Dear Travellers,
Cheers to the journey ahead!
As the year draws to a close, I’d like to take a moment to raise a glass to you – our travellers, explorers, and lifelong learners. Whether you joined us on tour this year, are dreaming of your next adventure, or simply enjoy discovering the world from your inbox, we’re grateful to share this journey with you.
Happy holidays from all of us here at Senior Discovery Tours, and here’s to a new year filled with curiosity, connection, and the kind of moments that make travel so special.
May your holidays be warm, joyful, and full of wonder and your 2026 bring you every adventure you crave.
Happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
The World’s Best Christmas Markets
From the scent of mulled wine to the sound of carols echoing through old town squares, these festive gatherings turn winter into something truly enchanting.
Here are five of the world’s best:
Vienna - The city’s squares transform into fairy‑tale scenes of twinkling lights and rustic stalls selling handmade crafts and sweets. Don’t miss the market at the Rathausplatz – just follow the scent of roasted chestnuts in the crisp winter air.
Nuremberg - This Christkindlesmarkt dates back to the 1600s, making it one of the oldest ones in Europe. Rows of red‑and‑white stalls fill the medieval square, selling tasty festive treats like spiced gingerbread and steaming glühwein.
Strasbourg - Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” this French market has been delighting visitors for nearly 500 years. The entire old town glows beneath garlands of lights, with each square offering its own specialty, from regional crafts to Alsatian delicacies.
Prague - Set against a lovely backdrop of Gothic spires, Prague’s Christmas markets look like they’ve jumped out of a storybook. Enjoy hot honey wine and trdelník (cinnamon pastry) as choirs sing in the glow of the famous Old Town Square tree.
Québec City - For a little European charm closer to home, Québec’s German‑style market delivers. Cobblestone streets, chalet‑style stalls, and French carols create a magical blend of old‑world tradition and Canadian hospitality.
Ringing in the New Year: Unique Traditions Around the World
New Year’s Day is celebrated in countless ways around the globe, each with its own cultural twist.
Spain: Eating 12 grapes at midnight (one for each month) for good luck in the coming year.
Japan: Temples ring bells 108 times to cleanse worldly desires while families visit shrines for blessings.
Denmark: Smashing old plates on friends’ doors to welcome good fortune.
Brazil: Wearing white and jumping seven waves at the beach for peace and prosperity.
Scotland: Being the first to cross a neighbor’s threshold with gifts on January 1, known as “first footing” is said to ensure good luck for the rest of the year.
South Africa: Tossing old furniture out the window to leave the past behind.
Philippines: Surrounding themselves with round objects and 12 fruits to attract wealth.
No matter how it’s celebrated, the New Year is a universal symbol of hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings. What’s your family’s favourite tradition?
Your 2026 Travel Horoscope
Not sure where 2026 will take you? Let your star sign inspire your next travel adventure!
Capricorn: British Isles or Central Europe
Ambitious and heritage-minded, Capricorns value structure, tradition, and history. Explore Rome’s timeless cathedrals on our Grand Tour of Italy or stroll through the past on our Walking Ireland’s Ancient Pathways tour.
Aquarius: the Baltics or Iceland
Independent and visionary, Aquarians love the unexpected and unconventional. Inspire your creative spirit with quirky design culture on our Baltic Adventure or the lunar landscapes of Iceland, the land of fire and ice.
Pisces: a cruise tour
Dreamy, romantic, and drawn to water, Pisces travellers feel most at peace where the sea meets the sky. Cross the Atlantic on the iconic Queen Mary II or soak up some history on our British Isles & Ireland Cruise.
Aries: Patagonia, the Dolomites, or the Rockies
You’re energetic, adventurous, and happiest when there’s a challenge ahead. Hike through the dramatic Italian Dolomites and Slovenia to scratch that itch for adventure.
Taurus: Tuscany or the French countryside
The Taurus traveller loves comfort, beauty, and sensory indulgence. Experience Springtime in Tuscany or Southern France and Paris for an escape that lets you savour every flavour, and soak in art, gardens, and timeless landscapes.
Gemini: a European river cruise
Geminis thrive on variety, enjoying new faces, new stories, and new sights every day. An Enchanting Rhine River Cruise or Beautiful Blue Danube Cruise is your perfect match: unpack once and wake up somewhere new each morning.
Cancer: sun-soaked coastal towns
Cancers are sentimental souls drawn to water, history, and homey comforts. Enjoy quiet reflection and slow living on our Greece Stay-put Seaside Holiday or discover the charm of Montenegro Unveiled.
Leo: Egypt or a luxury cruise
Charismatic and confident, Leos love grand stories and settings that sparkle. Few places shine brighter than Egypt’s ancient wonders or the glitz of the Mediterranean coast. Discover the Wonders of Egypt, or enjoy 14 glorious days on our Mediterranean Cruise.
Virgo: Japan’s temples and gardens
Analytical, thoughtful, and detail-oriented, Virgos appreciate destinations that are ordered and deeply meaningful. Japan offers the perfect balance: enjoy immaculate gardens, serene shrines, and elegant traditions on our Grand Japan Fall Foliage Cruise.
Libra: Spain or Portugal
For the beauty-seeking Libra, travel is about balance: the right combo of culture and relaxation, art and cuisine, city and sea. Wander Seville’s Moorish courtyards and watch the sunset from Lisbon’s miradouros on our Spain and Portugal tour.
Scorpio: Turkey or Morocco
Scorpios crave depth, intensity, and destinations layered with history and intrigue. Wander Istanbul’s spice-scented bazaars on our tour to Turkey and Greece or head to Magnificent Morocco’s medinas, where every alley hides a story.
Sagittarius: South America or South Africa
Sagittarius travellers thrive on freedom and discovery: big, wide-open adventures feed your soul. Trek through the Andes on our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands or head to South Africa to watch elephants cross the savanna at dawn. No matter what your star sign and travel taste, have your adventure, your way, with Senior Discovery Tours!
Travel Gifts to Give this Season
Got a traveller on your gift list? Here are seven thoughtful ideas to make their next adventure even better.
Packing cubes: they help keep clothes, accessories and gadgets organized and compress items so you can fit more into your suitcase.
Portable charger: a small, high‑capacity charger that can power your phone, tablet or other device is always welcome when outlets are scarce – or you’ve just been too busy exploring and taking pictures to charge your phone!
Travel journal: a compact notebook is the perfect place to record experiences, paste tickets or photos, sketch, or jot down reflections from the trip.
A comfy neck pillow: having the right pillow is a lifesaver on a long flight. There are lots of options to choose from. Some of our travellers swear by one that hooks onto the seat back to avoid the dreaded “head droop.”
Travel organizer: a slim wallet keeps all essential travel docs and small gadgets in one convenient place.
A collapsible water bottle: it doesn’t take up much space when it’s empty, and you can fill it up after you’ve gone through security at the airport. No more overpriced bottled water and plastic waste! Happy gift giving!
Panettone French Toast
A delicious idea for holiday mornings, inspired by Italy’s classic Christmas bread.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 thick slices of panettone (or any sweet bread)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries for topping
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each slice of panettone into the mixture, soaking both sides.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil.
- Cook slices 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, syrup, or berries.
Tip: Add a little limoncello to the egg mixture for even more Italian flavour!
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