THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007
with CHERYL MacKINNON
lifestyles
G10
Canadian Travel and Lifestyles International visitors are arriving daily in Canada. Sure, we know what all the fuss is about - our country’s incredible natural beauty, a world-class beauty. And the savvy sophistication in our cities along with down-home hospitality in our rural communities. Plus, our nation’s people are respected for being kind, warm and friendly, compassionate and generous. Interesting to note though…we love to travel the world as well as within our own country. Spain is one country on most people’s ‘must visit’ list and here’s why. This stunning country is so much like ours. Beautiful landscape, beautiful people. Great food and wine, cultural events and more. Find out more at www.spain.info.
& TRAVEL
A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family travel and Tourism Industry of Canada 2006 Travel Media Award Finalist for outstanding tourism promotion of Canada. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. in B.C. www.kidfriendlycanada.com
cherylmack@shaw.ca
Hola from Southern Spain T
he provincial region of Andalusia is a Mediterranean delight for the senses. Running along the southern tip of Europe and facing Africa; this Spanish paradise is well worth the journey. The country of Spain boasts more than 52 million visitors each year with the Costa Del Sol being one of the most popular. Two distinct characteristics keep bringing folks back: the brilliant sunny days and the calm blue sea. Yes, this is where to go for a relaxing vacation filled with easy walking tours of quaint villages, browse the friendly, locally owned shops (definitely no big box retailers here), while savouring the velvety smooth Spanish wines and regional dishes like the most famous…paella. Travel inland to Granada and Seville – it’s a day trip to either destination, and you’ll see miles and miles of olive trees. The region is famous for its pungent, organic olive oils which are Organic Olive Oil Production regularly shipped to our part of the world. In fact you can purchase Nunez de Prado olive oils at Whole Foods in North Vancouver. The olives of Spain are distinct; creating oil that is sublimely delicious drizzled over fresh, warm bread smothered with Parma ham and ripe, juicy tomatoes. The architectural structures of Andalusia are remarkable as the region was under Middle Eastern influence for centuries. Visually, many of the buildings which remain today are a stunning testament to man’s ability to engineer great structures meant to stand the test of time. Intricate carvings, created completely by hand, adorn ceilings, doors and pillars. Cathedrals and mosques stand side by side, with castle walls and towers still evident from territorial wars of long ago.
Hotel and Beach at Costa Del Sol in Andalusia, Spain
be unanimous amongst world travellers. The Spanish are incredibly happy people. They are quick to ensure that everyone is having fun, they love to talk and visit, and they are very entertaining. From the dramatic dance of the Flamenco, to annual village festivals where the children and youth are encouraged to participate in all of the events, to the fight of the brave bulls; the Spanish culture is incredibly vibrant. Malaga is the birth place of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists, Pablo Ruiz Picasso. His home is open to public tours with a fabulous Exhibition Hall showcasing many of his famous works. The Picasso Foundation also holds educational activities available to students of all ages, including foreign exchange and families. With a bit of advance planning and research, a trip to Spain which includes a Picasso art workshop would make for a tremendously memorable travel experience with your kids. The Spanish tourism board would be able to assist in making the arrangements or visit www.fundacionpicasso.es. When You Go For general travel information take a visit to www.spain.info and www.transat.com. No special vaccinations are needed, and you shouldn’t experience any Spanish two-step. Bottled water is readily available in hotels, grocery stores and local gas stations. The only thing that might bother you should you go directly to Malaga, is the distance from here to Montreal, then outbound to Spain. It’s a worthy trip, however it’s very tiring. My suggestion is to spend a few days in Montreal (shopping and dining is outstanding), then head over to Spain. This way you’ll experience one of our country’s most popular cities while adjusting to time changes before heading out to enjoy your Spanish holiday.
Arts and Culture If you were to ask what one of the most distinguishing features might be of Spain, I’m certain the reply would
The Plaza of Spain, in Seville
Picasso's Birthplace in Malaga, Spain
WHAT’S NEXT? The Brand New Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa of Charming Sidney, British Columbia
amazingtraveldeals spain
costa del sol
seaside package melia costa del sol air, hotel, breakfast, dinner, transfer • 7 nights jul 16, 23, 30, aug 6, 13
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1669
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european airfares
toronto departures
manchester
connector fares available, please inquire
jun 7, 10, 14 rtn jun 9, 15, 16, 22
glasgow
189
$
taxes & fees $250.65
jun 6, 7, 10, 13, 14 rtn jun 10, 14, 24
frankfurt jun 5, 9, 12, 16 rtn jun 13, 17, 25, jul 2
189
$
taxes & fees $255.15
jun 6, 12 rtn jun 13, 27
london
my summer vacation
taxes & fees $259.65
329
$
taxes & fees $188.40
479
$
vallarta nayarit
royal decameron complex all inclusive 7 nights • jun 17, 24
los cabos
tesoro los cabos all inclusive 7 nights • jun 9, 16, 23, 30
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797
$
mayan riviera h10 hacienda maya all inclusive 7 nights • jun 10, 17
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597
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797
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Departures are from Vancouver. All prices are per person. Packages based on double occupancy in the lowest room category unless otherwise stated. Transportation taxes, related transportation fees, surcharges and any GST are not included. Local airport taxes or tourist cards when applicable are payable at destination. All prices are valid at press-time, for new bookings only, subject to change without notice and non-refundable. More restrictions may apply. Products are with Transat Holidays (th), Nolitours (nol). Air Transportation is with Air Transat (ts), WestJet (ws), Skyservice (5g) or scheduled service. For more information and full Terms & Conditions, visit www.exitnow.ca. 1553 Bayview Avenue, Toronto. Ont. Reg. #50011377.