Traveling Wellhttps://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/rss-feedList of blog posts (RSS)en{B85C5D0D-2DCC-492E-9070-1491C9CA87E6}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/03/which-us-national-parks-tour-is-right-for-youWhich U.S. National Parks Tour Is Right for You?<div class="post-description"> <p>National parks are America’s treasures, showcasing the country’s natural beauty. Are you dreaming of vast canyons? Snow-capped mountains? Waterfalls? Take our quiz to find out which of our tours is perfect for you.</p> <div class="riddle2-wrapper" data-rid-id="IMnOTkdp" data-auto-scroll="true" data-is-fixed-height-enabled="false" data-bg="#fff" data-fg="#00205b" style="margin:0 auto; max-width:100%; width:640px;"><script src=" https://www.riddle.com/embed/build-embedjs/embedV2.js"></script><iframe src=" https://www.riddle.com/embed/a/IMnOTkdp?lazyImages=false&amp;staticHeight=false" allow="autoplay" referrerpolicy="strict-origin"><h2>Personalities</h2><ul><li> SOUTH DAKOTA </li><li> CALIFORNIA </li><li> GRAND HAWAIIAN </li><li> PAINTED CANYONS </li><li> ALASKA </li></ul></iframe></div> </div>Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Z{90922829-BA3D-4DDE-8C4B-479A498183C3}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/03/snapshots-of-the-jubileeSnapshots of the Jubilee<style> ul li { padding: 5px 0 5px 0 } </style> <div class="post-description"> <p>The first Holy Year was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII in the year 1300. In the year 2025, travelers will follow in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims and journey to Rome for the next Jubilee, with the apt theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” </p> <p>As part of Collette’s 2025 Jubilee: The Holy Year tour, we’re sponsoring a photo exhibition at the hotel where our travelers stay. Italian photographer Oliviero Olivieri is presenting A Ticket to Paradise, a series of 24 photos he took during the last Jubilee in the year 2000. This offers a unique opportunity for travelers to really absorb the experience of the pilgrims that came before them.</p> <h3>Diving Deeper into the Artistry</h3> <p>Oliviero Olivieri’s photography is immersive and authentic. Here are some of his artistic trademarks: </p> <ul style="font-size:18px; margin-bottom:20px"> <li>Oliviero focuses on experiencing the moment with his subjects, rather than on the outside looking in.</li> <li>In keeping up with his subjects, his photos express a lot of movement. </li> <li>Oliviero doesn’t use any extra lighting. He feels by capturing what is in front of him, he’s sharing the rawness and realness of the moment in the frame.</li> <li>The images were taken with a small Olympus OM1 using Kodak film TriX. The photos will be hand printed and framed on Silver-gelatin-Fibre based paper. </li> </ul> <img height="425" alt="jubilee 3" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/03/jubilee_3.png?la=en"> <h3>An Electric Time in Rome</h3> <p>While Oliviero is excited to share his art, he is also excited for travelers to experience Italy at such a unique time. “I try to stress the fact that the Jubilee is beyond religion,” he said. “If anyone wants to visit Rome, there’s no better year than the Jubilee year. Of course it will be busy … but the city will be at its best.” </p> <p>Ahead of the tour and the launch of the exhibition, we wanted to offer a sneak peek into some of Oliviero‘s pieces that will be on display. </p> <p>Peruse through history, reflect, and connect with these moments of hope in Rome. Oliviero says, “These pictures come straight from heaven.”</p> <img height="425" alt="jubilee 4" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/03/jubilee_4.png?la=en"> <p>We sat down with Oliviero to discuss this upcoming tour and his exhibition. Check out the virtual event <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgFSDZGE_Ds" target="_blank">here</a></p> </div>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Z{7229FF23-A729-4ED8-9205-D6E53E7C5C13}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/03/chats-with-collette-product-designersDesigning Women: Chats with Collette Product Designers<div class="post-description"> <p>March is Women’s History Month in the United States and Australia and March 8 is International Women’s Day. In honor of that, we spoke with some of the many talented women at Collette who design tours and create unforgettable travel experiences all over the world.</p> <p><img height="310" alt="vinette digregorio" width="566" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/03/vinette_digregorio.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Vinette Digregorio</h3> <p><em>At Collette since 2016</em><br> <em>Regions:</em> Western United States, including Alaska, and western Canada</p> <p><em>How did you get into product design?</em><br> Well, I sort of fell into the travel industry back in 1992, but I’ve always had a knack for creating itineraries for my family and friends. A passion for travel, the process of doing research, and knowing who your customer is are all key to being a successful product designer.</p> <p><em>What does your region mean to you?</em><br> I love the sense of adventure the American west represents, especially the national parks. We’re so fortunate to have these parks, and I encourage everyone to get out and visit them!</p> <p><em>What's one place everyone should experience in your region?</em><br> Yosemite National Park! </p> <p><em>What’s it like working on a team that’s mostly women?</em><br> Well, I never thought about that question before! I know that we’re all hard workers, we all take pride in our regions, we all step up and support each other when needed, and we have a great leader – also a woman!</p> <p><img height="310" alt="sandra cardoso" width="566" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/03/sandra_cardoso.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Sandra Cardoso</h3> <p><em>At Collette since 2022</em><br> <em>Regions:</em> Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and France</p> <p><em>How did you get into product design?</em><br> I've been working in tourism for over 20 years – practically always in design, although often with other functions such as purchasing, tour delivery, product managing, and sales. And even before I made tourism a profession, I was already designing holidays for family and friends as a hobby.</p> <p><em>What does your region mean to you?</em><br> My region is first and foremost my home, Portugal. All the other regions are close to my heart, because my in-laws are Spanish, and I have uncles and cousins in France. I don’t have any relatives in Morocco, but I have an emotional attachment to the country.</p> <p><em>What's one thing/place that everyone should experience/see in your region? </em><br> It's hard to choose, but I'd say:<br><br> <b>Portugal:</b> Listening to fado in a real casa de fados and understanding the feeling and the historical background of this music. Strolling along the terraces of the Douro while enjoying a good glass of wine.<br><br> <b>Spain:</b> Entering the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) at dusk and being inspired by the lights and the transition of seasons and spaces. Tasting Andalusian olive oil (and a good glass of wine to accompany it) on a family-run farm.<br><br> <b>France:</b> There's no doubt that climbing the Eiffel Tower is something emblematic and unique. And visiting Provence, especially during the lavender harvest? My God, it's heaven on earth. <br><br> <b>Morocco:</b> Without a doubt, going to the desert and getting to know the people, some of the warmest in the world, and also appreciating the differences among the Berbers, the nomads, and others. </p> <p><em>What’s it like working on a team that’s mostly women?</em><br> Wonderful. </p> <p><em>What’s been your favorite experience in this region?</em><br> Getting to know more and more wonderful people.</p> <p><em>Are there any women vendors in your region you’d like to mention? </em><br> There are many, but I’d like to call out Nora from the Amal Center in Marrakech. But she’s not a woman, she’s a super-woman!</p> <p><img height="310" alt="shannon levi" width="566" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/03/shannon_levi.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Shannon Levi</h3> <p><em>At Collette since 2019</em><br> <em>Regions:</em> Italy, Malta, the Middle East (Jordan &amp; Israel), and Egypt</p> <p><em>How did you get into product design?</em><br> I’m from Italy, born and raised in Rome. All my family works in tourism and hospitality. My parents took me traveling around Italy starting when I was an infant. We went to places like the village of Cocullo, which holds its annual Festival of the Snake-Catchers in May. I remember the delicious aroma of toasted almonds and sugar filling the air at a confectionery in Sulmona – watching the almonds being tossed in huge copper cauldrons and changing color with natural food dyes making them pink, blue, purple, and green. </p> <p><em>What does your region mean to you?</em><br> Heritage. Italy is the ancestral home of over 80 million people around the world claiming full or partial Italian ancestry. And, of course, the “art of life” – architecture, music, food, sculpture, painting, wine, you name it! </p> <p><em>What’s it like working on a team that’s mostly women?</em><br> It’s a joy and an honor. We have a team who all travel themselves, and are passionate about sharing their cultures with our travelers. There’s an incredible sense of support on the team, with the eager sharing of ideas, challenges, and always-fruitful brainstorming.</p> <p><em>What’s been your favorite experience in this region?</em><br> I consider it the greatest privilege to be able to keep exploring my country. Our travelers give me the opportunity of looking at my culture through new eyes, and that keeps it fresh and exciting. Every time I find a place that feels like home, I get excited at the prospect of including the experience on tour – I anticipate the happy memories our travelers will be making.</p> <p><em>Are there any women vendors in your region you’d like to mention?</em><br> Giada, from our hands-on cooking class on <em><a href="/tours/europe/italy/italys-treasures">Italy’s Treasures</a></em>.<br><br> On <em><a href="/tours/europe/italy/tuscan--umbrian-countryside">Tuscan &amp; Umbrian Countryside</a></em>, Francesca makes our truffle hunt possible, and is also the cheesemaker, shepherd, and person who puts everything together. <br><br> And Elena, who owns the Carmignani winery that’s a highlight of <em><a href="/tours/europe/italy/discover-tuscany">Spotlight on Tuscany</a></em>. </p> <p><img height="310" alt="ariana aaraj" width="566" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/03/ariana_aaraj.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Ariana Aaraj</h3> <p><em>At Collette since 2016</em><br> <em>Regions:</em> US Southeast, Hawaii, Eastern Canada, Greece, and Turkey</p> <p><em>How did you get into product design?</em><br> I started at Collette in Marketing, and when a position on the design team opened, I knew immediately I wanted it. Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences has always been a huge passion of mine. Being a product designer gives me the opportunity to <em>constantly</em> improve and evolve my tours with the traveler at the heart of it all. </p> <p><em>What do your regions mean to you? </em><br> North America has some fascinating history, which I get to showcase on our US and Canadian tours – it may come as a surprise to some that there’s such a difference in cultures between these countries. Greece is a very special place to me because that’s where my family is from. I’ve grown up with Greek culture, traditions, and food – getting to share these things with our travelers is priceless!</p> <p><em>What's one thing that everyone should experience in your regions? </em><br> Just one!? How about one per region? <br><br> <b>Southeast US:</b> On our <em><a href="/tours/north-america/usa/americas-music-cities">America’s Music Cities</a></em> tour, travelers get to spend the morning with our local guide, Elaine Lee Turner, a civil-rights activist who marched in Selma and has dedicated her life to telling the story of African American heritage. Elaine and her siblings have earned the title of the “Most Arrested Family in the Country” because of their peaceful protests for justice and equality. <br><br> <b>Eastern Canada:</b> Niagara Falls, Cabot Trail, Old Quebec City. A bonus that we’ve added to <em><a href="/tours/north-america/canada/the-best-of-eastern-canada">The Best of Eastern Canada</a></em> is a visit to Madahoki Farm, outside of Ottawa, where travelers connect with an Indigenous ambassador to hear stories and learn about Indigenous culture while making traditional bannock fry bread by the fire. <br><br> <b>Greece/Turkey:</b> The hospitality. I know that’s not a specific experience, but this is what really brings the country and culture to life. Greeks are warm, friendly, and hospitable, and their contagious energy is everywhere. </p><p><em>What’s it like working on a team that’s mostly women?</em><br> Powerful. Our team is made up of a group of very strong women and it’s an honor working alongside these brilliant minds. I’m inspired by my fellow designers every single day!</p> <p>Many thanks to Vinette, Sandra, Shannon, and Ariana for sharing their points of view!</p> </div>Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Z{DC76F56B-4BF9-4BB8-8BC0-B1EDD6332D0C}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/02/6-trending-destinations-for-20246 Trending Destinations for 2024 (And 4 That Are Looking Hot for 2025)<div class="post-description"> <p>Travel is always trending. And sometimes people seem to discover the same destinations at once, making them the “it” spots of the moment. Here are six inspiring destinations to explore in 2024… and four more we think will be on every traveler’s wish list in 2025.</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Patagonia" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-patagonia.jpg?la=en"> <h3>1. Patagonia</h3> <p>While its temperatures run cool, <a href="/tours/south-america/argentina/patagonia">this destination</a> is hot right now! Are you ready to explore one of the most remote and untouched parts of the world? (And do you like penguins?)</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Iceland" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-iceland.jpg?la=en"> <h3>2. Iceland</h3> <p>This <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=iceland">Nordic country</a> has soared in popularity in recent years. From the colorful streets of Reykjavík to volcanoes and the northern lights, there’s something breathtaking at every turn.</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Italy" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-italy.jpg?la=en"> <h3>3. Italy</h3> <p>Travelers flock to this eternal favorite for the food, art, architecture, history, and more. The big trend now? Visiting during the off-season, when crowds are sparse and the weather is welcoming. </p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Ireland" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-ireland.jpg?la=en"> <h3>4. Ireland</h3> <p>Travelers can’t get enough of the <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=ireland">Emerald Isle</a>. May the road rise up to meet you!</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Greece" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-greece.jpg?la=en"> <h3>5. Greece</h3> <p>From whitewashed houses overlooking the deep blue sea to ancient ruins filled with the secrets of history, Greece delights and amazes. Our new tour, <a href="/tours/europe/greece/gems-of-greece-athens-naxos-and-crete"><em>Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos, Crete</em></a>, takes you to quieter islands for a more relaxed visit. (In 2025, two new Greek islands grace our portfolio: Crete and Naxos. If you've been to Santorini and Mykonos already, head there next!)</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours National Parks" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-national-parks.jpg?la=en"> <h3>6. National Parks</h3> <p>America’s <a href="/find-your-tour#q/showFacets=1&amp;content=national%20parks&amp;currentPage=1&amp;sortDirection=desc&amp;sortBy=pageviewsbylanguage">national parks</a> are enjoying a boom in popularity. Mountains, canyons, geysers, towering redwoods, and more. (Two new tours coming in 2025: <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks"><em>Sequoia &amp; Kings Canyon National Park</em></a>&nbsp;and <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/utahs-mighty-five-and-the-rockies"><em>Utah's Mighty Five &amp; the Rockies</em></a>)</p> <p>We’re convinced that these will be the next destinations on everyone’s list!</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Portugal" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-portugal.jpg?la=en"> <h3>1. Portugal</h3> <p>Travelers easily fall under the spell of Portugal's charms, including (but not limited to!) its food, wine, hillside towns, and beautiful beaches. Our new 2025 tour, <a href="/tours/europe/portugal/portugals-old-world-charms"><em>Portugal’s Old World Charms</em></a>, takes you to Lisbon, Alentejo, and the Douro Valley.</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Namibia" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-namibia.jpg?la=en"> <h3>2. Namibia</h3> <p>The stark, stunning beauty of this country on the southwest coast of Africa lures adventurous travelers. Explore the wonders of this undiscovered landscape on our new 2025 tour – <a href="/tours/africa/south-africa/namibia-and-south-africa"><em>Namibia &amp; South Africa: Epic Landscapes &amp; Wildlife</em></a>.</p> <img alt="New Tours Albania" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-albania.jpg?h=387&amp;w=700&amp;la=en" style="height: 387px; width: 700px;"> <h3>3. Albania</h3> <p>This mountainous Balkan nation is soaring in popularity. Stunning coastlines, towering peaks, ancient ruins, and picturesque towns are just some of charms that await you here. Albania debuts in our portfolio for the first time in 2025, with <a href="/tours/europe/croatia/the-balkans-coastal-croatia-to-legendary-greece"><em>The Balkans: From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece</em></a>.</p> <img height="387" alt="New Tours Mendoza" width="700" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/24-new-tours-blog-mendoza.jpg?la=en"> <h3>4. Mendoza</h3> <p>Time to add this city to your bucket list. In the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza offers mountain adventures, vineyard tours, and mouthwatering food, not to mention some of the best Malbec on the planet. Visit in 2025 on our new <a href="/tours/south-america/chile/essential-south-america"><em>Essential South America</em></a> tour!</p> </div>Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{DF61A4AB-ABD9-46D0-87BE-DD29B975E4F8}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/02/meet-atlantic-canadaMeet Atlantic Canada<div class="post-description"> <p>Whether you’re getting ready to take our <a href="/en/tours/north-america/canada/maritimes-coastal-wonders">Maritimes Coastal Wonders tour</a> or you’re simply interested in learning about the Atlantic provinces, consider this your primer on this stunning region. When it’s time to embark on your journey, you’ll be ready to wow your fellow travelers with your newfound(land) knowledge! From the rugged beaches and picturesque fishing villages to rich history and delectable seafood, let’s take a look at what makes Atlantic Canada so special.</p> <h3>New Brunswick </h3> <ul> <li><p>The only city on the Bay of Fundy, Saint John is Canada’s first incorporated city (1785). It is home to Canada’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market (Saint John City Market) as well as the award-winning <a href="https://www.area506.ca/container-village" target="_blank">Area 506 Waterfront Container Village</a>.</p></li> <li><p>This is a land of covered bridges, including the world’s longest. There are 58 covered bridges across the province. By comparison, Quebec has 98 and PEI has two. New Brunswick is home to the world's longest covered bridge (Hartland) and shares the world's longest bridge over ice-covered water (Confederation Bridge to PEI).</p></li> <li><p>The highest tides in the world are in the Bay of Fundy, the body of water that separates New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 160 billion tons of water fills the bay twice daily, which is enough water to fill the Grand Canyon!</p></li> <li><p>This is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, with both French and English slated as an official language.</p></li> <li><p>Forests are a huge part of the landscape of New Brunswick. Although the province is about 85% forested, it also has many rivers and lakes to enjoy, including two of the world's top rivers for fly fishing Atlantic salmon (Miramichi &amp; Restigouche).</p></li> </ul> <h3>Newfoundland and Labrador</h3> <ul> <li><p>Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada in 1949 and is the country’s youngest province. St. John’s, their capital city, is located at the same latitude as Seattle, USA, and Paris, France. Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a little bit of France just off the south coast of Newfoundland, is only an hour and 30 minutes away!</p></li> <li><p>L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the island’s northern tip, was once home to Vikings. It’s the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America!</p></li> <li><p>This province is home to the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales. When ancient icebergs drift south and humpbacks migrate north, they’re bound to cross paths. You could meet 22 varieties of whales and dolphins here!</p></li> <li><p>Iceberg Alley runs down along the East coast of Labrador to the Southeast coast of Newfoundland. Breathe in plenty of fresh sea air along Iceberg Alley, where a sparkling spring parade of towering, 10,000-year-old icebergs unfolds every year, in a beautiful clutter of pristine white and azure blue.</p></li> <li><p>Newfoundland is in a time of its own – literally – with its own time zone that is a half hour ahead of Atlantic time and an hour and a half ahead of Eastern time. <a href="https://www.spm-ferries.fr/en/schedules-and-fares/view-schedules-online-new/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for details on the SPM Ferry (crossing time from Fortune to Saint Pierre is 1.5 hours).</p></li> </ul> <h3>Nova Scotia</h3> <ul> <li><p>Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. Many of the early European settlers of this province were Scottish, which fueled their culture. You can learn more at Colaisde na Gàidhlig, The Gaelic College, on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island.</p></li> <li><p>Nova Scotia is home to the most lighthouses of any of the Canadian provinces. There are more than 150 lighthouses here, including the beautiful light at Peggy’s Cove, one of the world’s most frequently photographed.</p></li> <li><p>Nova Scotia’s four founding cultures include Mi’kmaq, Acadian, Gaelic, and Black Loyalists. 26 National Historic Sites allow you to experience the cultural history of the Mi’kmaq First Nations and the early settlers.</p></li> <li><p>Travel the world-famous Cabot Trail in this province to experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands. Cape Breton Island has recently been named the #1 Island in the Americas by Condé Nast Traveler.</p></li> <li><p>This province has over 8,000 miles of coastline, meaning that fresh sea air, coastal adventures, and fresh seafood are never too far away.</p></li> </ul> <h3>Prince Edward Island</h3> <ul> <li><p>The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival in Prince Edward Island holds the Guinness World Record for most fresh oysters opened in one hour, by a 10-person team. How many in total: <b>8840</b>! Shucked in 1 hour by 1 person: <b>1114</b>. Known as Canada’s Food Island, PEI’s award-winning chefs turn the local ingredients from land and sea into culinary masterpieces. From steamed blue mussels to potato cakes and wild blueberry grunt, there’s a dish for everyone. </p></li><li><p>Point Prim Lighthouse is Canada’s only round brick lighthouse and PEI’s oldest lighthouse – built in 1845. The PEI coast also gives you the chance to breathe in the salt air while you’re exploring pristine sand beaches, watching the rolling surf, admiring their red cliffs, and viewing parabolic dunes. </p></li><li><p>Prince Edward Island’s motto is “<em>parva sub ingenti</em>.” This means “the small under the protection of the great” because it is Canada’s smallest province. </p></li><li><p>PEI is a major potato producer and exporter! They’ve been growing potatoes for more than two centuries and this industry is worth over tens of millions of dollars to the island’s economy. </p></li><li><p>Author Lucy Maud Montgomery was born in Clifton, PEI, now New London, and made it the setting for literary classic Anne of Green Gables. The spirit of Anne is alive in every corner of the province and you can delve into the history of this famous red-haired character at PEI’s Anne of Green Gables Museum.</p></li> </ul> </div>Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{32AF4524-17FF-4329-9119-49F17971E91D}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/02/discovering-tortuguero-costa-ricas-hidden-treasureDiscovering Tortuguero: Costa Rica&#39;s Hidden Treasure<div class="post-description"> <p>If one day, you find yourself surrounded by the wild wonder of Tortuguero National Park, you’ll know it: You’ve found Costa Rica’s hidden treasure.</p> <p>Imagine a tropical paradise where Costa Rica’s remote jungle meets the sparkling waters of the Caribbean coast. To get there, drive down a long road past rural banana plantations and cattle fields, the hop on a river boat and glide through jungle canals. Welcome to a place where wild reigns. People? We’re just lucky to be part of it. This is Tortuguero, an off-the-grid escape showing the world where a commitment to conservation can lead.</p> <h3>Getting to Know Tortuguero</h3> <p><img style="width:567px; height:310px" alt="FebCohort Blog2 1" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/febcohort_blog2_1.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>First and foremost, Tortuguero is known for its namesake sea turtle habitat, with a stretch of shoreline that’s a vital nesting site for the endangered green turtle, as well as giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles.</p> <p>Besides small planes, this area is only accessible by boat. No roads reach this part of the world, so river boats glide across the jungle’s canals to bring visitors and locals alike in and out of Tortuguero to the small town and lodgings tucked inside of it.</p> <p>Tortuguero was established as a national park in 1970 in a move to protect sea turtles, and it’s a true success story. Long before this, sea turtles and other wildlife were subject to capture and hunting – it was the way of things then. What makes Tortuguero so inspiring is how ecotourism and Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation has centered the economy and culture here on the protection of this habitat and its creatures. Today, the wild experiences awaiting you in Tortuguero will open your eyes to nature’s wonders – and possibilities.</p> <h3>Stay at a Sustainable Eco Lodge</h3> <p><img style="width:567px; height:310px" alt="FebCohort Blog2 2" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/febcohort_blog2_2.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>Inside Tortuguero National Park, eco lodges provide a one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of the jungle. Rustic cabins outfitted with just the essentials let your surroundings be the main attraction. You won’t forget it; you are truly in the middle of jungle. You can count the number of monkeys shaking the treetops overhead among your neighbors.</p> <p>The lodges provide comfortable accommodations, meals filled with local flavors, and serene grounds to explore around your jungle home. Enjoy early morning and evening strolls when the rainforest’s creatures stir, and encounter wildlife all around you, from poison dart frogs on your doorstep to toucans perched overhead.</p> <h3>Support Sea Turtle Conservation</h3> <p><img style="width:567px; height:310px" alt="FebCohort Blog2 3" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/febcohort_blog2_3.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>During the day, take a quick boat ride over to the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s visitor center. This is one way to support and learn about its mission. Here you’ll be steps from Tortuguero’s beaches, the most important green turtle nesting site in the Western hemisphere. Peruse the visitor center’s educational displays and step out to see the beach where the magic happens each night.</p> <p>Many visitors to Tortuguero come to witness sea turtles nesting and hatching. For that, you’ll have to stay up late, as most activity occurs by night. Guided by turtle researchers, visitors have a chance at observing sea turtles laying eggs on the beach or watching hatchlings make their way to the ocean. It’s an experience straight out of a nature documentary (with a dash of undercover spy movie) as you move in the dark surrounded by people who are absolutely dedicated to helping the turtles.</p> <h3>Look for Wildlife by Boat</h3> <p><img style="width:567px; height:310px" alt="FebCohort Blog2 4" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/febcohort_blog2_4.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>Tortuguero National Park is important to so much wildlife beyond sea turtles. It’s a protected habitat for countless species and it’s an absolute birder’s paradise. Once again, a boat will serve as your vehicle to embark on a jungle safari. And with a local steering the boat, you’re with someone who knows Tortuguero’s wildlife like the back of their hand. </p> <p>Look for two-toed and three-toed sloths in the canopies overhead. Spot rare bird species left and right along the canal banks. And listen to the sounds of the jungle as troops of monkeys call in the distance or a noisy group of rare great green macaws fly by.</p> <h3>Visit Tortuguero Town</h3> <p><img style="width:567px; height:310px" alt="FebCohort Blog2 5" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/febcohort_blog2_5.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>In this isolated little town set on a strip of land between the Caribbean and Tortuguero’s canals, the people who live here have staked everything in sea turtle conservation and ecotourism. It’s a good bet. “Some 50,000 tourists visit Tortuguero annually to see the nesting turtles and visit the tropical rainforests of Tortuguero National Park,” according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. While hunting turtles that came ashore here was once commonplace, the people of Tortuguero have long since become the turtles’ fiercest protectors.</p> <p>Spending time in town and walking among the locals by the school, shops, and homes offers a glimpse of what life’s like in this community. Stroll down its carless road, shop for jewelry and keepsakes, or stop into a restaurant for a bite and try a coconutty Caribbean dish.</p> <h3>Getting There and Expertly Guided</h3> <p>While remote, Tortuguero National Park is accessible to any curious traveler. Collette makes that part easy. It’s the first destination on the small group journey, <a href="/tours/south-america/costa-rica/costa-rica">Costa Rica: A World of Nature</a>, featuring a two-night stay in a Tortuguero eco lodge, with opportunities to explore the town and its natural surroundings.</p> <p>Ready to go? Learn more about travel to Costa Rica <a href="/find-your-tour#q/showFacets=1&amp;countrynames=costa%20rica&amp;currentPage=1&amp;sortDirection=desc&amp;sortBy=pageviewsbylanguage">here</a>.</p> </div>Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{DFB77FBE-8BBB-43E6-8C0B-0CAFFCDEED20}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/02/everything-is-better-with-franceEverything Is Better with France<div class="post-description"> <p>The Belgians invented the French fry. French toast was a phrase born in England. The French manicure was actually born in the United States. Countries around the world have a taste for France, and we totally get it. But what if you want a bit of both? To have French fries in their birthplace and also have a plate of steak tartare with a side of fries in France? A multi-country tour may be the right way to get your globetrotter on.</p> <p>We have tours across multiple travel styles to help you navigate these countries how you choose, from small group Explorations tours that give you rich, immersive cultural experiences beyond the beaten path, to Classic tours, with itineraries that will make sure you see all the must-sees at a great value. The best part? When you book between now and February 26th, 2024 you can take advantage of Collette’s <a href="/landing-pages/2024/european-getaway">European Getaway Sale</a> and save up to 15% on any of our European tours.</p> <p>The following tours offer travelers a look at France from different lenses: the iconic City of Lights, the alpine resort town of Chamonix, and top cities in the Champagne wine-growing region of France — Raims and Épernay.</p> <p>If you’re ready to say au revoir to your daily routine and rendezvous to France with us, take a look at how these multi-tour journeys stack up so you can pick the best tour for you:<br><br><img height="310" alt="Netherlands Belgium France Euro" width="510" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/netherlands_belgium_france_euro_blog_img_1.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3><a href="/tours/europe/france/netherlands-belgium-france">Netherlands, Belgium &amp; France</a></h3> <b>Tour Activity Level: <a href="/collette-gives-you-more/faq#pacing">3</a></b><br> <b>Tour Style: Small group Explorations</b><br> <b># of Days: 12</b><br> <b>Nights in France: 5</b><br> <p>This small group Explorations adventure will take you to The Netherlands, Belgium, and France, with your time in France rounding out the end of your tour. After leaving Brussels, you’ll venture to Reims, a dreamy city in the Champagne region of France with stunning Gothic, Baroque, and Medieval architecture set on cobblestone streets. Notable activities in Reims include dining your way through fabulous French cuisine with a 5-course tasting menu (accompanied with a glass of champagne, of course) and a visit to the Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral.</p> <p>After Reims, you’ll take a picturesque drive to Épernay, the self-proclaimed capital of Champagne. You can take some time to wander the city or ask your Tour Manager for tips on how to spend your free time here before reconvening as a group for a tour and tasting at a maison du Champagne.</p> <p>Next stop: Paris! With a choice on tour and several optional tours, there’s a ton of flexibility to explore France’s capital how you choose. Whether you want to hop on the Metro and check out the city, spend time at the Louvre, find a fabulous restaurant on your own or join an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin cabaret show, see the city your way. The following day includes a Monet-inspired choice on tour (visit the Musee D’Orsay or Monet’s countryside home at Giverny) and a romantic dinner cruise along the Seine.</p> <p>This tour offers a ton of unique experiences, like touring Paris in a vintage car and overnight stays in France’s champagne region. As someone who has explored Paris a bit, this trip that goes way beyond a panoramic city tour and also includes some other countries I would love to get to is on the top of my list!<br><br><img height="310" alt="The Alps Dolomites Euro" width="510" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/the_alps_dolomites_euro_blog_img_4.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3><a href="/tours/europe/switzerland/peaks-of-europe">Peaks of Europe: From The Alps to The Dolomites</a></h3> <b>Tour Activity Level: <a href="/collette-gives-you-more/faq#pacing">3</a></b><br> <b>Tour Style: Small group Explorations</b><br> <b># of Days: 13</b><br> <b>Nights in France: 2</b><br> <p>This invigorating journey through Europe’s towering Alps and idyllic towns kicks off with 2 nights in the perennial ski-hub of Chamonix, France. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, you can spend the day checking out this walkable, quaint town independently before connecting with your group in the evening to toast to the beginning of your adventure.</p> <p>Day 3 of your tour and day two in Chamonix starts with a choice on tour. You can either head to a relaxing trip to QC Terme Chamonix, one of the most scenic and luxurious spas in the Alps, or chase adventure and ascend the Aiguille du Midi via cable car for unparalleled views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. At an elevation of over 12,600 feet, this is the closest you can get to the summit of legendary Mont Blanc – the birthplace of mountaineering – without a daylong hike. In the afternoon, enjoy some time outdoors and stroll through the woods in the bottom of the valley.</p> <p>Alpine fans who want to see the mountains and multiple cultures up close and personal, this tour is for you. With stops in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, this tour offers postcard-perfect views crisp mountain air as the backdrop to your adventure. (Plus, a visit to Barryland, a foundation dedicated to St. Bernard dogs with pups on site? Sign me up.)<br><br><img height="310" alt="French Riviera Euro Blog" width="510" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/french_riviera_euro_blog_img_3.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3><a href="/tours/europe/france/spotlight-on-the-french-riviera">Spotlight on the French Riviera</a></h3> <b>Tour Activity Level: <a href="/collette-gives-you-more/faq#pacing">3</a></b><br> <b>Tour Style: Spotlight</b><br> <b># of Days: 9</b><br> <b>Nights in France: 8</b><br> <p>With its spectacular beaches, deep azure-colored waters, and luxurious, breathtaking beauty, it’s easy to see why the French Riviera is a favorite vacation spot for the world’s rich and famous. Step into their world on Collette’s Spotlight on the French Riviera tour, a leisurely deep-dive into the place that’s inspired artists from Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway to Elton John and Louis Armstrong.</p> <p>Unpack your bags just once at a boutique hotel in Nice and enjoy the region as it was meant to be enjoyed: thoroughly, and thoughtfully. The tour combines walking tours guided by local experts, boat rides, museum visits, and culinary tastings with plenty of free time to wander off on your own. Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumery. Sail across the Bay of Cannes to the tiny island of Saint-Honorat. Visit lush historic gardens in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Enjoy the glamour of this ultimate sunny retreat for the elite.<br><br><img height="310" alt="London Paris Euro" width="510" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/london_paris_euro_blog_img_2.jpg?la=en"> </p> <h3><a href="/tours/europe/united-kingdom/london--paris">London and Paris</a></h3> <b>Tour Activity Level: <a href="/collette-gives-you-more/faq#pacing">2</a></b><br> <b>Tour Style: Classic</b><br> <b># of Days: 8</b><br> <b>Nights in France: 3</b><br> <p>For those looking to see the must-sees in two of Europe’s most alluring cosmopolitan cities, this may very well be the tour for you. This Classic tour brings you to Paris for three nights following a stay in London. Your first night in town, you’ll enjoy a special dinner at the legendary Paradis Latin, the city’s oldest cabaret theatre, complete with wine, champagne, and a captivating show.</p> <p>On day 2 in Paris, you’ll get a panoramic tour of the city and get to see the iconic landmarks: l’Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, and the bustling Place Vendome. Later, you can enjoy free time to shop, people watch from a Parisian café, explore, or opt in to an optional tour to the Louvre.</p> <p>Your last full day in the City of Lights is yours to do as you choose. If you’d prefer to tour, you can join an optional excursion to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. Later, enjoy two inclusions that will truly mark a memorable end to your tour: you and your fellow travelers will enjoy an exclusive dinner at a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, followed by a romantic Seine River cruise set against the city’s glittering night skyline. </p> <p>This tour is fantastic for travelers who want to make sure they’re checking those bucket list destinations off of their lists. It can be tough to plan a multi-country stay and make sure you’ve spared enough time to get to those must-see landmarks. We’ll plan those stops for you, plus build in some free time so you can check out other things that are important to you! Personally, I’m most excited to scope out the urban vineyard in Montmarte on this tour.</p> </div>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{238F993F-1DB5-49F7-8F24-674604CE96DD}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/02/sealed-with-a-kiss-valentines-day-around-the-worldSealed With a Kiss: Valentine&#39;s Day Around the World<div class="post-description"> <p>February 14, better known as Valentine’s Day, is a celebration of love and romance in many regions across the globe. Originally the feast day of at least two different Christian martyrs, it’s become one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. </p> <p>While hearts, candy, and greeting cards abound almost everywhere, other traditions (and dates) vary from country to country. Keep reading to discover some of these fun customs… maybe you’ll be inspired to adopt a few yourself!<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day bouquet of roses" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_bouquet_of_roses.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Japan</h3> <p>In Japan, women give chocolates to the men in their lives on February 14. <em>Giri-choco</em> (“obligation chocolate”) is given to male friends, coworkers, and acquaintances; <em>honmei-choco</em> (“true love chocolate”) is given to husbands and boyfriends. Men don’t return the favor until March 14, known as “White Day,” when they give gifts of white chocolate, cookies, and flowers. </p> <h3>Denmark</h3> <p>In this Scandinavian country, people give white flowers known as “snowdrops” to loved ones. Another custom is sending <em>gækkebrev</em> – love notes or poems (often funny) signed with no name, only dots! If the recipient guesses the sender’s identity, s/he receives an Easter egg in the spring.<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day gkkebrev" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_gkkebrev.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Germany</h3> <p>Valentine’s Day in Germany is a celebrated mostly by adults, not kids. Couples exchange little pigs (symbolizing love and desire) often holding flowers or lounging on a chocolate heart, and many people give big, heart-shaped ginger cookies iced with a special message.<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day pig 2" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_pig_2.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>South Africa</h3> <p>In a revival of a tradition that dates back to the Roman <em>Lupercalia</em> festival, some women in South Africa pin the names of their boyfriends (or crushes) on their sleeves.</p> <h3>Finland</h3> <p>For the Finns, February 14 is <em>Ystävänpäivä</em> (“Friendship Day”), celebrated by couples and singles alike. No hearts, no romance, just gifts, candy, and cards for your besties. It’s the second-biggest card-giving day in the country!<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day friends 2" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_friends_2.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Wales</h3> <p>The Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day, celebrated on January 25, is St. Dwynwen’s Day, named for the patron saint of lovers. A long-time tradition is the giving of handcrafted wooden spoons, delicately carved with dates, initials, and special symbols.</p> <h3>Italy</h3> <p>Here, Valentine’s Day is also known as La Festa <em>degli Innamorati</em> (“The Lovers’ Holiday”). It’s celebrated primarily by couples, and a very popular gift is Baci (“kiss”) chocolates.<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day couple" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_couple.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Croatia</h3> <p>In Croatia it’s popular to celebrate the day by giving intricately decorated cookies called <em>licitars</em>. Though made from a simple honey dough, traditionally baked cookies can take over a month to prepare! Some <em>licitars</em> feature a small mirror in the center, so the recipient can see the face that’s so loved by the giver.<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day licitar" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_licitar.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Peru</h3> <p>Valentine’s Day, known as <em>El Dia del Amor y la Amistad</em> (“Day of Love and Friendship”) in Peru, is a celebration of the love of family and friends. Instead of red roses, Peruvians exchange native, brightly colored orchids.<br><br><img height="310" alt="valentines day bouquet of orchids" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/valentines_day_bouquet_of_orchids.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>However – and whenever – you celebrate Valentine’s Day, we wish you a <em>lovely</em> holiday.</p> </div>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{C2DE358A-4D07-49EA-9D3A-8EB129782949}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/02/3-amazing-benefits-of-national-parks3 Amazing Benefits of National Parks<div class="post-description"> <p>Did you know that the U.S. has more than 60 national parks? These landscapes not only help preserve the country’s natural beauty and complex ecosystems, they also serve as outdoor classrooms that teach visitors about America’s amazingly diverse environment. And if all that weren’t enough, national parks are good for our health. Numerous studies have shown that connecting with nature promotes wellness by decreasing stress levels.</p> <p><img height="420" alt="Buffalo in Field" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/4cb9y-february-2024-cohort_blog-img-2.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>A brief history of America’s national parks </h3> <p>Why do we have national parks? The idea was first mentioned by a painter named George Catlin, who traveled the American West. Seeing firsthand the effects of westward expansion, he imagined “some great protecting policy of government...in a magnificent park.... A nation’s Park, containing man and beast, in all the wild[ness] and freshness of their nature’s beauty!" </p> <p>Others advocated for a national park, too, and in 1872 President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill that set aside over two million acres of land in the Yellowstone region. Other parks soon followed: Mackinac Island in 1875, and Sequoia and Yosemite in 1880. </p> <p>The National Park Service was founded in 1916, with the goal of conserving “the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein… by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”</p> <p><img height="420" alt="Person at Zion National Park" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/4cb9y-february-2024-cohort_blog-img-3.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Benefit #1: Good for the environment</h3> <p>Encompassing more than 85 million acres, America’s national parks protect the natural environment, preserving not just unique natural features but complex ecosystems of plants, animals, and earth. Wide, wild spaces filled with plant life also help reduce carbon levels in the air, mitigating the effects of climate change. </p> <p>National parks also help many endangered species recover their populations. Sea turtles, California condors, and grizzly bears are just some of the threatened species whose numbers have grown thanks to these protected habitats. (You can look for the condors in Redwood National Park on our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/pacific-northwest--california">Pacific Northwest &amp; California</a> tour.)</p> <p><img height="420" alt="Bear in national park" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/4cb9y-february-2024-cohort_blog-img-4.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Benefit #2: Good for education</h3> <p>What better way to learn about nature than to dive right into it? One of the goals of America’s national parks is to increase awareness of the nation’s natural beauty and ecology. Park tours, events, books, brochures, and social media are just some of the ways parks reach out to visitors and provide educational opportunities.</p> <p>Visiting national parks is an incredibly valuable experience for kids. Field trips not only help them learn about plants and animals, they offer a glimpse into local (even prehistoric) history and can inspire younger generations to be thoughtful stewards of the environment. (The Grand Canyon – one of the highlights of our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/canyon-country">Canyon Country</a>&nbsp;tour – is a huge kid favorite!)</p><p><img height="420" alt="Grand Canyon National Park" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/4cb9y-february-2024-cohort_blog-img-5.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>Benefit #3: Good for your health</h3> <p>Yes, all that wilderness is good for you! Multiple studies have shown that connecting with nature has enormous benefits, including lower blood pressure and reduced stress. We know that exercise is key to good health, and national parks encourage all kinds of physical activity, such as walking, climbing, biking, and swimming. </p> <p>Something as simple as sound can be a health boost. Researchers have found that the natural sounds of the wilderness, such as wind, rustling leaves, birdsong, and rushing water, can relieve stress, lower heart rates, and even improve mood.</p><p><img height="420" alt="Tree Hugger" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/02/4cb9y-february-2024-cohort_blog-img-6.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>Have you ever heard of forest bathing (shin-rin yoku)? It’s the Japanese term for spending time in a forested place for its physical and emotional benefits. By immersing ourselves in a wilderness, we can connect deeply to nature. It encourages us to be more mindful, too, and appreciate the present moment. (Our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/the-colorado-rockies">The Colorado Rockies</a> tour features three national parks, for triple the forest-bathing opportunities!)</p> <p>A trip to any of America’s national parks is an amazing experience. And knowing their enormous value and benefits is sure to make your next visit even more special.</p> </div>Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{539F0904-E317-477B-A4EE-3FE5EAA2570A}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/take-our-quiz-to-see-which-sunny-spot-is-made-for-youTake Our Quiz to See Which Sunny Spot is Made for You!<div class="post-description"> <p>Sunlight is an essential part of our health and well-being. It strengthens the body, boosts serotonin, and provides us with better days overall by improving sleep quality. </p> <p>Interested in visiting the warmer parts of the world, but not sure which destination is right for you? Don’t worry – we have a quiz for that! Remember to answer honestly – your results will bring you one step closer to finding your perfect trip. </p> <div class="riddle2-wrapper" data-rid-id="E1ScMVYM" data-auto-scroll="true" data-is-fixed-height-enabled="false" data-bg="#fff" data-fg="#00205b" style="margin:0 auto; max-width:100%; width:640px;"><script src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/build-embedjs/embedV2.js"></script><iframe src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/a/E1ScMVYM?lazyImages=false&amp;staticHeight=false" allow="autoplay" referrerpolicy="strict-origin"><h2>Personalities</h2><ul><li> Balkans </li><li> Sunny Portugal </li><li> Classical Greece </li><li> Discover Croatia </li><li> Peru </li></ul></iframe></div> </div>Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{0F30EF45-C536-4397-B4AE-F40706BB2CCC}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/going-on-tour-with-my-grandma-was-the-best-trip-ive-ever-takenGoing on Tour with My Grandma Was the Best Trip I&#39;ve Ever Taken<div class="post-description"> <p>Going on tour is an incredible experience, but what makes it more incredible is the company you keep.</p> <p>I’m a writer at Collette, and I just got back from my very first tour. Our <a href="/tours/south-america/costa-rica/tropical-costa-rica">Tropical Costa Rica</a> tour was so special, but it was made more special because I had the best roommate ever: my grandmother Maria. </p> <p>I loved learning about a different culture and a different part of the world from my own, but seeing it through her eyes and sharing that experience with her made this the most important trip of my life. </p> <p>So. How did we land on this trip? Did we want to rip each other’s hair out by the end? Are we ready to take our intergenerational travel duo to another continent? Here’s the scoop: </p> <h3>The Road to Costa Rica</h3> <p>Over lunch one day, I told my grandmother that I would be heading to Morocco on a business trip. She shared with me that many, many years ago, her friend asked her to go to Morocco. Grandma couldn’t afford it at the time, and then her friend never asked her to go on a trip again. They’re still friends and my grandmother is still upset about it. </p> <p>But the story prompted the obvious question: “Where are we going?” </p> <p>She had a Collette brochure in her hands the next weekend. As families do, we immediately argued about who should pick the trip (her, obviously, but she wanted me to…). After the dust settled, we narrowed it down to three tours. I was unsurprised that the woman who loves flowers and has had pet birds for most of my life had picked the Tropical Costa Rica tour. We decided to go in January, because leaving New England in the winter for a tropical climate seemed like a good move.<br><br><img height="550" alt="Grandma and Granddaughter" width="413" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_blog_costa_rica_1.jpg?h=550&amp;w=413&amp;la=en"> </p> <h3>Concerns? </h3> <p>My grandmother is 81 years old. People wondered if I was nervous and if she was active prior to our trip. The truth is, I wasn't worried a bit — my grandmother and I take walks together frequently and she's outpaced me on more than one occasion.</p> <p>Instead of matching t-shirts, we got matching hiking boots for this trip. We decided to break them in on what she had labeled a short walk on a warm November afternoon. Per my pedometer, that short walk was 8,000 steps by the time we got home. </p> <p>But she puts on a brave front; she didn’t reveal that she was a little anxious before we got on tour until the end of our trip. But what was heartwarming was that she didn’t share that with me: She was open and vulnerable with her peers on tour who had cheered her on. </p> <h3>The Tour Experience</h3> <p>My grandmother has several traits that make her the perfect traveler for Collette: She’s curious, she loves to meet new people, and her favorite phrase is “why not?” She is always willing to try something new and step outside of her comfort zone. </p> <p>Needless to say, she was unfazed that the first significant snow of the season was due to make landfall the day of our departure. To avoid that we left a day early, which meant two pre-night stays instead of the one we had planned on. </p> <p>An extra day by the pool sounded pretty good to me, but I could tell once she had figured out the lay of the land, seen what birds were hanging out at the hotel, and checked out all the trees and flowers on the grounds, she was bored and ready to go do something. </p> <p>But the boredom didn’t last. Other people in our group started trickling in, and before we knew it, we were off. </p> <p>I could tell you about how much fun we had learning how coffee was made, seeing how a local finca functions, and how cool the view was from the cloud forest. And while the itinerary was great, the moments I'll never forget were the ones that couldn't have been planned alongside our fellow travelers on tour. </p> <p>San Jose was the place where we met Bunny and her four adult daughters who were on an intergenerational tour journey of their own. We watched Bunny prep sugar cane to make juice, and we got to know her daughters a little more each day. Bunny’s daughter Nancy and I share a guilty pleasure: Taco Bell. </p> <p>The farm was where my grandma and I sat down for lunch with Preston and Marcus, who had won the tour on Wheel of Fortune. They wanted to hear all about my grandmother’s upbringing in a small village in Portugal, what they could expect from a trip to her home country, and how much she loves Portuguese olive oil. Preston, we learned, was big on both olive oil and the fresh juice we had every day on tour. I always knew to go to him if I needed the scoop on the juice. </p> <p>Arenal was the spot where we met Mary from Kansas. She told us about the 50+ program through her local parks and rec, shared stories with us about her son, and spoke about her family’s immigration to the U.S. from the Baltics. We shared meals with her often, and she offered me some really solid book recommendations. </p> <p>Monteverde was the place I watched my grandmother, who had worked hard to stay active and mobile after what could have been a life-altering fall several years ago, climb her way up some steep and windy stairs to cross a hanging bridge in a cloud forest. It’s also the place where a shuttle driver whistled in just a way that it felt like my grandfather, who had always been either cracking a joke or whistling, was with us for a quick moment. </p> <p>In Guanacaste, we caught a surprise poolside concert and hung out with Annette and Julie from Las Vegas by way of Chicago. We laughed about close critter encounters we’d all had, talked about our travel dreams, and celebrated the loved ones we had lost. </p> <p>Everywhere we went, though, I was especially touched by how my grandmother was able to tie elements of Costa Rica back to our own Portuguese culture. </p> <p>When we saw cows laying in fields, she was reminded of the many “happy cows” you’d see in the Azores. She’d point out a flower and say she had seen similar ones growing in Madeira. We popped into a Catholic church in a small town, and lit a candle for people we had lost. Grandma’s full name is Maria Helena, and she often goes by her middle name. That made for a really fun afternoon having lunch and exploring a town called Santa Elena. </p> <p>I’ll always remember how good the coffee was, but I’ll always feel my grandmother’s smile when I see a hummingbird or butterfly like the ones that zoomed past her on this tour.<br><br><img height="413" alt="Friends in small boat" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_blog_costa_rica_group.jpg?h=413&amp;w=550&amp;la=en"> </p> <h3>Final Verdict?</h3> <p>This trip was priceless, and it is going to live in my heart for the rest of my life. And I’m so thankful that my grandmother enjoyed it as much as I did. </p> <p>I think our next lunch date back home might include a discussion about a tour to <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=Croatia">Croatia</a> …</p> </div>Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{D665E0A7-59AB-4E3E-AC27-91B533B05D73}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/6-trending-european-destinations-for-20246 Trending European Destinations for 2024<div class="post-description"> <p>Planning to take advantage of our <a href="https://www.gocollette.com/en/landing-pages/2024/european-getaway">European Getaway Sale</a>? Consider these destinations – perennial favorites and up-and-coming locales that’ll inspire you to start packing your bags.</p> <p><img style="height: 310px; width:560px" alt="Europe Sale Iceland" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24-europe-sale-blog-iceland_768x425-jan242.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>1. Iceland</h3> <p>This <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=iceland">Nordic country</a> has soared in popularity in recent years. From the colorful streets of Reykjavík to volcanoes and the northern lights, there’s something breathtaking at every turn. Take a deep soak in the Blue Lagoon, snap photos of glaciers and black-sand beaches, and cruise next to icebergs. Hungry? Enjoy cheeses and ice cream at a dairy farm, fresh scallops, and – if you dare! – get a taste of <em>hákarl</em> (cured shark meat).</p> <p><img style="height: 310px; width:560px" alt="Europe Sale Ireland" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24-europe-sale-blog-post-ireland_jan2024.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>2. Ireland</h3> <p>Another favorite destination – travelers can’t get enough of the <a href="/find-your-tour#q/showFacets=1&amp;content=ireland&amp;currentPage=1&amp;sortDirection=desc&amp;sortBy=pageviewsbylanguage">Emerald Isle</a>. Kiss the Blarney Stone, gaze at the sea from the Cliffs of Moher, sip the “water of life” at a whiskey distillery, and enjoy tea and scones at a family farm. Live like royalty during a stay on the grounds of a Victorian castle. May the road rise up to meet you!</p> <p><img style="height: 310px; width:560px" alt="Europe Sale Italy" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24-europe-sale-blog-italy_768x425-jan243.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>3. Italy</h3> <p>Ah, <em>la dolce vita!</em> Travelers flock <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=italy">here</a> for the food, art, architecture, history, and gorgeous scenery. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Michelangelo’s David, cruise the canals of Venice, and learn how to make regional pasta specialties. The big trend now? Visiting during the off-season, when crowds are sparse and the weather is usually quite nice.</p> <p><img style="height: 310px; width:560px" alt="Europe Sale Greece" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24-europe-sale-blog-greece_768x425-jan244.jpg?la=en"> </p> <h3>4. Greece</h3> <p>From whitewashed houses overlooking the Mediterranean to ancient ruins filled with the secrets of history, <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=greece">Greece</a> delights and amazes. Explore the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, relax on the beaches of Mykonos, take a Greek dance class, and sample the country’s signature spirit at a family-owned ouzo distillery. Local wines, cheeses, seafood, olive oils, and jams make your tour a delicious adventure.</p> <p><img style="height: 310px; width:560px" alt="Europe Sale Portugal" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24-europe-sale-blog-portugal_768x425-jan245.jpg?la=en"> </p> <h3>5. Portugal</h3> <p>Travelers are starting to discover the many charms of <a href="/find-your-tour#q/showFacets=1&amp;countrynames=portugal&amp;currentPage=1&amp;sortDirection=desc&amp;sortBy=pageviewsbylanguage">Portugal</a>, including (but not limited to!) its food, wine, hillside towns, and beautiful beaches. Explore Lisbon on a <em>funicular</em> (check out the <em>Livraria Lello</em>, the “world’s most beautiful bookstore”), visit the gorgeous São Bento railway station and the Stock Exchange Palace in Porto, and feast on fresh seafood and delicious port wine in the lush Douro River Valley.</p> <p><img style="height: 310px; width:560px" alt="Europe Sale Norway" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24-europe-sale-blog-norway_768x425-jan246.jpg?la=en"></p> <h3>6. Norway</h3> <p>Another <a href="/find-your-tour#q/showFacets=1&amp;countrynames=norway&amp;currentPage=1&amp;sortDirection=desc&amp;sortBy=pageviewsbylanguage">Nordic country</a> that travelers are turning to! Awaiting you: absolutely breathtaking scenery (think fjords, mountains, and waterfalls), foodie-destination Oslo, and colorful villages. Take in spectacular views from the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train rides in the world; climb a glacier in a traditional “troll” car; and explore one of the world’s largest sculpture parks. And you know, you may even spot the northern lights!</p> <p><b>Save up to 15% on your next European adventure</b> with our <a href="https://www.gocollette.com/en/landing-pages/2024/european-getaway">European Getaway Sale</a>, running through January 26!</p> </div>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{1960FA08-E000-4EBA-AFAE-C0A362A68611}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/say-konnichiwa-to-japans-past-and-presentSay Konnichiwa to Japan&#39;s Past and Present<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <div class="post-description"> <p>Japan’s culture is thousands of years in the making. Now you can get a taste of both the new and electric AND the ancient and serene when you visit this island nation on Collette’s <a href="/tours/asia/japan/japan-past-and-present">Japan: Past and Present</a> small group Explorations tour. </p> <h3>Japan’s Juxtaposition is Alluring for Many Travelers</h3> <p>In one afternoon, you may zip from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train (at speeds of up to 200mph) to the peaceful Ise Shrine. Here you’ll trade hustle and bustle for time wandering among the serenity of an ancient grand shrine, looking up to thatched roofs and raw wood of buildings. This incredible spirit, so heavily influenced by past and present, can be felt throughout every avenue of Japan’s rich culture. And the best part? When you travel with a smaller tour group, you’ll get access to places not everyone gets to go.</p> <p>History lovers may be drawn to Japan’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Maybe you’ll embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go. Hidden away in a mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses with thatched rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. You can ferry to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island,” with its famous O-torii Gate and free roaming deer. Don’t forget to see the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun – Nijo Castle — with its intricate woodcarvings, paintings, and gardens. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple with the top two stories completely covered in gold leaf – another UNESCO site that tops traveler to-do lists. </p> <p>Beyond UNESCO sites, there are scores of other must-sees in the Land of the Rising Sun. Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine in Kyoto. When you follow the rows of orange torii weaving through the forest, you may just feel as if you’ve stepped into the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. A popular stop for many travelers awaits at Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Venture inside the massive building to take some time in this sacred place and find the huge bronze Buddha statue. Wander the grounds outside and discover the famous “bowing” deer of Nara — deer who have learned that they are more likely to be fed by passersby after offering a polite bow. </p> <p>Those seeking more futuristic flair may want to scope out Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district, bathed in neon glowing signs and known for eclectic dining and nightlife. Delving deeper, many rich cultural experiences await when you step beyond the architectural items on your bucket list. You can find yourself learning about the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in which you create a deeply personal souvenir. You can also learn the subtle art of preparing green tea when you prepare your own cup of the local staple using traditional methods. </p> <p>Meeting local people can bring you even closer to your destination. In Japan, you may head to the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum to meet with someone who experienced the devastating effects of the atomic bomb firsthand. They’ll talk about what it was like to live in Japan during that time, the aftermath of that terrible day, and how they keep the memories of those who were lost alive. You can also meet ama pearl divers, the skilled women who defied conventional gender roles to dive in the sea to harvest oysters and their pearls. Watch divers take the plunge and learn more about the history and science behind the diving. </p> <p>Whether you’re ready to sit down to a plate of freshly rolled sushi, take in the sites, or get a deep dive into the local culture with the people who know it best – there’s plenty waiting for you in Japan.</p> <p><a href="/tours/asia/japan/japan-past-and-present">Are you ready to see all that this country has to offer?</a></p> </div>Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{872E92FD-0476-46BB-B4B2-CE4CB658F002}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/patagonias-big-5-the-wild-wonders-at-the-edge-of-the-worldPatagonia&#39;s Big 5: The Wild Wonders at the Edge of the World<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <div class="post-description"> <p>It doesn’t get wilder than Patagonia. There’s a reason it’s referred to as “The Edge of the World.” This is a place where glaciers are still growing, not receding. And it's got the wildlife to match it. Which is why we’re giving the region its own "Big 5" — a quintet of creatures that embody the spirit of this land of myth and mountains. For travelers seeking a true adventure, these creatures capture the fierce spirit and the raw beauty of Patagonia—a living testament to nature's resilience and grandeur.</p> <h3>1. Andean Condor</h3> <p><img alt="Condor" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_patagonia_blog-3_condor.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <p>Gaze upwards and you might catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor, soaring effortlessly on thermal currents along the Andes. With its monumental wingspan, which can stretch over 10 feet, it is the epitome of grace in the Patagonian skies. For the seeker of wilderness thrills, the sight of this regal bird is a profound moment of awe—a connection to ancient cultures that revered the condor as a potent symbol of power.</p> <p><em style="color:#132F3B">Fun Fact: These giants can live up to 70 years, outlasting many of their fellow Patagonian creatures.</em></p> <h3>2. Puma</h3> <p><img alt="Patagonia Puma" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_patagonia_blog-3_puma.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <p>The stealthy puma, Patagonia's apex terrestrial predator, is as untamed as the wilderness it commands. Known as the 'ghost cat,’ its elusive nature makes any sighting a true badge of honor for any traveler. These pumas, perfectly adapted to Patagonia's chilly climes and rugged landscapes, boast a larger build and a thicker coat than their northern relatives. Remarkably, they can leap distances of up to 20 feet when hunting—spanning nearly the length of a school bus in a single bound!</p> <p><em style="color:#132F3B">Fun Fact: Known variably as mountain lions or cougars, pumas claim the title for the most extensive range of any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, stretching from the forests of Canada to the southernmost reaches of the Andes.</em></p> <h3>3. Guanaco</h3> <p><img alt="Patagonia Guanaco" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_patagonia_blog-3_guanaco.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <p>Guanacos, the wild ancestors of domestic llamas, are the charismatic wanderers of the Patagonian steppe. Their grazing is essential, sculpting the landscape by curbing overgrowth and sustaining open habitats. Coveted for their luxuriously thick and warm fleece, guanacos are second only to their close cousins, the vicuña, in the softness stakes. They're also known for their quirky defense mechanism—lobbing a well-aimed stream of saliva when threatened, which, while comical from a distance, is less so for anyone caught in the trajectory of their spittle missile!</p> <p><em style="color:#132F3B">Fun Fact: Guanacos are the ultimate survivors, able to drink salty sea water when fresh water is scarce. Their specialized blood cells also make them well-adapted to living at high altitudes where oxygen levels are low.</em></p> <h3>4. Magellanic Penguin</h3> <p><img alt="Patagonia Penguin" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_patagonia_blog-3_penguin.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <p>As you journey along the coast, you'll find colonies of Magellanic penguins, the charming aviators of the sea. Their presence is a nod to the proximity of the Antarctic. These birds breed in large colonies that resonate with their braying calls. Travelers are often enchanted by their awkward on-land waddle, which transforms into sheer poetry as they dive and dart through the chilly ocean waters.</p> <p><em style="color:#132F3B">Fun Facts: These penguins mate for life, finding their partners each season by their unique calls amidst colonies of thousands—a true romance of the southern seas.</em></p> <h3>5. Southern Right Whale</h3> <p><img alt="Patagonia Whale" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_patagonia_blog-3_whale.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <p>Patagonia's waters are a sanctuary for the Southern Right Whale, where these leviathans of the deep perform their version of nature's ballet; gliding, twisting, and leaping. These gentle giants migrate to the warmer coastal waters to breed, giving travelers the chance for a front row seat to breathtaking displays of breeches and tail slaps. If there was ever a doubt, Patagonia’s waters are definitely the “right” place to whale-watch.</p> <p><em style="color:#132F3B">Fun Facts: Southern Right Whales are easily identified by their callosities, rough patches of skin that are as unique as a human fingerprint and often used by researchers to identify individuals.</em></p> <p>The "Big 5" of Patagonia are more than just a collection of animals; they are the enduring symbols of a land defined by its natural wonders. For all who journey here, these creatures are more than a sight to see—they are an encounter with the primal forces that shape our world. They invite you to step out of your routine and immerse yourself in a land where glaciers still grow and where the wilderness speaks in a language as old as time.</p> <p>Are you ready to answer the call of the wild? The "Patagonia: Edge of the World" tour is your passage to these magnificent creatures.</p> <p>Visit <a href="/en/tours/south-america/argentina/patagonia">Patagonia: Edge of the World</a> to step into the untamed and embrace the adventure that is Patagonia.</p> </div>Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{39060125-04A6-4419-B138-B6EFA9C86353}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/getting-ready-to-travel-to-japanGetting Ready to Travel to Japan<style> .post-desc img { margin 20px 0 } .post-desc p { margin: 0 0 20px 0 } .post-desc h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 20px 0 10px 0;} .post-desc li p { margin-left: 30px; } </style> <div class="post-desc"> <p>Considering a trip to Japan? Prepare for an unforgettable experience in this fascinating, culturally-rich country by learning what to expect – familiarizing yourself with some of the unique aspects of daily life and customs to in the land of the rising sun.</p> <h3>Understand the Landscape</h3> <p>Japan is an archipelago made up of more than 6,800 islands with three quarters of the land being either forest or mountains, leaving little for residential, industrial, or farming areas. Yet it is densely populated for its size. Travel to Tokyo, where rich tradition and pop culture coexist harmoniously. Tokyo ranks as the most populated city in the world and is a trailblazer for the latest trends in technology, fashion, and design. </p> <h3>Try the Japanese Way</h3> <p>Japanese culture is complex, but that’s just one of the things we love about it. There are some aspects of everyday life in Japan that might be unfamiliar to Western visitors. For example: It’s customary to bow politely when meeting someone. It’s perfectly okay to slurp your bowl of ramen. If you want to try some delicious food from a street vendor, be sure to stop to enjoy it – as it’s generally frowned upon to eat or drink while walking along the street. Public trash bins are a rare sight, as people in Japan are used to disposing of their own trash at home. While some things may be different than what you’re used to, just remember being respectful of local customs is a key to connecting with the people and place.</p> <h3>Take the Local Transportation</h3> <p>Shinkansen bullet trains have been operation in Japan for more than 50 years. They are entirely electric and emit just one eighth of the carbon per passenger mile as a typical commercial jet. It’s such a comfortable and efficient way to travel, and a Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all Shinkansen high-speed trains connecting Japan’s main cities. And in Tokyo, hop on the subway, a network that almost feels like an entire underground city. </p> <h3>Get Ready for World-Famous Cuisine</h3> <p>No trip to Japan would be complete without experiencing its flavorful dishes. A bowl of gohan, or cooked rice, is a central part of Japanese meals. Of course, sushi, popular throughout the world, originates from Japan. The most popular noodles are soba (buckwheat flour), udon (wheat flour), and ramen, a noodle soup dish. Tempura is lightly battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Yakitori refers to grilled chicken skewers you can try at a yakitori-ya. Be sure to enjoy green tea with your meal, as the Japanese do. (Tip: The Tsukiji Outer Market, located in central Tokyo, is known as Japan’s “Food Town” where travelers can experience a variety of traditional Japanese foods.)</p> <h3>Seek the Spiritual Connections</h3> <p>Temples and shrines are found all over Japan, with most municipalities having at least one temple. (Kyoto has 1,200.) Temples are Buddhist places of worship, and they store and display sacred objects. They typically consist of a main hall, a lecture hall, a pagoda, gates, bells, and a cemetery. Some were monasteries in the past, and some still are. Shrines are Shinto places of worship. They are the dwellings of the kami, or Shinto gods. Sacred objects are stored in the innermost chamber and are not to be seen by anyone. People visit shrines to pay respect to the kami, or to pray for good fortune. The approach to the shrine is marked by Torii gates; the komainu, a pair of guardian lion dogs, is found on each side of the shrine’s entrance.</p> <h3>Explore the History and Culture of Japan</h3> <p>Discover the many facets of culture, art, and life that make up the incredible spirit of Japan. Soak in iconic Tokyo; explore the historic geisha district of Kyoto; hear first-hand accounts of the atomic bomb’s devastation in Hiroshima; explore Osaka’s neon-soaked streets: This country’s rich, complex history and culture comes alive as you connect with people and their stories, visit the ancient temples and shrines, and experience what everyday life is like throughout Japan.</p> <p>If you’re looking to travel to Japan, be sure to check out an expertly guided tour with Collette, such as the <a href="/en/landing-pages/2020/small-group">small group Explorations</a> tour, <a href="/tours/asia/japan/japan-past-and-present">Japan: Past &amp; Present</a>.</p> </div>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{A45F73DC-54F6-4756-ACA5-45D5502DD3FC}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/5-unforgettable-experiences-from-collette-small-group-tours5 Unforgettable Experiences from Collette Small Group Tours<style>  .post-desc img { margin 20px 0 } .post-desc p { margin: 0 0 24px 0 } .post-desc h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 20px 0 10px 0;} .post-desc li p { margin-left: 30px; } .post-desc ol { list-style: none; counter-reset: num; } .post-desc ol li { counter-increment: num; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; } .post-desc ol li::before { content: counter(num) ". "; font-weight: 600; font-size: 20px; }  </style> <div class="post-desc"> <p>There are times when planning a trip on your own makes sense (such as when traveling with a one-year-old). And then there’s the ideal way to go – with an expertly guided tour.</p> <p>I once booked my family on a direct flight to Ireland, rented a car, plotted stops between Galway and Killarney, and made the most of seeing a bit of the country. Visiting the Cliffs of Moher and exploring castles and cathedral ruins on our own schedule (or rather, on toddler terms) seemed like the only option. But by going that route, there was simply a lot of Ireland we missed. While I wouldn’t trade that trip for anything, I knew I’d have to go again someday. I remember looking out across Galway Bay and wondering what it would be like to venture out to those islands in the distance. Next time, I told myself, I’d go farther. </p> <p>That longing to experience more of a place is where Collette’s small group Explorations tours can come in. In fact, Collette has a <a href="/landing-pages/2020/small-group">small group tour</a> in Ireland that reaches those very islands beyond Galway (we’ll get to that). As a travel writer who has become quite familiar with what “going guided” can offer, I’m in awe of the way Collette tours give travelers everything they’d expect in a destination – and more. And it’s the Explorations tours that might just kick one’s wanderlust into overdrive. </p> <p>Collette small group tours are made up of 14 to 24 travelers (compared to <a href="/collette-gives-you-more/classics">Classic</a> tour groups, which average 32 travelers with a max of 44), and it’s this smaller group size that allows for one-of-a-kind experiences alongside the essential stops. If you’re ready to get closer to the culture on your next trip, you might be ready to explore deeper with a small group Explorations tour. </p> <p>What is it about small group Explorations tours that makes them so special? For one thing, the tours are designed specifically for the group size, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come up when you travel with a smaller group – including stays in unique hotels and visiting locals’ homes. And between the must-sees, each day on tour weaves in local connections with unique experiences you can’t find in a guidebook. So, ready to go small on your next big adventure? Consider these five unforgettable experiences from small group tours.</p> <p><img alt="Aran Islands" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/jan_explorations_blog_2.jpg?h=310&amp;w=341&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>1. Settle in on the Aran Islands</h3> <p>Ferry to the mythic Aran Islands for an overnight stay. You’ll get a rare glimpse and unforgettable feel for life out here, learning about the livelihoods of Inishmore’s 800-some inhabitants. As evening sets in, after the daytime tourists are all gone, get cozy in your chalet and take in the calm of the island beside a rugged coast. And after another engaging day here, take in unrivalled views of the Cliffs of Moher while ferrying back to mainland Ireland’s shores.</p> <p>Experience it on: <a href="/tours/europe/ireland/countryside-of-the-emerald-isle">Countryside of the Emerald Isle</a></p> <p><img alt="Home in Bosnia" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/jan_explorations_blog_3.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>2. Feel at Home in Bosnia</h3> <p>In Bosnia, meet residents in their Sarajevo home and stay awhile as you share a meal together. You’ll experience new flavors as a local musician performs deep melodies of Sevdah music for you and your fellow travelers.</p> <p>Experience it on: <a href="/tours/europe/croatia/the-balkans">A Taste of the Balkans</a></p> <p><img alt="Lavaux" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/jan_explorations_blog_4.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>3. Lavaux with Locals</h3> <p>Experience a corner of Switzerland seldom frequented by tourists – the UNESCO World Heritage region of Lavaux. After lunching at a family-run restaurant, meet up with your new local friends, Jacques and Aurélia, for a wine tasting nestled among the vineyards of Lavaux.</p> <p>Experience it on: <a href="/tours/europe/switzerland/switzerland-hidden-trails-majestic-peaks">Switzerland: Hidden Trails &amp; Majestic Peaks</a></p> <p><img alt="Morocco" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/jan_explorations_blog_5.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>4. Make Connections in Morocco</h3> <p>Get a true taste of Moroccan hospitality during an interactive cooking class at the Amal Center, a women’s cooperative dedicated to the empowerment of disadvantaged women through restaurant training. Preparing and sharing this meal together is a chance to have deep and meaningful conversations with these inspiring women. It’s an experience that connects travelers with real people in the community and gives back to support a cause – what’s known as an Impact Moment on Collette tours, a part of every Explorations journey.</p> <p>Experience it on: <a href="/tours/africa/morocco/highlights-of-morocco">Colors of Morocco</a></p> <p><img alt="Boating" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/jan_explorations_blog_6.jpg?la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>5. A Retreat in the Rainforest</h3> <p>In the remote corner of northeast Costa Rica, travel by boat into Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll explore the canals for wildlife by day and stay in your comfortable jungle cabin at night, immersed in nature, the sounds of the rainforest all around you.</p> <p>Experience it on: <a href="/tours/south-america/costa-rica/costa-rica">Costa Rica: A World of Nature</a></p> <p>Experiences like these are what small group touring is all about. Go beyond the beaten path. Get to know new people and truly taste the local flavors when you slow down for a meaningful meal. Stay in accommodations that connect you to history, culture, or natural surroundings. It’s these opportunities to travel farther and deeper all over the world that unlock a sense of wonder and broaden perspectives.</p> <p>Ready to think small? <a href="/landing-pages/2020/small-group">Learn more</a> about Collette's small group tours.</p> </div>Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{0426780F-417F-4875-9ADD-67FCC74D5BC9}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/shake-up-your-perspective-on-small-group-toursShake Up Your Perspective on Small Group Tours<style>  .post-desc img { margin 20px 0 } .post-desc p { margin: 0 0 24px 0 } .post-desc h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 20px 0 10px 0;} .post-desc li p { margin-left: 30px; } .post-desc ol { list-style: none; counter-reset: num; } .post-desc ol li { counter-increment: num; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; } .post-desc ol li::before { content: counter(num) ". "; font-weight: 600; font-size: 20px; }  </style> <div class="post-desc"> <p>Comfy seats, a friendly, reliable driver, room to store some stuff and spread out: These are a few of my favorite things. I love a coach. But like every mode of transportation, coaches have their limits. Due to their size, they can’t get you down some of the world’s roads less traveled. And sometimes the road less traveled isn’t a road at all: maybe it’s a dirt path or a body of water. </p> <p>On small group Explorations tours, travelers still usually utilize coaches (unless you’re on the <a href="/tours/europe/switzerland/switzerland-hidden-trails-majestic-peaks">Switzerland: Hidden Trails &amp; Majestic Peaks</a> tour, which is an active journey by train!), but they also spend time stepping into those special corners of the world that a bus just can’t reach. And when they do, they come home with special stories enriched by trekking across places unknown. Here are some examples of unique perspectives you’ll find beyond the coach on some of our small group tours:</p> <p><img alt="Swiss Train" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_explorations_blog-1_2.jpg?h=310&amp;w=341&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>Zodiacs in Iceland</h3> <p>Iceland is an ethereal wonderland. And sure, you can get postcard-perfect images of its landscapes no matter your vantage point. But there’s something thrilling about stepping off the sidelines and jumping into those landscapes. On the <a href="/tours/europe/iceland/icelandic-adventures">Icelandic Adventure</a> small group tour, you’ll bundle up and get into that thermal gear for a whale watching cruise on Skjálfandi Bay. You literally cannot get any closer than this to whales in northern Iceland. Aboard your specialized rigid inflatable boat, you just might catch a glimpse of the humpback, minke, fin or harbor porpoise, and possibly the orca or giant blue whales that frequent these waters.</p> <p><img alt="24 Explorations Blog 1 3" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_explorations_blog-1_3.jpg?h=310&amp;w=341&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>Treks by Foot in Ireland</h3> <p>The seemingly endless rolling green hills, the stunning seaside cliffs, and stately castles come together to create the vibe you may think of when someone mentions Ireland, but there’s so much more to experience on the Emerald Isle. And the people who call Ireland home are going to be the ones to show it to you. On <a href="/tours/europe/ireland/the-best-of-ireland">The Best of Ireland</a> small group tour, you’ll begin by getting to know Dublin on a walking tour. This tour is led by a local expert from the group Secret Street Tours, a non-profit that trains citizens formerly affected by homelessness to be guides in their own city. Instead of a panoramic city tour, you’ll hit the pavement and see the city through their eyes. You’ll gain insight into their life story as you discover Dublin’s Liberties district. When you get to Galway, you’ll explore by foot and awaken all of your senses. Link up with a local foodie who will teach you all about the local culinary scene and how Galway’s cuisine breaks the stereotype of traditional Irish food during a walking food tour.</p><p><img alt="Ireland Group Photo" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_explorations_blog-1_4.jpg?h=310&amp;w=341&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <h3>Safari Boats and Tender Boats in Southern Africa </h3> <p>Going on safari in itself is the definition of journeying beyond the coach, right? You’re spending your days hopping into a 4x4 and journeying across the plains and woodlands searching for lions, leopards, elephants, and the other unique game animals of Africa. But what about hippos? Crocodiles? Aquatic birds? Enter the new <a href="/tours/africa/egypt/wilderness-of-southern-africa-safari-by-land--water">Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land &amp; Water</a> small group tour. After several days of setting out on safari by land, you’ll set off on a cruise for 3 nights on a privately chartered safari boat on the stunning Lake Kariba, which is teeming with birdlife and game species. You’ll have limited access to technology out here, which is a refreshing opportunity to revel in nature: Float along the still waters and search for the wildlife that calls it home. You’ll also have a front row seat to watching stunning sunsets bouncing like a mirror off the water. During your 3-day stint on the lake, you’ll also get a chance to hop into a smaller tender boat, giving you the chance to cruise the channels off the lake!</p><p><img alt="Lion" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2024/01/24_explorations_blog-1_5.jpg?h=310&amp;w=341&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 341px;"></p> <p>Ready to explore beyond the plane, train, and automobile? <a href="/find-your-tour#q/stylenamesfacet=Explorations&amp;currentPage=1&amp;sortDirection=desc&amp;sortBy=newest&amp;showFacets=1">Find your next small group Exploration</a>. </p> </div>Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{5F2E6D7F-873D-4714-A7E5-68015CCA67A9}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/rockin-around-the-christmas-tree-historical-greenbrier-editionRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Historical Greenbrier Edition)<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/historical-greenbrier-holiday">Historical Greenbrier Holiday tour</a> is a fascinating glimpse into American history, brilliant with the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. The Greenbrier, Washington, DC, Colonial Williamsburg, and Richmond, Virginia all put on their holiday best this time of year. Read on for some of the festivities you may experience while visiting these stops on tour!</p> <h4>The Greenbrier</h4> <p>This world-class resort has been welcoming visitors since 1778. In December, The Greenbrier gets all dressed up, with sparkling decorations, seasonal music, and sky-high Christmas trees – at least one surrounded by a huge model train. There are plenty of holiday activities, too, including carriage rides (sleigh rides, if there’s snow!).<br><img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/greenbrierminilaunch_blog3-img-2.jpg?h=416&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" alt="horse carriage ride" style="width: 757px; height: 416px;"></p> <h4>Washington, DC</h4> <p>The capital city is aglow with good cheer during the holidays! A few of the many trees to view are the National Christmas Tree at the White House, the U.S. Capitol Tree, and the CityCenterDC Holiday Tree. Its downtown holiday market, spanning two city blocks, is brimming with handicrafts and delicious treats.</p> <h4>Colonial Williamsburg</h4> <p>Wrap yourself in the holiday spirit as you explore America’s rich colonial past. Colonial Williamsburg goes all-out for the season, with Christmas decoration tours, seasonal workshops, handbell concerts and choral performances, teas, and festive dinners. <br><img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/greenbrierminilaunch_blog3-img-3.jpg?h=415&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" style="width: 757px; height: 415px;" alt="Christmas Wreath Making"></p> <h4>Richmond, Virginia</h4> <p>This bustling city shines bright during the holidays! The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights has become a beloved tradition, featuring millions of lights, 100+ wrapped trees, and illuminated greenhouses. The Richmond Symphony performs The Nutcracker, and numerous Christmas markets offer handmade gifts and foods as a tasty memento of your trip.<br><img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/greenbrierminilaunch_blog3-img-4.jpg?h=415&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" alt="Couple at Christmas Market" style="width: 757px; height: 415px;"></p>Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{E7E52F3B-F90E-4A11-937E-CE579195A40C}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2024/01/test-your-travel-knowledgeTest Your Travel Knowledge!<p>Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just thinking about your first big trip, chances are you’ve gathered quite a bit of information about our great big world. Test your travel trivia and see how many fascinating facts you know! </p> <div class="riddle2-wrapper" data-rid-id="LmbwtV7b" data-auto-scroll="true" data-is-fixed-height-enabled="false" data-bg="#fff" data-fg="#00205b" style="margin:0 auto; max-width:100%; width:640px;" ><script src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/build-embedjs/embedV2.js"></script><iframe src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/a/LmbwtV7b?lazyImages=false&staticHeight=false" allow="autoplay" referrerpolicy="strict-origin"><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>In this country, people walk around the block with their luggage just after midnight on January 1st to ensure a year full of travel.</h3><ul><li>Australia</li><li>Brazil</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Denmark</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Scotland is proud of its national dish, a boiled pudding of sheep entrails mixed with oatmeal, onions, and suet. Ask for it by name, which is:</h3><ul><li>Cullen Skink</li><li>Haggis</li><li>Skirlie</li><li>Crowdie</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Antarctica is a desert.</h3><ul><li>True</li><li>False</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Heading to Thailand? You’ll want to pick up some of the national currency, known as:</h3><ul><li>Krona</li><li>Yen</li><li>Dinar</li><li>Baht</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Mount Rushmore depicts four of America’s greatest presidents. You’ll find this monument in:</h3><ul><li>North Dakota</li><li>Wisconsin</li><li>South Dakota</li><li>Idaho</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>The most-visited art museum in the world is the:</h3><ul><li>Louvre, Paris</li><li>Prado, Madrid</li><li>Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City</li><li>British Museum, London</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>The world’s biggest food fight takes place in Spain! What are you throwing during this unique festival?</h3><ul><li>Eggs</li><li>Tomatoes</li><li>Peaches</li><li>Walnuts</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Which country boasts the oldest continually used national flag?</h3><ul><li>Greece</li><li>Japan</li><li>Austria</li><li>Denamark</li></ul></section></iframe></div>Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{31852ACA-57EE-4A3F-A255-691654DB3A9D}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/02/say-konnichiwa-to-japans-past-and-presentSay Konnichiwa to Japan’s Past and Present<style> .japan-pp img { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } </style> <div class="japan-pp"> <p>Japan’s culture was thousands of years in the making. Now you can get a taste of both the new and electric AND the ancient and serene when you visit this island nation on the <a href="/tours/asia/japan/japan-past-and-present">Japan: Past and Present</a> small group Explorations tour.</p> <p>Japan’s juxtaposition is alluring for many travelers. In the one afternoon, you may zip from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo on the shinkansen bullet train (at speeds of up to 200mph) and limited express train to the peaceful Ise Shrine. Perhaps here you’ll trade hustle and bustle for time wandering among the serenity of an ancient grand shrine, looking up to thatched roofs and raw wood of buildings. This incredible spirit, so heavily influenced by past and present, can be felt throughout every avenue of Japan’s rich culture. And the best part? When you travel with a smaller tour group, you’ll get access to places not everyone gets to go.</p> <p><img alt="Shirakawa go" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/02/shirakawa-go.jpg?la=en" width="1024" height="567"></p> <p>History lovers may be drawn to Japan’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Maybe you’ll embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go. Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses with thatched rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. You can ferry to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island,” with its famous O-torii Gate. Don’t forget to see the home of the first Shogun – Nijo Castle — with its intricate woodcarvings, paintings, and gardens. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple with the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf – another UNESCO site that tops traveler to-do lists.</p> <p><img alt="Fushimi Inari" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/02/fushimi-inari.jpg?la=en" width="1024" height="567"></p> <p>Beyond UNESCO sites, there are scores of other must-sees in the Land of the Rising Sun. Explore Fusimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine in Inari. When you follow the rows of orange torii weaving through the forest, you may just feel as if you’ve stepped into the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. A popular stop for many travelers awaits at Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Venture inside the massive building to take some time in this sacred place and find the huge bronze Buddha statue. Wander the grounds outside and discover the famous “bowing” deer of Nara — deer who have learned that they are more likely to be fed by passersby after offering a polite bow.</p> <p><img alt="Dotonbori" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/02/dotonbori.jpg?la=en" width="1024" height="567"></p> <p>Those seeking more futuristic flair may want to scope out Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district, bathed in neon glowing signs and known for eclectic dining and nightlife. Delving deeper, many rich cultural experiences await when you step beyond the architectural items on your bucket list. You can find yourself learning about the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in which you create a deeply personal souvenir. You can also learn the subtle art of preparing green tea when you prepare your own cup of the local staple using traditional methods.</p> <p><img alt="Hiroshima Peace Park" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/02/hiroshima-peace-park.jpg?la=en" width="1024" height="567"></p> <p>Meeting local people can bring you even closer to your destination. In Japan, you may head to the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum to meet with someone who experienced the devastating effects of the atomic bomb firsthand. They’ll talk about what it was like to live in Japan during that time, the aftermath of that terrible day, and how they keep the memories of those who were lost alive. You can also meet ama pearl divers, the skilled women who defied conventional gender roles to dive in the sea to harvest oysters and their pearls. Watch divers take the plunge and learn about the history and science of pearl diving as it still lives on for tourists today.</p> <p>Whether you’re ready to sit down to a plate of freshly rolled sushi, take in the sites, or get a deep dive into the local culture with the people who know it best – there’s plenty waiting for you in Japan.</p> <p>Are you ready to see all that this country has to offer?</p> </div>Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{962A645B-2A11-4934-820B-97B4FBD73B9B}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/07/8-travel-takeaways-about-everyday-life-in-japan8 Travel Takeaways About Everyday Life in Japan<style> .japan img { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 5px; } .japan h3 { display: inline-block; margin-left: 6px; } .japan li p { margin-left: 30px; } .japan ol { list-style: none; counter-reset: num; } .japan ol li { counter-increment: num; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; } .japan ol li::before { content: counter(num) ". "; font-weight: 600; font-size: 20px; } </style> <div class="japan"> <p>I recently returned from our <a href="/tours/asia/japan/cultural-treasures-of-japan">Cultural Treasures of Japan</a> tour, and to experience this trip is so much more than what you read about in the itinerary. By following my own curiosity to explore the unique sides of Japan, and by going guided with a tour manager and local guides who brought many interesting facts to my attention, I encountered many facets of Japanese culture <span class="comment-text">I might have otherwise missed on my own.</span></p> <p>On top of all the incredible sights and experiences during my travels in Japan, I returned with a few takeaways about the everyday aspects of life there that stand out from the rest of the world.</p> <ol> <li> <h3>Pajamas Included</h3> <p>Did you know that most hotels in Japan will provide you with pajamas? This tradition of offering “yukata” to guests came from ryokans – traditional Japanese inns. Modern hotels have kept the tradition going as a gesture of Japanese hospitality.<br><img alt="Maid Cafe in free time" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/07/maid-cafe-in-free-time.jpg?la=en" width="424" height="524"></p></li> <li> <h3>Cleanliness</h3> <p>I was fascinated by how clean everything is in Japan. One of our guides, Tamoe, explained to us that from a very young age, the Japanese are taught to keep everything clean and how in schools there are no janitors – in fact, the students are expected to keep their own space tidy. Subways had fabric benches that looked brand new and public bathrooms (referred to as “happy houses” by our guide) were extraordinarily clean.</p> </li> <li> <h3>Your Trash, Your Responsibility</h3> <p>In Japan, there are no trash cans anywhere. This is surprising given the cleanliness of everything. Spotting a rare trash bin here or there became something our guide would point out like it was an exotic animal! We learned that most Japanese people do not throw their trash away in public, but instead take it home to dispose of properly. They are aware of their responsibility for their trash and do their part.</p> </li> <li> <h3>Stop for a Snack</h3> <p>Eating and drinking while walking is frowned upon (even if it’s something purchased from a street vendor). Instead, you’re expected to stand to the side and eat right there. If the vendor happened to have a place to deposit trash, it was only to be used for what had been purchased there.<br><img alt="Ramen" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/07/ramen.jpg?la=en" width="424" height="524"></p> </li> <li> <h3>Slurping Approved</h3> <p>When you do stop for some delicious food, such as a bowl of ramen, forks are not normally provided. You can use chopsticks or go with no utensils as you sip and slurp away. It felt odd at first, but after looking around at everyone doing it, I realized it was acceptable.<br><img alt="Japan Guide Map" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/07/japan-guide-map.jpg?la=en" width="757" height="424"></p> </li> <li> <h3>Look Both Ways</h3> <p>In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road, so it’s important to pay close attention when crossing. It was interesting to see that everyone walked on the left side of the street, as well as on stairs – except for in Osaka, where everyone walked on the right.</p> </li> <li> <h3>Safety</h3> <p>I’ve never felt so safe in a country. I never worried about being pickpocketed, even on crowded trains. Our hotel was in a bustling area in Kanazawa, where there were always lots of people out. I was completely comfortable <span class="comment-text">exploring the town</span> on my own.<br><img alt="Dawn at Kanazawa Station with a pink umbrella" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/07/dawn-at-kanazawa-station-with-a-pink-umbrella.jpg?la=en" width="424" height="563"></p> </li> <li> <h3>Umbrellas</h3> <p>I was obsessed with the whole umbrella culture in Japan. Rain? Umbrella! Sun? Umbrella! Various places we visited had locker systems in place for keeping treasured umbrellas sorted and safe.</p> </li> </ol> <p>The value of going guided to Japan is so much more than having all the included items covered such as transportation, hotels, and sites. Having a knowledgeable guide <span class="comment-text">is what makes</span> this amazing destination less intimidating and offers the best experience, especially during your free time. It gave me the chance to really explore and notice the little things about this country. I knew that by going on a tour with Collette, it would bring out the best of a unique part of the world – and it absolutely did during my time in Japan. </p> </div>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{A436F46A-B5B8-49B0-9BAF-B7ED9B21D25B}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/12/an-enchanting-stay-in-the-sahara-desertAn Enchanting Stay in the Sahara Desert<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Travel writer Catherine Sweeney tells another exciting tale about her adventures – and this time, it’s all about Morocco! From camel rides and 4x4s to tented luxury camps in the heart of the Sahara Desert, read all about the experiences that can be had in this awe-inspiring region. Get inspired and follow Catherine around the world by keeping up with her blog, <strong><a href="https://www.travelingwithsweeney.com/sahara-desert-camp/?fbclid=IwAR1EvqKRGJLw6fB7kABjqcS2yyUQYmS7ScrzFIXVtn3QWKX2lRon0atYbII://" target="_blank">Traveling With Sweeney</a></strong>.</p><p><img height="419" alt="2023 Morocco Awareness Influencer Blog 2" width="758" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/2023-morocco-awareness_influencer-blog-2.jpg?h=419&amp;w=758&amp;la=en"></p>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{90918A4F-A8CB-4CFF-847C-8E309D020BCC}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/12/peak-patagonia-a-look-at-two-unforgettable-unesco-sitesPeak Patagonia: A Look at Two Unforgettable UNESCO Sites<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Among the many highlights of our small-group Explorations Patagonia: Edge of the World tour are visits to the region’s UNESCO sites: Torres del Paine National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier. These are just two of the places of unparalleled beauty that you'll experience in Patagonia… and here are some fun facts to pique your interest even more!</p> <h3>TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK</h3> <p>One of South America’s most spectacular national parks and wildly popular with hikers, Torres del Paine National Park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. </p> <img alt="Torres del Paine" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/torres-del-paine.jpg?h=419&amp;w=462&amp;la=en" style="height: 419px; width: 462px;"> <p>It holds over 700 square miles (1813km2) of pure amazement, with mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, cliffs, waterfalls, fjords, forests, and grasslands all within its boundaries. It’s got loads of wildlife, including guanacos (related to llamas), pumas, foxes, huemul (South Andean deer), wild horses, condors, eagles, hawks, rheas, and owls. So many photo ops!</p> <img alt="guanacos" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/guanacos.jpg?h=419&amp;w=461&amp;la=en" style="height: 419px; width: 461px;"> <h4>Fun facts</h4> <ul> <li>Torres del Paine means “towers of blue.” Paine (“blue”) is from the Tehuelche language of the region’s indigenous people. The “towers” are the three peaks of the Paine Massif, with the tallest one, Cerro Paine Grande, soaring 9,461 feet (2883m) above sea level. </li><li>The park plays host to more than 250,000 visitors each year. </li><li>Lady Florence Dixie, a Victorian-era writer, war correspondent, and proto-feminist, visited Patagonia in 1878, one of the very first Europeans to do so. She called the three towers “Cleopatra’s Needles,” and returned home with a pet jaguar (not recommended). </li><li>The park’s many lakes are known for their intense, milky blue hues, caused by mineral deposits. </li><li>Torres del Paine is home to more than 115 species of birds (including birds of prey) and seven different species of orchids. </li><li>In 2014, scientists discovered almost 50 complete skeletons of extinct dolphin-like reptiles called ichthyosaurs under a melting glacier. Measuring up to 60 feet (18m) long, they lived until about 90 million years ago. </li></ul> <h3>PERITO MORENO GLACIER</h3> <p>Glaciers, as we know, are huge masses of thick, dense ice that develop over thousands of years. They form on land and are in constant – if very slow – motion. Patagonia is home to hundreds of glaciers, the most famous one being the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is an astonishing 19 miles (30.5km) long and, on average, 240 feet (73m) tall.</p> <img height="419" alt="Perito Moreno Glacier" width="461" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/perito-moreno-glacier.jpg?h=419&amp;w=461&amp;la=en"> <p>Covering nearly 100 square miles (259km2), this enormous blue-and-white mass sits in the turquoise waters of Argentino Lake, flanked by soaring mountains. It’s a very active glacier, moving up to six feet (1.8m) a day, with huge pieces of ice calving (breaking away) frequently. So, far from being silent, the glacier actually makes quite a bit of noise, with all the creaking, cracking sounds of shifting and breaking ice. </p> <h4>Fun facts</h4> <ul> <li>The glacier was first seen by a European in 1879, and named after an officer in the Chilean Navy, Francisco Gormaz. Later, it was given the name Bismarck, after the Prussian statesman. In 1899, it was renamed yet again, this time for 18th-century explorer Francisco Moreno. (Perito is Spanish for “expert” or “proficient.”)</li> <li>Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world currently in a state of equilibrium – it’s growing and receding at the same rate.</li> <li>The glacier isn’t just tall, it’s deep, too, extending about 550 feet (167m) below the surface of the lake. Its maximum depth is a jaw-dropping 2,297 feet (700m).</li> <li>Every few years, the glacier advances so far that it causes the water on the southern side of Argentino Lake (called the Brazo Rico) to dam up. The enormous pressure of the dammed water (which can rise over 90 feet/27m) causes a huge rupture that sends it pouring back into the main part of the lake.</li> <li>Perito Moreno Glacier is so massive it’s the third-biggest reserve of fresh water in the world.</li> </ul> <p>These UNESCO sites are just two of the incredible experiences awaiting you in Patagonia. If you’re an adventurer at heart, our small-group Patagonia: Edge of the World tour is the perfect journey. Read about <a href="/tours/south-america/argentina/patagonia">tour highlights</a> or listen to tales from the tour’s designer, Samantha Kern, about her experience on our Travel Unpacked <a href="/landing-pages/travel-unpacked-podcast?wchannelid=7hfy572w8k&amp;wmediaid=f522gw7b0g">podcast</a>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What is UNESCO?</h3> <p>UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It’s a special agency of the U.N. dedicated to promoting peace through international cooperation in the arts and sciences, education, and culture.</p> <h3>What’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site?</h3> <p>These are sites marked as protective zones, meant to be preserved for posterity because of their cultural, historical, or scientific importance. Countries nominate their sites for designation, and an international committee evaluates their global significance. Currently, there are 1,199 World Heritage Sites, spanning 168 countries.</p>Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{B4B15AEE-8B84-42C2-827D-9022E0391253}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/12/how-well-do-you-know-patagoniaHow Well Do You Know Patagonia? Take Our Quiz and Find Out!<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>More and more, travelers are flocking to Patagonia for the ultimate adventure. Deep blue skies, soaring mountains, massive glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife make this region an unspoiled paradise. And yet Patagonia remains a mystery to most people. Take our quiz to find out how savvy you are about this travel hot spot!</p> <div class="riddle2-wrapper" data-rid-id="Y3LCSt4I" data-auto-scroll="true" data-is-fixed-height-enabled="false" data-bg="#fff" data-fg="#00205b" style="margin:0 auto; max-width:100%; width:640px;" ><script src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/build-embedjs/embedV2.js"></script><iframe src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/a/Y3LCSt4I?lazyImages=false&staticHeight=false" allow="autoplay" referrerpolicy="strict-origin"><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>1. Let’s start with an easy one: where is Patagonia?</h3><ul><li>Chile and Argentina</li><li>Argentina</li><li>Argentina and Uruguay</li><li>Bolivia</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>2. Patagonia is home to the world’s southernmost city, which is:</h3><ul><li>San Martin de los Andes</li><li>Puyuhuapi</li><li>Ushuaia</li><li>El Calafate</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>3. Patagonia is huge – roughly 260,000 square miles (673,000km2) – there’s debate as to where the borders lie. So, it’s about the same size as which state/province?</h3><ul><li>California </li><li>Ontario</li><li>Alaska</li><li>Queensland</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>4. Although the region is enormous, it’s very sparsely populated. In fact, Patagonia averages just this many people per square mile (2.59km2):</h3><ul><li>2</li><li>5</li><li>10</li><li>12</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>5. There are almost as many penguins in Patagonia as there are people.</h3><ul><li>True </li><li>False </li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>6. Which mountain range runs through the middle of Patagonia?</h3><ul><li>Cordillera Blanca</li><li>Southern Alps</li><li>Andes</li><li>Sierra de Lema</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>7. Patagonian cuisine is famous for dishes featuring which kind of meat?</h3><ul><li>Beef </li><li>Lamb</li><li>Llama</li><li>Trout</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>8. Patagonia got its name from the word Ferdinand Magellan used to describe the local Tehuelche people, patagónes, which means:</h3><ul><li>Tall ones</li><li>Fierce ones</li><li>Welcoming</li><li>Big feet</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>9. According to local legend, anyone who eats the berries of the thorny calafate bush will:</h3><ul><li>Always return to Patagonia</li><li>Find love in Patagonia</li><li>Make their home in Patagonia</li><li>Find treasure in Patagonia</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>10. Patagonia is home to the guanaco, an animal that’s closely related to the llama and is known for doing this when threatened:</h3><ul><li>Running </li><li>Jumping </li><li>Snorting</li><li>Spitting</li></ul></section></iframe></div>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{27F17EEF-1745-46EC-BCF6-AB6291AC5F8B}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/12/all-about-moroccoAll About Morocco<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>The mountainous North African country of Morocco is nothing short of miraculous – a travel experience that engages all your senses. Whether you’ve already booked a spot on one of our <a href="/find-your-tour#q/content=morocco">Moroccan tours</a>&nbsp;or are just starting to dream about a visit there, you’ll appreciate knowing some of the basics about this amazing destination. </p> <h4>Where is Morocco, exactly?</h4> <p>Morocco is in northwest Africa, where it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It sits directly south of Spain – only about eight miles away (12.8km) across the Strait of Gibraltar.<br><img alt="2023 Morocco Awareness Blog 3 2" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/2023-morocco-awareness_blog-3_2.jpg?h=420&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" style="height: 420px; width: 757px;"></p> <h4>How big is Morocco?</h4> <p>Morocco is roughly the same size as California.</p> <h4>Is it safe to travel to Morocco?</h4> <p>Yes, Morocco is generally considered safe for travelers, especially in larger cities. Of course, no matter where you travel, you should follow common-sense safety precautions, such as keeping your purse/wallet close to you, not carrying large sums of cash, and avoiding quiet areas after dark.</p> <h4>What’s the language of Morocco?</h4> <p>The official languages are Arabic and Berber (an indigenous North African tongue), with most people speaking a dialect known as Moroccan Arabic. French is also an important language and is a required course in all schools.</p> <h4>How should I dress in Morocco?</h4> <p>Respect the local culture by dressing in loose clothing that covers both the shoulders and the knees. Loose clothes will also help keep you cooler in the hot sun.<br><img alt="2023 Morocco Awareness Blog 3 3" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/2023-morocco-awareness_blog-3_3.jpg?h=419&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" style="height: 419px; width: 757px;"></p> <h4>What’s the weather like in Morocco?</h4> <p>The climate of Morocco varies greatly. Most of the country has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and winters that range from mild to chilly. Further south, the climate changes to hot desert, with scorching summer heat and extremely dry air.</p> <h4>What are some of the cities in Morocco?</h4> <p>Casablanca is the country’s largest city and chief port, famously featured in the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">classic 1942 film</a> of the same name.</p> <p>The Imperial Cities of Morocco are its four historical capitals:</p> <ul> <li><em>Rabat</em>, the current capital, founded in the 12th century, is located on the Atlantic coast. Its name comes from the Arabic word ribat, meaning a base or fortification.</li> <li><em>Marrakech</em> lies near the foot of the Atlas mountains and has the largest traditional souk (outdoor market) in the country.</li> <li><em>Meknes</em>, in north-central Morocco, is known for its ancient imperial palace complex, the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail, which took over 50 years to build.</li> <li><em>Fez</em> is the country’s second-largest city. Its old quarter, the walled Medina of Fez, has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO. </li> </ul> <h4>Is Morocco a Muslim country?</h4> <p>Yes. Islam is the official state religion, and 99% of the population is Sunni Muslim.</p> <h4>What kind of food would I find in Morocco?</h4> <p>Morocco is a foodie’s dream, incorporating Berber, Arab, Mediterranean, and Andalusian influences, with some French and sub-Saharan flavors as well. Here are just some of the dishes Morocco is famous for:</p> <ul><li><em>Couscous</em> is small, steamed balls of semolina, often served with a stew on top.</li><li><em>Tajine</em> is a slow-cooked stew that usually features meat, vegetables, and spices. The word also refers to the distinctive earthenware pot it’s cooked in.</li><li><em>Seffa</em> is a sweetened couscous dish featuring almonds and cinnamon.</li><li><em>Pastilla</em>, a meat or seafood pie made with a flaky crust, can be served either sweet or spicy.</li><li><em>Méchoui</em>, a very popular North African dish, is a spit-roasted sheep or lamb.</li><li><em>Harira</em> is a soup made with meat, tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, onions, and rice.</li></ul><p><img alt="2023 Morocco Awareness Blog 3 4" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/2023-morocco-awareness_blog-3_4.jpg?h=420&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" style="height: 420px; width: 757px;"></p> <h4>What’s the culture of Morocco like?</h4> <p>Just like its cuisine, Morocco’s culture is primarily a blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian influences, with contributions from Mediterranean and Hebraic cultures as well. The country has been settled by many peoples over the centuries, each having an influence on its art, architecture, literature, music, and food.<br><img alt="2023 Morocco Awareness Blog 3 5" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/12/2023-morocco-awareness_blog-3_5.jpg?h=419&amp;w=757&amp;la=en" style="height: 419px; width: 757px;"></p> <h4>Want to learn more?</h4> <p>Get into a Moroccan state of mind with our <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3L2VM0m02Xouy7cZp9Fh3N" target="_blank">Spotify playlist</a> or get lost in one of these books, all set in this gorgeous country:</p> <p><strong>The Caliph’s House</strong> by Tahir Shah<br> An entertaining, frequently hilarious account of an Englishman’s first year in his new Casablanca home.</p> <p><strong>The Voices of Marrakesh: A Record of a Visit</strong> by Elias Canetti<br> Canetti, a Nobel Prize Winning author, records his impressions of Marrakech in a collection of moving, superbly detailed essays.</p> <p><strong>Hideous Kinky</strong> by Esther Freud<br> This engaging autobiographical novel takes readers on a journey through the author’s childhood in 1960s Morocco. (Or see the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0136244/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">1998 movie</a> starring Kate Winslet.)</p> <p><strong>A Death in the Medina</strong> by James von Leyden<br> A struggling young detective searches for clues in the murder of a young girl in the shadowy streets and dark alleys of Marrakech.</p> <p><strong>The Last Storytellers:</strong> <strong>Tales from the Heart of Morocco</strong> by Richard Hamilton<br> An in-depth look at the age-old storytelling tradition of Jemaa el Fnaa and dozens of classic tales, many in print here for the first time.</p>Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{6438B611-B28E-4FF4-ADC3-BEF411D5CE19}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/helping-women-stand-strong-in-moroccoHelping Women Stand Strong in Morocco<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>In Marrakech, <a href="/tours/africa/morocco/highlights-of-morocco">Morocco</a>, the Amal Center sits like a steady beacon of hope among the disadvantaged women of the area. Here, women who have found themselves in a difficult place in life are given the tools they need to change their future. </p> <h3>Preparing for financial independence</h3> <p><img alt="Morocco Blog 4 Image 1" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/morocco-blog-4---image-1.jpg?h=367&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 367px; width: 550px;"><br>For six intensive months, women at the Amal Center train in every aspect of the restaurant industry, with one goal in mind – to secure a job and their own financial independence. They learn to cook and bake, the ins-and-outs of the service industry, and languages like French and English. With these new tools at their disposal, these women can secure a better future for themselves and their families.</p> <h3>A visit to the Amal Center</h3> <p><img alt="Morocco Blog 4 Image 2" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/morocco-blog-4---image-2.jpg?h=367&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 367px; width: 550px;"><br>The Amal Center is a thriving restaurant where women in training can hone their skills. The menu changes frequently based on the availability of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, but you can count on finding typical Moroccan fare such as chicken or beef tajine, their famous couscous (the Friday special), and wonderful desserts like almond or dark-chocolate tarts. All of this is served up with delightful Moroccan tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade.</p> <h3>Cooking classes</h3> <p><img alt="Morocco Blog 4 Image 3" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/morocco-blog-4---image-3.jpg?h=367&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 367px; width: 550px;"><br>You can enjoy a hands-on class to learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine like tajine (a Moroccan stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous (tiny, steamed balls of semolina flour), or pastilla (a savory pie). If dessert is what you're into, try your hand at baking Moroccan delights such as gazelle horns (crescent-shaped cookies), beghrir (crepe-like pancakes) and ghriba (bite-sized pastry made from almonds and honey), just to name a few.</p> <p>When you visit the Amal Center, you're not only in for a delicious meal that supports a very worthy cause, but you can also see the center's trainees preparing for their future as independent women who are in control of their own destiny. Nothing can be more satisfying than that.</p>Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{9833EE1B-E19F-4EEA-8541-E7395AC2AE9C}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/moroccos-imperial-cities-rabat-fes-meknes-and-marrakechMorocco’s Imperial Cities: Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & h4, li { font-size: 18px; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Is it worth visiting all four imperial cities of Morocco? Without a doubt, the answer is yes. Each one of these historical capitals reveals a unique side of the country’s story. See Rabat, the modern capital… explore colorful Marrakech… discover spiritual Fes… and encounter the authentic culture in Meknes.</p> <p>If you’re considering a trip to Morocco, here is a brief orientation to these four must-see cities in Morocco:</p> <img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/2023-morocco-awareness_1-rabat.jpg?la=en" alt="Rabat"> <h3>Rabat</h3> <p>Across from Rabat at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, neighboring Salé was settled first by the Romans. The imperial city of Rabat itself dates back to the 12th century, founded by the first Almohad ruler. Fast forward into the 20th century, and Rabat became an administrative capital under French rule, and upon Moroccan independence in 1955, became Morocco’s capital of today.</p> <h4>What to do in Rabat</h4> <ul> <li>Visit the Challah Necropolis, a walled town containing both Roman ruins and medieval necropolis.</li> <li>Explore the epitome of modern Moroccan architectural design at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.</li> <li>See the Kasbah des Oudaias with its stunning blue and white buildings.</li> </ul> <img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/2023-morocco-awareness_2-fes.jpg?la=en" alt="Fes"> <h3>Fes</h3> <p>Get ready to discover Morocco’s spiritual heart, Fes (also known as the “Mecca of the West”). A former imperial capital, and now one of the largest cities in Morocco, it’s managed to maintain its strong traditional culture through the ages.</p> <h4>What to do in Fes</h4> <ul> <li>Explore its history as a center of government, philosophy, medicine, and religion.</li> <li>See Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world (UNESCO).</li> <li>Walk through a 9th-century medina, exploring the alleyways and stalls of this ancient market.</li> </ul> <img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/2023-morocco-awareness_3-meknes.jpg?la=en" alt="Meknes"> <h3>Meknès</h3> <p>Meknès became a Moroccan capital in 1672 under Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, who built palaces and mosques that earned the city the name, “Versailles of Morocco.” Visit this lesser-traveled destination and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while wandering the pastel and ochre-colored streets of its medina.</p> <h4>What to do in Meknès</h4> <ul> <li>View remnants of this city’s imperial past at Bab Mansour gate.</li> <li>Travel to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins.</li> </ul> <img src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/2023-morocco-awareness_4-marrakech.jpg?la=en" alt="Marrakech"> <h3>Marrakech</h3> <p>Get to know Morocco’s most popular destination inside and out. This central Moroccan city was founded in the mid-11th century and served as Morocco’s first capital city under the Almoravid dynasty. Marrakech’s medina is labyrinth-like and known as the “red city” because of its buildings and ramparts of red beaten clay.</p> <h4>What to do in Marrakech</h4> <ul> <li>Visit the ancient El Bahia Palace, with its distinct blend of Islamic and Moroccan architecture.</li> <li>Explore the Jemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech’s main square, and stroll among the mosques, palaces, souks, and riads.</li> <li>Explore more of Moroccan history and culture by visiting Marrakech’s museums.</li> </ul> <p>On <a href="/tours/africa/morocco/highlights-of-morocco">Colors of Morocco</a>, take every opportunity to explore these four imperial cities, all part of a 15-day small group Explorations tour. Centuries of history, colorful medinas, and the seemingly endless sands of the Sahara await in Morocco. It’s time to experience this North African gem for yourself.</p> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{0342B19F-5728-4BED-A72F-C639D3254CEE}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2017/5/haggling-at-the-souks-in-moroccoThe Fine Art of Haggling (or, How to Shop Like a Local in Morocco)<p>In the bustling souks of Morocco, specifically in Marrakesh’s famous square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, you’ll find that merchants welcome and even expect a little game of price haggling! For some, this may be an uncomfortable tradition to take part in, but I can assure you it’s customary for merchants and buyers to go back and forth on price negotiations. And once a price is agreed upon and the transaction made, there are smiles all around. Here are a few tips:</p> <h2>Do Some Research</h2> <p>If you’ve never been to a souk or a Moroccan market, a simple Google search will help prepare you on what things you can expect to find.</p> <h2>Make A List</h2> <p>The souks of Marrakesh can be pretty overwhelming. There are endless items for purchase – from leather goods and metal goods to ceramics and carpets. Keep a mental list of some of the things you want to purchase and an idea of how much you’re willing to spend.</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/leather-slippers.jpg?la=en"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/metal-goods.jpg?la=en"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/metal-lamp.jpg?la=en"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/metal-teapot.jpg?la=en"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/ceramics.jpg?la=en"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/rugs.jpg?la=en"></p> <h2>Ask Your Guide</h2> <p>If you visit Morocco with a tour guide, use them to your advantage. Your guide will often accompany you through the souks and even help you bargain. They have a better idea of what the markups are and what tourists should really be paying.</p> <h2>Commit and Have a Great Time</h2> <p>Once you’ve eyed that piece of art or handmade metal lantern, the haggling begins. The merchant will typically name a price that may seem high at first. However, a general rule of thumb is that you should offer 10-30% of what the initial asking price is. This might seem like a shockingly low counteroffer, but you’ll notice your merchant’s counter-counteroffer isn’t far from his starting point. Keep the haggling rolling (paired with a good sense of humor) and you’re bound to walk away with some amazing finds at very reasonable prices… and even a new friend!</p> <style>@font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1040178053 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}</style><p></p> <h2>Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away</h2> <p>If you think you’re not getting anywhere and you’ve maxed out your haggle, simply walk away and don’t look back. Merchants typically don’t want to lose a sale, so if they see you lose interest and move to another stall nearby, they might just budge and give you the item that you want at the price that you want.</p> <p>Haggling at the souks can be a little intimidating at first, but you can do it!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img height="310" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/5/inside-souk.jpg?la=en"></p>Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{9CF1B068-558C-4498-B341-EECF482680B6}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/10-surprising-facts-about-richmond-virginia10 Surprising Facts About Richmond, Virginia<style> .japan img { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 5px; } .japan h3 { display: inline-block; margin-left: 6px; } .japan li p { margin-left: 30px; } .japan ol { list-style: none; counter-reset: num; } .japan ol li { counter-increment: num; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; } .japan ol li::before { content: counter(num) ". "; font-weight: 600; font-size: 20px; } </style> <div class="japan"> <p>Richmond is one of the highlights of our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/historical-greenbrier">Historical Greenbrier tour</a>, where you can take a guided walk though the famed Jackson Ward neighborhood or take a panoramic tour that explores the city’s place in American history. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be amazed by Richmond’s rich past and vibrant present.</p> <p>But why wait until your visit to learn more about Richmond? We’ve got some fascinating facts for you right now.</p> <ol> <li> <h3>"Black Wall Street of America” </h3> <p>Jackson Ward is a historically African-American neighborhood known as the birthplace of Black entrepreneurship. Famous residents have included Maggie Walker, the first Black American woman to be a bank president, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, an entertainer whose decades-long career spanned vaudeville, radio, theater, television, and film.</p> </li> <li> <h3>Hollywood East? </h3> <p>Richmond not only hosts an annual film festival, it’s an increasingly popular movie location. Some of the films that have been shot in or around the city include Hannibal; Mission: Impossible III; and Cold Mountain. </p> </li> <li> <h3>Let’s do lunch</h3> <p>Richmond offers a huge variety of yummy eats (including soul food, seafood, and anything with pimento cheese). Its quintessential dish, though, just might be a regional specialty called a sailor sandwich. Invented by the city’s New York(!) Deli during World War II, this belly-buster features hot pastrami, knackwurst, Swiss cheese, and hot mustard on rye.<br><img height="310" alt="GreenbrierMiniLaunch Blog Food" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/greenbrierminilaunch_blog-food.jpg?la=en"></p> </li> <li> <h3>If these walls could talk (wait, they do!) </h3> <p>Art in Richmond isn’t confined to museums and galleries – it’s on the walls! The city is known for its amazing street art and murals that adorn the outside of restaurants, factories, and even private homes.</p> </li> <li> <h3>Here, there, everywhere a beer</h3> <p>When you think of Richmond, you probably think, the South! History, art, architecture! Well, let’s add something else to that list: beer. That’s right – the city is a hotspot for one of the world’s most popular beverages, with more than 30 craft breweries. In fact, a few years ago Richmond was named the #1 beer destination in the world. Bottoms up!<br> <img height="310" alt="GreenbrierMiniLaunch Blog Beer" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/greenbrierminilaunch_blog-beer.jpg?la=en"></p> </li> <li><h3>Quoth the raven</h3> <p>The Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond boasts an incredible collection of original manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia from America’s master of mystery and the macabre. Poe lived in the city with his foster family for many years, until gambling debts and a failed romance prompted a move to New England.</p> </li> <li> <h3>A city by any other name </h3> <p>The founder of modern-day Richmond, William Byrd II, named the city after his hometown of Richmond, in England. The name Richmond itself derives from Richemont, a town in Normandy, France. No word on whether Byrd ever considered using his hometown’s original name, Hindrelag.</p> </li> <li> <h3>A president and an architect</h3> <p>The Virginia State Capitol, located in Richmond, was designed by none other than Thomas Jefferson. He modeled the building after the Maison Carrée (“square house”), an ancient Roman temple in Nîmes, France. (Fun fact: it’s one of only 12 U.S. capitol buildings without a dome.)<br> <img height="310" alt="GreenbrierMiniLaunch Blog The Virginia State Capitol" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/greenbrierminilaunch_blog-the-virginia-state-capitol.jpg?la=en"></p> </li> <li> <h3>Freedom of speech</h3> <p>Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech at St. John’s Church, the oldest in the city. While you’ve heard of this speech before, chances are you didn’t know that, when he’d finished speaking, Henry pretended to plunge an ivory letter-opener into his chest for dramatic effect.</p> </li> <li> <h3>Let the music play </h3> <p>When the Byrd Theatre, known as “Richmond’s Movie Palace,” opened its doors in 1928, matinee tickets cost just 25 cents and a child’s ticket, 10 cents. The prices may have changed since then, but the music hasn’t – the venue still proudly features its original Wurlitzer, played on Saturday nights by the house organist.</p> </li></ol> </div>Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{37D9BC53-5530-4E58-BB73-0EF66F18A40D}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/an-alpine-adventure-with-colletteAn Alpine Adventure with Collette<p>When travel blogger Charlotte Simpson embarked on our Peaks of Europe: the Alps to the Dolomites tour, she was fascinated by the storybook beauty of Switzerland. Quaint cottages, skyscraping mountains, cobblestone streets, and so much more. Whether she was in a small village or at the top of Europe, Charlotte realized there’s no denying the country’s charm. <a href="https://travelingblackwidow.com/swiss-ms-my-high-flying-switzerland-stay/" target="_blank">Here’s how she spent her high-flying days in Switzerland.</a></p>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{3CC79813-A407-4D38-852D-86DC54292645}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/thanksgiving-around-the-worldThanksgiving Around the World<p>Thanksgiving may be a quintessential American tradition, but celebrations of gratitude are a custom in many countries. Some of these gatherings are like those in the U.S., while others are quite different. What do you know about giving thanks around the world? Take our quiz and find out!</p> <div class="riddle2-wrapper" data-rid-id="sDP3GuC3" data-auto-scroll="true" data-is-fixed-height-enabled="false" data-bg="#fff" data-fg="#00205b" style="margin:0 auto; max-width:100%; width:640px;" ><script src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/build-embedjs/embedV2.js"></script><iframe src="https://www.riddle.com/embed/a/sDP3GuC3?lazyImages=false&staticHeight=false" allow="autoplay" referrerpolicy="strict-origin"><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving – with&amp;nbsp;plenty of turkey, pumpkin pie, and football –­ on what day each year?</h3><ul><li>Second Thursday in October</li><li>First Monday in November</li><li>Second Monday in October</li><li>Last Sunday in November</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Japan&#039;s tradition of celebrating the harvest is observed annually on November 23. The holiday is known as Kinrō Kansha no Hi, which means:</h3><ul><li>Labor Thanksgiving Day</li><li>Sacred Harvest Festival</li><li>Day of Solemn Gratitude</li><li>Five Cereals Harvest</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>On the Caribbean island of Grenada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 25. It specially marks the occasion of:</h3><ul><li>Independence from the United Kingdom in 1974</li><li>The U.S.-led island invasion in 1983</li><li>The founding of the first French colony there in 1649</li><li>The birthday of Queen Elizabeth II</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>In one Dutch city, a Thanksgiving service is held in remembrance of the many Pilgrims who lived and worked there before setting sail for America. That city is:</h3><ul><li>Utrecht</li><li>Amsterdam</li><li>Leiden</li><li>Rotterdam</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>In German-speaking Europe, Erntedankfest (“harvest festival of thanks”) is observed in many cities and towns in late September, with music, dancing, and feasts. Turkey is often served, but sometimes takes a back seat to this regional favorite:</h3><ul><li>Goose</li><li>Pheasant</li><li>Duck</li><li>Sausage</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Thanksgiving dinners tend to be large, no matter what’s on the menu (in Liberia, it’s chicken, beans, and boiled cassava root). Globally, how many calories does the average person consume at this meal?</h3><ul><li>1000</li><li>6500</li><li>7500</li><li>3000</li></ul></section><section data-block="SingleChoice"><h3>Tiny Norfolk Island, in the South Pacific, has celebrated an American-style Thanksgiving since the late 1880s, when the island-born U.S. consul brought the holiday home. In addition to turkey and cornbread, which ingredient features big on the menu?</h3><ul><li>Papayas</li><li>Bananas</li><li>Plantains</li><li>Lamb</li></ul></section></iframe></div>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{81EA999E-5C3C-46F1-A182-344BA19C59E7}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/my-first-guided-tour-with-colletteMy First Guided Tour with Collette (I’m Coming Back for More!)<p>Travel writer Catherine Sweeney publishes a popular blog that focuses on her cultural adventures around the world. She offers tips and insights for new travelers and fresh perspectives for seasoned tourists looking for unexplored horizons. While she’d been all over the globe, Catherine had never experienced guided travel until she embarked on Collette’s A Taste of the Balkans tour. <a href="https://www.travelingwithsweeney.com/collette-guided-tour-balkans/" target="_blank">Read about her amazing experience</a> – and why she’s a convert to guided touring!</p>Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{842650E1-EDBE-4BDE-A824-E5411624DF7D}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/travel-makes-the-ordinary-extraordinaryTravel Makes the Ordinary Extraordinary<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Ordinary becomes extraordinary when you switch up the view. Sometimes that means taking the backroads, choosing a different item on the menu, or stepping out of your comfort zone to learn something new. Ever wondered how to play the alphorn? Give it a try in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Craving the perfect afternoon treat? Pick your seat at a café in Rome. Or raise a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon to new adventures in Napa Valley. The final question now, is: Where to, traveler?</p> <img alt="Patagonia" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/black-friday-sale_blog2_1_patagonia.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Patagonia</h2> <p>It’s easy to switch up the view when you travel all the way to the edge of the world. This region is filled with extraordinary landscapes and fascinating culture. Did you know that the number of penguins in Patagonia is roughly the same as the number of people? Or that Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and a gateway to the vast White Continent – Antarctica? During day-to-day activities, you might find yourself at a not-so-average BBQ with the local gauchos preparing a traditional lamb roast. Ready to bring out your inner cowboy? Step into this land of pure nature on our <a href="/tours/south-america/argentina/patagonia">Patagonia: Edge of the World</a> tour. </p> <img alt="Grand Ole Opry" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/black-friday-sale_blog2_2_grand-ole-opry.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Tennessee </h2> <p>Discover the birthplace of rock and roll and hear the classics like never before. Turn up the radio and put on your favorite song as you set out to Elvis’ 14-acre estate – Graceland. Tour the grounds of the King himself where you can go beyond the music and take a look into his daily life. Get a new perspective on hit songs when you sit down for a live show at the famous Grand Ole Opry. You’ll even tour RCA Studio B and get the opportunity to record your very own hit song. Pop culture comes alive when you step inside the history on our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/americas-music-cities">America’s Music Cities</a> tour. </p> <img alt="France" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/black-friday-sale_blog2_3_france.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Essence of France</h2> <p>Put a spin on your homecooked lunch by starting with a truffle hunting adventure led by a local chef and his truffle-sniffing dogs. Save some energy (and your appetite) because after, you’re headed to a goat farm that inspired Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir. Meet more of the locals while sampling some delicious farm-to-table fromage. But the food doesn’t stop here… You’re off to learn about French hospitality and l’art de la table over a lovely meal alongside that same local chef who guided your truffle hunt. If this sounds like the perfect way to mix up your day, you won’t want to miss the excitement on our <a href="/tours/europe/france/essence-of-france">Essence of France</a> tour. </p> <img alt="Yosemite" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/black-friday-sale_blog2_4_yosemite.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>California</h2> <p>Dramatic waterfalls. Soaring granite peaks. Some of the tallest trees in the world. Yosemite will leave you with a whole new outlook on fall foliage. With most of its trees being evergreen, it’s not known for the classic color show that New Englanders chase. However, it still has plenty of big-leaf maples, black oaks, Pacific dogwoods and other deciduous trees dotting the region – typically reaching peak colors around mid-October. If you’re looking to switch up the view again, a visit to Napa Valley for a glass of your favorite wine is always a nice way to spend the day with new friends. Don’t miss your chance to turn big dreams into bigger realities on our <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/california-dreamin">California Dreamin’</a> tour.</p>Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{DB7A125F-481B-48B8-A607-32861B8F7C8C}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/11/its-time-2024-travel-inspirationIt’s Time: 2024 Travel Inspiration<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>It’s time to switch it up, traveler. How will you spend 2024? Will you visit new places, or keep that same old routine? Grab coffee with a friend… at a café in Paris. Take a morning walk… along rows of Dutch windmills. Sip on a glass of wine… in California’s Napa Valley. What are you waiting for? Check out these destinations that take your experiences from ordinary to extraordinary. </p> <img alt="Mount Pilatus" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/blog-1_mount-pilatus.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>Exploring the Alpine Countries</h2> <p>Say “hello” to Switzerland from the top of <a href="https://www.pilatus.ch/en/" target="_blank">Mount Pilatus</a>. At over 7,000-feet above sea level, crisp mountain air surrounds you as the world’s steepest railway takes you to the top of the summit. Grab a bite to eat, take in the mountain views, and pick out a souvenir before heading back down on the panoramic gondolas. Explore closer to sea level in the alpine region as you stroll through the Mirabel Gardens in Salzburg. Sing along at the iconic sites from The Sound of Music and take time to do <em>some of your favorite things</em>! </p> <img alt="Amsterdam" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/blog-1_amsterdam.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>Netherlands, Belgium &amp; France</h2> <p>Dutch windmills, fairytale canals, and the “City of Light” are the perfect combo if you’re wishing to get an eclectic taste of Europe’s offerings. And with an expert Tour Manager to help you get into all the best spots, you’ll be sitting in a local brewery or tasting the best of Belgium’s chocolate in no time! See Amsterdam the way it’s meant to be seen – by canal on a private boat. Sit down at a local Dutch restaurant and learn how the community benefits from the restaurant, <a href="https://abeautifulmess.nl/en/amsterdam/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a>. Don’t forget to say “oui” to ending your week with some iconic sight-seeing in Paris. </p> <img alt="Yosemite National Park" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/blog-1_yosemite-national-park.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite &amp; Napa</h2> <p>North America has its own impressive landscapes, and the West coast never disappoints. Turn your California dreams into a reality as you make your way around the Golden State. Start your day in a casual way… at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite National Park</a>. See the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Lake Tahoe. Stand in awe before El Capitan – after all, these are far more than just names of Mac software updates. They’re places that deserve to be admired by travelers like you. What do you say? It’s time to raise a glass to new friends and memories in Napa Valley’s iconic vineyards and say “cheers” to California dreaming. </p> <img alt="Churchill Downs" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/11/blog-1_churchill-downs.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>Bluegrass Country &amp; the Smoky Mountains</h2> <p>The bourbon isn’t the only thing that’s smoky in Bluegrass Country. Peer out into the wilderness and breathe in the fresh mountain air of Appalachia. Make your way through Daniel Boone National Forest and witness the accomplishments of the American pioneer who blazed this trail across rugged lands. Perhaps you’re a Dolly Parton fan who wants to cap off the day with a trip to <a href="https://www.dollywood.com/" target="_blank">Dollywood</a> – Dolly Parton’s very own theme park! From baseball and bourbon to mint juleps at the Churchill Downs, a journey of discovery awaits you. </p> <p>Now, that's what I call switching up the daily grind! Everything (cooking, walking, even sleeping) is better when you switch up the view. And for a limited time, save up to 20%* on the tours above and over a hundred more all over the globe. Your souvenir fund is saying "Oui." Are you? </p> <p>So, where to, traveler?</p>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{96469216-7469-4FD1-8BF1-D9C22CAED545}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/10/americas-music-cities-tour-just-got-an-upgradeAmerica&#39;s Music Cities tour just got an upgrade <p>Everyone loves our finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’ tour of three of America’s most famous musical cities – New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. In the Big Easy, you’ll enjoy live jazz and incredible Cajun and Creole cuisine. Your next stop is Memphis, Home of the Blues, where you’ll take a tour of Elvis’ sprawling estate, Graceland. Then it’s on to Nashville – Music Capital of the World – where you’ll visit the Grand Ole Opry and the city’s famed recording studios. And there’s so much more! Keep reading to discover the all-new highlights of this musical getaway.</p> <p>Grammy Museum Mississippi: At the Grammy Museum, you’ll have a chance to explore the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta. A variety of exhibits, including touchscreens, interactive dance floors, theaters, iconic instruments, and costumes, bring to life not only the region’s musical past, but also the glamour of the Grammy Awards.</p> <p><strong>Optional tours in Nashville:</strong> How will you decide? You can discover the delicious history of America’s first candy bar, the Goo Goo Cluster, with a trip to its company headquarters. This confection of caramel, nougat, and roasted peanuts drenched in milk chocolate (hungry yet?) is a Southern favorite. Or learn about the life and legacy of The Man in Black with a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum, with more than 1,000 artifacts chronicling the career of one of the world’s most successful recording artists.</p> <p><strong>Grand Ole Opry tour option:</strong> In love with the Grand Ole Opry? You can choose to take the Opry Amplified tour, which features upgraded seats and, after the show, a backstage look at this country music institution.</p>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{D75B7742-AE78-4AC8-98BA-AEAC4BFA56AC}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/10/fascinating-facts-about-the-greenbrier-resortFascinating Facts About The Greenbrier Resort<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>If you’re fascinated by American history, you're in luck — our Historical Greenbrier tour, featuring Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg, Virginia, was designed for travelers like you. This journey takes you not only on a visit to the Smithsonian museum of your choice, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the cobblestone streets of 1770s colonial Williamsburg, it also features a two-night stay at The Greenbrier, a world-renowned resort nestled in the Allegheny Mountains.</p> <p>Known as “America’s Resort,” The Greenbrier has been welcoming guests since the Revolutionary War (1778, to be exact). It’s a designated National Historic Landmark with a worldwide reputation, playing host to celebrities, royalty, and presidents (28 so far). Read ahead for some fascinating (and often surprising) facts about this unforgettable destination.</p> <h2>Hot springs: come on in, the water’s fine!</h2> <p>Ever heard of balneotherapy? It’s the traditional practice of treating illness through bathing. The indigenous people living in what is now West Virginia often soaked in the area’s sulfur-rich hot springs to ease aches and pains. Local settlers soon adopted the practice, and by 1778 so many people were coming to seek the soothing waters that a resort was built, known for over a century as White Sulphur Springs. Today, The Greenbrier still has a white-columned, green-domed springhouse on the grounds, marking the origin of the waters that attracted the resort’s very first visitors.</p> <h2>Go big, then go home.</h2> <p>Even if you’re from Texas, you’ll agree ¬– this is no small resort. Hidden away in the mountains, The Greenbrier resort extends over 11,000 acres (more than 17 square miles), with golf courses, an equestrian center, rivers, woods, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and more. And let’s not forget the hotel itself, with 710 rooms, including 33 suites and guest homes; 10 lobbies; 20 restaurants; more than 35 retail shops; and America’s only private casino.</p> <img alt="The Greenbrier Golf Course" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/greenbrier-blog-golf-course.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>Fore…! Welcome to world-class golf</h2> <p>America’s Resort has become synonymous with world-class golf. Its Greenbrier course was redesigned in 1977 by none other than golf legend Jack Nicklaus, and fellow legends Sam Snead, Tom Watson, and Lee Trevino have all served as the resort’s golf pro emeritus. Can we drop a few more names? Other luminaries known to play golf at The Greenbrier include Dwight Eisenhower, Lou Gehrig, Bob Hope, Billy Graham, Bing Crosby, and Shaquille O’Neal.</p> <p>In 1997, The Greenbrier became the first resort to host both the Ryder Cup (1979) and the Solheim Cup. </p> <img alt="Room Decorated by Dorothy Draper" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/greenbrier-blog_designed-by-dorothy.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>The house that Dorothy decorated</h2> <p>The Greenbrier is known not only for its amenities and spacious grounds but for its opulent, colorful décor. After World War II, during which The Greenbrier was used as a military hospital, the well-known decorator Dorothy Draper was asked to redecorate the hotel from top to bottom. And Draper was up to the task, having established one of the world’s first interior-design businesses back in the 1920s and renovated such historic hotels as the Carlyle in New York and the Drake in Chicago.</p> <p>Within two years, Draper had given the resort a complete facelift, with bold colors, bright florals, and eye-catching prints everywhere. The very opposite of a minimalist, Draper espoused a “modern baroque” style of decorating, employing contrasts of color and texture to denote both luxury and comfort. She mixed prints and patterns (florals with stripes was a favorite) and made liberal use of mirrors to visually expand a space. Records reveal that “Draperizing” the hotel took an astounding 45,000 yards of fabric, 40,000 gallons of paint, and 15,000 rolls of wallpaper. </p> <p>Draper designed everything, from menus and uniforms to lobbies and guest rooms. (She was quite a versatile designer – in the 1950s, Packard hired her to update its automobile interiors.) The Greenbrier reflects some of her design quirks, as well. One ballroom was painted pink to create a “blush” on ladies’ cheeks. And according to legend, she modified some of the presidential busts on display, so they were more “handsome.”</p> <h2>So. Much. To. Do!</h2> <p>With an enormous hotel and 11,000 sprawling acres, The Greenbrier has the space – and the resources – to provide guests with options for an enormous range of sports and activities.</p> <p>Consider this list of just <em>some</em> of the outdoor adventures guests can enjoy at the resort: tennis, pickleball, falconry (yes, falconry!), fishing, geocaching, biking, swimming, carriage rides, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and paintball. Prefer to stay indoors? Among other activities, guests can indulge in some retail therapy at more than 35 shops, enjoy afternoon tea, relax at The Greenbrier’s top-rated mineral spa, play games at an arcade, take a yoga class, and stroll through the Presidents’ Cottage museum. Families will love breaking out of an escape room or visiting Teddy Bear Mountain to create their own plush pals.</p> <h2>The rich, the powerful, and the famous</h2> <p>By the 1830s, the resort had become the destination of choice for well-heeled visitors throughout the South. Guests came not only to soak in the soothing spring water, but to enjoy the cooler temperatures afforded by the higher (2000-foot) elevation.</p> <p>After the central section of today’s hotel was built in 1913, the resort began attracting even more high-profile guests. President Woodrow Wilson and his wife spent holidays there, and Joseph and Rose Kennedy enjoyed their honeymoon at The Greenbrier. Over the following decades, even royalty visited, including Princess Grace and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Today, celebrities are a common sight at the resort – entertainers and athletes such as Brooke Shields, Charles Barkley, Lionel Ritchie, and Jessica Simpson have all enjoyed stays at The Greenbrier.</p> <p>The resort has also played host to several international meetings of heads of state. The Allies met there during World War II to discuss resource allocation, and leaders from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico convened there in 1955 for diplomatic discussions.</p> <img alt="Secret Underground Bunker" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/greenbrier-blog_bunker.jpg?la=en" style="width: 754px;"> <h2>“The Last Resort” – a secret underground bunker</h2> <p>In 1992, The Washington Post published a story titled “The Last Resort,” revealing for the first time the existence of a secret underground bunker at The Greenbrier, designed to house the entire U.S. Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. The bunker had a broadcast room, auditoriums, kitchen, hospital, and dormitory; the concrete walls were two feet thick. (It also, oddly, included a tiny jail cell and two boxes of straitjackets.) </p> <p>The Greenbrier was chosen for its proximity to Washington D.C., about a four-hour drive away. The bunker, code-named “Project Greek Island,” was roughly the size of two football fields (one on top of the other), with a high-tech ventilation system that could filter out radiation. Construction began in 1958, and the project was so top-secret that even the people working on it were not told what the facility really was. One contractor reportedly said, “This is an exhibit hall? We’ve got 110 urinals we just installed. What in the hell are you going to exhibit?”</p> <p>For 30 years, a small crew was stayed at the resort to ensure that the bunker was kept in a state of readiness in the event of an emergency. They periodically supplied the facility with fresh rations – enough food to feed 1,000 people for 60 days. These employees identified themselves as technicians responsible for servicing The Greenbrier’s more than 1,000 televisions. (That none of them were ever seen repairing a single set did arouse some suspicion.) </p> <p>Where, or when, the government found another emergency shelter is known to very, very few people – and they’re not talking. The Greenbrier Bunker was decommissioned immediately after the Post’s article was published. Today, though, visitors can tour the bunker and explore a fascinating part of America’s past. </p>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{D28DE2DC-C2A3-4A37-B8C3-0DD113F4DA18}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/10/savor-the-slow-food-movement-in-sicilySavor the Slow Food Movement in Sicily<p>Make yourself a snack and get comfortable. I’ve got a story for you. </p> <p>It’s 1986, and McDonald’s was itching and ready to open their first location in Italy. The proposed site was near the iconic Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Steps, in Rome. And despite the fast food company’s famed tagline, political activist Carlo Petrini was NOT lovin’ it. </p> <p>He could have organized a traditional protest with signs, pamphlets, and picketers, but why fight with fire when you can fight with food? Carlo and his friends gathered in the piazza and dished out penne to the passersby. According to the New York Times archives, there were thousands of people there, standing up against McDonald’s. </p> <p>These people didn’t want neon golden arches in front of the 300-year-old landmark, and they didn’t want burgers or fries. Carlo and company wanted traditional, local food and they wanted to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. </p> <p>This pasta protest led to the birth of the Slow Food movement, an organization that has since grown to 100,000 people in 150 countries. Three years after Romans stood up against fast food, the Slow Food Manifesto was released.</p> <p>The beginning of this manifesto is as follows: </p> <div style="width: 200px; height: 8px; background-color: #00ad6f; margin-left: 30px; margin-top: 30px; "></div> <div style="padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 35px; font-weight: bold;"> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Born and nurtured under the sign of Industrialization, this century first invented the machine and then modelled its lifestyle after it. Speed became our shackles. We fell prey to the same virus: 'the fast life' that fractures our customs and assails us even in our own homes, forcing us to ingest ‘fast- food’.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Homo sapiens must regain wisdom and liberate itself from the 'velocity' that is propelling it on the road to extinction. Let us defend ourselves against the universal madness of 'the fast life' with tranquil material pleasure. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Against those - or, rather, the vast majority - who confuse efficiency with frenzy, we propose the vaccine of an adequate portion of sensual gourmandise pleasures, to be taken with slow and prolonged enjoyment. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Appropriately, we will start in the kitchen, with Slow Food. To escape the tediousness of ‘fast-food’, let us rediscover the rich varieties and aromas of local cuisines.</p> </div> <div style="width: 200px; height: 8px; background-color: #00ad6f; margin-left: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;"></div> <p>These are some strong words, but then again, so is the word “manifesto.” Quick service restaurants have a time and a place, but certainly there’s something special about meals that have been prepped with time and care. And Sicily? Sicily is the right place to see this in action. </p> <p>Sicily has a reputation for a leisurely pace, almost akin to island time. Patience is a virtue here, and that’s true everywhere from the sidewalk to the dinner table. </p> <p>So, what do you say? Finish up that snack I told you to get earlier and start getting ready for a meal. </p> <p>Imagine embarking on a culinary exploration of the Ragusa countryside. Pause at a family-owned winery to learn about their natural wine production and their support of the Slow Food movement conserving traditional food production methods. Then sample some of their wines during lunch.</p> <p>You don’t have to go right now. It’s best to take your time and really let the flavors of those Sicilian meal dreams get richer. </p>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{CDFD1192-D26F-413F-BB05-5250795088AD}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/10/the-foliage-factor-5-fall-trips-beyond-new-englandThe Foliage Factor: 5 Fall Trips Beyond New England<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Come fall, you might notice magazine covers and social media feeds get pretty colorful. We see a lot of love for the autumnal shades of the Northeast, as leaf peepers famously flock toward New England’s red, yellow, and orange hues like moths to a flame. For good reason! </p> <p>But here’s a secret. (Okay, not really a secret.) There are destinations all over the world that pop with color this time of year, many of which are in their shoulder season — outside of the summer bustle, enjoying the sweet spot between summer’s sizzle and winter’s chill.</p> <p>Hailing from the Northeast, I certainly appreciate the fall foliage scene, but I always get inspired to see new places when the seasons start to change. For all the leaf peepers and fall lovers ready for a change of pace, here are five destinations to add to your travel list – plus, a bonus autumnal treat!</p> <ol> <li><strong>Yosemite</strong><br>Dramatic waterfalls to soaring granite peaks, Yosemite will leave you in awe. With most of its trees being evergreen, it’s not known for a color show. However, it still has plenty of big-leaf maples, black oaks, Pacific dogwoods and other deciduous trees dotting the iconic landscape, typically reaching peak colors around mid-October. Much of the park remains open into November, and you’ll enjoy smaller crowds outside of summer.<br><br>Tour: <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/california-dreamin">California Dreamin’: Monterey, Yosemite &amp; Napa</a><br><br><img alt="Yosemite" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/the-foliage-factor_yosemite.jpg?la=en"><br><br></li> <li><strong>Ireland</strong><br>Ireland in the fall is perfection. You’ll see myriad shades of green in those rolling hills, paired with some magical fall hues. Did you know Ireland is the home of Halloween? Consider a trip to <a href="/traveling-well/2023/08/a-spirited-halloween-origin-story-in-ireland">Ireland in October</a> to see be where it all began as a Pagan festival amid the harvest season.<br><br>Tour: <a href="/tours/europe/ireland/countryside-of-the-emerald-isle">Countryside of the Emerald Isle</a><br><br></li> <li><strong>Douro Valley, Portugal</strong><br>Come fall, why not whisk yourself way to Portugal’s Douro Valley in the midst of its harvest season? Every September, the harvest and grape stomping begins. Settle into life in this gorgeous wine region, enjoying wine tastings and learning to prepare <em>petiscos</em>, or Portuguese tapas. For your dose of foliage, you could try a boat ride along the Douro River, floating by rows of twisting vines, lush trees, and colorful houses. <br><br>Tour: <a href="/tours/europe/portugal/north-portugal-spain">Flavors of Portugal &amp; Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions </a><br><br></li> <li><strong>Kyoto, Japan</strong><br>Beyond the cherry blossoms of spring, the trees of Kyoto put on another vibrant and longer-lasting show from mid-October to mid-December. Gorgeous maple trees create a feast for the eyes set amid temples, shrines, and gardens.<br><br>Tour: <a href="/tours/asia/japan/cultural-treasures-of-japan">Cultural Treasures of Japan</a><br><br><img alt="Kyoto" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/the-foliage-factor_kyoto.jpg?la=en"><br><br></li> <li><strong>Kotor, Montenegro</strong><br>Montenegro grows cooler and calmer while greenery shifts to golden autumnal hues. Enjoy the serene fall scene along the Bay of Kotor, where sea and mountains meet. Stay within the historic city walls and explore the Old Town Kotor amid the relaxed atmosphere.<br><br>Tour: <a href="/tours/europe/croatia/the-balkans">A Taste of the Balkans</a><br><br><img alt="Kotor" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/the-foliage-factor_kotor.jpg?la=en"><br><br></li> </ol> <p><strong>BONUS! South Island of New Zealand (March through May)</strong></p> <p>As autumn falls during a different time of the year in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand earns a spot on the list for those looking to add even more fall to their lives! New Zealand enjoys long days and warm temperatures through their fall season, and diminishing crowds add to the sense of remoteness. Take a cruise along the Milford Sound and let the scenery take your breath away. <br><br>Tour: <a href="/tours/australia/new-zealand/exploring-new-zealands-wonders">Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders</a></p> <p><img alt="Milford Sound, New Zealand" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/the-foliage-factor_new-zealand.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>So, as nature hits the reset button, set out for more fall adventures. Seek a change of air –fall is the perfect time to discover someplace new or all over again. Pick your dream destination for autumn, where you may enjoy a quieter atmosphere, pleasant weather, and many shades of nature’s beauty.</p>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{249DE850-B1A9-44BB-98A7-DB1D48CF434F}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2017/10/halloween-traditionsHalloween Traditions Around the World<p>Updated October 23, 2023</p> <p>In the United States, Halloween is a huge holiday. It’s only second to Christmas, and every year costumes, decorations, and candy become a billion-dollar industry. Halloween, as we know it, is uniquely American. But across the world, people celebrate similar holidays dedicated to spirits and the other-worldly.</p> <h2>1. Samhain, Ireland</h2><p><img height="310" alt="IrelandHalloween" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/irelandhalloween.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween, when ancient pagan rituals met Christian traditions and combined into a local holiday. Samhain was once a harvest festival celebrating the end of the autumn and the approach of winter. The ancient Irish believed this was the time spirits and fairies wandered the lands of mortals.</p> <h2>2. Dia de los Muertos, Mexico</h2><p><img height="310" alt="MexicoDiaDeLosMuertos" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/mexicodiadelosmuertos.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>This celebration, like the Irish tradition of Samhain, was a merging of indigenous Mexican traditions with Spanish Christian culture. Now, this wildly popular festival is celebrated with marigolds (the flower of the dead) and candy sugar skulls. Many festival-goers paint their faces like skulls, a look known as “Calaveras makeup.”</p> <h2>3. Kawasaki Halloween Parade, Japan</h2><p><img height="310" alt="JapanHalloween" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/japanhalloween.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Japan took Halloween from the west, and then decided to do it bigger and crazier. The Kawasaki Halloween Parade has an average of 3,500 costumed participants every year. You can join in the fun, but you have to submit an application, including a photograph of your costume. If it isn’t very high level, you’re out of luck.</p> <h2>4. Undas, The Philippines</h2><p><img height="310" alt="FlowersPhilippines" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/flowersphilippines.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Filipino families celebrate a more somber holiday than Halloween. Undas, celebrated on Novermber 1st or 2nd, has families come together around the graves of loved ones that have passed. They gather at the grave, clean it, lay flowers down, and spend time together there. These gatherings can almost turn into miniature family reunions.</p> <h2>5. Halloween, Romania</h2><p><img height="310" alt="RomaniaDraculaBranCastle" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/romaniadraculabrancastle.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Halloween in Romania is celebrated the same as most of Europe. It gets a special mention, however, for being the home of Dracula’s actual castle. Bran Castle, the home of Dracula, was up for rental on AirBnB last year for October 31st, and was hosted by Dacre Stoker, the great grandnephew of Dracula author Bram Stoker.</p> <h2>6. Allerheiligen and Allerseelen, Germany</h2><p><img height="310" alt="GermanyCandles" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/germanycandles.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Translated, Allerheiligen means “All Saints Day” and Allerseelen means “All Souls Day.” Traditionally Roman Catholic holidays in the past, they had strict rules about no dancing, or music playing. The days were for lighting candles for passed loved ones. Now, the U.S. traditions of Halloween have been more prevalent in modern Germany.</p> <h2>7. Zhong Yuan Jie, Singapore</h2><p><img height="310" alt="SingaporeFestivalOfHungryGhosts" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/singaporefestivalofhungryghosts.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>The “Festival of Hungry Ghosts” is celebrated on the seventh lunar month, usually falling around August by our calendars. This is the month where the gates of the underworld are open, and ghosts roam the world. The people of Singapore burn offerings of food, candles, paper money and paper effigies of houses, cars and clothes to appease the spirits.</p> <h2>8. Pitru Paksha, India</h2><p><img height="310" alt="India Pitru Paksha" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/india_pitru_paksha.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>In September, India holds religious rites to honor their ancestors. Legend says that when the hero Karna died, he went to heaven, where he was served gold as food. Karna needed real food to eat and asked Indra, lord of heaven, the reason for serving gold. Indra said that Karna had donated gold, not food, to his ancestors. To make amends, Karna went back to earth for fifteen days, so that he could donate food and water in their memory. This is now Pitru Paksha.</p> <h2>9. Chuseok, Korea</h2><p><img height="310" alt="KoreaScarecrowHarvest" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/koreascarecrowharvest.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>The harvest festival of Chuseok in Korea is part Halloween and part Thanksgiving. For three days around the time of the Autumn equinox, Koreans gather together to honor their ancestors and feast together. They also exchange small gifts with one another, usually some sort of food, and play all sorts of traditional Chuseok games.</p> <h2>10. Alla Helgons Afton, Sweden</h2><p><img height="310" alt="SwedenAllSaintsDay" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/swedenallsaintsday.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Sweden, like most of Europe, has an “All Saints Day” to remember passed family members and pay respect to saints. Alla Helgons Afton, or “All Saints Eve” is based on the American-style of Halloween, but only some of the Swedish populace celebrates. Swedish children dress up like witches on Easter, and gingerbread cookies for Christmas, so they wear plenty of costumes without Halloween.</p> <h2>11. Kürbisfest im Retzer Land, Austria</h2><p><img height="310" alt="HalloweenAustriaPumpkin" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/halloweenaustriapumpkin.jpg?la=en"></p> <p>Kürbisfest, the Pumpkin Festival, is a celebration of all things pumpkin in Austria at the tail end of October. There are pumpkin sculptures, massive and towering pumpkin pyramids (one of which holds a Guinness World Record for biggest pumpkin pyramid), pumpkin foods, and even pumpkin beer. They even crown a local woman the “Pumpkin Princess.”</p> <h2>12. La fête d'Halloween, France</h2><p><img height="310" alt="FranceAllSaintsDay" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/franceallsaintsday.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>Halloween in France gets a bad reputation. The French never had Halloween until the 1990s, and see it as an American holiday robbing attention from traditional celebrations. They have an All Saints Day holiday, La Toussaint, where school children get two weeks off in October. Patriotic French people would rather have the focus stay on La Toussiant, not a foreign custom.</p> <h2>13. Dusicky, Czech Republic</h2><p><img height="310" alt="CzechRepublicAllSaintsDayCandles" width="550" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2017/10/halloween/czechrepublicallsaintsdaycandles.jpg?h=310&amp;w=550&amp;la=en" style="height: 310px; width: 550px;"></p> <p>On November 2nd, the Czech people celebrate Dusicky, another variation of All Souls Day. They place candles on the graves of their loved ones, and light candles outside their house so that if any of their ancestor’s souls are out wandering the world, the light will guide them home. Every year, more American Halloween traditions blend with this holiday.</p>Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{6830B6C0-70BA-40E8-96F8-F43F6F70E4BF}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/10/can-we-talk-about-the-redwoodsCan We Talk about the Redwoods?<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>It’s not often that trees make the news, but that’s exactly what happened in September of 2023 when the UK’s beloved <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/world/europe/sycamore-gap-tree-uk.html?searchResultPosition=2" target="_blank">Sycamore Gap tree</a> was cut down by vandals in the middle of the night. The story seemed to strike a nerve as news organizations around the world reported on the iconic tree’s legacy and the subsequent grieving of not only its local community but the world at large.</p> <p>Stories rolled in from people around the globe about what the tree meant to them; how it was the site of marriage proposals, family picnics, and a place to scatter the ashes of loved ones, and how its loss was a reminder that we shouldn’t take the natural world for granted, lest it vanishes overnight. </p> <p>So in that spirit — can we talk about the redwoods? About how they’re the tallest trees in the world? About how they only exist naturally along the California and Oregon coasts and how they’ve been there for at least 20 million years? About how the tallest known tree in the world is a coast redwood that stands over 380 feet tall — roughly six stories higher than the Statue of Liberty? </p> <p>The redwoods are extraordinary, priceless, and fascinating, and they’re home to wildlife that exists nowhere else in the world. John Steinbeck called them “ambassadors from another time.” Theodore Roosevelt said we should keep them “just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral.” </p> <p>Perhaps one of the most stunning features of the redwoods is that they’re still here — thanks to the efforts of conservationists, activists, and educators who continue to fight to protect them. So if seeing the redwoods is on your bucket list, maybe it’s time to start planning that trip. After all, you never know what tomorrow’s news may bring.</p> <p>Still not convinced? Here are our Top 5 reasons to visit the redwoods, in no particular order:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Cruising the Avenue of the Giants</strong><br>This 31-mile stretch of road meanders through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, lined with giant sequoias and coast redwoods. Highlights include the “Immortal Tree,” — which has survived a lightning strike, attempts at logging, and a massive flood in 1964 — as well as a tree you can drive through, and ample opportunities to swim and picnic along the scenic Eel River.<br><br></li> <li><strong>Visiting Big Tree</strong><br>This 1500-year-old redwood has a circumference of 68 feet and stands about 286 feet tall, making it the 16th largest of the coast redwoods. Big Tree is easily accessible and sits in close proximity to various trailheads leading to many other impressive redwoods.<br><br></li> <li><strong>Crescent Beach Overlook</strong><br>Located along Highway 101 in Redwood National Park, this quick roadside stop offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is a favorite spot to watch the sunset. <br><br></li> <li><strong>Take a Hike!</strong><br>There are too many amazing trails to list here, but highlights include the 5.3-mile Boy Scout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Ladybird Johnson Grove Trail, a family-friendly 1.5-mile loop through majestic old-growth forest, and the Fern Canyon Loop, a popular 1-mile trail lined with ferns covering steep canyon walls.<br><br></li> <li><strong>Elk Prairie</strong><br>Located inside of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this is one of the best spots to see the once-endangered Roosevelt elk in its natural habitat. Located just off the Newton Drury Scenic Parkway, the park has a visitor center, camping, and plenty of trails to explore as well.</li> </ol> <p>Ready to go? Check out our tour of the <a href="/tours/north-america/usa/pacific-northwest--california">Pacific Northwest &amp; California</a>.</p>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{21727715-C518-4483-9645-2BFDE8EF094D}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/10/top-10-phrases-to-know-for-your-next-trip-to-sicilyTop 10 phrases to know for your next trip to Sicily<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 24px 0; } & img { margin: 12px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Did you know that speaking Italian and speaking Sicilian are two different things?</p> <p>Sicilian is distinct enough that it’s considered a separate language, and is recognized as a vulnerable, potentially endangered language by UNESCO. It’s reason number one to learn some simple phrases ahead of your trip to Sicily. </p> <p><strong>Reason two:</strong> Sicilians are well-known for their welcoming nature and incredible hospitality. Going the extra mile to speak to them, even a bit, in their own language will not go unnoticed. Those small moments are going to make your stay richer and more fulfilling. Trust me on this one. </p> <p>That being said, doing your own web search of Sicilian vs. Italian phrases will send you down a confusing, contradictory rabbit hole. As someone who doesn’t speak either language, I promise you, I’m speaking from experience. You will find some websites whose authenticity will be questionable at best. </p> <p>But good news! We’re here to help you get started with the basics. Collette’s tours are designed by travelers, for travelers, and our expertise stretches around the world. Our Italian team members come from across the country, including mainland Italians and Sicilians. They were instrumental in making sure this list of phrases will set you up for success. </p> <img height="512" alt="Sicily Campaign Blog 1" width="936" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/sicily-campaign_blog_1.jpg?la=en"> <p><em>(A programming note from one word nerd to another: The native Sicilian consulted for this language lesson is from Palermo. This means some spellings may shift on different parts of the island.) </em> </p> <p>All right, traveler. Grab your notebook. It’s time for Sicilian school to commence. <em>Amunì!</em> (Let’s go!) </p> <p>Good day = <em>Bon jornu</em></p> <p>Hello / a general greeting = <em>Ciau</em> </p> <p>Thank you = <em>Grazzi </em> </p> <p>Yes = <em>Sì </em></p> <p>No = <em>No</em></p> <p>Please = <em>Pi faùri</em></p> <p>Pardon me or I’m sorry =<em> Mi scusassi </em></p> <p>How are you? = <em>Comu si senti?</em></p> <p>Fine, thanks, and you? = <em>Bonu, grazzi, e Lei?</em></p> <p><strong>And, when in doubt …</strong></p> <p>I don’t speak Sicilian = <em>Iu nun parlo sicilianu</em></p> <img height="512" alt="Sicily Campaign Blog 2" width="936" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/10/sicily-campaign_blog_2.jpg?la=en">Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{635EF4B2-F91C-4554-84E8-E2D051228194}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/new-season-new-reasons-to-travelNew Season, New Reason(s) to Travel<style> .post-description h2, .post-description h3, .post-description h4, .post-description h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } .post-description p { margin: 0 0 15px; } .post-description img { margin: 24px 0; } .post-description img:last-of-type { margin-top: 0; } .post-description li { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; font-size: 18px; } .post-description li:last-of-type { margin-bottom: 30px; } </style> <p>There’s always excitement in the air here at Collette at the start of a new travel season. For us it means launching new tours, learning what’s different about our existing itineraries, and looking to the future to see which destinations will be trending in the coming year. </p> <p>At Collette, every new season brings with it yet another reason to get out and see the world. This year, there are many — like immersing yourself in the Andelusian lifestyle on <a href="/tours/europe/spain/spains-costa-del-sol-and-madrid">Spain’s Costa del Sol &amp; Madrid</a>. Or exploring the ancient underground cities of Cappadocia on our <a href="/tours/europe/turkey/treasures-of-turkey">Treasures of Turkey</a> tour. Or sailing across the Port of Valetta on a traditional Dghajsa boat during our <a href="/tours/europe/italy/old-world-sicily-malta">Old World Sicily &amp; Malta</a> tour. With these amazing new experiences about to unfold, we can hardly contain ourselves!</p> <p>To celebrate the launch of <a href="/landing-pages/new-season">Season 106</a>, we’ve created a whole list of reasons to travel in the coming year — 106 reasons to be exact. That’s one for every awe-inspiring year we’ve been in the biz. </p> <p>A sampling of these reasons can be found below. Not that you needed another. ;)</p> <img alt="Igloo with Northern Lights" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/reason-68_igloo-northern-lights.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Reason #68: Wake up to a new adventure…Every. Single. Day. </h2> <p>Guided travel used to mean long days on the coach, dining at hotel buffets, and staying in typical accommodations. Well, not anymore. You might get from point A to point B via dog sled, a safari jeep, or public transportation. You might share a meal with a local family in their home. When it’s time to rest, you might find yourself peeking at the skies from your Finnish igloo or embracing the romance of an Italian villa.</p> <img alt="Local culture" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/reason-12_weaving.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Reason #12: Change your worldview — for the better. </h2> <p>Meeting people from different cultures challenges stereotypes and unconscious biases, fostering empathy and understanding across cultures.</p> <img alt="the Colosseum" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/reason-44_colosseum.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Reason #44: Explore history where it happened. </h2> <p>Because it’s time you saw the Great Pyramids of Egypt in person. Or gazed up at the sky from inside the Colosseum in Rome. Or listened to Mozart on your headphones while wandering the streets of his hometown in Salzburg.</p> <img alt="Savvas hot air balloons" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/reason-74_savvas.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Reason #74: Revitalize your mind. </h2> <p>Routines have their place in life but sometimes it’s necessary to shake things up and rewire your brain. <a href="/traveling-well/2022/05/its-time-to-revitalize-your-mind">Studies show</a> that travel has the power to improve cognitive flexibility, elevate your mood, and even increase your energy, creativity, and focus.</p> <img alt="Geishas" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/reason-99_geisha.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Reason #99: There’s no time like the present. </h2> <p>If we’ve learned anything from the world-changing events of the past few years, it’s that there’s no telling what tomorrow will bring. Today might just be the perfect day to book that bucket-list trip you’ve been dreaming of.</p> <p>Feeling inspired yet? Here’s to a <a href="/landing-pages/new-season">new season</a> of travel!</p>Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{519226F8-717C-4602-8E51-B010E0A425D4}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/get-a-taste-of-sicilian-street-foodGet a Taste of Sicilian Street Food<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 0 0 15px; } & img { margin: 24px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Each region of Italy has their own unique take on Italian cuisine <a href="/traveling-well/2016/10/italy-food?content=+local+transportation">(reminder: you won’t find chicken parm or alfredo in authentic restaurants)</a>. Sicilian food has been influenced by the Greeks, Arabs, Spaniards, and French settlers that settled across the island. </p> <p>You’ll find pasta con le sarde, fresh sardines in bucatini, with a North African inspired sauce with pine nuts, raisins, and saffron. There’s caponata — A sweet and sour cooked salad with fried eggplant, onions, celery, tomato, and sometimes pine nuts and raisins. Pasta alla Norma is an impeccable representation of Sicilian cuisine, using local tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, basil and ricotta salata — salted ricotta. </p> <p>These dishes are common when you’re sitting down with the famously welcoming Sicilian people. But Sicily also has a rich culture of street food. </p> <p>There’s a saying in Sicily: Nun c’è megghiu sarsa di la fami. It means, “The best seasoning is appetite.” And there’s really no better way to work up your appetite than eating on the go. </p> <p> </p><ul> <li><strong>Arancine/Arancini </strong></li> <p>These fried balls of risotto are surprisingly divisive. Sicilians can’t land on the name of this dish: Arancino vs. arancina. We can all agree, however, that they’re delicious. </p> <li><strong>Cannoli </strong></li> <p>These lightly fried tubes of sweet, creamy ricotta originated in Sicily! You’ve got to try one while you’re there. </p> <li><strong>Crocchè</strong></li> <p>These deep-fried potato croquettes are made unique and a touch brighter with some chopped, fresh mint.</p> <li><strong>Granita</strong></li> <p>A cold sweet treat. Imagine sorbet and Italian ice meeting with a crystalline texture. </p> <li><strong>Panelle</strong> </li> <p>Chickpea fritters. These can be eaten on their own, or in a bun, which is called pane e panelle. </p> <li><strong>Panino </strong></li> <p>You know this one. At home, you may call this panini. There’s no greater street food than a handheld grilled sandwich. </p> <li><strong>Sfincione</strong></li> <p>This is Palermo’s street food answer to pizza. It’s a hearty sheet pan dough topped with light tomato sauce and cheese, anchovies, and crisp breadcrumbs. </p> </ul> <p>Bonus entries for adventurous foodies: </p> <ul> <li><strong>Pani ca’ Meusa </strong></li> <p>This common dish from Palermo is a lung and spleen sandwich. The veal meat sits on a sesame seed bun. </p> <li><strong>Stigghiola</strong> </li> <p>This seasoned lamb intestine is placed on an edible skewer, made from a spring onion. </p> </ul> <p>If the best seasoning truly is appetite, may your Sicilian street food journey be well-seasoned. Happy snacking! </p>Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{A98E4456-7729-409C-8DB5-2E8B023F2A97}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/the-wines-of-sicilyThe Wines of Sicily<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 0 0 15px; } & img { margin: 24px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <h2><i>“Carni fa carni, pani fa panza, vinu fa danza.”</i></h2> <h2>Meat builds muscle, bread builds the belly, and wine makes you dance.</h2> <p>Grapes tend to thrive in climates with long warm summers and mild, rainy winters, in regions with well-draining, nutrient rich soil and plenty of sunlight. It’s no wonder then that Sicily has been making wine since about 4000 BC. The island’s Mediterranean climate is perfect for producing the high-quality grapes that put Sicily on the viticultural map.</p> <p>But where to start? If you’re traveling to Sicily (or just aspiring to) and want to improve your wine literacy before you go, read on for a bit about the wines in this unique corner of the world.</p> <ul> <li>Over 30% of Sicily’s vineyards are organic. The island’s arid conditions and salty sea breezes reduce the likelihood of rot and mildew, making Sicily a haven for organic farming. </li> <li>Sicily’s three key red grapes are Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Nerello Mascalese. </li> <ul> <li>Nero d’Avola’s flavor profile includes traces of black cherry, plum, licorice, and chili pepper, and is perfect if you’re a fan of full-bodied dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. </li> <li>Frappato is a dry but fruitier variety with notes of sweet berries and incense spice.</li> <li>Nerello Mascalese (pronounced nair-rello mask-ah-lay-zay) is a light-bodied red primarily grown in the volcanic soil around Mount Etna, producing notes of cinnamon and floral herbs. If you like pinot noir, this one’s for you. </li> </ul> <li>White wine varieties make up about 64% of vineyard plantings in Sicily. If you’re a white wine sipper, here are three to know:</li> <ul> <li>Grillo (gree-lo) is a light, dry white with hints of citrus and thyme. Think of it as pinot grigio’s fuller, cooler cousin.</li> <li>Catarratto is another dry, light-bodied white, this time with notes of apple, peach, and dried flowers. </li> <li>Inzolia (sometimes Insolia, Ansolia) was introduced to Sicily by the ancient Greeks. This dry white has flavor characteristics of citrus, flowers, and ripe fruit.</li> </ul> <li>Sicily is home to the iconic Marsala, a fortified wine made from white grapes, known to most as a cooking wine. With hints of vanilla, apricot, and tamarind, this very sweet wine is akin to a sherry and can also be sipped as a dessert or aperitif.</li> <li>Know your regions. Like many wine-producing countries, Italy has a labeling system that makes it easier for consumers to understand what they’re buying. Of Sicily’s 24 wine-producing regions, Sicily has one that carries the DOGC classification (the highest quality level), and 23 that carry the DOC (the second highest). These can be broken up into four main geographical areas:</li> <ul> <li>Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG – lower elevation and higher temperatures contribute to this world-class red-wine producing region.</li> <li>Sicilia DOC – an island-wide appellation launched to promote Sicilian wines abroad.</li> <li>Etna DOC – known for its unique climate and volcanic soil.</li> <li>Marsala DOC – named for the city of Marsala in Sicily’s northwest corner and known for its famous fortified wine.</li> </ul> <li>Yes, grapes can grow on the side of a volcano. Sicily’s Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano, and the mineral-rich soils surrounding it are responsible for some of the wine region’s most explosive flavors.</li> </ul> <p>Ready to book your trip? Raise your glass with Collette on one of our <a href="https://www.gocollette.com/en/find-your-tour#q/content=Sicily">tours of Sicily</a>!</p>Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{64FDF3B5-4587-4958-BAAF-38FAF7E6242E}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/8-reasons-to-visit-greece-year-round8 Reasons to Visit Greece Year Round<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 0 0 15px; } & img { margin: 24px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>With stunning Mediterranean oases and fascinating history to explore, it’s clear why Greece is at the top of many travelers’ wish lists! Fortunately for world travelers eager to see its wonders, Greece is a welcoming destination year-round with some big draws for visiting outside of the peak tourism season. Here are our top reasons to visit Greece in the shoulder season between October and May.</p> <img height="425" alt="23 Greece CoOp Blog acropolis Sept2023 01" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-greece-coop-blog-acropolis_sept2023-01.jpg?la=en"> <h2>1. Picture-Perfect Attractions </h2> <p>Outside of the hotter summer months, the terrain in Greece becomes lusher with greenery and teaming with vibrant flowers, creating picturesque scenes around the ruins, monuments, and parks. Just imagine the gorgeous photos you’ll get at the Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia, and more.</p> <h2>2. Get a Better Taste of Greece</h2> <p>Greece is famous for its distinctive and delectable food. In the shoulder season, you can experience the full range of cuisine with a little more elbow room at the popular restaurants. </p> <p>Feast on hearty soups, stews, stuffed cabbage rolls, and savory meat pies. Try your hand at new recipes in a Greek cooking class. Visit family-owned taverns featuring recipes passed down for generations. Tour an olive farm or ouzo distillery. Visiting Greece in the shoulder season presents many opportunities to dig into the Greek food scene. </p> <h2>3. Discover All-Access Athens</h2> <p>Athens offers an incredible range of things to do. The shopping is on par with other famous European cities, and you’ll find bargains on unique Greek items like glamorous kaftans, traditional jewelry, or Aegean pottery. Athens also boasts over 80 museums and galleries, live Rebetiko or folk music, festivals and of course, its legendary archeological sites. To catch Athens with smaller crowds, consider visiting in August, when many Athenians are away on their own vacations, or during Greece’s shoulder season. </p> <img height="425" alt="23 Greece CoOp Blog meteora Sept2023 03" width="768" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-greece-coop-blog-meteora_sept2023-03.jpg?la=en"> <h2>4. Head for the Hills</h2> <p>During the hot summer, most people flock to Greece’s beaches and coastal towns. The rest of the year inspires another direction: Up! Greece’s interior is filled with breathtaking mountainous regions and elevated attractions. Highlights include Mount Olympus, the monasteries of Meteora, the ski resort town of Arachova, and the Arkadian Mountains. </p> <h2>5. Get a Better Feel for the Local Vibe</h2> <p>The atmosphere grows calmer after the summer season, and Greece feels more like, well, Greece. You can mingle with locals, bartenders and waiters who will have more time to chat. Immerse yourself in the local scene and get a better sense of the culture and what it’s like to live in Greece. Who knows, you might be inspired to live there yourself! </p> <h2>6. Experience the Sights When Apollo’s on Break</h2> <p>At Greece’s historical sites, you’ll find many amazing ruins, temples, and monuments to the gods. What you won’t find much of is shade. Visiting during Greece’s cooler months promises some relief from the sun’s heat so you can enjoy sightseeing any time of day. </p> <h2>7. Unleash Your Inner Zorba</h2> <p>Greek dancing is legendary – and so much fun. You can take lessons and learn everything from the Hasipiko, featured in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, to the Sirtaki, made famous in Zorba the Greek. </p> <h2>8. Walking and Climbing, No Sweat</h2> <p>Whether you’re exploring the streets of Athens, climbing to Meteora, or making the steep trek up to the Acropolis, there’s no doubt you’ll be getting your steps in. In Greece’s cooler seasons, you can meander more comfortably. </p> <p>To optimize your trip to Greece, consider going guided! Collette offers a <a href="/en/tours/europe/greece/classical-greece">Classical Greece</a> tour that’s perfectly curated and includes many of the highlights in this blog. </p>Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{E41AE70A-6D05-45BE-8377-A5983EDBEC0A}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/greece-a-foodies-dream-vacationGreece: A Foodie’s Dream Vacation<style> .post-description h2, .post-description h3, .post-description h4, .post-description h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } .post-description p { margin: 0 0 15px; } .post-description img { margin: 24px 0; } .post-description img:last-of-type { margin-top: 0; } .post-description li { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; font-size: 18px; } .post-description li:last-of-type { margin-bottom: 30px; } </style> <p>Greece is pure paradise for foodies any time of year. Outside of the country’s peak tourism months, you’ll enjoy the full range of Greek cuisine, including seasonal dishes available in fall through spring. As the magnetic pull of the Greek islands relaxes after summer and cooler days arrive, it’s the perfect time to explore a variety of exciting cuisine throughout the mainland. </p> <p>Here are some of the many delights that await across Greece’s regions. </p> <img alt="souvlaki" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/greece-coop-blog-2-soulvaki.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Attica</h2> <p>Athens, Greece’s capital, is in the region of Attica. A culinary epicenter, Athens is the ultimate sampler platter, offering everything from souvlaki to stuffed sea urchins. </p> <p>A cosmopolitan city, Athens’ most interesting restaurants marry international trends with local ingredients, like pistachios, pears, wild asparagus, thyme, honey, and some of the best Greek oregano. </p> <p>Want something lighter? Meze, featuring tangy spreads, dolmas, artichokes, cured meats, and cheeses from the region, can be found in many cafes, and street food is everywhere, offering gyros and other handhelds you can grab on the go. </p> <p>For a feast for the eyes, check out the Athens Central Market, or Varvakios Agora. Occupying a few city blocks, it houses the largest fresh fish market in Europe, a sprawling meat market, plus hundreds of baskets of beans, olives, vegetables, fruit, nuts, cheeses, jams, herbs, spices, and unexpected curiosities. When you combine all the tastes and textures with the aromas and sounds, this may be Greece’s most sensory experience. </p> <img alt="moussaka" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/greece-coop-blog-2-moussaka.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Central Greece</h2> <p>As you head north into Greece’s interior, commonly served meals include tender braised Greek meatballs, slow-simmered stews, grilled lamb chops, and sausages with peppers. Especially during cooler seasons, this is where and when you’ll want to try the famous Greek version of lasagna called Pastitsio or the hearty Greek specialty, Moussaka, a casserole made with layers of fried eggplant, potatoes, a tomatoey beef or lamb mince sauce, topped with a delicious béchamel sauce.</p> <p>You can also enjoy savory Greek pies, some made with delicate filo and layered with cheeses, spinach or leek and herbs, others more rustic, and stuffed with braised lamb shank or chicken, spring onions, and greens. </p> <p>For cheese connoisseurs, the feta in this region is exceptional, whether enjoyed on its own, in salads, or stuffed peppers, or breaded with walnuts and honey. And don’t miss the saganaki, a crispy on the outside and delectable on the inside fried cheese served with lemon juice that is pure decadence.</p> <p>In the area between Thermopylae and Kalambaka, you’ll find small family-owned taverns with recipes passed down for generations for a truly authentic experience. Take a break and sip some Retsina.</p> <img alt="grilled octopus" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/greece-coop-blog-2-grilled-octopus.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Peloponnese</h2> <p>To the west of Athens is the Peloponnese region, where it’s been said you will eat like a god. As Greece’s most fertile region, chefs draw from succulent apricots, cherries, figs, watermelon, strawberries, lemons, eggplants, tomatoes, and artichokes to create vibrant dishes. The sweetest oranges from the famous Argolis groves are also infused into marinades and marmalades. </p> <p>Distinctive handmade <a href="https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/gastronomy/traditional-cuisine/greek-traditional-pasta/" target="_blank">pastas</a> are popular, such as gogkes, a shell-shaped pasta, rice-like striftades, and small square-shaped toutoumakia. The region’s most coveted dish may be gourounopoula, a tender roast pork with a crispy crackling on the outside.</p> <p>And seafood fans, look to charming seaside towns like Nafplio, where you’ll find superb restaurants serving tender grilled octopus, stuffed squid, shrimp orzotto, swordfish, lobster, and crab as well as fresh trout from nearby lakes. </p> <img alt="ouzo" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/greece-coop-blog-2-ouzo.jpg?la=en" style="width: 757px;"> <h2>Educational Excursions</h2> <p>Greece offers many wonderful ways to learn about Greek food, wine, and spirits.</p> <p>In Olympia, you can visit a farm with over 2,000 olive groves and vineyards, learn all about olive oil production and sample a variety of sweets, wine, and of course, olive oils. </p> <p>In Nafplio, you can tour Karonis, a family-owned ouzo distillery producing Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif since 1869. You can see how ouzo is made, try a sample and take some to go. </p> <p>With all you can learn about regional foods throughout a visit to Greece, you can return home ready to wow your family and friends with an authentic Greek feast! </p> <h2>How to Get the Best Taste of Greece</h2> <p>Why not take a guided tour? Collette offers a <a href="/tours/europe/greece/classical-greece">Classical Greece</a> tour that covers all the regions in this blog and includes many culinary experiences.</p>Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{06E818DF-A595-40C8-A27E-7F7494CF596A}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/keep-the-summer-spirit-alive-with-collettes-season-106-saleKeep the Summer Spirit Alive with Collette’s Season 106 Sale<style> .post-description h2, .post-description h3, .post-description h4, .post-description h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } .post-description p { margin: 0 0 15px; } .post-description img { margin: 24px 0; } .post-description img:last-of-type { margin-top: 0; } .post-description li { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; font-size: 18px; } .post-description li:last-of-type { margin-bottom: 30px; } </style> <p>Ah, the warm summer nights, the spontaneity, the sense of adventure and freedom. Many of us link our travel plans to the summer months. And as summer sunsets give way to autumn golds and winter whites, it's tempting to tuck away our wanderlust; to return to the grind, the routine. </p> <p>But for 106 years at Collette, we've been lucky enough to watch firsthand the magic that unfolds in us all when we engage with a new culture, taste an exotic food for the first time, or step out of our comfort zones. The beauty of travel shouldn’t be confined to one season. </p> <img height="424" alt="Happy couple at Uluru" width="757" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/season106sale_blog1_uluru2.jpg?la=en"> <h2>Traveling: A Lifeline to Happiness</h2> <p>And here's the clincher: scientific studies (yes, really!) have revealed that having a trip penciled in your calendar boosts happiness and reduces stress. Call it a dose of “vitamin T,” if you will. It turns out, that keeping that vacation state of mind has the power to make a real difference in our lives.</p> <img height="424" alt="Cheers in Ireland" width="757" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/season106sale_blog1_cheers-in-ireland.jpg?la=en"> <h2>106 Reasons and One Big Opportunity</h2> <p>And so, for our 106th year in travel, we’ll be bringing you 106 reasons to travel. But right now, we’re adding one more to the list: because it’s on sale!</p> <p>In honor of stretching that summer vacation state of mind, we bring you our <a href="/landing-pages/2023/september-sale?blog_Season106Sale">Season 106 Sale</a> where, for a limited time, you can enjoy up to 15% off on tours to Europe and 10% off tours to North America till September 25th. So, if you’re ready to embrace the vacation state of mind, there’s no better time to plan your next adventure.</p> <p>Now, you might be thinking: “Great, but where do I go next?” Glad you asked. As we edge closer to 2024, there are some extra special spots in Europe and North America that are waiting for your footprints.</p> <img height="424" alt="Europe's calling" width="757" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/season106sale_blog1_europe.jpg?la=en"> <h2>Europe’s Calling!</h2> <p>Ever dreamed of viewing the Northern Lights in Finland or getting lost in the timeless beauty of London or Paris? 2024 could be your year. Here are just a few of our favorite gems you can snag discounts on right now:</p> <ol> <li><a href="/tours/europe/portugal/north-portugal-spain">Flavors of Portugal and Spain</a>: Dive into a 16-day gastronomic adventure across the Iberian Peninsula. Picture this: touring a Spanish cider house, savoring cider-infused cuisine, learning bullfighting traditions in Pamplona, and mastering the art of petiscos in a cooking class along the Douro River Valley. It's a blend of culture, cuisine, and “pass the port!”</li> <li><a href="/tours/europe/germany/majestic-cities-of-central-and-eastern-europe">Majestic Cities of Central &amp; Eastern Europe</a> fairy-tale charm is waiting to be unraveled. From the historical depths of Berlin to the luxurious Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and the famed Thermal Baths of Budapest. Stroll through Krakow’s Old Town and pay respects at the somber site of Auschwitz. A mosaic of past and present, it’s a journey through time.</li> <li><a href="/tours/europe/france/spotlight-on-the-french-riviera">Spotlight on the French Riviera</a>: Embrace the elegance of the French Riviera. From enchanting Monaco to the opulence of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the iconic Cannes, get ready to live a slice of the good life. Did we mention artisanal perfumes and sun-soaked beaches? C'est magnifique!</li> <li><a href="/tours/europe/portugal/the-azores">The Azores: Jewels of Portugal</a>: Discover an untouched paradise in Portugal. Embark on an adventure through the archipelago's sparkling gems. Traverse the Sete Cidades Caldera rim, delve into the “Cavern of Coal” lava tube with an expert guide, and relish meals cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth. Yes, in the Azores, volcanoes aren’t just for sightseeing—they’re our sous-chefs!</li> </ol> <img height="424" alt="Distillery" width="757" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/season106sale_blog1_distillery.jpg?la=en"> <h2>North America Awaits! Dive In:</h2> <p>North America’s bucket list stops are yours to explore, from sea to shining sea. </p> <ol> <li><a href="/tours/north-america/usa/spotlight-on-new-york">Spotlight on NYC</a>: The Big Apple is always a good idea. Picture four nights in Midtown, an incredible Broadway show, a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, the poignancy of the 9/11 Museum, and the buzzing Times Square. As the song goes, if you can make it here…</li> <li><a href="/tours/north-america/usa/bluegrass-smoky-mountains">Bluegrass Country &amp; the Smoky Mountains</a>: Embrace the heart of Appalachia. Get a flavor of Bourbon in Louisville, immerse in the pioneer spirit of Tennessee, and let the charm of southern Appalachia seep into your soul. Highlights? The historic Biltmore Estate and the mesmerizing Great Smoky Mountains National Park. </li> <li><a href="/tours/north-america/usa/roaming-coastal-maine">Roaming Coastal Maine</a>: Dive deep into the heart of New England where the allure of Maine’s rocky shores beckons. Picture this: oyster shucking by the coast, the awe-inspiring landscapes of Acadia National Park, and the age-old charm of Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Lobster traps, vintage wine tasting, and the vibrancy of Portland— it’s pure coastal magic.</li> <li><a href="/tours/north-america/usa/the-colorado-rockies">The Colorado Rockies</a>: Traverse the Colorado Rockies and embark on a journey through three mesmerizing national parks. From the depths of the Black Canyon to the heights of Pike’s Peak via the world’s highest cog railroad, it’s a spectacle of nature and Old West nostalgia. They’re a symphony of peaks, canyons, and unforgettable memories.</li> </ol> <p>So, pencil in your dose of “Vitamin T” with our <a href="/landing-pages/2023/september-sale?blog_Season106Sale">Season 106 Sale</a>. </p> <p>Beyond the boost in happiness, traveling gives us unique experiences that simply can’t be found anywhere else. And with Collette, you're not just traveling; you're embarking on an experience crafted by travelers, for travelers. </p> <p>As the sun sets on summer, let it rise on your next adventure. The world is vast, beautiful, and waiting. Let's keep that summer spirit alive, shall we?</p> <p>Happy travels and see you on the other side of the horizon!</p>Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{29D4B0BC-17BB-4F8E-BC08-DF7B8E91FCE2}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/more-than-just-a-rideMore Than Just a Ride<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 0 0 15px; } & img { margin: 24px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Hello, traveler! When you hear the term ‘guided travel’, what pops into your head? Buses? Long rides? If you nodded yes, then this one’s for you. Prepare to shift gears and steer your perceptions in a whole new direction. Welcome to travel, the Collette way – where we see the journey as something that can be part of a great travel experience – not just the pitstop on the way to it.</p> <p>And to prove it, here are just a few of the interesting, exciting, and meaningful ways we like to get our travelers around, as we redefine what ‘getting there’ can mean.</p> <img height="885" alt="23 Routine Busting 768x425 Blog September20232" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-routine-busting_768x425_blog_september20232.png?la=en"> <h2>🚤 1. Drift Down the Danube in Vienna </h2> <p><strong>Tour:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/czech-republic/imperial-cities">Imperial Cities</a> </p> <p> Embark on a soul-stirring journey sailing down the Danube, Vienna's pulsating artery. Feel the river's ripples whisper tales of emperors and artists, while medieval towns and centuries-old abbeys emerge like a moving tapestry along its banks. If rivers had soundtracks, the Danube's would undoubtedly be a lilting waltz—graceful, timeless, enchanting (and of course, there will be some of those on this tour as well!). </p> <img height="885" alt="23 Routine Busting 768x425 Blog September20233" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-routine-busting_768x425_blog_september20233.png?la=en"> <h2>🚶‍♂️ 2. Ramble in La Rambla, Barcelona </h2> <p><strong>Tour:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey">Mediterranean Coastal Journey</a> </p> <p>Barcelona beckons exploration on foot. As you wander the melting pot of artists and performers along the pedestrian street known as La Rambla, let your steps sync with the city's rhythm, each stride unveiling a new slice of Catalan culture. From the twisting cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter to the incredible energy of one of Barcelona’s liveliest food markets and the delicious paella lunch it offers to refuel your soul (and your soles!), there's a surprise in every step. </p> <img height="885" alt="23 Routine Busting 768x425 Blog September20234" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-routine-busting_768x425_blog_september20234.png?la=en"> <h2>🍫 3. Bruges by Boat </h2> <p><strong>Tour:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/france/netherlands-belgium-france">Netherlands, Belgium &amp; France</a> </p> <p>Glide through the fairy tale canals of Bruges, affectionately known as the “Venice of the North.” As you navigate these historic waterways, the city's medieval charm comes alive around every bend. And if the breeze is just right, you might catch a delightful waft of world-renowned Belgian chocolates teasing your senses. And there's no better way to toast to the day than with one of Bruges’ legendary brews. A cruise through Bruges is a journey through time, with a hint of indulgence in the air.</p> <img height="885" alt="23 Routine Busting 768x425 Blog September20235" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-routine-busting_768x425_blog_september20235.png?la=en"> <h2>🎄 4. Christmas Express: Prague to Dresden </h2> <p><strong>Tour: </strong><a href="/en/tours/europe/czech-republic/european-christmas-markets">European Christmas Markets</a> </p> <p>Want to get in the holiday spirit? How about a train ride between two cities so steeped in festive tradition they could give Santa’s village a run for its money? As you chug along, watch as the twinkling lights of one Christmas market transition to another. This rail journey weaves between Prague's fairy tale holiday setting to Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, the world’s oldest Christmas market, spreading Yuletide cheer since 1434!</p> <img height="885" alt="23 Routine Busting 768x425 Blog September20236" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-routine-busting_768x425_blog_september20236.png?la=en"> <h2>🍝 5. Italian Riviera by Boat: Coastal Charms </h2> <p><strong>Tour:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey">Mediterranean Coastal Journey</a> </p> <p>Channel your inner "La Dolce Vita" spirit as you sail to one of the most glamorous spots on the Italian Riviera, Portofino. The picturesque harbor, animated by bobbing fishing boats and framed by pastel buildings, seems straight out of a Fellini film. It's an enchanting scene that beckons for you to live the sweet life.</p> <p>So, the next time someone mentions 'guided travel,' will you only think about buses? We hope not. </p> <p>Come join us on a tour where the journey itself becomes the destination. </p>Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{0D4B1861-3DA4-4B1A-A69E-5AF6C1C0B699}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/the-collette-passport-club-just-got-a-makeoverThe Collette Passport Club Just Got a Makeover<p>When you think of the qualities you appreciate most in your best friends and closest family members, does loyalty make the list?</p> <p>At Collette, we value our travelers, which is why we’re so excited to be kicking off the new and improved Collette Passport Club, a loyalty program that truly rewards travelers each and every time they book with us.</p> <p>We’ve upgraded the Passport Club from a flat rate model to a more dynamic program that allows us to recognize and appreciate travelers in a unique way every time they travel. Now, the more you travel, the more benefits you’ll receive. And since we've moved toward a model that rewards based on a percentage of the cost of your trip, those big trips mean big rewards. You'll earn up to 5% of your trip's cost back. And as you collect more trips, your Passport Membership can move to the Explorer tier, unlocking even more perks!</p> <p>These upgrades are more than just a way of expressing our gratitude — they’re our way of reciprocating the loyalty our travelers show us every time they choose Collette. </p> <p>You're a traveler. Getting out and seeing the world is what you do. It's who you are. Why not earn rewards each time you do it?</p> <a href="/collette-gives-you-more/collette-passport-club">Click here for more details!</a>Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{E870C0AF-4769-4FC7-B11D-93C7F2202778}https://www.gocollette.com/en/traveling-well/2023/09/your-essential-european-bucket-listYour Essential European Bucket List<style> .post-description { & h2, h3, h4, h5 { margin: 24px 0 10px 0; } & p { margin: 0 0 15px; } & img { margin: 24px 0; } & .img-caption { margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } } </style> <p>Europe? Always a good idea. Think you've done it all? Think again. Fresh tales, iconic flavors, and jaw-dropping views are still on the menu. Grab your bags and get set because we've got a European bucket list for you that's anything but basic.</p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September2023" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september2023.png?la=en"> <h2>1. Chase Fairytales in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace</h2> <p>Follow in the footsteps of royalty through the grand corridors and feel the once-great Habsburg dynasty come alive. Vienna's gem invites you to picture royal affairs, grand balls, and to live your most regal daydream. Did you know Marie Antionette once played in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace as a child, before gracing the courts of France? Experience the luxury that once captivated a young queen. Why dream of palaces when you can explore them? </p> <p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/germany/majestic-cities-of-central-and-eastern-europe">Majestic Cities</a></p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20232" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20232.png?la=en"> <h2>2. Hear a Berliner's Tale of Life before the Fall of the Wall</h2> <p>A must for history buffs. Stand at the crossroads of history as you listen to a Berliner's vivid account of life under the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Visualize a divided city, walk through Checkpoint Charlie, and sense the Cold War tension around every turn as you step into your own John le Carré novel. </p> <p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/germany/majestic-cities-of-central-and-eastern-europe">Majestic Cities</a></p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20233" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20233.png?la=en"> <h2>3. Indulge in Viennese Coffee Culture</h2> <p>Sit, sip, repeat! And don't forget to snap that artsy coffee photo for your travel album. And on this tour, the coffee comes with a Waltz lesson!</p> <p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/germany/majestic-cities-of-central-and-eastern-europe">Majestic Cities</a></p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20234" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20234.png?la=en"> <h2>4. A Night of Viennese Tradition at Marchfelderhof</h2> <p>Not many restaurants can boast a guest list that includes the likes of King Constantine of Greece, King Faruk of Egypt, and the iconic Liz Taylor. Marchfelderhof is where the world's elites come to get a taste of Austria's rich culinary and cultural tapestry. So find your table, savor exquisite culinary delights, immerse yourself in rich local traditions, and let the vivacious Viennese spirit sweep you off your feet. </p> <p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/germany/majestic-cities-of-central-and-eastern-europe">Majestic Cities</a></p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20235" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20235.png?la=en"> <h2>5. Visit the World’s Oldest Christmas Market in Dresden</h2> <p>Ever wanted to step into your own Hallmark Christmas movie (if that movie were dubbed in German)? Well look no further. World's oldest Christmas market? Check. Mulled wine? Double check. Dresden, known as the “Florence on the Elbe” is an absolute festive wonderland during the holidays. Why just send a Christmas card when you can feel like you’re walking through one? It’s good tidings of comfort and joy, all around. </p> <p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/czech-republic/european-christmas-markets">European Christmas Markets</a></p> <img height="885" alt="La Sagrada" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/la-sagrada.jpg?la=en"> <h2>6. Channel Your Inner Architect at Barcelona's La Sagrada Família</h2> <p>Standing before Gaudí's La Sagrada Família (UNESCO) is an experience that transcends mere observation—it's a soulful communion between the natural and the man-made. As you gaze upon its towering spires, every curve, twist, and spiral resonates with Gaudí's profound belief: nature knows no straight lines and so neither should his buildings. La Sagrada Família reminds us that in nature, as in faith, there lies an intrinsic beauty and order. Guadí changed architecture forever, and seeing his work in person is a singular experience that will change you, too. </p> <p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey">Mediterranean Coastal Journey</a></p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20237" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20237.png?la=en"> <h2>7. Embark on a Foodie Quest Through the Mediterranean</h2> <p>Now, this is how to travel by taste. And this tour keeps your taste buds dancing. Savor paella in Barcelona, Provençal delights in Marseille, a cheese-filled focaccia in Genoa, and so much more. Pack stretchy pants!</p> <p><strong>From:</strong><a href="/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey">Mediterranean Coastal Journey</a></p><img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20238" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20238.png?la=en"> <h2>8. Discover Spain's Coastal Runway </h2> <p>Stride along the sun-kissed coast, with the waves applauding your every move. The scenic trail between Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc in Spain is not just a walk—it's a love letter from the Mediterranean to its travelers. </p> <p><strong>From: </strong><a href="/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey">Mediterranean Coastal Journey</a></p> <img height="885" alt="23 New Tours 768x425 Blog September20239" width="1600" src="https://i.gocollette.com/img/blog-and-news/blog-posts/2023/09/23-new-tours_768x425_blog_september20239.png?la=en"> <h2>9. Unleash Your Inner Detective with Truffle Hunting in Tuscany</h2> <p>Follow the scent, trust the dogs, and maybe find a truffle bigger than your head. Here's hoping! Embark on an exhilarating quest in the heart of Tuscany. Guided by local experts and keen-nosed dogs, scour the silvery olive groves and lush hills in search of treasured truffles. Celebrate your finds with a feast. </p> <p><strong>From: </strong><a href="/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey">Mediterranean Coastal Journey</a></p> <p>So go on, let us help you tick off this list, and let Europe surprise you, one enchanting stop at a time. Travel beckons! 🌍🌟🚀🍷🍽</p>Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z