Top five festive traditions
The traditions and customs surrounding Christmas and New Year form the foundation of many a good seasonal celebration, so what can you expect when travelling overseas during the festive season? Discover the World share some of their favourite Christmas and New Year escapes:
Iceland: 13 Mischievous Christmas 'Lads'
In the days preceding Christmas, the 13 Christmas 'lads' known locally as 'Jólasveinar' come down from the hills to make mischief in the towns and villages - leave a shoe in the window overnight, and hopefully, the 'lad' of the day will leave a small gift. You can enjoy a traditional Icelandic Christmas on Discover the World's 'Killer Whale Watching at Christmas' break. Departing 21 December 2013, this 6-night, escorted break costs from £1,300pp including return flights from London Heathrow with Icelandair, 6-nights' accommodation (half board), two boat trips, tours of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Golden Circle route, entrance to the Blue Lagoon and services of a driver/guide throughout. Alternatively you can join Discover the World's exclusive New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise in Reykjavik and enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks from the water. Try their 5-night Northern Light Special departing 29 December 2013 from £1,026pp (twin share) including return flights with Icelandair from London Heathrow, transfers, 2-nights accommodation (half board), 3-nights accommodation (B&B), New Year's Eve Cruise Dinner, bathing fee for Blue Lagoon, services of a driver/guide and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Finland: Melting Horseshoes To Predict The New Year
This New Years Eve tradition involves melting tin to predict your future. Each person is given a small tin horseshoe, which is melted in a ladle over the stove and placed in cold water. View the resulting shape by holding it up to a candle and "interpreting" the shadow. Lots of little pieces means money, an anchor shape could mean a new job, or a heart might represent a new relationship. Predict your future, discover Arctic wildlife and enjoy a variety of winter activities on Discover the World's Arctic Wildlife at Ranua holiday. Departing daily from December to March 2014, a 7-night break costs from £1,489pp (based on two sharing) (child 4-14 years from £1,064) including return flights from the UK to Rovaniemi via Helsinki, accommodation in Gulo Gulo Villas, activities as detailed in the itinerary,
winter clothing, half board, two lunches and airport transfers. On 31December a supplement of £83 per adult and £61 per child is applicable, which includes a special Gala dinner with a glass of sparkling wine, fireworks and melting horseshoes.
Sweden: Chinese Lanterns
The Icehotel in Swedish Lapland has created its own New Year's Eve tradition releasing Chinese lanterns on the stroke of midnight followed by a celebration in Icebar by Icehotel. The tradition of the lanterns came about, because in Jukkasjärvi (and indeed at Icehotel), many people are dog owners and Icehotel didn't want to light fireworks that might scare the animals. A few years ago it was decided to use lanterns instead. All the guests staying at Icehotel are given a lantern to release on New Year's Eve, enjoying the wonderful sight as they rise towards a dark night sky. If you're lucky, the northern lights might make an appearance as well. Discover the World's 3-night 'New Year at the Icehotel' costs from £1,389pp (based on two adults sharing) including return direct flights between London Heathrow and Kiruna with complimentary in-flight meal and transfers, one night in a standard Snow Room, two nights in heated accommodation, a New Year's Eve candlelit gala dinner, morning sauna and breakfast. Departs 30 December.
Norway: Northern Lights
Finnmark is a wild and wonderful area of northern Norway boasting spectacular mountain scenery and rugged island seascapes. This is the perfect snowy setting for a festive escape offering an overnight Hurtigruten coastal cruise, cosy Christmas hideaways, snowy activities, star gazing and a little aurora hunting. Kongsfjord Guesthouse is a lovingly restored 19th century farmhouse boasting sweeping view over the fjord. Stay here on 24 and 25 December and test out your snow-shoes on Discover the World's 'In Pursuit of the Aurora' 7-night adventure. Departs 20 December 2013 from £1,827 per person (based on two sharing) including overnight cruise (half board); 2 nights at Hotel Thon Tromso (B&B); 1 night at the Polar Hotel in Batsfjord; 2 nights at the Kongsfjord Guesthouse (full board), 1 night in Kirkenes (B&B) and transfers in Batsfjord, Kongsfjord and Kirkenes.
Antarctica: Polar Paradise
With its spellbinding scenery and diverse wildlife, joining an expedition cruise to Antarctica could be the festive adventure of a lifetime. Celebrate the wonder of Antarctica as you bear witness to its vast breeding grounds of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguin colonies, wonder at its huge tabular icebergs and visit sights of historical significance including Elephant Island where the crew of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 'Endurance' expedition sheltered for 135 days awaiting the return of their leader. On Discover the World's 14-night 'Antarctic Peninsula East & West' departing 20 December 2013, you may even come face to face with the majestic emperor penguin as you awake on Christmas Day. Price from £7,730 per person (based on two sharing) including transfers in Ushuaia, hotel accommodation for 1 night in Ushuaia (B&B), shipboard accommodation, all meals on board, shore landings, presentations and guest speakers. Prices shown exclude return airfares from the UK.
As tailor-made destination specialists, Discover the World can put together a festive break to suit, subject to availability. For information and bookings go to discover-the-world.co.uk.
