1. December 21, 2011

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    Cherry Blossoms: Japan’s Springtime Specialty

    The winter season is upon us! For those of you who forgot that winter was coming, neglected to plan your vacation, and will be ready to take a break in the spring after a busy holiday season, Japan has got just the thing to refresh and rejuvenate your spirits. Leave the holiday poinsettias behind and look forward to a Japanese flower that will ring in the spring. Read more »

  2. December 19, 2011

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    PDX: Twitter and Indoor Maps

    It’s almost 2012. Now that nearly everyone owns a smart phone, it’s important to stay connected. When you travel, the Portland International Airport makes it easy to stay in the loop via your smart phone. You can now follow PDX on Twitter at @flypdx. Stay in the loop with important updates, weather reports and exciting airport happenings when you travel. Read more »

  3. December 9, 2011

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    Fun Friday Facts: Christmas in Japan

    Although Japan is primarily a Buddhist nation, the Japanese still participate in a few fun Christmastime traditions. For most Japanese, Christmas holds no religious meaning, but you’ll still find Christmas trees glittering and sparkling in nearly every household. Give us your best shot and answer these trivia questions about Japanese Christmas traditions. Read more »

  4. December 7, 2011

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    AMS Schiphol: Celebrate the Arts Between Flights

    The spirit and culture of Amsterdam hits you as soon as you step off the plane at the AMS Schiphol Airport. Tulips are on display at the flower shop and wooden shoes are for sale at every corner. The Port of Portland is proud to offer nonstop Delta flights from PDX to AMS Schiphol. The next time you’re passing through the AMS Schiphol Airport, put down your crossword puzzle, take out your earphones and do some exploring.This isn’t just any old airport. AMS was recently noted in National Geographic’s list of the best airports worldwide. AMS was specifically noted for its fine art exhibits and new library. Read more »

  5. December 2, 2011

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    Friday Fun Facts: Holiday Beast

    Happy Friday! Every Friday, we will present you with a trivia question in our newest blog feature, Friday Fun Facts. To answer the question, post a comment below.

    Friday Fun Fact: Holiday Beast

    On the 5th of December in the Alpine/Germanic countries of Europe, people dress up in frightening costumes of this holiday beast and tear through the streets warning bad children that St. Nicholas will not reward them with presents. What is the name of this mythical monster? Read more »

  6. December 2, 2011

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    Top 3 Christmas Markets near Amsterdam

    While you might be drawn to Europe when the weather is warmer, exploring Europe during the wintertime is a uniquely magical experience. There is something about the holidays in Europe that is unlike anywhere else on Earth. One of the most festive, spectacular winter experiences in Europe is the Christmas markets. If you’re hopping on a nonstop Delta flight from PDX to Amsterdam this winter, here are three magical Christmas markets nearby that you should be sure to visit: Read more »

  7. November 29, 2011

    Kit flying scenes from the Morro Bay, CA Parade and Kite Festiva

    Shogatsu: Japanese New Year

    For many of us, New Year’s Eve conjures up images of fireworks, late-night celebrations, champagne flutes and glittering confetti. Across the pond in Tokyo, the Japanese celebrate the new year in a much different way. New Years has been called the most important Japanese holiday of all, and festivities are always over the top on this night. Here are three things that will make New Year’s Eve in Japan one to remember. Read more »

  8. November 18, 2011

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    GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Richard Lambert

    Drum roll please…we have a winner! The Grand Prize winner of our EuropeanWinterness contest is Richard Lambert. Congratulations, Richard! Richard won round trip air tickets from PDX to Amsterdam for two, plus a $3,000 voucher for lodging and ground transportation booked through Avanti Destinations. What a lucky guy!

     

    Seasoned travelers, let’s give Richard a hand. What should he see and do in Europe this winter? For some ideas, check out all of the fantastic events happening around Europe this season.

  9. November 18, 2011

    Lit up canals in Amsterdam keep the season bright.

    ‘Tis the Season in Holland

    Bundle up, folks! Grab your coats, hats and scarves because it’s wintertime in Holland. Grab some chocolademelk (Dutch hot chocolate) and warm poffertjes and enjoy these postcard perfect photos of winter in Holland. ‘Tis the season! How will you be celebrating the holidays this year? Read more »