veragua Rainforest</strong>. Covering 19 routes, 67 ornithologists, naturalist guides, university students and bird enthusiasts participated in the count.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://profimercadeo.com/test/club/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Central-American-Pygmy-Owl-at-Veragua-photo-by-Patrick-ODonnell.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://profimercadeo.com/test/club/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Central-American-Pygmy-Owl-at-Veragua-photo-by-Patrick-ODonnell.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Central-American-Pygmy-Owl-at-Veragua-photo-by-Patrick-ODonnell.jpg?width=300" /></a>According to avid <strong>Costa Rica birder and blogger</strong>, Patrick O’Donnell, local birders rave about the <strong>excellent forest filled with <a title="Birders rave about bird watching at Veragua Rainforest" href="http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress/2011/12/12/the-veragua-rainforest-christmas-count-part-one/" target="_blank">lowland bird species at Veragua Rainforest</a></strong>. O’Donnell’s <a title="Costa Rica Living and Birding Blog" href="http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress/" target="_blank"><strong>Costa Rica Living and Birding blog</strong></a> provides a wealth of information about birding in Costa Rica.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Veragua Rainforest and Eco-Adventure in Costa Rica" href="http://www.veraguarainforest.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure</strong></a>, located in the <a class="zem_slink" title="Cordillera de Talamanca" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.48408333333,-83.4886666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.48408333333,-83.4886666667%20%28Cordillera%20de%20Talamanca%29&t=h" target="_blank">Talamanca Mountain Range</a> about an hour inland from <strong>Costa Rica’s Caribbean <a class="zem_slink" title="Port of Limón" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Lim%C3%B3n" target="_blank">port of Limón</a></strong>, is an area of breathtaking tropical rainforest. It borders the <strong>La Amistad (“Friendship”) International Park</strong>, the largest nature reserve in Central America. Veragua Rainforest is an <strong>excellent one-day tour</strong> in the Costa Rica rainforest.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><b>Travel Tip:</b> Download the <a title="Costa Rica Birds Field Guide app" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/costa-rica-birds-field-guide/id568719936?mt=8" target="_blank"><b>Costa Rica Birds Field Guide</b></a>, a full-featured birding field guide for Costa Rica, available on iTunes.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Article by <a title="Follow writer Shannon Farley on Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a></strong></p></div>A funny thing called christmashttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-funny-thing-called-christmas2012-12-26T12:58:04.000Z2012-12-26T12:58:04.000ZJessica de Heijhttps://tripatini.com/members/JessicadeHeij<div><p>I was sitting in my t-shirt in Federation square, just enjoying the beautiful blue sky and the warm sun. I saw people who just finished their christmas shopping or were leaving the many different art galleries around Federation Square. Me, I was just relaxing and enjoying my time in Melbourne and looked at the cathedral, where they displayed a christmas tree and stars on the cathedral. I loved this moment.</p><p><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j9NNX5oGFRw?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p><a href="http://worldtripping.org/christmas/kerst/"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1266 align-right" style="margin:7px;" alt="Christmas back home before I was addicted to travel and when I really loved ugly sweaters" src="http://worldtripping.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/kerst-204x300.jpg" height="300" width="204" /></a></p><p>That was exactly one year ago. This year I'm back in Holland again. Happy to be back seeying my friends and family again. Although I love my friends and family very much, christmas is always a bit different here. It's mostly cold, there's not a lot of sun and of course there's the occasional family drama. A lot of people think it's weird to celebrate christmas in the sun.</p><p>Why? It's perfect. Ok, you don't have any snow but what is more perfect than having a barbecue on the beach, seeing the sunset and celebrating christmas. I loved it!</p><p></p><p><strong>What do you prefer? A christmas in the sun? Or a christmas in the snow?</strong></p></div>Vacations in Winterhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/vacations-in-winter2010-10-28T08:06:59.000Z2010-10-28T08:06:59.000Zallthebesthttps://tripatini.com/members/allthebest<div><p align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse:separate;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'Times New Roman';font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:0px;font-size:medium;">Those looking for unusual <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/india-holidays/winter-holiday.html" title="Winter Holidays India">destinations for the winter</a>, climb volcanoes, explore deserted beaches or enjoy the holiday all the romance of winter.Christmas <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/india-holidays/">Holidays</a> in winter is highly popular. When the days get shorter and the gray day, it attracts many in southern climes. In addition to popular destinations like the Dominican Republic or the Maldives, there are a number of other countries that are particularly in the winter months a visit. These do not always lie at the equator.<br /><br /></span></p><p align="justify"><strong>Holiday in the Canary Islands in winter</strong><br />The Canary Islands are also in winter, a climate very pleasant destination. In general, the temperatures are during the day around 25 degrees Celsius. At night it can be cooler and require less than 20 degrees a sweater. Also, the micro-climate on the islands should be noted. Thus, the north of Tenerife sometimes be relatively cool and windy, the South, however, very hot. In November and December, the water is still warm, in January and February it can be for one or the other to cool. Around <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/india-holidays/christmas-holiday.html">Christmas and New Year</a> prices rise and we should act on time for a hotel. A special tip far from the tourist developments on Gran Canaria and Tenerife is the small island of El Hierro. Here you can leave the everyday life very well walk, hike or dive.<br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><strong>Winter holidays in Denmark the fireplace</strong><br />A winter trip to Denmark it is not necessarily denote a holiday in the sun. But can a quiet cottage with sauna and fireplace are very relaxing for the soul in the middle of the dunes. The opportunity to do as the North Sea island of Romo, which is connected by a causeway to the mainland, Jutland and the Danish Baltic Sea islands with a large selection of <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/luxury/" title="Luxury Holidays India">holiday</a> homes. Depending on your budget, the houses with sauna, Jacuzzi and a fireplace, and offer pleasant warm up after a walk on the beach. The prices are very moderate in the winter and are particularly suitable for a <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/romantic-getaways/family-tours.html">family</a> holiday.<br /><br /><br /><strong>In winter in the sun to Nicaragua</strong><br />Central America is a great destination for Christmas and the winter months. If rule in Europe rain, snow and cold, is in the equatorial region dry season. Countless great beaches, stunning nature and fascinating culture, visitors welcome. Costa Rica is now the most visited country in Central America, where tourists can escape in many <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/vacation-india/tiger.html" title="Tiger Tours India">national parks</a> and wide beaches from the European winter. But who wants to go with more time or less-trodden paths should one deal with Costa Rica's northern neighbor, Nicaragua. Although Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the region, it is regarded as the first country Central America. The horrors of the Contra revolution in the 80s will make for a long time to create man, but the Nicas, as they call themselves, a proud and friendly people. Of natural beauty is its neighbor, Nicaragua Costa Rica in every way. Vast rain forests, volcanoes, perfect, endless beaches and enchanting lakes dominate the landscape. Particularly impressive goals are the beaches of the Pacific side, the paradise Islas del Maiz in the Caribbean and the Isla de Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake.<br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><strong>On New Year to Vietnam</strong><br />Vietnam has not developed very strong tourism. Although the months of November to February are considered as a cool season in the north, the temperatures for Europeans are still more than pleasant. The south is tropical, always hot. During <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/">vacation packages</a> the European winter where the dry season.<br /><br /></p><p align="justify">Travelers meet in Vietnam incredibly friendly people and breathtaking scenery, to a completely different culture, one should be treated with respect and openness. The capital of Saigon newcomers bombarded with impressions of chaotic traffic and total confusion. Very famous is the Vietnamese cuisine, which is also very palatable to Europeans.should plan thoroughly, but who intends to travel to New Year period after Vietnam. For the New Year is all about Vietnam Tet head, flights are fully booked and closed <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/vacation-india/" title="Vacation Deals">attractions</a>. Those who are present at this time in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the country experienced before in a different way.<br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><strong>Lonely Scotland in Winter</strong><br />Scotland in Winter? So some of the British North in the summer to cool. But who have a thick jacket in the closet and found somewhere in the deep subconscious also allows the possibility that there could be even icy rain instead of snow <a href="http://us.travelchacha.com/romantic-getaways/">romantic</a>, in the Scottish winter can detect a special magic. The temperatures in the ancient Caledonian lowlands in winter usually move between zero and ten degrees. Depending on wind and rain development but it can feel quite even colder. The Highlands are seen in the cold months, white with snow, dense and heavy snowfalls are possible until well into March. On clear days, the landscape revealed in breathtaking beauty and the strange calm that leaves the everyday life very much. The landscape is covered in snow, is like being transported into a unique silence. Huge herds of deer are the only dark spots in a white mountains.<br /><br /></p><p align="justify">Scotland in the winter and Christmas is for individuals. The offer for tours is often limited to the summer months. A major advantage of the unusual journey time but the prices are for accommodation, the fall in winter in the basement. Lufthansa flies over the year to cheap Edinburgh. But one should consider that many of the famous sights such as castles and other historic sites are closed during the winter months.</p></div>Weekend for Christmas Getawayshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/weekend-for-christmas-getaways2010-12-22T09:00:00.000Z2010-12-22T09:00:00.000ZLonely Planethttps://tripatini.com/members/LonelyPlanet<div><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">With just a week to go before the ‘big day’ the UK’s airports have geared up for what is the busiest few days in the Christmas getaway rush!</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Millions of UK Passengers Passing Through UK Airports This Week<br /> The next two weeks are one of the busiest fortnights in an airport’s year, this week especially Saturday 18th through until Christmas Day,<br />with Heathrow expecting half a million passengers, whilst Gatwick<br />Airport set to see a phenomenal 700,000 passengers pass through its<br />terminals from this weekend.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">20% More Winter Sun Getaways Booked<br /> The popularity in Winter <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/india-tourism/goa-tourism.html">sun holidays</a> over the last few weeks has seen a huge increase, as much as 20% reported by some <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/india-travel-agent.htm">tour operators</a>, as UK residents escape the extreme weather conditions.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Be Prepared For Long Airport Queues<br /> So if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of Britons heading to an airport over the next week or so then be prepared for long queues.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Long Haul and Short Haul Check-In Times<br /> That means be sure to get to the airport on time – for short haul <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/flights.asp">flights</a> it is recommended that you check-in two hours before your flight time, and if long haul then three hours before you fly.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Stock Up On Refreshments For the Airport<br /> Also be aware that with so many people in the airport the likely hood is that the queues, not only for check-in, but for refreshments will be<br />long too. It’s worth while taking with you a few snacks, especially if<br />you are travelling with small children. If you are concerned about<br />passing through security with food products for children then don’t be.<br />You’ll simply be asked to taste a small piece of the food. It’s<br />definitely worth taking your child’s food, and not risk the queues!<br />Another little tip is the newsagents in the airports, like WH Smiths for<br />example, will also sell a selection of refreshments so it’s worth<br />getting a drink and a packet of crisps from these types of shops instead<br />of one from the Food Hall.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Airport Snow Cancellations & Delays<br /> However, the weather that many of us are trying to escape may actually keep us in the country. Yet again the UK is being hit by major snow<br />storms and Heathrow and Gatwick have already closed runways and<br />cancelled flights this weekend.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Rail Closure Risks - Book Your Airport Parking<br /> When the snow falls, even the smallest amounts, rail routes can grind to a halt. Therefore, if you are travelling to the airport via train, or<br />other such public transport that could risk being delayed or diverted,<br />it’s worth considering, if the roads aren’t too treacherous, driving<br />yourself to the airport and booking airport parking. This way you can<br />get yourself to the airport, leaving home in good time, and also you can<br />get yourself back home again too.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Call The Airport Before Travel<br /> With snow closures a real threat, and delays a given, do call before you <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/">travel</a> – phone the airport on the day of travel to be advised of the very<br />latest information on delays and cancellations, along with any revised<br />check-in times.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">According to the latest weather reports we haven’t seen the last of the snow – the whole country is expected to be hit by further snow storms over the next few days, so fingers crossed for those<br />of us who are trying to get away do get away!</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Merry Christmas!</p></div>Spend the Christmas Holidays in the Mediterranean with Friendly Planet Travelhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/spend-the-christmas-holidays2009-10-06T18:01:05.000Z2009-10-06T18:01:05.000ZPeggy Goldmanhttps://tripatini.com/members/PeggyGoldman<div><i>Mediterranean Highlights gives travelers an opportunity to enjoy the Christmas holidays while sailing to the best Mediterranean ports for under $1,300</i>If the idea of icy roads, frigid temperatures, and chapped lips doesn’t appeal to you for the holiday season, take heart. For under $1,300, <a href="http://www.friendlyplanet.com/" target="_blank">Friendly Planet Travel</a> can transport you to the temperate shores of the Mediterranean in high style. Starting today, travelers can choose from two new cruises which sail to the best ports in the western Mediterranean and both conclude with two free bonus nights in Rome.The <a href="http://www.friendlyplanettravel.com/blog/2009/09/christmas-in-september-mediterranean-highlights-by-the-sea.html" target="_blank">Mediterranean Highlights</a> program offers an exciting itinerary that celebrates the cultural riches and natural beauty of the western Mediterranean, with port calls in Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia, and Malta. On the <a href="http://www.friendlyplanettravel.com/blog/2009/10/hot-new-holiday-tour-cruise-the-iberian-coasts.html" target="_blank">Iberian Coasts program</a>, port calls include Italy, France, Morocco, Gibraltar, and Spain. On both cruises, travelers will enjoy pampering aboard the <a href="http://www.friendlyplanet.com/cruise-ships/louis-majesty.html" target="_blank">M/V Louis Majesty</a> as they explore the historically rich ports-of-call. Mediterranean Highlights features six days of cruising plus two bonus nights in Rome, starting at just $1,299, while Iberian Coasts features eight days of cruising plus two bonus nights in Rome, starting at just $1,399. See the <a href="http://friendlyplanettravel.com/blog/" target="_blank">Friendly Planet blog</a> for more information on prices, including <a href="http://www.friendlyplanettravel.com/blog/2009/10/special-pricing-alert-for-mediterranean-and-iberian-coasts-cruises.html" target="_blank">discounted child rates and free cabin upgrades for all passengers</a>.“We’re giving people the opportunity to take a holiday vacation with their families this Christmas and New Year’s season, at prices that are unheard of for these types of trips,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “Our Mediterranean Highlights’ maiden voyage embarks just before Christmas on December 19. The itinerary is truly a living mosaic, where every port recalls another magnificent era of castles and fortresses, ancient cultures, exotic art, enticing food, music, and architectural grandeur. I can’t think of more beautiful destinations I’d rather be with my loved ones during the holiday season. Plus, our numerous other departure dates throughout 2010 make either of these cruises the ideal holiday gift for your husband, your wife, your parents, or yourself!”The cruises embark from Genoa, Italy. At the conclusion of each cruise, travelers fly to Rome for two additional days of exploration and relaxation. The first departure of Mediterranean Highlights runs from Dec. 19 - Dec. 28, with six additional departures throughout 2010. The first departure of Iberian Coasts runs from Dec. 25 - Jan. 5, 2010, with four additional departures throughout 2010.Both programs include roundtrip flights from New York; all meals aboard the cruise; flights from Genoa to Rome; first class, centrally located hotel accommodations in Rome; and group transfers. Other departure gateways are available on request, and travelers are invited to call for rates. For more information, please call Friendly Planet Travel at 800-555-5765, visit the company’s Web site at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com, the blog at http://friendlyplanettravel.com/blog, or contact Jackie Zima at 610-228-2138 (office), Jackie@GregoryFCA.com.</div>