Two’s company, as the saying goes, and Trafalgar is taking it quite seriously this Valentine’s Day.
From illuminating cultural differences to exposing interesting commonalities in architecture or cuisine, twin destination holidays are perfect for travellers looking to explore more than one destination in one easy and seamless journey.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, and Thailand and Myanmar’s recently inked Memorandum of Understanding, Trafalgar is putting a spotlight on destinations which are simply better together…
“A twin destination holiday is a great way to tick more than one cultural experience off your bucket list and some countries lend themselves perfectly to this style of travel,” Trafalgar Australia MD Matthew Cameron-Smith said.
“With Thailand and Myanmar it’s not just the short distance between these two destinations which make them perfect to explore in one trip, it’s also the contrasting experiences clients will have in these countries.
“Crossing the border between these neighbouring countries can seem like entering a whole other world as the hustle and bustle of Bangkok gives way to the pagoda dotted land of tranquil Yangon.”
Here are some holiday matches made in heaven:
Treasures of Thailand and Secrets of Myanmar
It is little surprise that the tourism authorities in these Asian gems are promoting cross tourism with an easy journey over the border exposing travellers to a whole new landscape, cuisine and way of life which are mesmerising and seductive in equal measure.
Take cooking classes in both Bangkok and on the banks of Inle Lake to reveal the differences in traditional Thai and Burmese cooking and explore the former capitals of both nations, Sukhothai-the ancient capital city of Old Siam-and Yangon, the former capital of Burma.
Both itineraries include eye opening #JoinTrafalgar experiences with the chance to visit a primary school in Chiang Mai to discover how the school helps integrate local children with those of the hill tribes. In Yangon, guests will take part in an oil lamp ceremony at the Shwedagon pagoda where they will learn how their participation helps contribute to its upkeep.
Amazing Britain and Best of Ireland
After exploring the best that England, Wales and Scotland has to offer it would seem a shame to be in this part of the world without hopping across the Irish Sea to find out what the Emerald Isle has to offer.
Trafalgar’s 8 day Amazing Britain trip can be perfectly paired with the 10-day Best of Ireland to immerse guests in these countries rugged landscapes, ancient kingdoms and modern metropolises.
There’s even the chance to compare an Irish and English cream tea as guests enjoy a Be My Guest cream tea on a farm in rural Cumbria whilst at Westport House, guests will indulge in an afternoon tea incorporating that Irish favourite whisky cream liqueur, Baileys.
Spanish Wonder and Best of Portugal
Close in proximity yet distinctly different, a twin centre holiday to Spain and Portugal is sure to be filled with plenty of sun, fun and sangria!
Both boasting impressive Moorish influenced architecture, there are some definite commonalities between these two destinations but an in-depth exploration into them both on Trafalgar’s Spanish Wonder and Best of Portugal will also highlight their differences.
Sample the delicious Port wine produced in the Douro Valley whilst in Portugal and savour the flavours of locally made olive oil during an unforgettable dining experience at an olive oil mill in Andalucía.
And, after exploring the thriving cities of Barcelona and Lisbon, the sun kissed shores of the Algarve are sure to re charge those batteries.
East USA and Canada
Two supergiants of the northern hemisphere, the USA and Canada are larger than life destinations where travelling between states and provinces can feel like entering an entirely new continent. Exploring the eastern reaches of these two destinations is the perfect twin centre adventure with plenty on offer both north and south of the International Boundary.
Trafalgar’s East Coast USA and Canada 14-day trip is a ready-made twin centre guided holiday, bookended by the Big Apple and Boston. In-between, guests will explore other iconic cities including historic Washington DC as well as Montreal and Toronto.
The European influences in both Canada and the USA will be illuminated with the chance to stay in a 19th century Dutch style country home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania whilst a Local Specialist trip through Quebec City will reveal this unique city’s distinctly French feel.
