VACATION SPOTLIGHT

Spring has sprung and garden events around the world are in full bloom. To celebrate the season of rebirth, there are several major events around the world happening from March to May. In Florida we have the Epcot Flower and Garden Show right in our backyard, but do you know about the other world-renowned shows that have travelers planning and plotting their adventures all around what’s in bloom?

FLORIADE EXPO

Once a decade, the Netherlands hosts the Floriade Expo in Almere. In an ever growing and industrializing world, plants often make way for concrete jungles. This year’s theme is “Growing Green Cities,” where 400 experts from over 175 invited countries will participate and showcase how we can make our cities more beautiful and sustainable. Travelers can find flowers, plants, and trees of all kinds at this expo.

Traveling There: One of my favorite ways to go is on a European river cruise with a company like AmaWaterways. They have several options in which you can start and/or end in Amsterdam and visit the Floriade Expo. Traveling with non-flower loving individuals? No problem! The reason this is such a versatile option is because you can go to the Expo and your traveling companions can go on a canal cruise or walking tour of historic Amsterdam. That’s what I call a win-win!

TULIP TIME

Another amazing opportunity in Amsterdam is visiting the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens for Tulip Time. They have a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread across 70 acres during springtime. Keukenhof is often referred to as the “Garden of Europe.” With canals, architecture, windmills, and great food, what’s not to love?

We have a group from Roseborough Travel enjoying this amazing trip right now.

Traveling There: River cruise companies like Uniworld River Cruises or Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours have some amazing itineraries, or tour companies like Trafalgar or Collette organize structured groups. On your next Spring trip to Amsterdam, have your traveler advisor add this on as an excursion.

CHELSEA GARDEN FESTIVAL

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London is also back in action for Spring 2022. This prestigious flower show is only a 5-day event, but it has a 108-year history. This year, the RHS Chelsea Garden Show will be teaming with hedge growers, lush woodlands, and wildflower meadow growers who are encouraged to “embrace the wild” as they “bring nature back” by using rarely seen (at floral shows) native species like crab apples, weeping willow, nettles, and hawthorn, just to name a few.

Traveling There: The gardens are spread out, and because it’s only a 5-day event, you’ll certainly want to purchase your tickets right away. I recently planned a trip for two ladies to visit the Chelsea Garden Show, as well as several local gardens. I was amazed how many gardens there are in one area.

As stated by Edwin Curran, “Flowers are the music of the ground. From the earths lips spoken without sound.” Go out and start planning to listen to the earth’s music with your eyes.

Roseborough Travel can help you plan your river cruise, tour, or independent trip to any of these events and more. We have been fulfilling our clients dreams of visiting these shows for over 50 years.

Amanda Vallone is the co-owner of Roseborough Travel Agency in DeLand. She is passionate about helping people experience the world around them. She was awarded and or recognized for the 40 under 40, President’s Excellence in Business, Future Leaders in Travel, Best Travel Advisor, and Best of the Best awards over the last 10 years.