Where Do Europeans Vacation During Winter?

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By Glen Wheaton

If you're planning a trip to Europe during the winter and are looking for a warm place to go, you might have some difficulty finding one. Even though the continent is situated quite a bit farther north than the United States the most part, most of Western Europe does not get the extreme cold that the northern United States can.

This is because of the Atlantic Gulf Stream. I found the winters in London to be substantially milder than those in Chicago, but at no time would you ever call it balmy.

But even in South Europe the temperatures could only be considered mild during the winter. A comparison for their winter climate probably is the Carolinas at its warmest. This means that it can be nice but if you're looking for heat this is not the place to go during the winter months. Most coastal locations on the Mediterranean from Spain to the Greek Islands would be very iffy if you're looking to lounge on the beach.

So where do Europeans go to get away from the winter weather? The Madeira Islands, which are Portuguese, and the Canary Islands, which are Spanish are two popular destinations. They are located farther south than the continent and are helped as his Western Europe by the Atlantic Gulfstream, making it on average quite a bit warmer. And of course Florida and Caribbean islands are also popular destinations, although central Florida from December through February is not always as warm as they seem to think.

Actually we didn't know this until moving the United Kingdom, but the Maldives seem to be the destination that is quite popular now. This chain of 26 islands is located off the southwest coast of India, and because it is located almost on the equator it has a tropical climate. This is now considered one of the top honeymoon destinations anywhere in the world.

Actually the Maldives was largely unknown to tourism until the early 1970s. Since that time tourism has virtually exploded and now accounts for about 28% of their total GDP. The Maldives are known for their over-the-top pampering while you stay in their luxury resorts. However as with any location where tourism keeps the economy going by doing a little shopping around the visitor can find an excellent array of options. When Europeans are looking for a winter getaway, this has certainly become a nugget that most Americans are probably not aware of.

There are so many great areas in Europe for exploring wines, and especially in Italy and around the Mediterranean. Check out http://bestvacationeurope.com/transportation-in-europe/ for inexpensive and hassle-free ways to get around Europe by train. Glen Wheaton is an avid traveler and writer now living in Chicago.

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10 Useful Portuguese Phrases

Below are a few useful Portuguese phrases with their English translations which may prove very useful for travellers

Holidays in Madeira Mean Unmatchable Aquatic Adventure

Madeira is a significant tourist spot in Portugal. Every year millions of people plan Madeira holidays especially to get drenched in excitement of beach activities. You can indulge in numerous aquatic activities while vacationing at the beach.

What to do in Madeira?

Madeira holidays are quickly becoming some of the most popular trips to take if you are looking to explore the world and enjoy yourself. This Portuguese peninsula is a beautiful archipelago that will allow you to enjoy a luxury vacation at a budget price.

Cheap Holidays to Madeira and Unlimited Fun and Excitement

Numerous adventure cravers plan cheap holidays to Madeira as this is area where there is no dearth of aquatic and land based activities. Scuba diving is among the most popular activities that can be enjoyed in the waters surrounding Madeira. There are several things that make this area an incredible place to enjoy the sport. Its climate that remains same all through the year offers great conditions to dive into the waters and explore the exuberant underwater beauty.

Madeira – the Best All Round Climate in Europe?

With a summer maximum of 29° centigrade (OK, occasionally there have been exceptions), and a winter low of around 17° centigrade, where else can you find such bearable temperatures. Even the sea only wavers a degree or two above and below the 20° centigrade mark all year around.

Explore Typical Madeira Markets in Madeira Holidays

Many markets were set up for selling flowers but with the time they are expanded into complete markets and you can buy many other things from here. Now you can find agriculture products and local food specialties from here such as grilled chicken‘bolo de caco' bread and wheat soup which can be consumed right there or take away.

Best Churches to Explore in Madeira Holidays

Madeira Holidays gives the opportunity to explore best religious places of the town. You can visit popular churches of this attractive tourist destination. Madeira is best known for different museums and art galleries due to the rich culture of this place. But if you are searching for historical and religious holidays you can plan your cheap holidays in Madeira to see best churches.

Madeira Portugal Pearl of the Atlantic

Madeira volcanic soil, plants and flowers blaze as creating a palette with a Tahitian Gauguin. The island grows a variety of colors - this zhakaranda, weight bougainvilleas, orchids, geraniums, puansettii, Cannes, wisteria. Scrub apples, avocados, mangoes and bananas grow on the island. Scents such as vanilla and wild fennel, mixed with the smells of the sea breath, get into the valley and create a unique charm of the island.

Explore Natural Richness of Madeira with Funchal Holidays

Nature lovers from around the world visit Funchal especially to visit gardens in Madeira Island. Some of the travel writes have referred Madeira as the "Floating Garden in the Atlantic." This is one of the most notable attractions in the city. While strolling around this city, you would come across variety of gardens. Some of these gardens are natural whereas others are maintained very carefully so that they don't lack even an ounce of the natural feel.

Funchal Holidays – Experience the Real Excitement of Visiting Portugal

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Portugal? Yes! If you don't want to lose even a single aspect of Portugal, look out for Funchal holiday packages. Funchal is the city that summarizes the country. Visit the city to experience different colors of Portugal.