The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive cheer, and there’s no better way to experience the magic than by exploring the world’s best Christmas markets. From twinkling lights to aromatic mulled wine, here are the top Christmas markets you should add to your 2024 holiday travel plans!

Bienvenue en France! Your travel begins in the City of Light. Paris is full of sensations and experiences. It’s the city of glamour and romance with a distinguished history and its harmonious blend of medieval and flamboyant 19th century architecture. Ah, the Provence region A sunny climate, a musical accent, a laidback atmosphere and lavender fields. But it is so much more than that Eluxfrance takes you further to the clichés and to discover the Provence region with all its authenticity and personality. You continue your journey on the French Riviera, a truly sublime coastline, which extends from Monaco to the rocky creeks of Marseille, passing through “Nissa la belle" or the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. 

This 3-day itinerary I created for 2 x adults 3 x children was perfect for those who want to experience the best of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik Pick up your rental car and head to your hotel in Reykjavik. In the afternoon, enjoy a Reykjavik fishing tour. This is a great way to experience the Icelandic fishing culture and enjoy some fresh seafood. In the evening, take a self-guided walking tour of Reykjavik. This is a great way to see the city's most popular landmarks, such as Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Old Town. Top off your day with an exhilarating FlyOver Iceland experience. This state-of-the-art ride will take you on a virtual journey over some of Iceland's most stunning landscapes. Day 2: Golden Circle Classic Tour Today, you'll explore the Golden Circle, which is home to some of Iceland's most popular natural attractions. Your first stop will be Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Þingvellir is a place of great historical significance, as it was the site of the Icelandic parliament for over 800 years. Next, you'll visit Geysir Geothermal Area, where you can see the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes. Gullfoss Waterfall is your final stop on the Golden Circle tour. This powerful waterfall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Day 3: Departure On your last day in Iceland, you can do some souvenir shopping or explore more of Reykjavik at your own pace. Be sure to factor in enough time to get to the airport for your flight home. This itinerary is just a suggestion, of course, and you can tailor it to your own interests and preferences. With so much to see and do in Iceland, you're sure to have an unforgettable trip. Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Iceland: Some say the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and there are long days. However, in more recent years Iceland has become popular to visit in the winter to see the northern lights. Iceland can be a beautiful destination to visit any time of year. Be sure to pack warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. The weather in Iceland can change quickly, so it's important to be prepared for anything. Iceland is a relatively expensive country, so be sure to factor in the cost of food, accommodation, and activities when budgeting for your trip. With a little planning, you can have an amazing adventure! Feel free to contact me if you'd like any more information.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is a country with a rich history and culture, and stunning natural scenery. There is something for everyone in Sri Lanka, from beaches and mountains to ancient ruins and wildlife safaris. Here is a suggested itinerary for a 10-day trip to Sri Lanka: Days 1-2: Colombo and Galle Days 3-4: Hill Country (Kandy, Ella) Days 5-6: Yala National Park Days 7-9: Southern Beaches (Mirissa, Hikkaduwa) Day 10: Departure This itinerary includes some of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It is a busy city with a lot to see and do, including museums, temples, and shops. Galle is a beautiful coastal town with a Dutch Fort. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to wander around and explore. Hill Country is the central mountainous region of Sri Lanka. It is home to some of the country's most beautiful scenery, including tea plantations and waterfalls. Kandy is the largest city in Hill Country and is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Ella is a small town in Hill Country that is a popular base for exploring the surrounding area. There are many hikes and waterfalls in the area. Yala National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wildlife. The park is home to elephants, leopards, bears, and many other animals. The Southern Beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Mirissa is a popular spot for whale watching, while Hikkaduwa is a great place for surfing and relaxing. This is just a suggestion, of course, and there are many other places to see and things to do in Sri Lanka. With its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and friendly people, Sri Lanka is sure to be a holiday destination that you will never forget. Here are some additional tips for planning your trip: The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to April. Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) is the official currency. You can exchange your currency for rupees at the airport or at a bank. Sri Lanka is a relatively safe country to travel to, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft. Sri Lankans are very friendly and hospitable people. A little bit of effort to learn a few basic Sinhalese phrases will go a long way. I hope this blog post has helped you to learn more about Sri Lanka and why it is the perfect holiday destination for you. Please note that this is just a sample itinerary and can be customized to fit the your specific needs.

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Traveling in the COVID-19 ERA means keeping your distances, wearing a mask always except when sitting/ eating, checking your temperature, 100% sanitized rooms and let us not forget washing your hands. In this new way of life I refuse to stop seeing, breathing, eating, and living new experiences. Of course, all within reason and safety is at my top of mind. I personally do not travel alone, I travel in a pack with one husband and three small children under the age of seven. I wanted to share my travel experiences to maybe alleviate fears, offer my thoughts on what I experienced and let us not forget the destination, Turin, Italy. We decided last minute so basically in the week for the week to travel to Turin, Italy via Car with myself, my husband, three children and in-laws during the Autumn holiday. At first, I wanted to stay in my country, Switzerland due to the pandemic and then someone mentioned the magic word Italy. It is one country that has always put a spell over me, and I can never say no to. I cannot say no to the food, the people, the culture, the language, the sites, and the shopping. You had me at Italy… We went through three countries in one day, through the Mont blanc Tunnel. A long weekend in Italy is always a good idea and even during this difficult time. During our time there we stayed at the Hotel PRINCIPI DI PIEMONTE it is a five-star hotel located in the centre of Turin. Our stay included breakfast, spacious guest rooms and was incredibly sanitary following the new COVID-19 procedures. Upon arrival you needed to offer your temperature, sanitize your hands, always keep your distance, and wear a mask. The mask rule was always required except when you were in your guest room or sitting to eat starting at the age of 6 years old. The first evening we ended up at the Piazza San Carlo and it was full of life. Street performers, singers, fire jugglers and musicians filled the air with an infectious joy that I had not felt in quite some time. Most performers have masks, people stood at a distance and it provided a great start to a weekend of travel during the Covid era. What to do, we went to the following and I would recommend all three with or without children. First, we went to the Egyptian museum Museo Egizio within walking distance of the Hotel. Here you can discover ancient Egyptian artifacts and the museum itself was founded in 1824. From the exhibits to the building all was worth the visit. Second, we went to the National Automobile Museum Museo Nazionale dell`Automobile which we took a taxi to get to. The building on the outside was discrete but upon entering the building I found it to be an architectural diamond in the rough: designed by architect Cino Zucchi. It was empty, we saw one other family and it is the largest museum dedicated to the car industry. It has three floors and is an interesting journey of the inceptions of automobiles into today’s world for all ages. Third, finally as any family with young children we had to visit the Valentino Park and we took a taxi as it is outside the centre as well. The park has playgrounds, botanical gardens, the Baroque Castle (Castello del Valentino), a Medieval Castle and Village. It was nice to be outside, see some green landscapes and all while wearing a mask. All in all, the weekend getaway was a nice change of scenery, educational, good food (not mentioned in the article) and a well needed respite from the daily rigors of life. Published February 2021 Written by Lori Castelnuovo

Let us dive right into part deux. Provence is a region filled with many little towns/villages and one of my favourites is Uzès. Tourism is one of its main industries along with wine and culture. Uzès like most places has an extremely popular Saturday “marché” market. This market offers local products, clothing and other textiles made in the region, which is perfect for attracting a tourist market. In regards to family travels you can visit the famous Haribo museum, a must visit to every child’s delight. One more hidden treasure is the Green Park “about 20 minutes outside of Uzés; a 100% natural park filled with animals, vegetable gardens, multiple playgrounds for all ages and it is the ideal park to spend the day and let your little ones run about and enjoy the great outdoors. Moving to Saint Rémy de Provence where you can stroll its enchanting streets lined with ancient plane trees and through narrow passages to hidden squares and fountains. Explore the Alpilles, a chain of little mountains where Van Gogh and other artists and writers were inspired by the landscape and natural, untamed beauty. This area is a land with proud traditions and authentic styles. Besides the amazing surroundings there are many boutiques and art galleries to visit. You can sit outside and enjoy a coffee at a local café or a restaurant, or some of the local delights or enjoy the spectacular views of this natural beauty. Provence is region filled with many sights however a must have is a car to get around easily or we can arrange it for you with a full day activities. Imagine a private driver taking you to discover some of the best wines in Provence and meet the producers of the region with your expert, local guide. What about a private hike? Provence is filled with beauty and adventure so why not taking a walk with a local guide who can show you the insights, stunning views and endless vineyards. The landscapes have an average of 300 days of sun per year and any hike can be tailored to your personal level. Why not visiting Provence in Autumn, where the temperatures are cooler, and you can enjoy the magical light of Autumn. Peek into the more traditional Provençal life during this time period and see the stunning colours of your favourite vineyards Autumn foliage. Published October 2020 Written by Lori Castelnuovo

As we are in uncertain times, I wonder if the summer will include more car trips, less air travel and for Europeans this means, the South of France. The beauty of this part of France is undeniable and when I think of Provence, I cannot help but think about the smell of lavender, bathing in the Rhône River, visits to Avignon, and sipping on a glass of Cote du Rhône. The Rhône River cannot be missed literally, it flows from the Swiss Glaciers all the way to the Southeast of France which brings us to one of the most celebrated cities in the South of France, Avignon. Avignon is on the Rhône River in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, Avignon is known as the “City of the Popes/ Palais des Papes”. Why the name “City of Popes/ Palais des Papes” because from 1309-1377 the Popes lived and worked out of Avignon. It is located on the left bank of the Rhône and is an appealing city with ancient streets, architectural beauty, theatres, museums and is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Summer in Avignon consists of visiting the “City of the Popes/ Palais des Papes”, taking a walk along the Pont d’Avignon which a lot of children sing the song Sur le Pont d'Avignon and of course the Festival d’Avignon. Sadly, the annual Festival d’Avignon is not happening, this year would have been the 74th edition however there is always summer 2021. If you venture out of the city, there is another UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Pont du Gard. “Le Pont du Gard a three-level stone aqueduct bridge and one of the best-preserved pieces of ancient Roman architecture in the whole of France.” Located about 30 minutes from Avignon. Avignon is a city of wine, also known to be the Capital of Rhône Valley wines and produces around 89% red wine, 7% rosé wine and 4% white wine. Côtes du Rhône wines have been produced for over 2,000 years and are primarily full-bodied wines which makes for a sensory experience. There are plenty of full day or half day wine tours at your finger tips. Where to stay, how about at the 5 Star historic La Mirande an old mansion with (26) rooms at the centre of Avignon, the “City of Popes/ Palais des Papes”. The restaurant is a real gastronomic experience with the option to eat at the Chef`s Table. A real historic experience at the heart of the centre and for more information contact Travel your travel advisor, LAC Travelbylac@outlook.com or www.travelbylac.com. As the world reopens, rediscovers, and redefines how to create memorable experiences for now we dream, eventual travel and ensure we keep this close to our consciousness.