p12 events 17/9/09 14:21 Page 12
Weddings & Honeymoons calendar
Events
ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA.
October 3-11, 2009: The biggest balloon festival on the planet takes place every year in
Need to make a romantic New Mexico. People come from all over the world to watch more than 700 hot air
booking? Check out these
balloons take to the skies. The fiesta started as a way of marking a local radio station’s
alluring events to add
birthday and has grown to become one of the most photographed events in the world.
A romantic balloon trip during the fiesta would make a honeymoon treat to remember.
something extra-special
to a lovers’ holiday, says
Lucinda Dunseath
FRENCH VALENTINE. RHINE IN FLAMES.
February: Every year on February 14 and May-September: Pyrotechnics light up five
its nearest weekend, Saint Valentin makes magical nights in the Rhine Valley every
the most of its romantic connections. This summer. The annual programme takes
tiny Loire Valley village has fewer than 300 place at various times and locations
inhabitants but welcomes 10,000 visitors between Braubach and Koblenz. Lorelei
for the Festival of Lovers, which is marked Rock, soaring 120 metres above the banks
by flower displays, fine dining, music and of the Rhine, is one of the most romantic
dancing. Valentine’s cards are said to have spots in Germany. On “Lorelei Night”
originated in France and the post office spectators are wowed by the dramatic sight
sells special stamps to mark the occasion. of fireworks lighting up the river and gorge.
VIENNA BALL SEASON.
December 31, 2009-February 16, 2010: What
could be more romantic than a couple donning their
finery to whirl around Vienna’s elegant ballrooms?
The ball season traditionally runs from New Year’s
Eve until the night before Lent starts, and dance
schools in the Austrian city offer crash courses to
tourists. There are balls to suit all budgets, but act
quickly to secure tickets for the most popular ones.
Favourites include the Imperial Ball on December
31 and the Pharmacists’ Ball on January 16.
NIAGARA FALLS WINTER. VENICE SNOGATHON.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. December 31: In recent years Venice has
November 7, 2009 - January 4, 2010: The been pioneering a mass kissing session in
Niagara Falls are illuminated every night Piazza San Marco on New Year’s Eve. After
until midnight during the festive season. the countdown to midnight, thousands of
There’s also a series of firework shows, and revellers lock lips for a good old-fashioned
the park is decorated embrace. Apparently organisers share
with three million lights. tips on how to give – and receive – the
The Marriott Niagara perfect kiss! When couples come up for
Falls captures the mood air, they’ll see spectacular fireworks and
with a Hugs & Kisses entertainment – just in case their own
Romance package. smooching was not sparkling enough.
12
TTG Knowledge – September 2009
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44