It’s always an eternal summer here in Singapore, so why not head to Europe to witness some of the world’s most beautiful destinations come to life during autumn, winter and spring? Guided holidays provider Trafalgar shares a few travel ideas that will hopefully inspire your next vacation.
Why travel in autumn
1. Food and drink festivals: Celebrate Oktoberfest (September 19 to October 4) in Munich, head south to Alba, Italy for the annual Truffle Festival (October 10 to November 15), or visit Budapest for its renowned wine festival (September 9 to 13).
2. The fall foliage in Switzerland and France: There is nothing more charming than viewing the contrasts of golden amber leaves floating past baroque architecture and magnificent mountain peaks.
3. Ireland’s biggest Halloween party: Expect street fun such as large parades, circus shows and creepy themed experiences at the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival, which takes place from October 29 to November 1.
4. Grape stomping season in Spain: Take part or bear witness to this ancient tradition of wine making that is still prevalent in some parts of the country, such as during the Rioja Alavesa Wine Harvest Festival, which takes place in September.
5. Fewer crowds, shorter queues and perfect weather: During autumn, there’s no need to fight for space with other travellers, and the weather generally hovers between a cool 14 to 18 degrees all day.
6. Cheaper rates: Hotels are usually 20 to 30 per cent lower in price during this off-peak season.
Why travel in winter
7. Christmas markets: Travellers can get a true feel of Christmas with the vast array of markets located in nearly every corner of Europe. One such example is the popular Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany.
8. Delicious mulled wine: This drink specialty is only available during winter. When the biting frost gets too much to bear, travellers can warm their hands and hearts with a mug of this delicately spiced drink.
9. The weather, of course: You won’t suffer from heatstroke at overpopulated tourist attractions such as the Colosseum in Rome.
10. Winter cuisine: For instance, indulge in champagne cheese fondue by the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Why travel in spring
11. See the flowers bloom: The Keukenhof (also known as the Garden of Europe) in Lisse, the Netherlands, showcases a gorgeous rainbow array of tulips and other species of flowers.
12. Ball season in Vienna, Austria: This takes place in January and February 2016, so time your trip accordingly and take your pick from the hundreds of glamorous balls to attend throughout the city.
13. The Spring Fair (Feria) in Seville, Spain: This typically takes place in April. Enjoy the scent of fresh oranges in the air, and nosh on tapas and wine. The women are also decked out in traditional gypsy outfits or flamenco dresses throughout the celebrations.
14. Holy Week in Italy: Plan early and the faithful can enjoy a public mass celebration by Pope Francis on Good Friday. There’s also Easter cuisine to be enjoyed such as goat’s cheese, artichokes and specially baked Easter breads.
15. Family travel is affordable: Parents will find that rates for accommodation, sights and certain hotels will be lower during spring.
Travellers can save up to 7.5 per cent onTrafalgar’s 2015/16 Autumn, Winter, Spring programmes when they book and pay in full by August 31. For more information, visit www.trafalgar.com.
