Category Archives: Travel CUTS

Cross A Must-Do Travel Experience Off Your List In 2013

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All travel is good travel, but if you want to earn your backpacking stripes this year, then start planning for one of these iconic travel events. (The tour companies who go there are listed for each.)

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland
I believe the locals would describe the parties that happen here on St. Patrick’s Day as fan-feckin-tastic. Get your Irish on and hoist a pint in Dublin. March 17, 2013 (Contiki, Shamrocker Irish Adventures)



Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain
“Las Fallas” means “the fires”, and that’s what this festival is all about. Pyrotechnics fill the streets and skies along with musicians and huge statues called “ninots” which are set on fire at midnight on the last day of the festival. March 19, 2013 (Busabout)

Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival in Australia
Easter each year marks the annual Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival at Bells Beach. The prestigious event is the world’s longest running ASP World Tour contest and a huge event on Australia’s sporting calendar. March 26 – April 7, 2013 (Do this one on your own.)

ANZAC Day in Gallipoli, Turkey
This one isn’t so much a wild party as a historical remembrance of the lives lost here, but the dawn vigil is sure to be a moving and memorable experience. April 25, 2013 (Contiki, G Adventures)

I’m sure the Queen is very touched by the enthusiasm of these young ladies.

Queen’s Day in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Put on your best orange everything and join this massive street party and celebration of the birthday of Queen Beatrix (whose birthday is actually in January, but who wants to have a street party in winter?). The Heineken Experience is right here and so are some priceless Van Goghs. Just don’t mix the two. April 30, 2013 (Busabout)

Calgary Stampede, Canada
Ride ‘em, cowboy! Watch how the pros rope, ride and raise a little hell during this festival celebrating western heritage and values. July 5-14, 2013 (Contiki)

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
Around half a million people come each year either to try and outrun the deadly bulls or watch others do it. Are you a runner, or just someone who enjoys a show with their sangria? July 6-14, 2013 (Busabout, Contiki, G Adventures)

Here come the trucks

You’ll never want to smell a tomato again.

La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain
Now *I* can say, “Been there, done that”, but what about you? Are ready for the biggest food fight of your life? Get your goggles and disposable cameras ready for a day of messy madness. August 28, 2013 (Busabout, or do this one on your own, getting the train from Valencia.)

Party in Ibiza
If all you want to do is stay awake for three days to drink and dance and go wild, then this is the place for you. Busabout has special packages that you can add on before or after La Tomatina, or just book it as a stand-alone trip. August 2013 (Busabout)

Fringe Festival & Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland
The Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, bringing hundreds of performers to the city to put on plays, concerts, comedy shows and more. The Military Tattoo brings almost 1000 pipers, drummers, singers and dancers together to put together the biggest half-time show you’ve ever seen. (Please don’t tell them I called it that.) Put it all together and you have plenty of reasons to make the trip. August 2-26, 2013 (Contiki, Haggis Adventures, or just get a hostel and hang out for a few days)

Edinburgh Castle from the Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle from the Princes Street Gardens

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Big pickles, big pretzels and even bigger beer steins are the reason to hit up Oktoberfest. There’s also music and dancing and plenty of locals to meet, making this event a student travel mecca. September 21 – October 6, 2013 (Busabout, Contiki, G Adventures)

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
If you want a trip with a slightly dark, ghoulish side to it then Oaxaca is the place to be when the Day of the Dead comes around. Visit cemeteries, admire the vibrant candy skulls and try not to be too terrified of the macabre costumes the locals put together. November 1-2, 2013 (G Adventures)

New Year’s Eve/Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Watching the ball drop in Times Square is classic, but it’s not the best New Year’s party in the world. For the biggest, baddest, most pyrotechnic street party you’ll have to head to Edinburgh, Scotland for Hogmanay, a massive 4-day art, music and culture event that ends with an 80,000+ people street party that includes fireworks, live music and all kinds of craziness. December 31, 2013 (Haggis Adventures, Contiki)

To start planning your trip, talk to a student travel expert at Travel CUTS. They can help you find a student airfare and sign you up for an ISIC, which will get you discounts wherever you go.

Let’s cover a lot of ground in 2013!

Resolve to Enjoy Wherever You Are, Even If It’s Home

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My New Year’s resolutions usually include travelling to at least one new country, but that’s not always possible for everyone. So this New Year’s think about what you can do to have more adventures in your own neighborhood, city, province, state or territory.

Try some of these ideas:

  • Host international cocktails, potlucks or dessert parties with friends! Google some recipes, make your own costumes, Spotify some new music and imagine yourself elsewhere. Make it a monthly event and work your way around the world.
  • Attend a travel talk to learn about travel opportunities and other cultures. Travel CUTS can help you locate campuses where these take place.
  • Rent a foreign flick. Start with “L’Auberge Espagnole” if you’re thinking about studying abroad, or if subtitles aren’t your thing then watch “Before Sunrise” for the perfect romance-on-the-road film.
  • Read a classic travel book. (No, “Eat, Pray, Love” doesn’t count.) I highly recommend “In a Sunburned Country” to laugh your way around Australia with Bill Bryson and “The Sex Lives of Cannibals” by J. Maarten Troost for a look at island living. Gadling.com has their own list of best contemporary travel books.

And get yourself a travel jar. It can be any can, tin or other type of container that you have around. Put $1 in it. This is the beginning of your 2014 travel fund. Use it to collect your change, your birthday money from grandma, the money you get from selling back your books at the end of the semester, the money you get from recycling beer bottles, the money you save by not going out on a Friday night, or whatever you can spare.

Print out a picture of where you want to go and stick it on the jar to keep you motivated. Will you save enough in a year to get where you want to go? Maybe. Maybe not. But even if you don’t, at least it’s a start. And the world will always be there, whenever you’re ready to go see it.

I’m also working on appreciating my surroundings more, starting with my natural environment. After all, with sunrises like this in my backyard, why do I need to go anywhere else? (Aside from the foreign boys with cute accents.)

IMAG1070

Happy New Year!

 

Get Your Blood Pumping During Reading Week 2013!

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Laying down is also an option. G Adventures is flexible like that.

You sit in classes. You sit at your computer. You sit in the library. You sit and watch TV.

So maybe your goal for Reading Week should be to stand up, run, climb, swim, paddle, and scream a little.

G Adventures has just what you need with their Costa Rica trips. You can keep your trip hi- or low-octane by alternating soaks in the hot springs with rappelling down a waterfall, or sunset cruises with ziplining through the rainforest.

You get the idea. Sitting is optional.

Have a look at Travel Cuts’ Adrenaline trips and decide which 8-night, $1,099 package is right for you (airfare not included).

 

Make the World Your Classroom for Reading Week 2013

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Construction started on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia in 1882 and *might* be finished in about 15 years.

Rome. Phuket. Prague. Ho Chi Minh City. Las Vegas. Buenos Aires. Machu Picchu. San Francisco.

Is there a single city on that list where you think you wouldn’t learn something new? Of course not. Because no matter where you go, your destination (and the journey there and back again) will help you to grow and change and become a more flexible, open minded, culturally intelligent person.

And *that’s* what you’re going to tell your parents when they ask what your plans are for Reading Week 2013.

Travel CUTS has a whole group of Reading Week trips picked out for you at great student prices. So you decide: Do you want a week of skiing and sightseeing the California coast? Or 9 days of exploring Vietnam? Maybe 10 days hanging out with giant tortoises in the Galapagos?

And don’t assume that you have to stay closer to home to save money. 8 nights in Thailand is cheaper than 7 in the U.S. (not including airfare), and there are many trips available for under $900 (also not including airfare).

So let’s go learn Italian in Italy! Become expert skiers in Austria! Tango in Argentina and Flamenco in Barcelona!

Your parents can’t possibly say “no”.

See all the trips here: http://www.travelcuts.com/exploration/

Book Soon to Spend Reading Week 2013 at the Beach!

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This is the perfect time of year to talk to your parents about how hard you’ve been studying, how dedicated you are to succeeding, and how you would never want to be distracted from your academic goals… unless it was for a trip to Puerto Vallarta. Or maybe Cuba.

Because it would be an exercise in personal growth, right? To make you a more well rounded person, which is important in life. And it would be really generous of them to reward your hard work with a little adventure.

(This is where you butter them up by talking about what generous, caring, supportive parents they’ve always been, and how you’ve always appreciated that.)

Then you can let them know that Travel CUTS is offering up several Reading Week trips to Mexico and Cuba. The trips include airfare, accommodation, airport transfers *and* meals, so they don’t have to worry about you getting lost or starving.

It’s also important to let them know that the trip has to be paid for by November 30, so you need to get booking.

Then figure out what to get them for Christmas as a thank you gift, and start picking out your bathing suit.

 

Colombia: Hidden Gem Part 3!

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Bogota: big, bold and beautiful!

Was I nervous heading to Colombia in April?  Well, it is no secret that Colombia has a reputation as being a country that is unsafe and rife with conflict. But after decades of civil war, Colombia is back. Check your preconceived notions at the door, because the only risk in going to Colombia is never wanting to leave!

 Bogota is the fast paced capital and largest city in Colombia: 7 million people call it home. La Candelaria is the city’s main historical district and is dominated by the looming mountain of Monserrate, rising 10,341 feet above sea level. If you make the peak, you can join pilgrims and visit the shrine for the Fallen Lord, as well as enjoy panoramic views of most of Bogota.  La Candelaria is also home to the Botero Museum, which contains works by figurative artist Fernando Botero, as well as the Gold Museum, which hosts over 36,000 pieces in gold, wood, shell and stone.

 In Bogota, you must take advantage of the delicious restaurants. We all indulged in locally made empanadas – fried pastry stuffed with different types of meat, cheese or a combo of both; ajiaco soup – made with chicken, slices of corn still on the cob, potatoes and herbs; and arepa – deep fried plantains which came with every meal. Want to try something different? How about hot chocolate mixed with cheese? In Colombia it is quite popular for hot chocolate to be serves with a side of soft cheese that is broken up and dropped into the hot chocolate. The cheese melts and gives the hot drink a very distinctive taste. Yum!

 We got the chance to walk around the older part of Bogota in our free time and blend in with the locals taking in the sights, sounds and culture. Street vendors selling their famous hot chocolate and cheese on the street; watching the changing of the guards (a daily event at the Presidential Palace); Bogota did not disappoint.  The Colombian Government has taken great strides to make this city safe, inviting and clean. Take the time to get lost in this large city and take in all the cafes, emerald shops and museums, or just sit on the steps of the Archbishopric Cathedral of Bogota in Simon Bolivar Square, feed the birds and people watch.

Bogota was only the start to an eye opening small group journey of the beautiful country. From Bogota you can travel an hour and be in a new, completely different and awe inspiring part of Colombia. Interested in walking tours, shopping and history? Then fly to Cartagena where you will be welcomed with a warm blast of tropical weather. Sit on the beach and enjoy the sand and surf. Take a quick cab ride to the walled Old City and get lost in a maze of shops, restaurants, sidewalk vendors and beautiful historic buildings. Hop on a Chiva (Party) bus and sing along with the performers singing and playing traditional instruments. Make your way to the upper part of the Old Town and dance under the stars to the beautiful Latin music. Interested in a hike and all things nature? Hike Tayrona National Park and make your way to Cabo San Juan. Here you can nestle in a hammock and sleep under the stars. Take the time to hike to the Publito Ruins, a challenging two hour hike up through the jungle where you might spot monkeys, poison frogs, over 150 different types of birds or blue crabs. At the top, you are welcomed to a beautiful set of ruins that are largely untouched. Want to get lost with the locals? Spend time in the small fishing village of Taganga where you can take in all of the colorful boats, eat some local seafood and just enjoy some time to yourself walking up and down the streets. 

We traveled with G Adventures, and our Chief Experience Officer, Henry, made the experience absolutely amazing, and opened our eyes to beautiful and accessible Colombia.  I’d love to help you be one of the first to get back to this underappreciated destination!

Contributed by Carolyn Vinet from our Travel CUTS University of Manitoba Office
email Carolyn to find out more about Colombia at CVinet@travelcuts.com

Colombia: Hidden Gem!

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It’s no secret that Colombia has had its problems. Decades of unrest have led to its name being synonomous with grim news headlines; but recent progress towards stability has turned it into an appealing destination for international travellers. So when I and a group of Travel CUTS consultants were invited by G Adventures and the Colombian government to visit there earlier this year, we were all excited to see what this country had to offer. And it didn’t disappoint!

 Most visitors will fly into Bogota and while some use it just as a “jumping off point” and leave quite quickly, it’s definitely worth at least a few days’ stay. Nestled in the Andes the scenery is spectacular and I found the lively University nightlife and cobbled Spanish streets to be warm and inviting.

The north coast boasts the spectacular scenery and ecological paradise of Tayrona National Park where turquoise waters crash onto sandy beaches backed by ancient rainforest.

 One of my favourite parts of the trip though, and possibly one of my favourite cities I’ve visited, was Cartagena. Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, the city skyline is dominated by the Castillo San Felipe, a massive fortress well worth a visit. Our G Adventures hotel was in Boca Grande, a modern development on a sandy promontory. Here the Caribbean Sea laps at a wide beach filled with cabanas and food vendors. Hotels line the promenade and streets of restaurants and bars make sure visitors are never lacking entertainment!

 A 5 minute taxi ride away is Old Town. This was the Cartagena I was expecting and I fell in love with it quickly. The whole town is surrounded by a wall which offers a great vantage point to look out over the whole peninsula. Sidewalk cafes spill onto the expansive, palm lined squares, brightly coloured balconies overflow with flowers and carts filled with fruit are pushed through the narrow streets. There are multitudes of museums; I personally visited the Spanish Inquisition Museum which was fascinating but the main appeal was its air conditioned galleries! Emerald stores line entire streets and vendors peddle their local handicrafts on street corners.

There’s certainly no lack of nightlife in Cartagena, clubs and bars stay open to the wee hours! Restaurants offer a great variety of international cuisine as well as the outstanding local Caribbean fare. The food was definitely one stand out part for me and while it’s not the cheapest destination I’ve been to, they certainly don’t skimp on the portions! It was a delicious fusion of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine using local products.

 Throughout my entire trip I felt completely safe and overwhelmingly welcome. The Colombian people are friendly and lively, always willing to share a laugh. The experience that G Adventures shared with us was all we needed to be persuaded that this is an up and coming destination that has a lot more to offer than any of us could have possibly imagined.

Contributed by Stacey Gillard from our Travel CUTS Simon Fraser University Office
email Stacey to find out more about Colombia at SGillard@travelcuts.com

Hurry to Get Your Contiki Tour Discount!

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Looking for a good summer tour? Book a Superior Tour with Contiki before May 13, 2012 and get up to $370 off!

You’ll save 5% off tours 12-17 days long and save 7.5% off tours that are 18 days or longer. This deal is valid for travel on tours taking place after July 14, 2012, so that gives you a little more time to earn your spending money.

Read the fine print and then contact Travel CUTS to get yourself booked!

Attend a Travel Talk and Make a Travel Plan

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Having trouble deciding where to go this summer and how to make it happen? Check out one of these free travel talks near you to get some advice targeted to students travelling on a budget.

Ontario Travel Talk:

Learn about volunteer opportunities overseas Me to We
Wednesday, March 28th
Location: 740 Bank Street, Ottawa – in the Glebe
RSVP to bankst@travelcuts.com

Manitoba Travel Talk:

Swap Talk
Wednesday Mar 14th at 12 Noon
Location: Manitoba Hall Room 3M60, University of Winnipeg
RSVP to portage@travelcuts.com or by calling 783-5353

Experience Europe
Tuesday April 17th at 7:00pm
McNally Robinson Bookstore
Grant Park Mall
1120 Grant Avenue
RSVP by calling 783-5353 or by email to portage@travelcuts.com

Saskatchewan Travel Talk:

Explore Peru
Monday, April 23rd
7:30 PM at McNally Robinson Booksellers
3130 8th Street East, Saskatoon
RSVP to saskatoon@travelcuts.com

SWAP Talk
Tuesday, March 27th
7:30 PM at McNally Robinson Booksellers
3130 8th Street East, Saskatoon
RSVP to saskatoon@travelcuts.com

And even if you’ve decided where you want to go, but your parents still need convincing, showing them that you’ve done your travel homework can’t hurt.

Book a Contiki Trip with a Friend to Get the Benefits

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The end of the school year is just about in sight (if you squint a little). So now it’s time to think about where you want to go this summer.

If you’re looking for ways to save, then consider this deal: Book a Contiki European Tour that’s 10 days or longer by March 23, 2012 (and travel before December 31, 2012) and you’ll receive $150 off your booking

Or, if you bring a friend you’ll each get $200 off your booking.

Visit your local Travel CUTS office or call 800.667.2887 to take advantage of this deal. Since it’s good for travel through the end of the year, you could use it to spend Reading Week in Spain or Christmas skiing in Switzerland.

Not sure where you want to go? Read more about Contiki trips and find the one that’s right for you.