Abu Dhabi one step closer to Vancouver.

ETIHAD ANNOUNCES CONNECTING FLIGHT FROM YVR TO ABU DHABI

Great to see long haul destinations such as Abu Dhabi easier to get to from Vancouver Airport. I think this  being offered in light of the new service that Emirates have commenced from Seattle to Dubai.

This opens up the whole country of United Arab Emirates to the West Coast of Canada and the U.S.A. with two of the world’s best airlines.

Did you know that the Lonely Planet lists 579 things to do there as well as 106 activities.

Here is the link to their website featuring United Arab Emirates:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/united-arab-emirates

Etihad Airways recently partnered with airberlin, Germany’s second largest airline, and is now offering connecting flights from Vancouver to Abu Dhabi via Dusseldorf, Germany.

Beginning May 13, airberlin will offer service on Sunday flights from Vancouver to Abu Dhabi, and beyond, to over 70 destinations worldwide. Flight frequency will increase to twice a week from June 13 every Wednesday and Sunday until Oct. 21.

The partnership with airberlin also enables Etihad Guest members to collect and redeem miles on all flights with Etihad and airberlin, and gives access to a status credit earning to use the priority check-in and boarding.

For more information, visit Etihad.com

European Destinations with a Difference

Now that the European seasonal flights are well under way, don’t just set your sights on the capitals and the well known cultural cities but think further afield to the mediterranean hot spots, places like Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, and Turkey to name but a few.

During the summer, Vancouver is connected to the hub airports of Europe by charter flights.  These include the usual cities like, London, Manchester, Glasgow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.  However, there are some new destinations too.  Zurich opens up the breathtaking sights of Switzerland, as well as Dusseldorf for Germany and Central Europe.  The latest addition is Dublin for southern Ireland – original draft Guinness is closer than you think.

So what Mediterranean countries have you always wanted to visit but thought that they were always out of your reach?  Well, no they’re not.  How about the Spanish Costas?  For example, Costa Dorada (Salou airport), which boasts one of Europe’s largest theme parks called Port Aventura. Possibly the spanish Canary Islands, such as Tenerife. You will find luxury spas, new theme parks, designer shops, cosmopolitan marinas, and the last word in hotels; these draw visitors to the island’s stylish south while ecologically minded and active travellers come to discover the lush forests, small coastal towns, and the mountain villages of the North. All these “destinations with a difference” can be booked from Canada.

So forget the usual vacation spots like Mexico and the Caribbean, be the envy of your friends when you show them your holiday photos with a “difference”.  I grew up holidaying at these Mediteranean destinations and many others, so go on pick my brains, I will be happy to recommend some of these destintions to you based on what you’re looking for.

Rainbow Travel Blog - Mount Teide

Rainbow Travel Blog - Port Aventura